Evening Republican, Volume 23, Number 103, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 28 April 1920 — The SANDMAN STORY [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

The SANDMAN STORY

THE FAIRIES’ HOLIDAY. ONE morning when Elsie got up she found it was raining very hard and that of course put an end to all that Elsie had planned for the day. She was to take her lunch with softie other girls and their mothers and go to the park for a picnic. Elsie did not want any breakfast. She did not want to say good morning even. She was cross at everybody because it rained. “I just think it is too mean for anything, this old rain to come and spoil our fun,” she said. “But, my dear, the park will be much sweeter and cleaner after the rain,” said her mother. “Be a good, cheerful little daughter and smile.” But Elsie would not smile. She pouted and even cried, and when breakfast was over she went sulkily upstairs to the playroom and looked out of the window. “Horrid old raindrops!" Elsie said. “I just hate raindrops." “Oh. I am sorry,” said a voice beside her; “for those are my sisters out there on the window pane.” On the arm of the big chair tn which she was sitting, Elsie saw a pretty little creature all In silver, which sparkled like a diamond, and she knew that her visitor was a fairy, because she carried a wand. “I am sorry you hate the raindrops,” said the fairy again. “I am sure you

won’t when you know who they are." “They have spoiled my picnic in the park,” said Elsie, “and I am sure I shall never like raindrops again.” “But wait until I tell you about them!” said the fairy. “Those are my sister fairies, and the only time we ever have a holiday is when we can disguise ourselves as raindrops and have a day off.” “A day off!" questioned Elsie. “What do you mean by that?” “Oh, dear! Didn’t you know that a fairy is just as busy as can be, run-

ning about and whispering good things into the ears of children who think wrong things?” "No; I didn’t,” said Elsie. “I never heard you whispering to me!” “Oh, yes, you have —many times,” replied the Fairy. “Only, of course, you did not know it was a fairy who made you do right.” — ■ “But why are you not having a holiday, too?” asked Elsie. “I was until you said such things about us, and then I had to change my dress and come to tell you who the raindrops are. We work so hard all the time that I am sure now you will not be cross with us for having a holiday, and when you see how bright and green everything is tomorrow in the park I am sure you will forgive us for playing today.” When Elsie opened her eyes, for, of course, she had been asleep, the Fairy had gone. But outside, were all the little raindrops chasing each other dowm the window pane, and as Elsie watched them with great interest now one drop, larger than the others, stopped until it was pushed on by the others. “That drop must have been my Fairy," thought Elsie. “Oh, you cunning little raindrops! I don’t hate you at all —I love you, and I am glad you have a good time,” she said, “and I’ll never be cross and cry again when it rains, for I shall know it is a fairy holiday, and I do hope I did not spoil the day for the little Fairy who told me about it by being dross.” “(Copyright)