"Oh!" exclaimed Larry, in delight.
"How lovely!" added his sister.
The image was about two feet high, and of spotless Parian, which well symbolized the angelic purity it was intended to portray. To many, perhaps, it might appear simply a specimen of modeling, but little better than the average. However, those who looked on it with the eyes of faith saw before them, not so much the work itself, as the ideal of the artist.
The graceful figure or Our Lady at once suggested the ethereal and celestial. The long mantle, which fell in folds to her feet, signified her modesty and motherly protection; the meekly folded hands were a silent exhortation to humility and prayer; the tender, spiritual face invited confidence and love; the crown upon her brow proclaimed her sovereignty above all creatures and her incomparable dignity as Mother of God.
"And is this beautiful statue really ours—just Larry's and mine?" asked Abby.
"So the messenger says," returned Mrs. Clayton.
"Who could have sent it, I wonder?" inquired Larry.
The Italian pointed to the card attached to the basket. Abby took it off and read:
"To my little friends, Abby and Larry Clayton, with the hope that, especially during this month, they will try every day to do some little thing to honor our Blessed Mother.