Page 69 - HSLChristmasAnthology

HSL Christmas Anthology Page 69
46 THE CHRIST-CHILD
But he slunk behind her, abashed, and stood
fazing on the floor, until she whispered in
is ear, " My son, is it not right to confess
what you have done ? "
Then, with many tears, Wolfgang told
how he went away with good resolutions,
how some boys, as' bad as he used to be,
tempted, him, and how he had been weak
enough to yield, though he knew it was
wrong. " I have given them all your money,"
said he ; " but I will not buy my flute, and I
will work every minute of my play hours,
till I earn enough to pay you."
When he had finished his story, the Father
said, " Well, my children, what ought to be
done to Wolfgang ? " There was silence for
a moment. Then little Gertrude said, " The
Christ-child would forgive him." " And shall
we forgive him ? " asked the Mother. They
all held up their hands. " And now*' said
the Father, " we will go to the Christmas-
tree, and sing the Christmas-hymn. Come,
Wolfgang, we are glad to have your voice
to-night." The once ru^e boy was now
gentle as a lamb. He covered his face with
his hands, and s,aid, " Oh, father, I am not
worthy to sing the Christmas-hymn." " Then
sing it, th^ you may become worthy, my
son," replied the good teacher.