Page:The New-Year's Bargain (1884).djvu/218

 ber. "No! you needn't look at me with such big, imploring eyes: it's no use. But just you keep up brave hearts, and trust in God,—and you'll see! As for the Grandfather," here his voice grew deep and solemn, like the sound of bells, "I know you miss him sorely; but don't cry for him any more. He has gone where he is young again; and, when your turn comes to go too, you will wonder that ever you shed a tear because he was made so very happy."

December's face became beautiful as he spoke these last words, and Thekla stole the other arm tenderly about his neck. A glittering chain hung there, with pendants shaped like icicles. Touching it, she started, it was so very cold.

"Is it made of ice?" she asked.

"Well, you can call it so, if you like," responded December, smiling; "but I say 'crystallized gases.' It sounds better, I think.

"I hope it won't put you out," he went on, "if I should ask leave to read my story, instead of telling it. I am so very, very old, you see,"