Part 15 (1/2)

”Yes: but what we have is for our company and ourselves--not for beggars,” said the girl, and she closed the door upon them.

”Shall we try again, father?” they said to their parent.

”Just this one, which is the last,” he answered, leading them to the door of a cot where dwelt a poor and lonely widow.

They paused at the threshold, for a voice was heard within, low and sweet; yet they heard the words of the kneeling form, in deep pet.i.tion, saying, ”Give me, O Father, my daily bread; forgive me my trespa.s.ses, and lead me not into temptation. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and forever. Amen.”

She arose at that instant. A gentle knock was heard. Without delay she opened it, and smiled upon the strangers, who asked for more than she could give.

”I have shelter, but no food; yet enter and be welcome,” she said, and opened wide the door.

They pa.s.sed in, and left their parent, whom they knew would soon follow, outside.

”I grieve that I have no food to offer thee,” said the woman, ”but come to my fireside; for the evening air is chilly, and you must need rest.”

She placed for them her only chairs beside the fire, saying, ”I am glad you come to-night; for this is my last fuel, and to-morrow eve it will be all dark and chill within my dwelling.”

The eldest bowed to the woman gracefully, and threw aside her cloak; and at once the others followed her example.

Great was the surprise of the widow. She thought her senses had departed, and, for an instant, had no voice, no words, naught but wonder beaming from her eyes, so sudden and great was the surprise. Another gentle rap at that instant seemed to help her to find herself, and she was hastening to open it, when the eldest one said, ”It is our father, come to thank you for admitting angels in disguise; for, though not angels in form, we hope to prove such by our administration to your needs.” And they laid upon her only table the purses of gold.