"When you are filling your mangers with hay, doesn't it put you in mind of the Babe, born as at this time, whose first bed was in one?"
"I can't say that I have thought of that, sir, but I shall do now," replied one; and wishing them a "Happy Christmas," we passed on.
Old Maurice, the shepherd of the home farm, had his word. He was a sturdy, grizzled old fellow, and my father said, "Well, Maurice, haven't you wished you had been amongst those shepherds who heard first that angel chorus of 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill towards men?'"
"Ay, sir; that I have. And I've thought to myself, if it had happened in this country, the angels wouldn't have found us in the fields at this time o' year. They'd have had to come to us in the home pens."
My father laughed, and on we went, he scattering kindly questions and good wishes—words for the little nurses who were tending the babies; words for the mothers who must strive to teach their young ones to know and heed the voice of the Good Shepherd.
I think I never enjoyed a walk more; and as it was that most delightful of Christmas seasons, not only frosty, but with the moon rising to turn all the frail crystals into shining gems, our stroll home through the park was very lovely.
We had no other guests that night; but we were to have quite a gathering of various ages on Christmas Day. My aunt had taken good care that there should be plenty in every home round Denesfield. There should not be festival in the hall and pinching want in the cottage; no thought of spiritual blessings sent at that season disturbed by thoughts of earthly needs unsupplied.
My sisters and I had a great deal to say to each other; and many questions were asked and answered by us, while the elders sat and talked, at some distance from us, in the great drawing-room.
During a little pause in our conversation, I heard my father say to Aunt Milly, "Will any of the Denes be here to-morrow?"
My aunt's face flushed as she answered, "No; I have seen nothing of the Denes since my return to England. They have neither written to nor come near me."