E. Veale

“ What kind little hearts these Brownies had. All the nice pieces of wood should be piled up for these strange people’s comfort, the best grapes should be saved for them, they would coax the fish to nibble, and do all in their power to make these queer guests happy. Indeed they seemed to think of nothing else, and had you visited their home in the old forest, you would have found them busily engaged in planning how they could add to the comfort of their strange guests. The Brownies are never so happy as when they are busy making others happy. ”

“ These youngsters had no thought but to run and play, to sleep and to eat. They loved the flowers and they loved the birds—and the butterflies led them lively chases in their games of hide and seek. But one day came a change in their lives, and they learned that others lived in the world besides themselves. ”

“ The poor people of the village loved her, for it was her gentle hands that brought broths and strengthening food to the sick mothers, her beautiful eyes that read comforting words to the old women, and in her untiring arms many a poor little baby had been rocked to the land of dreams. ”

“ The old farm place was crowded with buyers, anxious to get horses and pigs and other animals for little money.
How happy the Brownies were as they crowded around, for the new owners had thrown the cruel devices of Farmer Grump away. They were happy when they thought of the good homes these poor animals had found—but gladdest of all where they when they thought of Ned, for Widow Love had bought him to cart to market the beautiful butter that she made every week. They knew that she would be very kind and gentle to their old friend. ”

“ While the lovers stood together planning a life for the future—things had been entirely taken out of their hands by the good little Brownies.
They had known Elsie and worshipped her for her goodness, and now the time had come when they might show their appreciation, and while the lovers talked they had gathered silently around them. Then the Queen of the Brownies spoke, “Good and lovely maiden, and noble youth,” said she, “we know of your troubles and we want to help you. Listen to what I tell you, and you shall have riches in abundance. ”

“ But true to their nature the Brownies came to the rescue, promising to build a palace far more beautiful than the one that was lost. Such helpful little creatures as the Brownies never lived. No chance of doing good to one in trouble ever escapes these generous little fellows and certainly this was a work to be hailed with much joy. ”

“ They believe that the best way to enjoy life, is to give pleasure to those they meet. Of course the visitors did not know what was making their visit so pleasant, for these busy little creatures always work quietly and secretly. The visitors did not stay long, but the Brownies did good service, and when they had gone they quite missed the pleasure they had felt in making others happy, and they were continually wishing that some favoring wind would bear some other ship to their shores that they might again have an opportunity of renewing their acquaintance with these queer people. ”

“ One little fellow had an axe, another, hammer and nails, one the mortar hod and still another the plane, while the master worker could be seen with the square in his hand giving directions to the whole crowd. ”

“ It’s bad for them to do nothing but eat all day, so I thought we would be doing a good thing for them, and for ourselves too, if to-night, you know it is moonlight, we borrow these horses and go for a ride. ”