`` I am a Fairy , little child , and am come to help and comfort you ; now tell me why you weep , and let me be your friend , '' replied the spirit , as she smiled more kindly still on Annie 's wondering face . `` And are you really , then , a little Elf , such as I read of in my fairy books ? Do you ride on butterflies , sleep in flower-cups , and live among the clouds ? '' `` Yes , all these things I do , and many stranger still , that all your fairy books can never tell ; but now , dear Annie , '' said the Fairy , bending nearer , `` tell me why I found no sunshine on your face ; why are these great drops shining on the flowers , and why do you sit alone when BIRD and BEE are calling you to play ? '' `` Ah , you will not love me any more if I should tell you all , '' said Annie , while the tears began to fall again ; `` I am not happy , for I am not good ; how shall I learn to be a patient , gentle child ? good little Fairy , will you teach me how ? '' `` Gladly will I aid you , Annie , and if you truly wish to be a happy child , you first must learn to conquer many passions that you cherish now , and make your heart a home for gentle feelings and happy thoughts ; the task is hard , but I will give this fairy flower to help and counsel you . Bend hither , that I may place it in your breast ; no hand can take it hence , till I unsay the spell that holds it there . '' As thus she spoke , the Elf took from her bosom a graceful flower , whose snow-white leaves shone with a strange , soft light . `` This is a fairy flower , '' said the Elf , `` invisible to every eye save yours ; now listen while I tell its power , Annie . When your heart is filled with loving thoughts , when some kindly deed has been done , some duty well performed , then from the flower there will arise the sweetest , softest fragrance , to reward and gladden you . But when an unkind word is on your lips , when a selfish , angry feeling rises in your heart , or an unkind , cruel deed is to be done , then will you hear the soft , low chime of the flower-bell ; listen to its warning , let the word remain unspoken , the deed undone , and in the quiet joy of your own heart , and the magic perfume of your bosom flower , you will find a sweet reward . '' `` O kind and generous Fairy , how can I ever thank you for this lovely gift ! '' cried Annie . `` I will be true , and listen to my little bell whenever it may ring . But shall I never see YOU more ? Ah ! if you would only stay with me , I should indeed be good . '' `` I can not stay now , little Annie , '' said the Elf , `` but when another Spring comes round , I shall be here again , to see how well the fairy gift has done its work . And now farewell , dear child ; be faithful to yourself , and the magic flower will never fade . ''
Then the gentle Fairy folded her little arms around XXXXX 's neck , laid a soft kiss on her cheek , and , spreading wide her shining wings , flew singing up among the white clouds floating in the sky .
Annie Elf bell chime deed fall first flower-bell flower-cups home