He seated himself
on the top stair in the hall, banged his head against the railing
a few times, just by way of uncorking the vials of his wrath, and
then subsided into gloomy silence, waiting to declare war if more
"first girl babies" were thrust upon a family already surfeited
with that unnecessary article.
Meanwhile dear Mrs. Bird lay in her room, weak, but safe and
happy with her sweet girl baby by her side and the heaven of
motherhood opening before her. Nurse was making gruel in the
kitchen, and the room was dim and quiet. There was a cheerful
open fire in the grate, but though the shutters were closed, the
side windows that looked out on the Church of our Saviour, next
door, were wide open.
Suddenly a sound of music poured out into the bright air and
drifted into the chamber. It was the boy-choir singing Christmas
anthems. Higher and higher rose the clear, fresh voices, full of
hope and cheer, as children's voices always are. Fuller and
fuller grew the burst of melody as one glad strain fell upon
another in joyful harmony:
"Carol, brothers, carol,
Carol joyfully,
Carol the good tidings,
Carol merrily!
And pray a gladsome Christmas
For all your fellow-men;
Carol, brothers, carol,
Christmas Day again.
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