LULU'S LIBRARY: Complete Collection (Illustrated Edition). Луиза Мэй Олкотт

that May kept on trying to be good, and wishing for things for herself and other people, till she forgot how to be naughty, and was the sweetest little girl in the world. Then there was no need of fairies to help her; and one night the box was not under the pillow.

      "Well, I 've had my share of pretty things, and must learn to do without. I 'm glad I tried; for now it is easy to be good, and I don't need to be rewarded," said May, as she fell asleep, quite happy and contented, though she did wish, she could have seen the fairy just once.

      Next morning the first thing she saw was a beautiful bracelet, shining on the table; and while she stood admiring it, she heard the little voice sing,--

      "Here is the bracelet

      For good little May

      To wear on her arm

      By night and by day.

      When it shines like the sun,

      All's going well;

      But when you are bad,

      A sharp prick will tell.

      Farewell, little girl,

      For now we must part.

      Make a fairy-box, dear,

      Of your own happy heart;

      And take out for all

      Sweet gifts every day,

      Till all the year round

      Is like beautiful May."

      As the last words were sung, right before her eyes she saw a tiny creature swinging on the rose that stood there in a vase,--a lovely elf, with wings like a butterfly, a gauzy dress, and a star on her forehead. She smiled, and waved her hand as she slowly rose and fluttered away into the sunshine, till she vanished from sight, leaving May with the magic bracelet on her arm, and the happy thought that at last she had really seen a fairy.

       Johnny leaned forward to enjoy the long-desired "peek." PAGE 183.