music more clear to the listeners, not only where
invalids were lying in their cots, but in the
houses nearby. Betty saw a light flash out
from a first floor window and glancing in she
could see a delicate hand manipulating a lamp,
adjusting its wick to the proper height. No gas
or electricity there!

The light outlined clearly the head and face
of the young woman who was bending over a
table, then turning to speak to someone, for
whom, perhaps, the light was made. Black hair
was gathered into a low knot. Large black eyes
looked toward the window. A gay scarf or small
shawl of some sort lay on the table. Catching
up this, the girl came to the window, threw it
up, tossed the scarf around her head and
shoulders, drawing it tightly around her face,
and looked out.

The glare from a street light fell upon her
face for a moment. Sober, almost tragic, the
big eyes looked out upon the singers.

They had been singing several short carols
but were giving the Christmas hymn beginning,

      “Thou didst leave thy throne
                     and thy kingly crown
           When thou camest to earth for me.”

[[152]]

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