so on up the long aisle the procession slowly moved, the pipers
playing, and Ninette marching solemnly along, only now and then pausing to
thrust her nose between the Pere Michaud and his companion, who walked
directly in front of her. Ninette pattered on as if she had trod the
floors of churches all her life; and as for Beppo, only once did he stir,
and then he gave a faint "Baa!" and tried to uncurl himself and stand up;
but just then the queer little cart gave a joggle which quite upset his
shaky lamb legs, and down he sank, and kept quiet throughout the rest of
the time.

After the service the players again struck up King Rene's tune, and the
procession, shepherds, Ninette, Beppo, peasants, and all, once more moved
on, this time down the outer aisle and toward the great open portal.

It took some time for the last of its followers to reach the doorway, for
the throng was very great; but at length Felix, who had marched with the
children in the last group, came to the threshold and stepped out into the
starry night.

He stood for a moment smiling and gazing aimlessly ahead, overwhelmed with
the glory of all that had passed within the church, when presently he felt
some one pluck his sleeve, and turning round, he met the dancing eyes of
the little Lady Elinor.

She gave a little peal of laughter at his surprise, and exclaimed: "Oh, I
coaxed _mon pere,_ the count, to fetch me hither for this blessed night.
Thou knowest he promised! I rode my white palfrey all the way by the side
of his big brown horse. And I have seen the procession, and Beppo with my
red ribbon round his neck." Here she gave another little gurgle of
delight. "And oh, Felix, my father hath seen thine, and 't is all settled!
Thou art to be a famous carver with the Pere Videau, as thou wishest" (for
the Lady Elinor had unbounded faith in Felix's powers); "and, Felix," she
added, "I trow 't was the little Christ Child for thy creche that did it!"

Then, with a merry little smile, she darted off to her father, the Count
Bernard, who was waiting for her down the church path.

For a little while after she had gone Felix did not move, but stood as one
in a dream. Presently a loud bleat close at his side startled him, and,
looking down, he saw that Ninette, decked in her gay garlands, and still
dragging the be-ribboned Beppo in the little cart, had broken away from
the Pere Michaud and come close up to himself.

Then, with a sudden movement, he stooped