“Tell the truth!” whispers her guardian child.
“I must see Johnnie! Oh! I must see Johnnie! Open the gate!” cries Kitty.
“Did you resist the temptations?” asks Love again, her fingers remaining motionless on the latch.
“Do not answer—smile! That will seem good,” whispers the sprite.
The idea strikes Kitty as a happy one. A smile is not telling a falsehood. She makes an effort as she broadens her lips into what looks like a grin; she thinks Love’s fingers are beginning to press the latch.
“The smile means a falsehood. Tell the truth!” whispers the guardian child.
“You have not answered!” again says Love’s voice.
“Open the gate,” entreats Kitty in anguish. “Why are you called Love when you can stand there and not open the gate for me? I want to see Johnnie. I want to know if he is alive. Oh! it is Christmas morning. Open the gate, open the gate!”
Kitty has pushed her hands through the bars as she implores. She has caught hold of Love’s fingers, and is trying to force her to push up the latch. But still the strong hands remain motionless.
“Answer!” repeats the gentle, relentless voice.