The crown of purest purity revealed
Virginity eternal, signed and sealed
Upon all motherhood.”
—Helen Hunt.
“In sorrow thou shalt bring forth.”—Gen. iii. 16.
“Thou shalt be saved in child-bearing.”—Tim. ii. 15.
Hundreds of willing hands, directed by Miriamne, were engaged in preparations for fitly celebrating the feast of the Nativity at Bethany. There was cheerful expectation everywhere in the village, and the Temple of Allegory was smiling and glowing by day and by night with flowers and lights.
“Miriamne, look forth! There approaches our domicile a company of singing maidens, wearing holly wreaths and bearing a kline! What can it mean?”
An instant of wonderment ready to echo the chaplain’s question possessed Miriamne, then with a glow of satisfaction on her pale face, she cried: