A CHRISTMAS EVE’S DREAM.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2409, 24 December 1881, Page 3

A CHRISTMAS EVE’S DREAM.

[WRITTEN SPECIALLY POB THE WEEKLY PRESS.] BY O. L. INNES, Authoress of the “Moa’s Flight by Night.” DEDICATES TO THE CHILDREN OF CANTERBURY. [There is an old legend that on Christmas Ere animals regain their speech for one evening. On that legend is based this tale. —C. L. I.] Chapter I. ‘ I gay, Mollie, does you waally think there is a Santa Klaus ?’ said a little girl to her companion. ‘ ’Course there is, Bra. Doesn’t ho bring ns presents P* said Mollie, a dark-eyed, rosy cheeked child of about six years old. * Mollie, I sink that Santa Klaus is our mamma’s and papa’s, andnnrsie says my papa is too busy to sink of pesants, and my mamma is in Heaven. I wish Heaven wasn’t so far off,’ said Eva, with a sigh. Mollie looked sympathetic, and, giving Bva a kiss, said—- * Poor dear Bva! lam so sorry for you that you have no dear mama. But we are going to have such a jolly Christmas. Auntie is going to ask some nice little girls to play with ns.’ * Oh, that will be nice,’ said Eva.

This conversation was carried on between two little girls in bed, In a large, comfortable room. Little Bva was a pretty, delicate child, with dark blue eyes and fair complexion. She was motherless, and her father was so immersed in business, that though her bodily wants were attended to, she missed that for which every little child longs sympathy and love. She bade fair to spend a lonely Christmas, as her father was away from Christchurch, had not Mollie’s aunt, Mrs Marsden, asked Eva and Mollie to spend Christmas week at her house. The little ones had chatted for some little time, when Mrs Marsden came in. She was a widow ; ' fat, fair, and forty,’ and was kindness and hospitality personified. She was followed by a faithful follower, a white Pomeranian dog, called Pack. 1 Here are some oranges and cakes to put under yonr pillow, my chicks, but don’t eat them to-night, and be sure to hang up your stockings for Santa Klaus. 1 am going to church, so good-night,’ said Mrs Marsden, kissing them, 1 Good-night, dear Auntie,’ said they, and Mollie continued.

‘ Mind, tell Santa Elam 1 want a doll’i home.'

‘And what doei my little Eva want,’ laid Mrs Mareden. Eva looked up with a roguish smile, saying ‘ Shall you see Santa Elans at church, Auntie ? ’ Mrs Marsdon smiled and replied, ‘ No, but he always consults me when he comes.’ * I sink I would like a— ’ Hero Eva paused and considered, 1 1 know I would like Fuck.'

‘ I am afraid you cannot have Pack, but would not a brother of Paok’s do as well,’ said Mrs Marsden.

‘ Oh, yes, Auntie, and do leave Pack with ns,’ said Eva. ‘ Very well, now Pack, stay at home and take care of the children,’ said his mistress, leaving the room. Puck looked after her with wistful eyes, with bis head on one side, and his tail depressed. Come up Puck,’ said Mollie, so he jumped up on the bed, and lay down with hie bright black eyes fixed on the children. ‘I wonder if Puck knows it’s Eismas, Mollie,' said Eva. ‘ ’Coarse he doesn’t,’ was practical Mollie,’s answer. ‘ Dogs hasn’t got any minds like we has.’ ‘ I don’t know Mollie, Puck look* as if he knew what we was saying.’ Fuck gave a grin as if he quite understood, and then curled himself up and went to sleep, and the children soon followed his example. After a sound sleep they were awakened by hearing voices, pleasant little voices, in the room. They listened without moving, and heard

