"Not all my life, but most of it--yes," said Godmother. "It took me
some time to find the talisman, the charm, the secret--or whatever you
want to call it--of having a happy time."

"But you found it?"

Godmother flushed as if she were a little bit embarrassed. "Well," she
said, "I found one--at last--that worked, for me."

"I wish I could find one," sighed Mary Alice, wistfully.

"I'm going to try to give you mine," said Godmother, "or at least to
share it with you. And all I ask of you is, that if it 'works' for
you, you'll pass it on to some one else."

"Oh, I will!" cried Mary Alice. "What is it?"

"Wait a minute! I have to tell you about me, first--so you'll
understand."

"Please do!" urged Mary Alice. "I'd love to hear."

"Well, you see, when the invitations to my christening were sent out,
my folks forgot the fairies, I guess. And as I grew up, I found that I
hadn't been gifted with wealth or beauty or talents or charm----"

"I know," Mary Alice broke in.

Godmother looked surprised.