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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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