In
A 512296
Story -land. Harrison
THE LITTLE GRAY GRANDMOTHER. 55
image which instantly disappeared if it were spoken of. Somehow it constantly reminded them of the glad look in the eyes of the Little Gray Grandmother when she found them playing peacefully and happily together . And strange to say , the Little Gray Grandmother never came again after the small silver mirror had been hung on the wall . Probably she thought they did not need her any longer . Many years passed by and the children were all grown , when the dear-mother was called to pass on to her heavenly home . As they gathered around her death bed she asked them to hand her the small silver mirror which still hung on the home wall . She took it and broke it into pieces , giving a picce to each of of the eight children , and each piece immediately became a full -sized mirror as large as the first one had been . These she told them to keep always with them , and then with a gentle smile she passed away . As they separated to go out into the world , each one took his or her small silver mirror and hung it in his or her private bed room , that each might look into it and know , for certain , whether that day had been spent for the cause of the right or the wrong .
LITTLE BLESSED-EYES ; OR, THE FAIRY'S BIRTHDAY GIFT.
In the olden times when fairies could be seen by mortals , they often took upon themselves the office of sponsors , god- fathers and godmothers , to new- born children . In such cases , the child adopted was sure , sooner or later, to receive some wonderful gift from his fairy god- mother .
One bright , Spring morning , a sweet boy baby came into a humble home , made ready for him by love . As his mother looked fondly upon the wee form at her side she thought , naturally enough , of his future , and wondered what kind ofa man he would become . " How I wish , " said she softly , " that I could give to you , my darling child , the richest gift on earth , so that Kings and Emperors might be proud to call you their companion . " " So you can , " said a gentle voice beside her . The mother was startled by the words , for she thought herself alone when she uttered the
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LITTLE BLESSED-EYES. 57
wish . She looked to the right , then to the left , nobody had entered the room . " Ah, silly woman that I am , " sighed she . "" I have let my own thoughts answer me ." Again she looked down at her babe .
" I can give him the greatest and most wonderful gift on earth , " said the same gentle voice . This time the mother was quite sure that some one had spoken , though the voice was unlike any human voice she had ever heard . It was so soft and musical that it sounded like the tinkling of silver bells . The poor woman was quite frightened and drew her babe closer to her side as she peered into the shadowy corners of the room.
" Ha , ha , ha ! " laughed the silvery voice , " Are you afraid of me ! " Following the sound this time , the mother's eyes fell upon a tiny creature no larger than your thumb who sat perched upon a post of the bed . The body of this strange , little being was as perfect as that of any child . From its two shoulders extended two wings as thin as gauze , but gleaming with every tint of the rainbow . Upon its head was a slender gold crown , and its small face just at this moment was bright with a merry smile .
The mother knew instantly that it was one of
