) V /^s . . THE FAIRY GLASS. A STORY FOR BOYS AND GIRLS. BY L. S. r illj |llustrnli ' •* • THE Fairy Glass. i. WEAVING A NEW IDEA. N the pretty village of Truth, nestled away among trees and green fields, little Kindheart lived with her grandmother Charity. And a very pleasant time they had, for everybody loved them, and not a day passed but that either the old woman, or the little girl, ministered to the wants of their less fortunate neighbors. ii 12 THE FAIRY GLASS. Kindheart went regularly to the village school, where gray - headed Experience and gentle Miss Patience taught her many things. At the same school was a lad older than Kindheart, whose name was Wayward. He was the plague of the village. No one was too old, or too good, to be the object of his pranks. He was very handsome, and his eyes sparkled with fun. Kindheart, with her pleasant smile and ladylike manners, was the only one the boy cared to oblige. One afternoon, Kindheart sat under the great tree of nature, whose branches spread far out above the meadows. Beside her stood Experience and Patience. All three were watching the labors of numberless little ants, that walked in single file to a lump of sugar Kindheart had put on the ground near them. Each secured a load, sometimes double its own size, and returned, in sol- dierly order, to their hill. THE FAIRY GLASS. 13 “How much they carry at once! They must get very tired,” said Kindheart. “The good Father who created them, foreseeing their needs, gave them great strength,” replied Experience. “ What are you doing here ? ” called out Wayward, nearly destroying the ants' hill, in his eagerness to join the party. “ Take care ! ” cried Kindheart ; “ you stepped on some of the ants.” “ Did I ? well that ’s good ! I ’ll knock their hill down and see them run.” So saying, he raised the stick he held and would have destroyed the home of the poor little ants, had not Kindheart grasped his uplifted arm, and begged him, with tears in her blue eyes, to let them alone. “ Oh, Wayward ! just think how long they have been building their little house, and how hard they have worked. It will do you 14 the fairy glass. no good to demolish the result of all their labor, and would be a great loss to them.” “ They have not anything to do but to work, and it will be fun for them to build it over,” replied Wayward. But he lowered his stick, and Kindheart rejoined : “ You have nothing to do but to play ; yet if you should build a stone fort, or snow- house, or dam in the brook, and some great man should knock it down with his cane, you would call him mean and unkind.” “Well, I will not do it if you do not want me to, Kindheart. But you will make a girl of me at this rate,” laughed the boy, kissing her. “ To be harsh and cruel is not manly, I am sure ! A real man is as gentle and generous as a woman,” replied Kindheart, as Wayward walked slowly off toward the village. THE FAIRY GLASS. 15 “That boy has much to learn from me yet,” said Experience. “He is young, he will grow better,” sighed Patience. Experience shook his head sternly, and went into the school - house. And Kind- heart, after kissing Miss Patience, hastened home to assist her grandmother in preparing the evening meal. Good old Charity sat weaving at the doorway of the little cottage, where the tree called Domestic, spread its branches of cool, green leaves over her head, letting only enough of the sunbeams through to make it bright and cheerful. “ What are you spinning, grandma ? ” asked Kindheart. “I am spinning a new Idea, child , ” re- plied the dame. “Who is it for?” asked the grand- daughter. 1 6 THE FAIRY GLASS. Now you must know, it was a frequent pastime of Charity’s to spin Ideas for peo- ple of the village. ‘‘Why, my dear, it is for a little girl who desires to be one of my scholars. But, like most beginners, she gets along very slowly, because she thinks all I want her to do is, to give her clothes and pennies to the poor peo- ple that come begging to her door. Now this Idea , when it is finished, will tell her, that to be charitable is to remember the good things people do, and forget the bad ones ; to save trouble, to give smiles and cheerful words to those she meets, whether they be rich or poor, as well as to give food to the needy. Because, very often the friends around her are as hungry for love and kisses and smiles as the beggar is for bread. “ It will tell her that the lessons of charity begin at home; that, to do all she can to THE FAIRY GLASS. 