(_A Fairy Fragment from the German._)
Little ALICE was delighted with her surroundings. She had found her
way into a lumber-room, which was filled with modern furniture and
modern toys. "How pretty they are!" she exclaimed; "and how I would
like to speak to them!"
Then the Cup and Saucer labelled a "Present from Ramsgate," and the
Old Grandfather's Clock glowed with satisfaction. Evidently they
wished to join in the conversation.
Then ALICE thought that perhaps she might raise a sprite or a goblin
of some magical person by reading ANDERSEN'S Fairy Stories backward.
She had scarcely, with some difficulty, completed the first page
(rendered reversely) of "The Shepherdess and the Brave Tin Soldier,"
when an old lady, about eighteen inches high, suddenly appeared before
her.
"You want all these inanimate things to speak?" said the new comer.
"Well, you will be disappointed if they do."
ALICE protested that she would be delighted beyond measure if they
would but talk. "It will be interesting, so very interesting, dear
godmother," she cried; and then she added, "I suppose I may assume
that you _are_ my godmother?"
"You may assume anything you like," snapped out the little old lady;
"only don't bother me. Here! I authorise all these things to talk. I
will be back again by-and-by to see how you are getting on. Adieu."
And then the little old lady disappeared. And then, as she had
foretold, ALICE suffered great disappointment.
The Cup and Saucer "A Present from Ramsgate," began speaking sixteen
words to the dozen, but ALICE could not make out the meaning. Then the
Old Grandfather's Clock talked, but without better effect. ALICE could
not understand a syllable. And the box of tin Highlanders followed
suit. So did a doll dressed as an Irish peasant. Then all sorts of
things that seemed to be English to the backbone or last ounce
of metal--scissors, books, and calico curtains--kept up a fire of
conversation. But ALICE could make out nothing. She was absolutely
astounded. Here were heaps of British goods suddenly endowed with the
power of speech, and yet she could not understand them!
And as she considered, the little old lady again appeared.
"Well, child!" she exclaimed. "What's the matter? You seem perplexed!
Have not all the toys been talking?"
"Why, yes," faltered ALICE; "but then you see I cannot understand a
word they say!"
"Of course you cannot," replied the Fairy. "They speak only their
native language."
"Their native language! Then why don't they speak English?"
"Because, my good girl," returned the Fairy, preparing to take her
departure, "they cannot. You see, young lady, they don't know anything
about the English language, and this is natural enough, for they were
all made in Germany!"
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