He thought they were singing it to him.
Coming home afterwards, Chris and Diana soon undeceived him.
"They did sing a hymn about me," Noel said obstinately.
"It means Christmas; Noel is the French for Christmas, isn't it, Mums?" said Diana.
"You always think that everybody is thinking about you," Chris said.
"Hush, Chris! Remember it is Noel's birthday. Be kind."
And then Mrs. Inglefield explained that carols were very ancient, and that many words that were spoken at that time have now entirely been changed or forgotten.
Noel was a little crestfallen.
"I thought they might know it was my birfday," he said.
Chris and Diana laughed at him, but said no more.