17 make the days pass pleasantly and cheerfully with father, mother, and the rest, is the way to be most charitable. For when people are happy themselves, they desire to see others happy also, and are willing to give them things to make them so. “When she gets this Idea, she will un- derstand that what she gives willingly is counted double; that when she does any- thing charitable, I am looking on ; and if she does it to be praised and called a good girl, I take little notice of it. But if she does it because she wants to be good, I write it in letters of sunshine, and send it by an angel right up to Heaven, where the Lord immediately puts it in the crown he is making for her to wear when she goes to live with him. The more good she does, the brighter and more beautiful her crown will be.” l8 THE FAIRY GLASS. Kindheart took the lesson to herself, and went into the house to prepare supper, while the old dame still sat weaving. The threads that Charity used were finer than cobwebs, and the Idea she made from them, so thin it could not be seen. There was one little gold thread, which was the thread of Love, and she always used more of that than any of the others. As the good old lady worked, she sung, while the buzz of the loom kept time to her voice, and Kindheart, as she set the table, could distinctly hear the words of the SONG OF CHARITY’S WHEEL. Patience weaves in as a line of green, Hope, as a cord of the sunset’s hue, With a golden thread of Love between, And Faith, as a silken skein of blue. Buz — z, buz — z ; r — reel, r — reel, Hear the hum of Charity’s wheel. THE FAIRY GLASS. 19 Smiles in the places of Frowns must be, Anger can never again be heard, For the greatest act of charity Is often to speak a cheering word. Buz — z, buz — z ; r — reel, r — reel, Hear the hum of Charity’s wheel. I’m weaving Patience, with loops of Hope, Pure Love, with a Faith that knows no fear. ’Tis for a child, this charity rope ; I’m spinning, spinning a new Idea. Listen ! hark ! Buz-z-z, r — reel, Hear the hum of Charity’s wheel. I II. THE FAIRY’S WONDERFUL GIFT. HE supper ended, things were put neatly away ; Kindheart sat down by the door, while Charity went to carry her Idea to the little girl for whom it was made. As Kindheart sat engaged with her lessons, her attention was arrested by a dim ball of light that appeared among the leaves of the bush called Study. She watched it curiously. It grew brighter and brighter, until it became as tall as the house, and twice as broad. Then suddenly in the midst of this light appeared a beautiful young lady. 20 THE FAIRY GLASS. 21 Her shoes were made of all sorts of stones, frosted with diamonds and precious jewels. Her dress was of leaves and vines and flowers, bordered with delicate moss. An apron of mist, which she held gathered in one hand, contained nests of birds and butterflies, and many other things which Kindheart could not see. Around her waist was a rainbow girdle, and from her shoulders floated a scarf of clouds. Her wavy hair was frosted with gems of ice and snow, while high upon her forehead flashed a brilliant star. Kindheart was dazzled by the splendor of the stranger, and sat quite still until the beautiful lady said: “ My dear little girl, since you was so good as to defend the poor Ants to-day, I will give you this ‘ Fairy Glass ’ for a re- ward. Go to the Ant-hill, which you saved 22 THE FAIRY GLASS. from destruction, and when you get there, put the glass before your eyes, and you will see something very wonderful. I need not tell you any more.” With this, she laid the glass in the child’s lap. “ What is your name, beautiful lady ? ” asked Kindheart. “ Grandma will wish to know who gave me the Fairy Glass.” “ My name is Science, and I am always ready to assist those who desire or deserve my aid.” With these words the Fairy vanished, but her curious gift remained. Just then, Kindheart saw her grandmo- ther coming down the lane from the village, and running to meet her, she showed her the Fairy’s present, and told her eagerly of all that had passed. Whereupon Charity kissed her, and smiling, said : * THE FAIRY GLASS. 23 “You must do all the good Fairy told you, for we are great friends. She opens the minds of men to the great truths around them, and then they immediately be- come more charitable. So that Science is no stranger, after all.” Early the next morning, Kindheart set off for the Ant-hill, and arriving there, put the glass before her eyes, as the Fairy had told her. Immediately the Ants grew to be large ani- mals, with six legs, a three-cornered head, and two curious horns that grew out from each side of their heads close by their ears. They had large bright eyes, and used their front feet as hands. Their lower lips looked like bowls of spoons, and their waists were so small it seemed as if they would break in two, between their big bodies and broad shoulders. 24 THE fairy glass. Every one was busy, many of them carrying large loads up the steep sides of the hill, which now looked to Kindheart as if it was as large as any house she ever saw. At that moment she discovered she had herself become very small. “ Let us go into their village,” said a voice at her side ; and turning, she saw Science, who, although she looked the same as before, was now no taller than the curious creatures around them. Kindheart and the Fairy entered an open doorway undisturbed, for they were invisible to the Ants. Once within, they found themselves at the end of a wide hall, which was most beauti- fully arched. The walls were smooth and high, and everything they saw was scrupu- lously clean. Close to the entrance was a heap of earth, THE FAIRY GLASS. 