‘ Bless my curly tail, Tibby, what do you want ?’ It was Buck who spoke to a small gray cat who had come in. She answered in a mild little voice, * I am sorry to disturb you Puck, but I am so nervous about my kittens, and you know our great gathering takes place to-night, and I ought to go. ’ ‘Of course yon must go, Tib by j you oats think of nothing hnt your kittens, you have no breadth of mind,’ said Puck loftily. ‘ I know I am not so clever or accomplished as you are, Puck, but I try to do my duty by catching mice, and bringing up my kittens properly,’ said Tibby humbly. ‘Oh, yes, you are a good little thing in yonr way. Yon are very well for a female oat, and I am fond of you ; but you know a dog’s mind and intellect are so powerful. Wo are like men, lords of creation,’ said Puck with an air of dignity. ‘You did not look much like a lord of creation yesterday, when our dear mistress scolded you for scratching holes in the garden, and yon scurried upstairs with your tail between your legs,’ remarked Tibby slyly. ‘Ahem,’ coughed Puck, slightly discomfitted. ‘My dear mistress has some foolish prejudices, like most of her sex ; but 1 am so fond of her I humor her. For instance she wont let me bark at every one that comes to the door, and I should like to know what the garden is for but to scratch boles in f ’ “But, Puck, what use are you?’ inquired Tibby. ‘ Really, Tib, you are too absurd. Why the house could not get on without me. Everyone likes me, and I like everyone, bnt I love my dear mistress very much. She does not know that her little doggie would die for her if need be. Tibby, when she is ill I never leave her room till she is bettor, and when she has to leave mo at homo I am so miserable, and I lie on the stairs,;waiting till I hear her footstep ; and when she says, “ Where’s my Puck ?” I feel so happy.’ They were here interrupted by a solemnfaoed yellow and white Clumber spaniel coming in, who growled in a deep voice, * I say, Puck, hurry up, it’s time we were off. Hullo Tib, is that you ? How are the the kittens ?’

‘ Quite well, thank you, Nemo,' replied Tibby, beginning her toilet by washing her face.

‘Do I look well, old man ?’ said Puck. ‘ I was washed to-day.’ ‘ Oh, yes, you are all right. But you think suoh a lot about yourself. Puck,’ growled Nemo in his deliberate way. ‘ Well, I know I’m not a bad looking dog any more than you are, Nemo,’ said Puck. ‘ Bless my tail and whiskers, those kittens are awake,” mewed Tibby, looking at the children, who exclaimed, — ‘ Dear Nemo, Puck, and Tibby, do take ui with you, as the moa took Harry and Koey last year.’ 1 What do yon say, Nemo,’ said Puck. ‘ Oan’t wa take them, I am so fond of children. Let them have the pleasure of seeing Us at our gathering.’ ‘ All right,’ answered Nemo, ‘ jump up little ones and dress.’

They were soon ready and Nemo continued, ‘ Now take hold of my care, and Puck, you give the word.’ Puck took hold of Nemo’s tail, and Tibby took hold of Puck’s tail, and Puck shouted in a loud voice,— ‘Catrum, Dogrum, Abfquatulum.’ And in a moment they found themselves in a large hall, with blue and gold panels, and lighted by the electric light, pictures of dogs and oats hung round the room, and illuminated mottoes decorated the walls such as, ‘ Kvery dog has his day.’ ‘ When the cat’s away the mice will play.’ ‘ Hi» faithful dog shall boar him company.’ ‘ A cat may look at a king.’ ‘ Let loose the dogs of war.’ ‘ Oare will kill a cat,’ The floor was covered with soft cushions and rugs, and down one side of the hall was a long table about a foot high, laden with all the delicacies dogs and oats love best. At one end was a throne covered with black velvet, embroidered with gold oats and dogs, and on it sat the handsomest and largest St. Bernard that ever was seen, his face full of dignity and intelligence. Ho wore a crimson velvet mantle and a gold crown. By his side sat t large white oat, with blue eyes. She wore a pale blue mantle end silver crown. These two were the king of dogs, King Fidelia, and queen of cats, Queen Domestica. Bogs and oats of every kind were seated round. On u

