166 'A FAIRY TALE'
by Alfred Carlton Smith (1853-1946)

'Once upon a time...........', the short story begins. The little girls imagination is now about to ascend into a dream like trance while her mother continues. '.....there was an old lady who lived all on her own in a cottage that lay hidden deep in a wood........'

Instantly there is a look of concern across the small forehead. It is time for an important interruption.
"Mummy! Am I going to be frightened? I'm not sure I like to hear new stories in case I can't sleep tonight".
"No..... Dearest. It will all turn out well. I will go on so that you will see for yourself".

'.......It was a perfect day outside and sunbeams shone directly through the trees while she sat drowsily in her rocking chair by the grate. Suddenly there was the unexpected sound of someone laughing not far away. It came from outside but seemed to be from high above. Was it from a branch in the old oak tree? Or was it from the top of the roof? And it was a very peculiar laugh too, friendly but sounding as though it was from someone very little. Who could it be?

The little listener became extremely attentive now. She was enjoying the mystery and now no longer frightened. She stays close to her mothers side to make sure. The story goes on, and facial expressions change from moment to moment. Only a Fairy Tale will observe how such a tiny person can make an old lady's biggest dream come true.

"Oh! how I wish I could be there too, Mummy"
'........And everyone lived ever so happily afterwards... The End.'
The book is carefully closed and put back on the shelf for another story tomorrow.

Alfred Carlton Smith RI RBA ROI specialised in paintings which include many domestic scenes. He was also a watercolourist. He exhibited at the R.A. in and elsewhere from 1879 when he was 26 years old. Works by him are at the Victoria and albert Museum, Sunderland Art Gallery and the National Gallery in Melbourne. His wife was also a painter specialising in marine and coastal subjects. They had an address in London.