25 sticks, small stones, and such materials as the Ants used to stop up the doorway in time of need. Passing along this corridor, Kindheart and the Fairy entered one after another of the rooms that opened into it. The whole house was several stories high, and in each story the rooms were arranged on either side of long galleries. In one of these apartments, which had an arched ceiling, supported by many handsome columns, they saw some of the ladies and gentlemen of the Ants city, (for many fami- lies live together here.) Each had four beautiful wings of the brightest rainbow hues, and they were very graceful idlers. “ Which is the Queen ? ” asked Kindheart, looking around upon the glittering bevy with deep interest. “The Ants have no Queen,” replied Science ; 26 THE FAIRY GLASS. “ their government is something of a Repub- lic,” she added, smiling. “ These appear to have nothing to do, and are very much handsomer than those we have met before, who had not even wings,” re- marked Kindheart, watching the curious ladies and gentlemen. . “These, whom you see treated with such apparent partiality, are the young members, who are expected to form new colonies when they are married,” explained the Fairy ; “ you notice all the workers accord them marked respect.” “Yes, I have seen that already. But how is it that all who do the work are women ? We have seen no men busy since we came here,” resumed Kindheart. “ Those who work are the old maids of the city, and there are always more of these than of all the rest together,” replied the Fairy. THE FAIRY GLASS. 27 “The old maids are very small,” remarked Kindheart, sympathetically. “ I wonder if they do not get tired, with so much to do ? ” “They are small,” answered the Fairy, “but they have much greater strength than these, and besides that, the ladies and gentlemen die when Winter comes ; but the old maids only go to sleep in a snug bed, and wake up when Spring knocks at the door.” While the Fairy had been thus explaining the habits of the workers to her young com- panion, they had passed on to another room, in which lay numerous small, white bundles. “ What are these ? ” asked Kindheart. “ These are the baby-ants,” replied Science. “ See how nicely they are wrapped up in those soft, silky coverings.” “Why, the old maids seem to be taking care of them ! ” exclaimed the child, in sur- prise. 28 THE FAIRY GLASS. “ So they are ! ” replied the Fairy, in evi- dent amusement ; “ they have the sole charge of them, and are the very best of nurses.” “What can they do for the odd little things ? ” asked Kindheart, very much in- terested. “ They wash them frequently, feed them with soft food, as people feed babies with bread and milk. They carry them out near the door when the sun shines, to give them an airing, and bring them back before there is danger of their taking cold. If any one should break into this Ant-hill, you would see the workers catch up the children the first thing, and run off with them as fast as possible to a place of safety. “When the babies are large enough to walk, the old maids help them out of the silk dress or bag they are now in, and after that they must take care of themselves.” THE FAIRY GLASS. 29 “ How very strange it all is,” said Kind- heart, musingly. “ I had no idea Ants were so wonderful.” “ Everything that God has made is wonder- ful,” replied the Fairy. “ So, when anything appears of no consequence hereafter, remem- ber that you do not understand it ; and that if you did, it would prove to be of deep in- terest. But I have more to show you.” As they passed out into the gallery again, they met a file of Old Maids. “Where are they going?” questioned Kind- heart ; “ how strong and large they look.” “These are the Soldiers,” replied Science. “ Why, do Ants fight ? ” asked the little girl, with surprise. “ Oh, yes. Sometimes it is necessary to defend their city against other colonies of Ants; and sometimes they fight for other reasons. They are always brave, and do not 30 THE FAIRY GLASS. hesitate to yield their lives for the general good.” At this moment, Science led the little girl into a small room occupied by very curious- looking creatures, entirely different from the Ants. They had six long legs, a big body, no wings, two horns near their heads, and two projections near their hind legs. They were clumsy and lazy. The Fairy did not wait for Kindheart to ask what the strange animals were, but said : “ These are what people call Aphides . They are the cows of the Ants. They live on roots or leaves, and the Ants keep them here, tend them and feed them, so as to always have food near at hand.” Just then an Ant came in, and going up to an Aphis, commenced to pat the curious projections. THE FAIRY GLASS. 