sofa below the throne sat a Dinmont, with preternaturally solemn face ; ’he wore a pair of spectacles and a short black cloak. He was brought up to the medical profession, and wrote M.D. behind hia name. He was the Prime Minister. By his side was a handsome black Thomas cat. Sir Typo, he was a bit of a dandy and wore an eye glass. A band composed of dog* and eats, struck up a martial air, and King Fidelia, in a deep but musical voice, growled—- * Welcome faithful subjects here. Welcome to the festive meeting ; Tour loyalty our heart does cheer, We wish you all a loving greeting.’ The dogs and oats stood up and chanted — * Hail to our noble King and Queen 1 The greatest pair the world has seen. May their reign be long and glorious, Triumphant, happy, and victorious.’ Queen Domestica seeing Bva and Mollie, mewed in a pleasant voice—- ‘ Como, little children, do not fear, There’s nothing that will hurt yon here; To our race you both are kind, With ua pleasure you shall find.’ Eva and Mollie, accompanied by Nemo and Pock, went up to the throne and sat down on the soft cushions, and the Queen making a sign, a black retriever brought un a tray with all kinds of dainties, fruit, cakes, lollies and milk, and presented it with a low bow. The King then said—- ‘ Young cats and dogs approach ua now. And fealty swear, and make your bow.’ A number of dogs and cats who hod not attended a Christmas Eve gathering, went np, end the dogs licked the King's paw and the cats the Queen’s paw. The King then growled—- * Our wise Prime Minister will now relate Our subjects’ actions, good or great.’ Sir Dandy arose with dignity, and adjusting his spectacles, read from a large book—- * Sir Leo Labrador, who did’st nobly save Your little mistress from a watery grave. You did not fear the foaming billows roar. But risked your life, and brought her safe to shore. Approach thy King, receive the Order of the Bone, For meritorious action nobly done.’ A handsome black curly dog came forward, in a stately manner, and was invested by the King with a knuckle bone set in gold, which was bung round his neck. Sir Dandy then read—- * Advance Trusty, by nature and by name, Who by your faithful act has gained this fame. Yonr master in the ranges lost his way— Night came on, the snow fell fast, and dowrk he lay. You knew your way, over the mountain drear, But said unto yourself, "My place is here,’’ And stretched yourself upon yonr master’s heart. To warm and comfort him, and ne’er to part. Yonr master’s life yon saved, oh truest friend, Thou dog—so good, so faithful to the end.* A handsome Hootch collie, with splendid eyes, came shyly forward, and the King hung round his neck the Order of the Bone. Trusty licked his paw, and said—- ‘ Thanks, sire, for this gift of beauty, I only did what’s right—my duty.’ And now Sir Typo rose, and sticking his glass in his eye, took up a book and mewed : , * Advance, Sir Tommyklns, oh cat so true, Listen, all present, hear what a cat can do. One day, when musing much upon affairs of State, Behold a oat crept in whose eyes were full of hate; Then, to his horror, his mistress’ bird he saw Escaping from its cage. With teeth and •law He fell upon the traitor oat, and put him soon to flight ; Meanwhile, the poor canary was trembling with affright. He gently seized it in his mouth, and to hie mistress dear He carried it so tenderly. Hac Tommyklns a peer ?’ Tommykins, a beautiful brown tabby, ean« proudly forward, and Queen Domestica bong round his neck a small silver jug, emblematic ot cream, saying—- ‘ Well done, my faithful Tommykins, receive the order of the Silver Pitcher.’ Sir Typo then read— * Tabbyskin has killed 800 mice and fifty rats since last Christmas—more than any other cat present. Her mistress says she is clean, honest and affectionate.’ ‘Come forth, Tabbyskin,’ mewed the Queen, ‘Beoeive thou the Order ot the Silver Mouse, which you keep for a year.’ A small grey oat now came up and received the order. A number of cats and dogs were called up and received different degrees of commendation, but ws have not time to enumerate them all.

