The infinite, visible and attainable.

The mystery which is the greatest possible wisdom.

* * * * *

"Come, Child," said the Recluse.

The fire had burnt low; it was quite dark, save for the glow of the
live embers.

He threw on a great dry pine log; it flared like a torch. The
cats' stretched in the sudden blaze, and then settled to sleep
again. The Child and the Recluse passed out into the forest. The
moon was very bright and the snow reflected its rays, so that it
was light in spite of the great trees. The air was full of
wonderful sound, voices and song, and the cry of the bells; and the
Child sang as she went in a half-dream by the side of the Recluse:-


"In dieser heil'gen Weihnachtszeit,
Alleluja!
Sei, Gott der Herr, gebenedeit,
Alleluja! Alleluja!"


and wondered when she would wake up. They came to the old, old
church in the forest, and the pictured saints looked out at them
from the lighted window; through the open door they could see
figures moving about with tapers in their hands; save for these the