“Don’t sit up too long, dear granny. You are not able.”
“Don’t ’ee fear, Davie; I’ll lie down when I grow weary.”
David brought the Bible and seated himself at the table opposite his aged relative, and read parts of the first and second chapters of Matthew, recording the genealogy and birth of our Saviour. Then the dame folded her hands and reverently prayed for both, that they might be able to receive the Lord in their affections in that sacred Christmas season, and be led by Him forever.
“Now, David, lad, get ’ee to bed,” she said, as she arose from her knees.
“If I can be of any use during the night, will you call me, granny?”
“Ay, lad, be sure of that.”
Then David kissed her withered hand and went up to his loft; but instead of going into bed, he placed himself on the floor with his feet through the trap-door, resting on the highest step, and there he sat and watched and listened until Christmas Eve passed into Christmas Morn.
About midnight he heard his grandmother rise from her chair and cross the room, to lie down beside the sleeping girl.
Then he bent his head and called:
“Granny! granny!”