Then they were called away by Nurse, and dressing and breakfast followed.
They all went to church, Noel much interested in the branch of his tree, which formed the centre of a group of evergreens on the front panel of the pulpit. When they came out he said to his mother:
"I'm sure Jesus must be enjoying His birfday, isn't He, Mums? And Nurse told me every church all over the world has music and singing and decorations to-day, and it's all for Him."
Mrs. Inglefield squeezed the little hand in hers.
"Yes, Noel, and what will please our Saviour most will be the grateful thanks and hearts of His people everywhere."
Before they sat down to the Christmas dinner, Noel had coaxed his mother to let him go into the drawing-room to see his tree. She let him go and he remained there for quite a quarter of an hour. He looked a little happier when he came out. It was the only shadow so far on his birthday, the thought that the glory of his tree was over.
"I fink he'll be comf'able when he gets back into my garden," he said to his mother. "He won't be up in the garret with the mice like Hans's tree."
"You must look forward to having him another Christmas," his mother said cheerfully.
In the afternoon they went to the Carol Service. Noel had never heard carols before, and when they sang:
"Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel,
Born is the King of Israel."