In the warm bright days of pleasant October, as some happy, healthful children were collected on the banks of a bubbling brook, twining gay autumn leaves into wreaths and bouquets, with one accord they asked for a story. "What shall it be about?" "Oh, about fairies," said a bright eyed girl, who had lately been revelling in the fascinating tales of the "Forty Thieves," and "Aladdin's wonderful lamp." "Well, a story you shall have, but only about good fairies; for a wicked fairy seems as inconsistent as an ungentle lamb, an ugly beauty, or a dark sunbeam." "Oh, good, good, good!" echoed from them all; and after the lunch of wedding cake was finished, and each one had crept as near as possible to the narrator, she began.

"Once upon a time there lived a Fairy, or Fair spirit, in a crystal palace. This was built upon the polished surface of an immense mirror, and being reflected in the clear depths below, it was an object of unsurpassable magnificence.

Her name was Unda. For many, many years she had been busy doing good, refreshing the earth, the trees and the modest flowerets, and giving bountiful supplies to all the living creatures in her extensive dominions.

The fame of her beauty and goodness at last reached the ears of the excellent ruler of a certain great city, and he resolved to invite her to visit his people. Like his father before him, he had always striven to better their condition, and by her pure presence, he hoped to banish all the evil spirits, which frequently tormented and degraded his beloved subjects.

Accordingly an invitation was sent to Unda, and she agreed to come within a year, provided a safe and convenient road should be constructed for her especial benefit, and pleasant resting places erected, where she might stop and collect her strength. This was promised; and a hundred thousand magicians were immediately set to work to cut down hills, blow up rocks, and fill up valleys, so that her course might be unobstructed, and her access to the great city might be easy and agreeable.

The news of her coming was sent to distant parts of the country by the Flying Lightnings, who were employed as the ruler's messengers. On the appointed day, thousands of people were brought safely to the place by the giant, Steam, who, by a puff of his breath, could waft a hundred chariots across the land, and great ships across the sea, in less than no time.

Great was the desire to see the beautiful stranger, and vast the preparations made in honor of her arrival. The city was ornamented with flowers and evergreen, and sounds of music and shouts of rejoicing were heard in every street. A procession was formed, three miles in length, composed of men of all ranks, ages and professions, each bearing an appropriate offering, and all vying with each other in the costliness of their gifts. Myriads of gallant horsemen, on gaily caparisoned steeds, bore along splendid flags and banners; children scattered flowers in endless profusion, and representatives of various nations all went forth in their pomp to greet the distinguished guest.

A pretty lake, in the centre of a spacious park interspersed with green lawns, shady trees and pleasant walks, was especially fitted up for her residence. And there, with a prospect of the hills and dales of the neighboring country, and the companionship of her sweet sisters, Lux and Aer, the good ruler hoped she would be tempted to remain forever.

Every thing was ready, and crowds of people with happy, expectant faces, were waiting for the sign of her approach. Soon soft musical tones were heard, like the breathings of an Æolian harp. Then swelling clearer and louder, instantly up rose the lovely Water Spirit, radiant with gems, and decked with a scarf of rainbow hues. Dancing and leaping higher and higher, till she had attained her full majestic height, she bowed her glittering head as a token of homage to the Father of all, and then scattered cooling drops, like blessings, upon the gathered multitude.

Great was the enthusiasm at her arrival, and loud were the acclamations that rent the sky, as all drank in the beauties of the graceful nymph before them; and it seemed as if they could never tire of gazing at her various charms. In the evening, to conclude the festivities of the day, the Flame Fairies lit up the city with magic brilliancy, and fire pictures, of every description, were exhibited, with most gorgeous effect, to the assembled thousands.

Unda was so much pleased with her reception, that she resolved to abide in the great city; and now her little daughters sparkle in various parts of the metropolis, aiding their bright mother in her efforts to elevate humanity.

No place is too grand, and none too humble for her ministrations of mercy; and daily does she visit the sick and the wretched, the poor and the prosperous, gladdening many a hearth-stone with her smiles, and bringing peace and plenty to the squalid abodes of vice and poverty. Blessed is her mission, and long may that city rejoice in the presence of Unda, the Fountain Fairy, and may her store-houses be inexhaustible."

Note.—The above story was especially written for those scholars, who, for a fortnight, strove diligently to be good at home; never disobeying their parents, kind and polite to each other, and with smiling faces promptly performing their various duties. To those, who have preserved the white Cameo seals given on that occasion, it may be pleasant to imagine them a likeness of Unda; and like an Amulet they may serve to encourage them in constant efforts to be "Perfect." If at any time, they should be discouraged, let them sing "Try, again;" for this song, like many others in the "School Singer," has a most invigorating influence.

TRY AGAIN.