Suddenly Puck said to Nemo in an agitated manner—

‘ Oh Nemo, there’s Mars just come in, and I know he will insult us. What shall we do P’

Nemo growled angrily—■He had better keep quiet before the King. I shan’t take any notice of him, and don’t you bark for your life, Puck.’ Puck, who was much excited, said, ‘I ean’t keep still if he calls me a coward. No deg of spirit could stand that.’ Just then a small black Pomeranian dog began to bark violently, and said, ‘ Come on you little white coward, and yon big yellow and white cur, you dare not, you are afraid of me, I’ll fight yon both. Bow, wow, wow.’ Puck gave a shrill bark, but Nemo put his paw him on and kept him quiet, ‘ What means this unseemly noise,’ growled the King, ‘ Bite ’em and Tear ’em, do your duty.’ ‘ Two handsome well-bred white bull terriers with black polished collars with silver numbers on them, advanced and seizing the black dog by the ears, led him to the King, singing—- “ When constabulary duty’s to be done, to be done, A bull terrier's lot’s a very happy one.’ Sir Dandy looking sternly at the culprit through his spectacles, growled—- ’ Your Majesty, this dog’s name is down tor perpetual fighting, and he must be demoralised when he can attempt to fight in your august presence.’ ‘ What is his name, Sir Dandy, and what character does his mistress give him ?’ said the King. ‘ Mars, sir, so called from his fighting propensities. He is a brave dog ; it is a pity his valor is so misdirected. His mistress says he is faithful, affectionate, clever,’ said the Prime Minister. Mars here buret into a defiant song, and the ball terriers could not silence him. ‘ A regular fighting dog am I, And see all dogs before me fly, I make them all for mercy cry, Or else I make them gory.’ Bite e’m and Tear’em took up the refrain, ‘ A regular boasting dog is he, When he says dogs before him flee We can very plainly see He’s telling a terrible story.’ King Eidelis rose, looking terrible in his anger, and growled ‘ Mars, if it were not that your mistress speaks well of you, we should be moro severe. As it is, we reprimand you publicly; and next time you come before us, beware.’ Mara looked penitent, and with his tail depressed, he went hack to his place. A bell just then rang violently, and Bit Dandy went to the wall, wnere there was a polished cabinet of New Zealand wood ; opened it, and touched a knob, and a hoarse voioe was heard to say—- ‘ Are you all assembled ?’ ‘ Yes, Baron Mas,’ said Sir Dandy. ‘ Arc you coming ?’ ‘ In a few minutes ; the Baroness is arranging her toilet,’ was the answer. ‘ I say, Puck,’ said Eva, ‘ Isn’t that the Moa?’ ‘ Yes,’ said Puck. ‘ He’s talking through the telephone. He’s at Hokitika.’ There was a burst of music from the band, and in > walked Baron Moa, looking splendid, but not alone, for the Baroness Dinoris was with him, looking shy and bashful, as became u> young and blushing bride of some scvonlyfive summers. The dogs and cats burst into this chorus ‘ Hail, all hail, thou mighty pair, Bridegroom tall, and bride so fair. Welcome to our gathering here, . We greet thee with a hoaity cheer, ‘ Hip, hip, hurrah I’

