Everyone called her Wiley the Witch because she had a long nose and chin. Her real name was Wilhelmina, but it was very difficult, so they called her Wiley. What they did not know was that she was really a very kind witch! And she could really work magic.
Her neighbour, Herbert, worked as a gardener. One day, Wiley could hear him yelling at his wife because he couldn’t find his shears. She looked towards his house and said a few magic words. In a flash, the shears were found lying on a table.
One day, Wiley went to the market because she needed some fresh vegetables and fruits. When she went into the grocer’s shop, she found that an argument was going on between young Mr Bird, the grocer, and Mrs Lacey.
“You call these vegetables fresh, Mr Bird?” said Mrs Lacey, “The cabbages have wilted and as for the tomatoes… Well! You better know.”
Wiley said a few magic words, and when Mrs Lacey looked at the cabbages and tomatoes they looked wonderful. Mr Bird looked at them and then at Wiley. He wondered what had happened, as a moment ago Mrs Lacey had been so annoyed and now she was relaxed.
He scratched his head, puzzled. When he had finished serving Mrs Lacey and seen her off, he turned to Wiley. She had a basketful of vegetables and fruit. As she paid him, he saw that she had beautiful eyes and a lovely smile. After this, Mr Bird waited for Wiley to come to his shop. The fruits and the vegetables were always fresh when she was around. He sold much more stuff on the days when she came.
Mr Nathan Bird fell in love with Wiley! He was sure she had some magical quality. She also had a very kind heart. But Mr Bird was very shy, so he didn’t know how to tell Wiley that he loved her.
One day, he saw Wiley in the market. So, he went out to meet her.
“Hullo, Wiley. Looking for something?” he asked.
“Yes. I need a new broom. But I just can’t find the right thing,” said Wiley.
“Wait a minute!” said Mr Bird, running into his shop. He came out with a new broom. “Do you think this will do?”
“Why, it’s just what I need!” exclaimed Wiley.
Wiley wanted to pay him, but Mr Bird firmly refused. He finally agreed to visit her to taste her delicious cakes!
And so Mr Bird and Wiley fell in love and got married, all because of vegetables and a broom!
