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SKETCHES. 397
not to be a grand ball the day after to-morrow, mother?
And look! there is also a light at old Mother Brita’s on
the hill. And look there! far, far in the forest is also a
light! And look there! well, it is wonderful, three lights
in the window at the turnpike’s, three candles in their Yule
tree in the window; see how they shine all along the
road! How beautiful! Is it more beautiful in the matins,
mother?”
“ You little gooseys,” said the mother, “the matins are
beautiful in another way !”
And now they caine out upon the high road, and a great
many people came driving, all going to church; there was
a long line of sledges, and such a tinkling of bells that the
children became almost giddy in the head. When they
came out of the forest upon a height, there was lying before |
them an open valley, and yonder, with the dark forest as a
background, lay the white church with its spire pointing
high up towards heaven, and with lights shining through
the windows as if there was an ocean of light within. Just
then the bells began ringing to summon the people to
church.
The children became quite silent; a solemn and strange
feeling came over them.
They were soon at the church. The bells were pealing
and light was streaming out of the church, and the song
and the organ burst forth. All around was dark ; the moon
had gone down.
All round the church small sledges and horses stood
closely packed, the horses munching their hay. And
amongst these Polle got a place and a large bundle of the
best fodder for Christmas breakfast, and a horse-cloth over
him, so that he should not feel the cold while waiting. And
the widow patted his neck so kindly, thinking, “Thanks,
old friend; perhaps this is the last time you take me to
church!” And she could not help sighing deeply.
The widow with her children walked across the church-
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