The Moa looked intensely gratified, and thanked them in suitable terms. The Baroness, on seeing Moliie and Bra, said—‘Dinoris, dear, what are those queer looking things without feathers ? And with such snort legs and nooks ? How ugly they Ike. ’ . ‘ My dear, don't bo foolish. Those are children ; they certainly are not ''jpretly or groccful, but they cannot help that; 4 1 you know, my love, everyone cannot bo born a \jUoa, however much they may wish it. Little ones, you are not afraid of me,' said the Moa, bending down his lofty head. ‘ Oh, no,’ said both Moliie and Eva, • you ware so kind to Harry and Rosy last year.’ * Yes, I took a pretty good flight with them, but tha Barouees won’t hear of my doing it this year. See what it is to be a married bird !’ ‘ Well, Moa, hove you got a song for us’, said the King. ‘ Yes, I composed a trifle on my happy condition. My dear, you have the music for the band,’ said tho Moa to his wife, and she handed Pack the different parts, which he gave to the band, and they struck up a wellknown air, and the Mou began in a harsh creaking voice, that sounded as if it wanted oiling. MOPS SONG. ‘.Last year, no doubt you heard, I much bemoaned my fate. For I was sad and single, I hadn’t got a mate. . But, when wandering o’er the mountain pass one day, I met my beauteous brido, and thus to her did say — ■* Wb at vision of fair loveliness now bursts upon my view ! My lovely, sweet Gigantea, can this bo really yon ? Oh! deign to oast your eyes on me, your fond, adoring swain; Give me that sweetest claw, and naught shall part us twain. [Chorus.] I’m not the last, I’m not the last, of Moos, small or great. I sing in joy and thankfulness ; at last I’ve found my mate. My timid bride, she trembled, my wooing was so bold ; But seventy-five short summers o’er her sweet head had rolled. But soon she yielded to my prayer, and then became my wife ; Wo’ra going to be so jolly, and lead a happy life. Wo came across to wish you all a merry Christmas here. And may you all be mated well, and have a bright Now Year.’ [Chorus.] I’m not the last, I’m not the last, of Moos, small or great; I sing in joy and thankfulness ; at last I’ve found my mate. Enthusiastic applause and cheering followed this song, and King Fidelis congratulated Baron Moa on his splendid voice, and said, «Now, to supper, my friends, and let good digestion wait on appetite, and health on both.’ Tho table was moved forward by four brown retrievers, and they all sat down to a splendid supper. It would bo difficult to enumerate all tho dainties, but will tell a few of them : Roast beef and roast mutton, out into slices, boiled liver, out up fowls, roast mouse, fried whitebait and flounders, broiled sparrows, mutton chops, and plates of milk and cream all down the table, and sweet biscuits and cakes. The feast began and wont on steadily for an hour, all doing justice to tho good things, and when everyone was satisfied tho table was wheeled back, and the King making a sign for them all to stand up said, — ‘ Now, Sir Dandy, for your song.” Sir Dandy rose, and saying, ‘All form a circle,’ he sang with a very Scotch accent, — * Should auld acquaintance bs forgot, And never brought tae mind, Should auld acquaintance be forgot And the days o’ auld lang syne. Chorus—For auld lang syne. We all hae gnawed the festive bone, And thought it vera fine, And we’re been sorry when ’twaa done, In the days o’ auld lang syne. Chorus—For auld lang syne. Sir Typo, at a sign from Sir Dandy, put himself in an elegant attitude, and with bis glass in his eye, mewed in a fine tenor— We all have caught the nimble mouse, And thought it sport so fine, And we’ve miaued on the house, In the days of auld lang syne. Chorus —For auld lang syne. Then gio’a a paw my trusty friend. An’ gie’s a paw of thine. We'll gio a hearty bow wow, miaw, For the days of auld lang syne. There was tremendous excitement at this lost verse, all joining and crossing their paws in tho most approved style. And then the King and Queen returned to the throne, and Fuck standing on his hind legs, said—- ‘ Throe cheers for our King and Queen, Hip, hip, hurrah!” And the hall rang with repeated cheers. Tho King rose and bowed, and taking from Sir Dandy a beautiful blue silk flag embroidered with gold dogs, he barked in a deep bass voice— THE KING’S SONG, Oh better far to live and die, Under this canine flag I fly, Than to live in the world as mortals do, Where many are neither good or true. But still let us be a friend to man, And help our masters all we can ; And I’ll be true to the song I sing, And live and die the doggie’s king. (Chorus) Hurrah tor our noble king. My subjects here are true and leal, I find it easy with them to deal. Sir Dandy is always grave and steady. For his duty he’s ever ready. So wishing you all a loving greeting. Here’s good luck to our marry mooting. And I’ll be true to the song I sing, And live and die my doggie’s king. (Chorus) Hurrah for our noble king ! Tho chorus of this song was taken up with great spirit, and the plaudits that followed were both long and loud; and then King Fidelia called on Sir Typo for his song. He disappeared for a moment, but reoppeared in a short cutaway coat of crimson velvet, trimmed with gold, and a crimson smoking oap on his head. His air of unutterable conceit amuesd everybody. With a bow he put himself in an elegant position and began his song. SIR TYPO’S SONG. ‘ As on me you kindly call, To sing my little song, I como to-night before you all, But won’t detain you long. ‘ You know you all admire me, I mean the ladies here ; Their loving looks I plainly see, Saying— ‘ Isn’t he a dear.’ (Chorus, in which no one joined)— ‘Oh, I’m the swell of all the cats, I’m death on all the mica and rats ; At night when my terrible voice they hear, All other cats tremble, shiver, and fear. * My figure is perfection, My color’s quite the thing ; In fact, upon reflection, I think I may be King. ‘All other Toms I pity, For they’ve no chance with me. And now I’ll end my ditty, May you all happy be. (Chorus, in which no one joined.) Oh ! I'm the swell of all the cats.’ This song was received with lit' le or no applause, and Sir Typo looked very cross, and Puck whispered to a dog near him, ‘ I say, what do you think of that, Jack ?’ ‘Conceited brute,* growled Jack, a handsome brown dog, a cross between a pointer and setter. ‘I should just like to have a quiet half hour with him. I’d make him shiver with fear before I’d done.’ ‘ The Queen isn’t going to marry him is ahe ?’ enquired Puck. * No ; of course not. She is going to marry Tabbyskins, ho told me so this evening,’ said Jack. Mari came up just then, and growled saucily—- ‘ Hullo! who are you ? I’ve seen you somewhere ?’ ‘Shut up Mars,' growled Nemo, ‘that’s Jack, and he belongs to the ‘Loafer in the Street,’and if we don't look out he'll have ns m his next article.* * Oh, bless my toil and teeth, 1 shouldn’t like that; I beg your pardon, Jack,’answered Mars. i *' All right, little cook sparrow, I’ll let yon ■off this time,’ said Jack. j Sir Dandy, who was listening, said, ‘ Yon know what Burns said, “ A duel’s amang ye takin’ notes, an’ faith he’ll print it; ” but Jack, old boy, let us down easy, you know Christmas comes but once a year.’ ,

