1I.] THE SILVER FAIRIES. 167

 

were not required upon the present occasion. Just
as they reached the door of the study a loud noise as
of a heavy fall startled both grandfather and grand-
daughter. They looked at each other for a moment
in wonder, and then opened the door.

The cause of the noise was at once apparent. The
old piece of furniture had fallen forward upon its face,
and lay on the floor smashed and broken, the very
wreck and ruin of its former self. Whether impelled ~
by some supernatural power, or animated by some
internal feeling not common to furniture in general,
it had apparently made a determined effort at self-de-
struction, and had nearly, if not quite, accomplished
its purpose. This, however, was not the only sight
which met the eyes of the two persons who entered
the room. Standing upon one of the fragments of
the broken piece of furniture, and gazing upon the
destruction around her with a mournful eye, was a
figure which they instantly recognised as the Queen
of the Silver Fairies. She looked up as they entered,
and fixed her gaze upon the two wondering mortals
in silence for a few moments, whilst they stood rooted
to the spot with amazement : then she spoke.

‘Simon Ricketts !’ she said, ‘you may well look
with wonder and sorrow upon the scene before you,
of which, indeed, you yourself have been the cause.
When you purchased and brought to your house the
ancient, happy home of the Silver Fairies, you re-
ceived full notice of what you might gain from such
guests, and what you should do in order to retain
their fortunate presence. Alas! you have followed in
the usual track of mankind. Advice you might have