"
"But we are weary, and ask rest and food," pleaded one of the three;
and her eyes wandered to the well-filled tables.
"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 petition,
saying, "Give me, O Father, my daily bread; forgive me my trespasses,
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 passed 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.
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