"
"Tell her, father, tell the little Paulina who you are," his daughter
whispered.
"Until your father returns to you, little one, you must stay here and
I will be a father to you--as I am father to all the people of Russia,
for _I am the Emperor!_"
Just then the bells began ringing, and voices outside began
singing,--for it was the beginning of Christmas morning. And Paulina
said,
"This is the happiest Christmas morning I have ever known."
[*] By permission--Copyright, 1912, by Sturgis & Walton Company.
UNTO US A CHILD IS BORN
As Told by Phebe A. Curtiss at a "White Gift" Service
It was in the little town of Bethlehem, with its white walls and
narrow streets, that a wonderful thing happened many, many years ago.
The whole aspect of the place had been completely transformed, and
instead of the quiet which usually existed there, confusion reigned.
The little town was crowded full of people. All day long men, women
and children had been pouring in companies into it until every
available place was full. It had something to do with the payment of
taxes, and the people had come from far and near in response to the
call of those in authority.
Many of them were staying with relatives and friends, and every door
had been opened to receive those who came. There were not many places
where the public could go to stay in those days, and the ones that
there were had been already filled.
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