"If your cousin John wants to give you any more animals, I wish he'd send a pony to take you to school, and save my old legs the pain of trotting after you," said Nurse; for May did have a rich cousin who was very fond of her, and often gave her nice things. "Perhaps he will," laughed May, much tickled with the idea that it was a fairy, and not Cousin John, who sent the cunning little creatures to her. But she didn't get the pony that night; for in the afternoon her mother told her not to sit on the lawn, because it was damp, and May did not mind, being busy with a nice story. So when she took up her box, a loud sneeze seemed to blow the lid off, and all she saw was a bit of red flannel. "What is this for?" she asked, much disappointed; and as if to answer, the strip of flannel wrapped itself round her neck. "There! my throat _is_ sore, and I _am_ hoarse. I wonder how that fairy knew I sat on the damp grass. I'm so sorry; for I did want a pony, and might have had it if I'd only minded," said May, angry with herself for spoiling all her fun. It _was_ spoilt; for she had such a cold next day she couldn't go out at all, but had to take medicine and keep by the fire, while the other children had a lovely picnic. "I won't wish for anything to-night; I don't deserve a present, I was so disobedient. But I _have_ tried to be patient," said May, feeling for the box. The fairy had not forgotten her, and there was a beautiful picture-book, full of new, nice stories printed in colored ink. "How splendid to read to-morrow while I'm shut up!" she said, and went to sleep very happily. All the next day she enjoyed the pretty pictures and funny tales, and never complained or fretted at all, but was so much better the doctor said she could go out to-morrow, if it was fine. "Now I will wish for the pony," said May, in her bed. But there was nothing in the box except a little red-silk rope, like a halter. She did not know what to do with it that night, but she did the next morning; for just as she was dressed her brother called from the garden,-- "May, look out and see what we found in the stable. None of us can catch him, so do come and see if you can; your name is on the card tied to his mane." May looked, and there was a snow-white pony racing about the yard as if he was having a fine frolic. Then she knew the halter was for him, and ran down to catch him. The minute she appeared, the pony went to her and put his nose in her hand, neighing, as if he said,-- "This is my little mistress; I will mind her and serve her well."