31 It looked so strange that Kindheart began to laugh, and asked what she was doing. “ She is milking it,” replied the Fairy ; “ do you not see?” “ Does the milk taste like what our cows give ? ” asked the child. “No,” replied Science. “The milk of the Aphis is sweet, more nearly resembling honey, for which reason it is often called honey -dew!' “ Do all Ants keep cows ? ” questioned Kindheart. “No indeed,” answered Science. “There are different kinds of Ants, as there are different nations of people. And every kind has some peculiarity of its own. Yet in many things they are alike, — as girls are girls, and boys are boys, the world over.” By this time they had made their way back to the door of the Ant-hill. 32 THE FAIRY GLASS. “ Can I keep the glass you gave me, beau- tiful lady ? ” said Kindheart. “Yes; and use it often/’ replied Science. “It will show you many wonderful things. Wisdom and Patience will assist you. When- ever any one lifts this glass to his eyes, I will instantly appear, and go with him through whatever he may seriously undertake.” They passed out under the great tree of Nature, and immediately Kindheart found herself alone, with the Fairy Glass in her hand, and the Ant-hill before her, covered with its tiny workers, all as small and as busy as they had ever been. She looked around, scarcely able to believe she had just come out of their strange house. Reaching home, she gave her grandmother particular account of all she had seen and heard. III. THE MAGICAL JOURNEY. WISH everybody knew as much about those wonderful little insects as I do !” exclaimed Kindheart, when she had finished her narration. “ It pleases me to hear you say that/’ re- plied Charity, “ for no one in this world can fully enjoy anything which is not shared with others. But now it is time you were off to school. If you hasten you can overtake Miss Patience, and have her company the rest of the way.” When the good teacher saw Kindheart running after her, she not only stopped, that 33 34 THE FAIRY GLASS. the little girl might overtake her the sooner, but walked back some way; and when the child came up, kissed her flushed cheek, saying : “ I am glad to see you this morning, for I wish to tell you how happy it made me to have you defend the little Ants yesterday, when Wayward was going to destroy them.” “ Oh, I do not think he meant any harm,” said Kindheart, who always thought well of others. “And I did not urge him to stop because I thought you, or Experience, would approve it, but because I felt sorry for the Ants, and wanted to save their home, if I could.” Kindheart had no sooner spoken these words, than she remembered what her grand- mother had said about every good action being put in the Crown we are to wear here- after, and she felt very happy. THE FAIRY GLASS. 35 As Kindheart and Patience reached the top of the path, they saw Wayward aiming a foot- ball at one of the Ant-hills. He was just ready to throw it, when Kindheart called out : “ Oh, for shame ! you promised me you would not do that,” and ran quickly to the rescue. “I told you yesterday I would not touch them then. But I did not say I would never knock their houses down, for I shall /” re- plied the boy, resolutely. “ No, you will not,” said Kindheart, per- suasively, “ for they are very wonderful little insects, and I will show you something about them which will make you ashamed to think you ever wanted to hurt them.” Before Wayward could object, she placed her Fairy Glass in his hand, and bade him look through it. Obeying a careless curiosity, he raised it to 36 THE FAIRY GLASS. his eyes, and immediately Science appeared before him. He was much surprised to see such a beau- tiful lady, but she gave him no time to admire her. Laying her hand on his arm, she said : “ I trust, when you have taken the same walk that Kindheart took with me this morn- ing, you will never be guilty of an ungenerous act again.” The boy was abashed and hung his head, but looked up directly, as they came to the door of the Ant-hill. “ Where are we?” he asked, in amazement, seeing the curious animals around him, and ahead the lofty corridor with its arched ceil- ing and massive pillars. “We are entering the Ant-hill you were going to knock down just now with your ball.” She took him from room to room, and THE FAIRY GLASS. 37 showed him all Kindheart had seen, — ex- plaining to him as she had to the girl. Wayward looked and listened with eager interest, from the time they passed into the door until they returned to it. As he stepped into the sunlight, he suddenly found himself near the old school-house, with Experience, Patience, and Kindheart beside him ; but the beautiful lady gone, and every- thing as usual. “You were right, my Sweetheart,” said the boy, turning with a smile to his little friend. “ The Ants are indeed wonderful, and hence- forth I will do whatever you wish.” “ If you keep that promise, you will be a better and a wiser man,” said Experience. From that day, Kindheart and Wayward were constant companions, and people began to say that the boy grew gentler as he grew 38 THE FAIRY GLASS. older. They finally ceased to call him Way- ward, and he was known through the village as Genial. One day, as these two sat together under the tree of Nature, the boy, whom we shall still call Wayward, said, musingly: “I wish I knew where Science lives, and why she wears such a strange dress.” “ So do I ! ” responded Kindheart. The wish was scarcely uttered when the beautiful Fairy appeared before them. “ I have heard your desire, and am willing to gratify your curiosity,” she said, looking down kindly upon them. “ My kingdom is from the depths of the earth to the stars that shine above the heavens. And I show in my dress some material from every part of my dominion. If you will get Patience to bear us company, I am willing to show you all these things.” THE FAIRY GLASS. 