Page:Tale of the Rebellion of 1745, or, The broken heart (2).pdf/16

16 THE STORY

OF

THE THREE WISHES.

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There was once a man who was not very rich, who had a very pretty woman to his wife. One winter’s evening as they sat by the fire, they talked of the happiness of the neighbours around them who were richer than they. Said the wife, “ If it were in my power to have what I wish, I should soon be happier than all of them.”—“ So should I too,” said the husband ; “ I wish we had fairies now a days, and that one of them was kind enough to grant to me whatever I should ask or wish for.”

Now, reader, listen to the sequel of the story, and see, after having the means in their power of becoming rich, whether they became happier or not.

Just as they had finished speaking, a very beautiful young lady appeared in the room, who addressed them thus,-—"I am a fairy, and I pro- mise to grant you the first three things you shall wish for ; but take care—after having wished for these three things, I will not grant one wish farther.”

The fairy disappeared, and the man and his wife were much perplexed.

“ For my own part,” said the wife, "if it were left to my choice, I know very well what I should wish for ; I do not wish yet, but I think nothing is so good as to be handsome, and rich, and to be of great quality,”