342 'GOD'S PEACE'
little brother in motherly fashion. We bend down carefully and kiss them, it does not waken them, but they smile in their sleep, as if they felt the love which is so near to them. Then Greta kisses me and says : ' Think how wonderful it would be, if those two were our very own.'
Greta comes out with me on to the hill. It is the most beautiful, frosty, starlit night. We stand on the crest of the hill looking out over the fjord. On our right slopes down the white wood, it is so quiet that we can hear when a branch cracks in the frost. In front, deep below, the ice-covered fjord and the town, where Christmas lights are shining in all the houses.
' Now, there is peace on earth,' Greta whispers. ' Yes, and peace in the hearts of men,' I answered.
But when we turn the mill stands over us with its large black wings. I notice that a shudder goes through Greta, and I say, 'Did the mill frighten you . '
' No,' she answered, ' but I have been standing here too long and am feeling cold.'
NEW YEAR.
XXVII T^ROST and snow have locked up the old X~^ town. For many days no message from the outside world has reached it. But with well- stocked larders and Christmas cheer in the air the town feels none of the discomforts of a besieged fortress. It lives its own life all the more strongly ;