39 Wayward immediately hastened off to find Miss Patience, and returning with her, they were soon ready for their journey. Science stamped on the ground where they stood, and immediately it opened, revealing a dark chasm, with rough and dingy steps lead- ing down into it. The Fairy bade them to follow her, and began to descend. Kindheart was frightened and drew back, but Wayward put his arm around her, and they went down together. It was cold, and damp, and dark, for a long way. But at length it began to grow warmer until it became uncomfortable ; and had they not been wrapped in the cloaks of Patience and Science, they would certainly have been roasted alive. Finally, they saw a great light ahead, and hastening on, it was not long before they stood upon a cliff of rock that reached far 40 THE FAIRY GLASS. over an ocean of fire. The blazing billows rolled and muttered in a fearful manner. “ This is the centre of the Earth,” explained the Fairy. “ It is my furnace, and the vol- canoes are the chimneys.” They passed from this up, up another winding staircase, until the Fairy paused in a corridor, and turning towards them, said : “We have now reached my store-houses which I shall show you.” IV. THE FAIRY’S STOREHOUSES. HUS saying, they entered through an opening before them, a large hall of granite. The lofty ceiling of graystone was supported by heavy columns of the same, while all around were strangely shaped seats, and slabs that looked like tables. So long and wide was this great room, that they could not see the walls in any direction, excepting that in which they came. The dusky columns stretched far out of sight in 41 42 THE FAIRY GLASS. melancholy silence, that made one think of tombs and ruins. “ This place is very dreary,” said Kindheart. “It puts me in mind of death, it seems so grand, and still, and awful.” “ It will not be so long,” replied the Fairy. “ In a few hundred years, busy hands will be working where we now stand. These great pillars before us will be carried up into the sunlight, to build houses for the use of your grandmother Charity — hospitals, asylums, col- leges, libraries, and other noble institutions.” From this hall they passed into other chambers. One of snowy marble, so pure and beautiful, it looked as if adorned for a wedding. Another of gold, more magnificent than the palace of any king. Then bright, glittering silver, which the Fairy called her moonlit room ; so soft was the light, it made one think of birds and flowers. THE FAIRY GLASS. 43 There were many other rooms, each of a different material, among which were numer- ous ones very new to Kindheart and Way- ward. Presently they entered an apartment so dark, it was a moment before they could see anything. Then for the first time the boy and girl noticed that all the light they had came from the beautiful face of Science. Her countenance was so radiant with smiles, that she illumined everything toward which she turned. “What a dismal place ! ” exclaimed Way- ward. “ This is my coal-cellar, and dismal though it is, you would be badly off on cold winter days, if it was not for this,” replied the Fairy. When they came out of the cellar, all but Science had black hands and faces. Kindheart’s light curls were powdered with black dust. They laughed heartily at each 44 the fairy glass. other, and did not half notice the halls of iron, and lead, and copper, through which they passed. But when the Fairy threw open a small door at one side, they forgot all but what was before them. As soon as the light from Science’s face fell upon the darkened room, it became one blaze of splendor. The light was so dazzling, they had to put their hands before their eyes, until they became accustomed to the change. The whole apartment seemed covered with millions of tiny mirrors, — floor, and wall, and ceiling. “This is my diamond boudoir,” said the Fairy. “ My shoe-buckles came from here.” Wayward stooped down and gathered a handful of the precious gems, but Science bade him put them back, saying : “No one can obtain any of these riches THE FAIRY GLASS. 