that seemed to Otto's mind to lead into wonder-land. There the
two would lie upon the belfry floor by the hour, talking
together of the strangest things.

"I saw the dear Angel Gabriel again yester morn," said Brother
John.

"So!" says Otto, seriously; "and where was that?"

"It was out in the garden, in the old apple-tree," said Brother
John. "I was walking there, and my wits were running around in
the grass like a mouse. What heard I but a wonderful sound of
singing, and it was like the hum of a great bee, only sweeter
than honey. So I looked up into the tree, and there I saw two
sparks. I thought at first that they were two stars that had
fallen out of heaven; but what think you they were, little
child?"

"I do not know," said Otto, breathlessly.

"They were angel's eyes," said Brother John; and he smiled in
the strangest way, as he gazed up into the blue sky. "So I
looked at the two sparks and felt happy, as one does in spring
time when the cold weather is gone, and the warm sun shines, and
the cuckoo sings again. Then, by-and-by, I saw the face to which
the eyes belonged. First, it shone white and thin like the moon
in the daylight; but it grew brighter and brighter, until it
hurt one's eyes to look at it, as though it had been the blessed
sun itself. Angel Gabriel's hand was as white as silver, and in
it he held a green bough with blossoms, like those that grow on