THE BOOK OF BETTY BARBER.
“And fun, my love, is the best thing in the world,” said Easter.
“The only thing in the world,” said Christmas.
“We love fun,” they shouted in chorus.
Then they began chasing one another round the tree, laughing all the time.
For a few moments the Major watched them quietly, then he could not keep still, and began playing too, and after a little time even Miss Crimson Lake smiled and began to think of joining in the fun. Suddenly all the Fairies stopped in front of Lucy.
“She’s at it again,” said Summer.
“Tiresome girl!” said Easter.
“Let us shake her,” said Christmas.
In spite of all the noise and laughter, Lucy, still sitting on the book, was fast asleep.
“Leave her alone,” said the Major. “Perhaps she’s tired.”
“She always does it,” said Summer.
“Always,” said Easter.
“Whenever we come near her she goes to sleep,” said Christmas.
“We will shake the bothering thing,” they cried.
But the Major placed himself in front of Lucy to protect her.
“You must leave her alone,” he said. “She isn’t quite happy to-day, she’s been hurt.”
“Broken leg, sprained ankle, bumps, bruises?” asked Christmas. “We are quite used to those, and we don’t like them. For some reason or other if they occur too often the children get tired of us.”
“No, it’s her feelings that are hurt,” said the Major. “The fact of the matter is, we found the Book of Betty Barber.”
The Fairies interrupted him with shouts of laughter.
“Betty Barber! Capital girl!” said Easter.
“So fond of fun,” said Christmas.
“Where’s the book?” asked Summer.
“Well, really,” said the Major looking round.
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