Go in and sit by my fire, Child; there are
chestnuts on the hearth, and you will find milk in the brown jug.
I will show you a symbol presently."
The Child and the two cats went into the cave and sat down by the
fire. It was warm and restful after the biting air. The cats
purred pleasantly, the Child sat with her chin in her hand watching
the glowing wood burn red and white on the great hearthstone.
"The Recluse generally answers my questions by showing me something
I have seen for a long time but never beheld, or heard and never
lent ear. I wonder what it will be this time," she said to
herself.
The grateful warmth made the Child sleepy, and she gave a start
when she found the Recluse standing by her with outstretched hand.
"Come, dear Child," he said; and leaving the sleeping cats she
followed him, her hand in his.
The air was full of wonderful sound, voices and song, and the cry
of the bells.
The Child wondered, and then remembered it was Christmas night.
The Recluse led her down a little passage and opened a door. They
stepped out together, but not into the forest.
"This is the front door of my house," said the Recluse, with a
little smile.
They stood on a white road, on one side a stretch of limestone
down, on the other steep terraces with gardens and vineyard. The
air was soft and warm, and sweet with the breath of lilies. The
heaven was ablaze with stars; across the plain to the east the dawn
was breaking.
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