45 unless they work for them. But when you go back to the village, if you strive like a man to gather the treasures you have seen here, I will repay you liberally. But now you must leave them untouched.” After closing this door, they passed on through many rooms of greater or less in- terest ; pieces from all of which could be seen on the Fairy’s shoes. “We will now visit the Reservoir,” said Science. As they opened the door before them, they felt a gust of cold, damp air, which made them draw back shivering. But the Fairy passed on, and following her, they found themselves in a lofty cave. The floor, walls, and ceiling were of clay. Wherever they stepped the ground was slippery, while a light shower fell constantly. Fountains gushed up from beneath the 4 6 THE FAIRY GLASS. walls, and the banks sloped down to a won- derful lake that stretched far away in the darkness beyond. There was a low, musical murmur like summer rain, and listening closely, they could hear a deep roar like that of the Ocean. As the light from Science’s face shone upon the water, it flashed and sparkled as it would have done in the sunlight. “ This is the last I shall show you under- ground,” said the Fairy. “ So follow and keep close to me.” Thus speaking, she stepped on to the lake, where she stood as safely and easily as she had on the ground. “ Come ! ” she said, holding out her hand to Wayward. But he drew back. “We are not fairies, you must remember, and will certainly be drowned,” he said, anxiously. THE FAIRY GLASS. 47 “Trust me” replied the lady, smiling. “ See, I shall make a nice boat for you.” So saying, she sat down and spread her skirt of leaves out upon the water. Then taking Kindheart upon her lap, she turned again to the lad, who, being reassured, seated himself on one side of her dress, with his arm around Kindheart. Patience joined the group, and Science, finding all things ready, let go the clay bank to which she had been holding. They went floating away over the still, dark lake, with the light shower falling upon them, and nothing but water as far as they could see. “ Sing me something, Kindheart ? ” said the Fairy, caressingly. “Indeed I do not know what to sing in such a strange place,” replied the little girl. “ That is a very pretty song which Expe- rience taught you,” suggested Patience. 48 THE FAIRY GLASS. “ Let us hear it,” urged the Fairy. And Kindheart, always ready to oblige, sung, in a sweet, winning voice : THE LAY OF EXPERIENCE. Fun and frolic, mirth and glee, Are the sunshine children need, That they bright and well may be, And their school-day lessons heed. But wherever they may go, And whatever they may do, They should learn, what all things show, Nature’s lessons, always true. From the great trees of the wood, Learn to brave the storms of life ; Many a tempest they have stood, And grown stronger for the strife. The bright crystal brook and fount, That will hide no guile or art, Teach, like Jesus on the Mount, “ Blessed are the pure in heart.” 1 THE FAIRY GLASS. Voices from the flowers and grass, That you crush beneath your tread, Say, “ This life will quickly pass — Do some good before ’t is fled.” From the sky, that bends above, Telling of the Angels’ home, Something whispers, “ God is love ; To Him little children come.” Thus where’er we turn to look, There is work for all to do. This great world is like a book, Opened every day for you. Study all the teachings well, And when you are older grown, Other children you may tell, Of what you have seen and known. 49 V. ABOVE THE CLOUDS WITH SCIENCE. vH AT is real good ! ” exclaimed Wayward, as she finished. “Yes, and appropriate also,” assented Science ; “because you have seen, and will see during our travels, many things from which you ought to learn useful les- sons.” While they had been listening to Kind- heart’s song, they had not noticed the passage or channel into which they had glided ; but now Wayward, seeing the walls on both sides, eagerly inquired : “ Where are we going, beautiful lady ? ” 50 THE FAIRY GLASS. 51 “ Out into the world from which you came,” answered Science, pleasantly. Before long they saw a light ahead which appeared like a star. As they drew nearer, it grew larger and larger, until they found themselves once more in the glorious sun- shine. They had floated out on the water of a beautiful spring, that gushed from the side of a rock, and fell in a dashing cascade into the valley below. Here it formed a merry brook, that ran away between mossy banks overhung by drooping boughs of lofty trees. The cool, green leaves seemed to make sweet music, as they rustled in the breeze. Grace- ful vines clung to the gray trunks, pendent in festoons from bough to bough, while birds flew in and out, twittering a joyous melody. “ Here my dress was woven,” said the Fairy. 52 THE FAIRY GLASS. And the green moss, that fringed the skirt of leaves and vines, seemed to gather fresh life from breathing its native air. Calling to a passing Zephyr, Science bade him take her companions upon his back, and bear them after her into the air. When they were far above the level plain, she pointed to the ocean, that could be dimly seen through the vail of mist that hung over it, and said : “ I tore my apron from that mist.” Onward and upward they flew, until the Zephyr set them down beside Science, in the midst of ice and snow. “ Oh dear ! where have we come ? ” ex- claimed Kindheart, shivering. “ Do let us get away from this place, or I shall freeze to death.” Her teeth chattered, and her nose was so red, that Wayward began to laugh at her ; but his face froze in a broad smile, and he THE FAIRY GLASS. 