When he came to the castle, the coal still burned and
glowed. As soon as he touched it to the gray logs in the fireplace
they burst into flames, and the castle fire was kindled again.
They wondered why the new fire made the kettle sing so much more
sweetly than it had ever sung before, and warmed the hearts of the
castle folk so that they forgot to quarrel. At last, when they talked
it over with the Messenger, they decided that it was because love had
come from the cottage with the coal, and was kindled and burning now
in the castle fire.
CHRISTMAS
THE CHILD WHO SAW SANTA CLAUS
There was, once upon a time, a child who wanted very much to see Santa
Claus; just as every other child has always wanted to see him.
So the Child listened at the chimney for Santa Claus, and watched for
him when sleighs flew by over the snowy streets, and wanted to touch
his rosy cheeks and his red cloak trimmed with white fur.
"I am old enough now to see Santa Claus," the Child said. That was
quite true, because he was seven years old. "Show him to me, mother,"
he begged.
"Oh, I cannot do that," the Child's mother said. "I can tell you about
Santa Claus but I cannot show you his face."
"May I go out and look for Santa Claus, myself, then?" the Child
asked.
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