Page 51 - HSLChristmasAnthology

HSL Christmas Anthology Page 51
28 . THE CHRIST-CHILD
children came running with little bags and
baskets and books. " See," said they, " see
what the Christ-child brought us last night I
Did he bring you anything ? " " He brought
us some nuts and apples," said Heinrich,
" but an ugly boy named Wolfgang stole them
all. I wish I could beat him." Then spoke
little Hans, the son of the blind flute-player :
" Oh," said he, " that would only make Wolf
gang want to beat you. The' Christ-child
never beats anybody. If one strikes him,
he gives him a kiss, and then he wants to
strike no more." " Oh no," exclaimed many
voices, "the Christ-child never beats any
one. The Christ-child loves every one, and
every one loves him." " But," said Hans,
" these little friends have had no Christmas-
tree, and we will give them some of our
presents." Then all were eager to bring
something. One brought a picture-book,
and another a basket ; and a little chubby
girl came with an apron full of red apples
to fill the basket. Heinrich and Gertrude
did not know what to maRe of all this.
They never had such joy in their lives.
Gertrude looked at the round red apples,
and then at the angel-image in the tree ; and
she said, " Why don't the Christ-child speak
to me 1 and say ' Be good, Gertrude—be