The beck was now frozen over and nothing could be heard outside, till from far down the dale came the voices of the waits, singing:
"As I sat under a green-wood tree
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day in the morning."
Their voices drew nearer, and Barbara went out to the garden-gate, followed by Peter.
"I've got a shepherd's privilege," she exclaimed, with a light laugh. "I can see angels on Thundergay."
"I fear they don't bring you much good tidings, Barbara," he said, letting some of the bitterness which he felt creep into his voice.
"Hush," she replied, "listen." They could hear the words clearly.
"She washed his face in a silver bowl
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day,
She combed his hair with an ivory comb
On Christmas Day in the morning.
"She sent him up to heaven to school,
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day,
She sent him up to heaven to school
On Christmas Day in the morning."
"I would not have it otherwise, Peter," said Barbara, laying her hand on his. "You and I—we must go up to heaven to school."
He said no more, and they went in, knowing that the first and last word, which would ever pass between them upon that which lay deepest in their hearts, had been spoken.