Page:A child of the Orient (IA childoforient00vakarich).pdf/15



N the morning of my fifth birthday, just as I awoke from sleep, my grand-uncle came into my room, and, standing over my bed, said with a seriousness little befitting my age:

"To-day, despoinis, you are five years old. I wish you many happy returns of the day."

He drew up a chair, and sat down by my bed. Carefully unfolding a piece of paper, he brought forth a small Greek flag.

"Do you know what this is?"

I nodded.

"Do you know what it stands for?"

Before I could think of an adequate reply, he leaned toward me and said earnestly, his fiery black eyes holding mine:

"It stands for the highest civilization the world has ever known. It stands for Greece, who has taught the world. Take it and make your prayers by it."

I accepted it, and caressed it. Its silky texture