When the parents went to their bed, Valentine and Marie lay down on the bench before the fire, and said one to the other:—
“The stranger Child is happy now, because he is so warm! Good-night!”
Then they fell asleep.
They had not slept many hours, when little Marie awoke, and touching her brother lightly, whispered:—
“Valentine, Valentine, wake up! wake up! Listen to the beautiful music at the window.”
Valentine rubbed his eyes and listened. He heard the most wonderful singing and the sweet notes of many harps.
“Blessed Child,
Thee we greet,
With sound of harp
And singing sweet.
“Sleep in peace,
Child so bright,
We have watched thee
All the night.
“Blest the home
That holdeth Thee,
Peace, and love,
Its guardians be.”
The children listened to the beautiful singing, and it seemed to fill them with unspeakable happiness. Then creeping to the window they looked out.
They saw a rosy light in the east, and, before the house in the snow, stood a number of little children holding golden harps and lutes in their hands, and dressed in sparkling, silver robes.
Full of wonder at this sight, Valentine and Marie continued to gaze out at the window, when they heard a sound behind them, and turning saw the stranger Child standing near. He was clad in a golden garment, and wore a glistening, golden crown upon his soft hair. Sweetly he spoke to the children:—