Part 21 (1/2)
”Of such is the Kingdom of Heaven.”
”G.o.d is very fond of children, isn't He?”
”Very fond.”
Again there came to him a suggestion; to himself he quoted:
”Suffer little children to come unto Me.”
”You are very fond of little children too, aren't you?” She nestled, if possible, a little closer. ”Mamma says she knows you are.”
”Mamma is right, darling. Very fond.”
”But you don't love any of them better than you do me, do you?”
Her blue eyes were fixed on his face as she looked up, eager to hear his reply; quite truthfully he answered:
”Not one. Not one.”
”I forgot.” A little sigh of content. ”You told me that before. You haven't any children of your real own, have you?”
”No dear.”
”I'm glad of that.”
She sighed in the same way again. Pillowed her head more deeply on his arm; inquired suddenly:
”G.o.d has a Child of his real own, hasn't He?”
”Yes, love.”
”A little boy?”
”Was a little boy; yes, darling.”
”I know. Because we keep His birthday; same as we keep mine. Only mine comes with the roses, His with the holly. You know--it is on Christmas day.”
”Yes; we all of us keep it, dear.”
”Prince Charlie?”
”Yes, darling?”
”Do you know any stories about G.o.d's Little Boy?”
”Yes, dear; some.”
”Tell me--a nice story about Him--will you? No giants or bears in it, because I feel so sleepy--and I am too tired.... So tired.... I would like to go to sleep--just like this--in your arms.”