just a merry time. Now, may I close the door and leave you
alone? I will steal in softly the first thing in the morning,
and see if you are all right; but I think you need to be quiet."

"Oh, I'm willing to stay alone; but I am not sleepy yet, and I am
going to hear the music by and by, you know."

"Yes, I have opened the window a little, and put the screen in
front of it, so that you will not feel the air."

"Can I have the shutters open; and won't you turn my bed a
little, please? This morning I woke ever so early, and one
bright beautiful star shone in that eastern window. I never saw
it before, and I thought of the Star in the East, that guided the
wise men to the place where Jesus was. Good night, Mama. Such a
happy, happy day!"

"Good night, my precious little Christmas Carol--mother's blessed
Christmas child."

"Bend your head a minute, mother dear," whispered Carol, calling
her mother back. "Mama, dear, I do think that we have kept
Christ's birthday this time just as He would like it. Don't
you?"

"I am sure of it," said Mrs. Bird, softly.


VII.
THE BIRDLING FLIES AWAY.