[The editions of Caxton and Wynkin de Worde were his delight]

[Winding all up by a nasal solo]

[The dinner was served up in the Great Hall]

[The little beings were as happy about him as the mock fairies about Falstaff]

[Master Simon led the van]


WHEN I awoke the next morning, it seemed as if all the events of the preceding evening had been a dream, and nothing but the identity of the ancient chamber convinced me of their reality. While I lay musing on my pillow, I heard the sound of little feet pattering outside of the door, and a whispering consultation. Presently a choir of small voices chanted forth an old Christmas carol, the burden of which was:

Rejoice, our Saviour He was born

On Christmas Day in the morning.