53 could not get it straight again, so he looked like the merriest lad in the world. Even Patience begged Science to make their stay among the icebergs as short as possible. “ I will,” replied the Fairy. “ I only desire to show you from whence came the icy jewels that I wear upon my hair and neck. And now we will move on.” Once more they began to mount upward, and did not again pause until they stood upon the mountain-top. At their feet lay vast drifts of clouds that hid the earth from view. Upon these, the sun shone in all its splendor, robing them in many beautiful colors. From the jutting point of a storm-cloud hung half a rainbow, with its radiant shadings. To this, Science called attention. “ You notice part of the rainbow is gone,” she said. “ I used it for my girdle, and my 54 the fairy glass. scarf is a fragment of that crimson sunset cloud. We can ascend no higher,” she added, “ but on the other side of the mountain you may see the boundary of my dominion.” They followed her, and found it was night when they stopped high on the opposite peak. There she showed them many stars, and moons, and curious things which they had never seen before. But when they began to question her, she said : “ Only a few great mortals ever go above this mountain, and those who do, give their whole lives to the journey. So it will be best for you to return to the village of Truth, and spend the remainder of your days in the companionship of my beloved friend Charity.” Kindheart was anxious to see her grand- mother, and Wayward loved Kindheart too well to permit her to go without him ; so they started down the mountain together. THE FAIRY GLASS. 55 Turning to take a last farewell of Science, they beheld her standing upon the rocky top, above the clouds, smiling an adieu. The star upon her forehead sent down a shower of light over her, which grew more and more brilliant, until the beautiful lady disappeared in the brightness, and they found themselves looking at the sun, which had just risen over the roofs of the village, and they stood under the great tree of nature, by the Ant-hill. Wayward wound his arm around Kindheart, and with happy smiles they started for the cottage. At the door of the school-house they passed Experience, who did not seem as stern as he used to be, and gave them a pleasant greeting. Everything in or around the village was very much improved, for they had been on their journey a long while. The peaceful home of Charity still lay nestled away in the 56 THE FAIRY GLASS. valley called Modesty, just as cheerful and pleasant as ever. The good grand-dame welcomed them with outstretched arms, and thanked Patience for the trouble she had taken, of so long a jour- ney on their account. Very soon after, Kindheart became the loving little wife of Wayward, and they settled down with Charity to good works and con- tentment. Amid their happiness, they often spoke of the beautiful Fairy Science, and frequently used the “ Magic Glass,” which they called The Microscope . T was some time before Wayward and Kindheart saw Science again. They had lived in the little cot- tage of Charity very happily, and were much beloved by the people in the Village of Truth. One bright morning in the early summer time, when all the woods were full of music and beauty, Kindheart started in search of a little flower , which she had heard would make those who found it very happy, so long as they could keep it fresh and close to them. She wandered on for some time, regardless of the cool, peaceful shadows, or the trees 57 58 THE FAIRY GLASS. that, meeting above her head, seemed to whis- per and laugh in merry mood. At length she reached a barrier of wild roses, which grew across the way, and was so dense she could not pass them. She stopped in perplexity. As she was looking for some other path, she noticed a white hand that parted the bushes from the other side, so as to make an opening through which she could pass. Having done so, she looked about for the person who had thus unexpectedly assisted her; but not seeing any one, proceeded on her way, which now lay through a deep forest. The path grew rugged and hilly, with stones over which she frequently stumbled, and among the trees she fancied she saw strange shadows flitting. One in particular followed her wherever she turned, until trying to escape from it, she THE FAIRY GLASS. 59 lost her way, and hastening on, sunk down at last almost exhausted. She was now in a little dell, where the branches of the trees were so thick, the sun- light always caught its wings trying to peep through ; so that his bright, round face only sent sufficient smiles among the leaves to make a softened twilight. Close beside her was a clear, beautiful spring, with bright green moss all round the edge, studded with gay flowers. Kindheart sitting on the moss, leaned for- ward and dipped her hand in the cool water, to bathe her heated face. As she did so, she saw in the bottom of the stream a wonderful flower. It had snow-white leaves, with delicate pink edges, and two blue petals in the centre, that looked like Forget- me-nots ; while around all floated a sort of golden-hued moss. 60 THE FAIRY GLASS. “ Oh, that is the flower for which I have been searching!” exclaimed Kindheart, joy- ously ; and plunging her hand down through the water, drew it out, with drops like dew clinging to the leaves. As she did so, the shadow that had followed her fell across the spring. She caught the flower close to her heart, lest some harm should come to it, and closed her eyes to shut out the shadow, of which she had grown afraid. “Kindheart, do you not know me f ” asked a gentle voice at her side. Looking up, she recognized her old friend Patience, gentler and more lovely than ever. “I have been near you some time,” said the teacher, smiling. “And now that you have found what you sought, lay your head upon my lap and rest, you are very tired, I know.” THE FAIRY GLASS. 