‘Bless your venerable old tail, Bir Dandy, I’m not going to tell my master,’ said Jack, laughing. ‘Well,’ said Pack, ‘ I£ there’s anything about us in the papers, wo shall know you have done it.’ ‘ Why, Puck, my master can make more fun and write wittier things about our masters and mistresses ; he wouldn’t trouble his head to write about us,’ answered Jack.’ ‘ Is that so ? ’ said Puck, thoughtfully. Suddenly there was a noise heard, and four hull dogs entered, holding a boy about ten years old, who was fighting and kicking to get away. They brought him to the Throne, and Sir Dandy said—- * Inspector Bnllham, who have you brought here ?’ The largest bull dog said with a bow 'Respected Prime Minister, wo have brought this boy, Peter Squiffens, before his Majesty to decide bis punishment. Ho has had repeated warnings, but is cruel and malicious to our race, and we have brought his last victim to bear witness to his cruelty,’ and four dogs approached, carrying a stretcher, on which a beautiful black and tan spaniel lay with his leg broken in two places. The King said very gently, for the poor little dog looked so frightened—- • What is the matter with your leg, Prince ?’ * I hurt it, Sire,’ was the timid answer. Inspector Bullhorn said—- * Tour Majesty, this boy thrashed_ Prince till he could not stand, and then hit him with a big stick and broke his leg.’ ‘Does your master often beat you. Prince?’ ‘Not every day 5 and I would be fond of him if he would let me,’ replied Prince, with an appealing look in his beautiful eyes. ‘ Won't I warm you when I get you home, that’s all. I’ll out you in pieces with my new whip’, shouted Pater. Prince shivered, but said nothing. ‘ Take Prince away,’ said the King,’ and let him be attended to.’

