Maggie Browne

“ The holiday fairies sat up in the tree and laughed.
When the bag began to come to pieces, and the bits of paper began to fall out, they laughed louder than ever.
But Lucy, who had spent most of her time watching the struggle, pushed her way into the middle of the group, and called out loudly:
“Stop, stop. We ought to be ashamed of ourselves.”
“We ought,” said Thirteen-fourteenths.
And the figures hung their heads, Minora covered her face with her hands, and the others stood still thinking. ”

“ And the three fairies swung themselves down from the tree and hurried away.
“Where are they off to, this time?” said the Fraction. “They only mean mischief, let us all set to work to pick up the bits before the fairies come back.”
And all the figures, Lucy, Minora, and Miss Crimson Lake set to work with a will.
“I think,” said Half-term, sitting down, for once, “you are wasting your time. My charming sisters have gone to fetch a friend, who will do the work much better. Ah, I thought so. Here he comes. If you will take my advice, you will all lie flat on your faces.” ”

“ And they joined hands, and cheered heartily, then they clapped hands; and then they all jumped and ran, shouting and singing, down the path to the cross-roads, each to find his or her own way home.
As they disappeared through the wood there was a fluttering among the branches of the tree, and the White Owl flew down the trunk to her old quarters.
“Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!” she said, as she settled herself comfortably. ‘I shall have peace at last, the Book of Betty Barber is gone—gone—gone! Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!” ”