And Rowena said with a half-caught breath:
"I expect it was just a night like this when the earth was hushed and still to hear the angel's voices. The whole world waiting till the Saviour of the earth was born!"
Something in her voice made General Macdonald draw her very closely and tenderly to him.
"Why, dearest, what is the matter? Tears on Christmas night!"
Rowena smiled through misty eyes.
"I only thought I'd like to tell you to-night, that before another Christmas comes round, I may be a mother. I seem to feel the Manger-throne so close to me to-night."
General Macdonald bent his head and kissed her. For once his composure was shaken.
"My darling," he said, "what a wonderful joy to give me to-night."
"Are you pleased?" she whispered. "I did not know if you would be."
Her husband tightened his hold on her; then he looked up into the starry sky.