the village. In front of the inn at which your father intended stopping,
he left my side a moment, while he went to arrange for our stay; but he
straightway returned, saying there was no room for us. So we were
compelled to go farther; and it was late, - how late I know not, -
before we found rest; for at every inn where your father knocked the
answer was the same: 'No room!' 'No room!' Your father bore up bravely,
though he had the harder part; while, in my childishness, I was fain to
kneel in the chalk-dust of the road, and seek what rest I could. But he
upheld me, until, at last, one inn-keeper, seeing what a child I was in
truth took pity on me and said:

"I am able to do no more for you than for my poor cattle; but I can give
you shelter with them in the cavern stable and a bed if only straw."

"And, children, I was very thankful for this. I had been told before
that to me a Prince should be born; that, girl as I was, as mother,
should clasp in my arms a Savior-child. I believed the words of the
angel, - for was I not of the house of David? - and ever treasured them
in my heart. Now, how strange should it be that not in my peaceful
Nazareth, not in this, our own home, but: there, and that weary night of
all nights, beside me on the straw should be laid my infant son!

"I knew immediately what to call him, for, as I have often told you, the
angel had named him 'Jesus.' 'Even so,' the angel had said; 'for he
shall save his people from their sins.' I have wondered much what that
means for your brother."

"Watch well your work, children! Burn not the cakes. Fold with care the
mantles and the coats. This garment we will lay aside for patches. It
repays not labor to put new to old; and, James, test well the skins