Loup many things that suggested their own situations,
and would frequently leave it greatly consoled, so
that what it lacked in artistic worth it made up for in
the worth of the Spirit.

And to Christophe also there came consolation as
he knelt with clasped hands in front of the Infant.
For he seemed to divine many simple hearts; nay
more, to divine that all goodness was simple with
the wise and courageous simplicity of a God indivis-
ible from His creation. And seeing the sheep, the ox
and the ass who had given their Lord their humble
manger, he perceived that they too, the dumb patient
beasts, had been lifted up on that day of salvation;
that the Christ who had willed to be born in their
midst had thereby acknowledged a brotherhood
which much stretch far beyond the limits of time, since
He who conferred the grace was eternal. So now
Christophe prayed very confidently, and the prayer
that he offered was for Mireio, who greatly loving had
greatly fulfilled the law of her lowly but faithful
existence: CI would like You to keep her with You,'
he prayed, euntil I come, Lord . . . until I come. She
was very obedient when she was here so I do not think
You will find her much trouble; but she may feel a
little bit lost without me because, as You know, we
were never apart. Please Lord, do not let Mireio feel
lonely.* Then he suddenly added, cAnd take care of
Anfos.'

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