"Wilt thou go to earth to-night, fair Hope?" asked the queen.
The star on her fair brow glittered brighter as she said unhesitatingly,
"I will."
"Your mission will be to carry garlands to every habitation which has
a light within. The others you cannot, of course, discern. Come now,
and let me clasp this strong girdle about thy waist, to which I shall
attach a cord, by which to let you down to earth."
They filled her arms with garlands, and flung some about her neck, till
she was laden and ready to go.
"Now," said their leader, "descend on this passing cloud; and while
you are gone we will sing anthems for you, to keep your heart bright and
linked to ours."
Then she fastened the cord to her golden girdle, and let her down
gently from the skies.
* * * * *
In a little cottage by a roadside sat Mary Deane and her sister, reading.
They were two fair orphans whose father and brother were lost in battle.
"Let's put out the light, and look at the stars awhile," said the
youngest.
"Not yet, dear, it's too early. There may be some passer-by, and a
light is such a comfort to a traveler on the road. Many a time our
neighbor's light has sent a glow over me which has enabled me to reach
home much sooner, if not in better humor."
"As you like, sister,--but hark! I thought I heard footsteps."
They listened, and, hearing nothing more, finished their reading and
retired to rest.
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