Page 68 - HSLChristmasAnthology

HSL Christmas Anthology Page 68
AND THE POOR CHILDREN. 45

fo out and invite him in ; for she first led
im to the Father-House." The little girl
went out, much satisfied with her mission.
She did not come back soon, and Hcinrich
was sent for her. Presently they returned,
and Gertrude said, " Wolfgang will not come
in. He says he wants to see the Mother.
When I asked him about my basket, he did
nothing but cry." The Mother immediately
went out, saying, " Wait a little for the
Christmas-tree, my children. I will bring
Wolfgang in." When the repentant child
'saw his kind friend coming toward him, he
dropped on his knees trembling and weep
ing, and said, " Oh, mother, I have spent all
their money, and drank gin, and doubled up
my list to fight ; and I dare not go in to
hear them sing the Christmas-hymn." " This
is sad, indeed, my child," replied the Mother;
"but «you repent, and repentance always
brings peace. Come in, and tell the whole
story frankly. As they all sent baskets by
you, they all have a right to know what you
nave done with tte money." '.' I cannot. I
cannot," said Wolfgang : " they will never
forgive me. They have already forgiven
so much." " And therefore can forgive
more," said the Mother : " Comf with me."
She put his arm within hers, and led him in.