As they sat and talked, I fancied that shadows began to fall over the land. The children did not seem to heed it at first, but presently they seemed divided one from another by the deepening twilight, and before I knew where I was, I found myself following Esther and her little brother, who held by the hand one of the children who had been listening to the conversation.
Again we approached the portal where the Herald stood, and I could see that Ernest and Esther were both hurrying forward with all their speed, helping their companion along, who, though hastening as much as she could, seemed weary and spent.
Ever and anon upon the quiet evening air the Herald's voice sounded clear and full, 'The time is short—the day is far spent—ask and it shall be given you;' and as they ran under the archway darkness fell upon the land, and I could not follow them.
But while I pondered on these things, I saw a little glimmering light in a casement, and seemed drawn to approach near enough to see what it was. As I came close I could see the interior of a small chamber; hard by on a couch lay Esther, fast asleep, with her little brother's arms flung about her neck. Close beside them, and still fastened by golden links to their waists, stood the two Golden Lamps, burning brightly and steadily, while a King's Messenger, arrayed in white apparel, waited near, guarding the sleepers and the Lamps with watchful care.
Long did I look, and was at last turning away, when a strange sound startled the midnight air: "Your King cometh! your King cometh!"
At the words, so long looked for, so eagerly expected, Esther sprang from her rest, caught her Lamp in her hand, looked round with joyful eyes for her little brother, who had also heard that cry, and then both ran out to meet the King. Did I see their companion of the evening before, holding aloft a Golden Lamp too, to welcome Him?
And then I thought I heard confused tones of regret, and sorrow, and wailing disappointment, as one and another, awakened by the lights and glad sounds, hastened from their couches—not to meet the King; alas! no—but to find He had come, and had taken those who were ready, into His glorious Palace, to go no more out for ever.
"Agnes," said Minnie, looking up solemnly into her sister's face, "I think I know, but isn't the Oil in that story meant for the Holy Spirit?"
"Yes, darling, and the promise stands fresh and sure now, as it did eighteen hundred years ago, 'If ye...know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him.'"