JEWELS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 857, 28 December 1929, Page 27

JEWELS

The sun peeped over the ridge of hills, and shed its radiant light on the world below. Princess Pat sat in the palace gardens, holding in her chubby hands a beautiful crystal ball which her father, King Phillip, had given her that morning for her Christmas present. The little Princess was overjoyed with her sparkling ball, so she promptly took it into the garden, so that she could show it to her friends, the birds and the flowers. Princess Pat was loved by everyone. Even the sun seemed to shine more brightly when she was near! Patty sat on th© garden seat, and saw all the beautiful flowers reflected in the crystal. Suddenly a butterfly, with goldy wings, fluttered against the crystal ball, and the child sprang up with a little cry to capture the pretty creature. As she did so, the ball slipped and fen on to the garden path where it splintered into a million pieces. The Princess ran sobbing into the palace, where the Queen did her best to comfort her, but the Princess Patty had lost her treasure, and no amount of sympathy could atone for it.

It was sunset. The sun, in all its golden glory, was sinking below the horizon, but, he thought, with his last ray, he must do something to bring happiness to his beloved Princess. So, as his last rosy ray fled, it pierced some of the crystal splinters, and stained them with a rich red tint. Before darkness came the sky sent a little bit of blue, and the trees sent some brilliant green which tinted the crystals, and filled them with twinkling coloured lights. Then the stars came out and lent some of their flashing splendour to make diamonds. And so did all nature lend beauty to make the Princess happy. In the morning when she came, her brown eyes drowned in tears, and holding a butler by the hand, she stopped in amazement and pointed along the path. Yes, there, in their coloured splendour, were shining diamonds, moonstones, rubies, emeralds, and other precious jewels made by her friends, the stars, sky, sun, trees and flowers! The butler was agog with excitement, and ran and told their majesties, who cam© running out to see the gems. Princess Pat smiled at the sun, who, aware of her presence, shone brighter than ever, and made the garden vivid with colour. And that night, the Princess sat at her window and blew a kiss to the moon find to the stars. The moon beamed brighter and the stars winked at her—they all understood!

Joy Hill, aged 15.