• Your Majesty, shall I read the indictment, attested by twenty witnesses ? ’ *Do so,’ said the King,’ and let strict silence be preserved.’ Sir Dandy read out amidst a breathless silence

«This boy, Peter Squiffens, has been guilty of the most cruel acts since last Christmas. He has killed three dogs. The first by drowning in an unmerciful manner, the second by pelting with stones, having tied our poor brother to a fence, the third by starvation. He has tortured numbers of kittens to death in various ways too dreadful to relate, and numberless acts of cruelty to birds, horses, dogs and oats, one of the worst of which is burying some kittens alive and listening to their cries.’ * Horrible, horrible’ sounded through the hall, but Peter did not seem to mind, but grinned and chuckled at the recollection. King Fidelis, with a solemn look, said * Oh, cruel boy, have you so little shame. And can you think that you are not to blame In torturing and killing those helpless ones, Whose kindred are all here, fathers, mothers, sons, Who hove been longing for their presence here to-night. And you can smile and laugh and.think it's right. A terrible example shall now be made. Prince, you need not speak, my word i» said. Well, one chance more we’ll give him as you plead, But he must swear ne'er to do another cruel deed. He only laughs and jeers, and shakes his cruel fist At all of us. Sir Dandy write his name upon our black list, Remove him hence, Bulldogs, his fate is clear. Oongeotorum, oh fortum, mortum, fear.’ At these awful words the lighte grew dim, the band played some solemn music, and Peter was led away vowing vengeance on the King. What happened to him no one knew for certain, but he was never seen again, and it was whispered he was quietly killed by the electric wand being placed on his forehead. All the dogs and oats were very much shocked, and Moliie and Eva wore crying. ‘ Hush, little ones,’ said the King gently. ‘Do not be frightened, wo would not hurt you for anything.’ ‘ No,’ sobbed the children, ‘we know that. But it’s the poor doggies and the dear little kittens we was crying for.’ ‘ Bless your kind little hearts,’ said the King, and all the dogs and cats gathered round the children trying to comfort them, and one brought cakes, another fruit, and at last, by the kindness of their sympathetic iriends, Moliie and Eva wore comforted. The King eaid, ‘ Time is getting on, Dandy, it is past eleven. Doro ought to be here soon.’ ‘Yes,’ said Dandy. 'Will you give me the word, sire ?’ * Yes, I will; give mo the flag.’ And Dandy handed the King the flag, which he waved three .times, and said—- ‘ ’Tis the Witching time of night, When fairies sport upon the green. Back, oh wall, and to our sight, Appear, appear a lovely scene !’ The end of the hall opened and disclosed a charming landscape ; the calm moonlit sea glistening and gleaming like silver, the fair moon throwing a broad track of light behind her. The rugged hills made a fine background. The golden sand, on which tiny, snowy wavelets broke with musical murmur. All was still and peaceful. The Shag Bock stood out in bold relief against the dark sky. Over the gleaming sea came fairy-like music, which at last resolved itself into a chorus—‘Faintly as tolls the Fairy chime. Our voices keep tune, and our oars keep time Full, fairies, pull, pull well your oar, And soon we’ll reach the wished for shore. Now, soon the bells will ring a chime, Telling us this it Christmas time; Bow, fairies, row, pull well your oar. And. now wo reach the wished for shore.’

A fleet of fairy boats came in view, and Moliie and Eva held their breath. It was such a pretty strut. In the first boat sat King Doro and Queen Argentine, King and Queen of the New Zealand fairies ; he dark and handsome, she fair and lovely. He was dad in golden armour, fitting him skin.tight, with crimson mantle; she in pale blue and silver.

Following them were myriads of fairies in green, blue, violet, yellow, crimson, and white, all with transparent wings of prismatic hue. They wore soon on shore, and were received by all tho cats and dogs, and the sands presented a lovely scene, never seen by mortal eye before. Mollia and Eva sat entranced.