6l Kindheart was tired, for she had walked a long way. So thanking Patience, she ac- cepted her offer, and holding her flower safely, sunk into a peaceful sleep. Her good friend smoothed back the hair from her aching brow, and sung a low, sooth- ing lullaby, the words of which mingled sweetly with Kindheart’s dreams. PATIENCE’S LULLABY. Softly murmur, leaves of oak ; Whisper low, ye vines and flowers, Lest the fairy spell be broke In these tranquil dream-land bowers. Gently, gently, murmur soft! Fairies, hover round, aloft ! Lightly touch each drooping lid With the magic wand of slumber, Till the smiling eyes are hid, And bright visions fancy cumber. Slumber, slumber ! rest thee ! sleep ! O’er thee loving watch I ’ll keep. 62 THE FAIRY GLASS. Hush, ye birds ; or warble low. Passing breezes, stay your sighing. Streamlet, still your merry flow ; Soothe the loved one near you lying. Softly, softly sing to rest The head pillow’d on my breast. Lower bend the fairy shades, O’er the parted lips slow creeping; Every weary tracing fades. Softly, softly she is sleeping. Peaceful dreams, enwreathe thy mind, Silver-edged and golden-lined. Softly murmur, leaves of oak ; Whisper low, ye vines and flowers, Lest the Elfin spell be broke ’Mid these tranquil dream-land bowers. Far away all care is cast, While sleep’s magic charm doth last. Thus sung Patience, while Kindheart lay reposing on the moss. Wayward and Experience came up from the village together, and being much inter- THE FAIRY GLASS. 63 ested in conversation, passed Charity’s cot- tage, and walked into the forest through which Kindheart had wandered before. Way- ward was saying : “You remember, I told you of the gold and jewels which Science showed us, in our journey with her ; also, that she said I could have all I would strive to gain ? ” “Yes, I remember very well,” replied Ex- perience ; “ but what do you propose doing ? ” “ I think I shall employ men from the vil- lage to dig under the great tree of nature, in search of the steps that lead to the store- houses of Science,” answered Wayward. Experience shook his head. “You might spend all your life in digging , and never find the treasure,” he said. Still Wayward was not convinced, and as they wandered on, discussing the question, Science suddenly appeared before them. 64 THE FAIRY GLASS. “ I have listened to your conversation some time,” she remarked, smiling, “and as I am satisfied that you, Wayward, are willing to work for the treasures, I will show you how to obtain them. Are you willing to follow my instructions ? ” “With all my heart, dear lady. Only teach me what to do,” he answered, eagerly. “ Take the Fairy Glass, search the woods , waters , and fields. The wonders you discover, write in a book. The people in the village will give you the treasures I have placed in their hands, as exchange for your valuable work.” With these words, she waved her hand and disappeared. “ I have the glass with me, and will begin at once,” cried Wayward. Just as he spoke, he heard the low singing of Patience, and walking rapidly forward, THE FAIRY GLASS. 65 soon came to the spring, and saw Kindheart wrapped in a cloak, fast asleep. He took her gently in his arms, and, fol- lowed by the two teachers, went back to the cottage. At the door stood Charity, with her white hair and broad frilled cap, while behind her stood the table ready for supper. A great arm-chair was under the tree called Domestic, and in this Wayward placed Kindheart very gently. She was awake now, and threw open her cloak to show them the beautiful flower she had found, when, lo ! it had changed into a rosy, laughing little boy with blue eyes and golden hair. For a few moments they were too glad to speak. Then Charity said, smiling through her tears : “I shall have more new ideas to weave now.” 66 THE FAIRY GLASS. “ Y es, and we will have another scholar, Patience,” said gray-haired Experience. “ This is indeed a flower to make us happy !” exclaimed Wayward. “ I hope dear Science will take as much interest in our boy as she has in us,” he added. “ She will, I can assure you,” replied a voice beside them, and turning, they saw the beauti- ful lady. “ After all,” said Kindheart, extending her hand to the fairy, “ we should never have been so happy but for your kindness in present- ing, and teaching us the use of the Fairy Glass.” # t m % /