The soft music, the exquisite scenery, the fairies with their gleaming wings, now flying hither, now thither, and in the distance was to bo seen the Moa and his bride, stalking along, deep in Love’s young dream. Suddenly a sweet, pure voice was hoard (Queen Argentine’s), accompanied by a guitar. QUEEN’S SONG. ‘ Tell me, little murmuring wave, Breaking gently on the shore That tenderly our feet doth lave ; Tell me, tell me, I implore, What means thy murmuring song to-night, It is so full of soft delight. [Chorus.] * Tell us, tell us, we implore thee, What thou singest, murmuring sea.’ A soft, low, musical murmur came from the sea, which presently took the form of these words : SONG OF THE WAVE. ‘ Oh, gentle Queen, the song I sing. That sweetly in your ears doth ring, Tells of a Mighty Father’s love For all things that on earth do move. My little song ascends on high Beyond the blue arched canopy ; Unnumbered voices, nature raises, And aye our Great Creator praises.’ Queen Argentine waved her wand, and chanted—- ‘ Como ye fairy spirits come, Forth from your bright and snowy home.’ And from out of the silvery waves came forth a number of beautiful white fairies with green wings, led by their Queen, who was clad in the foam of the sea, and so infinitely pure and white she looked. King Dora now sang—- • Come all you Fairies, hand in bond, Now dance we merrily on the sand. Gome sing and dance, and laugh and play, To-morrow will be Christmas Day.’ The musio played a pretty waltz, and the fairies, cats, and dogs all joined in a glorious dance on the sands. When it was over, and they were all resting, King Fidelia and King Doro came np to where Mollle and Era were sitting, and King Fidelia said— i ‘ Well, dear children, hare yon been happy with us ?’ ‘ Ob, so happy, dear king. Do let ns stay with you altogether V they said.

* Oh, wo don’t live here. We shall have to go back to the world to-night and do our duty and work for another year,’ said the king. Doro was looking sadly at Eva, and at last said—‘Darling little Eva, is there anything you would like that King Doro can give you ?’ ‘ No, dear King Doro, only I would like to see my dear mamma,’ said Eva, with a yearning, upward look in her blue eyes. ‘ Darling little one, I think yon will have your wish before next Christmas,’ said Doro, his voice trembling with emotion. ‘Farewell, little ones,’ so saying the two Kings went their way. The children were getting sleepy, and laid down on the soft mgs their thoughtful friends had brought out for them, and the last thing they heard was a grand chorus, sang by everyone : FAREWELL CHORUS. * Dogs and cats and fairies sing. Let the air with music ring, Christmas Day is very near. Hark the bolls strike on our oar. With sorrow we must say farewell, How sad that word is all can tell. Our little friends are fast asleep. May angels guard their slumbers deep. We wish all friends a Christmas greeting ; May next year’s bo a happy meeting.’ Next morning when Moliie woke, she found Eva sitting up in bed, and she said ‘ Oh, Moliie, was we dreaming ? ’ Moliie looked puzzled and said, ' I don’t know ; let’s ask Pack.’ But when they asked Puck, who was looking tired and eleepy, as if he hod been up all night, he only grinned but said nothing. And when Mrs Maraden came in, they told her all about it, she laughed as she kissed them, and said ‘Well, ohioks, you have had a very jolly Christmas Eve. But jump up and look at your stockings.’ They both got out of bed, and Eva exclaimed with pleasure, when she saw a little white dog tied to her stacking, which was fnll of presents. The little dog was Puck’s brother Jack, a dear little thing. Moliie had a splendid doll’s house, and lots of other things. They dressed quickly and went to Church, and heard once more those precious tidings, told nearly two thousand years ago to the shepherds, how Our Lord came down as on this day in the form of a little child. They then went home and spent a happy day with their little friends, and when night came they were quite ready for bed, and after they had said their prayers, and were snugly tucked in by Mrs Marsden, Moliie said—- ‘ Good night, Eva, darling, I have been so happy to-day, haven’t you ?’ Eva kissed Moliie fondly, and said—‘Yes, Moliie, I have been very happy, but speots I’ll be happier next Kissmas ; then I hope I shall bo with my mamma.* And she was, for Doro’s words were prophetic, and little Eva had her wish, for before next Christmas she was with her dear mother. * Safe in that restful haven, Of which Christ keeps the key.'