I got the best I could find , for I like the idea better than old Santa Claus ; though we may have him , too , '' said Mamma , holding the little image so that both could see it well . `` It looks like a real baby ; '' and Jack touched the rosy foot with the tip of his finger , as if expecting a crow from the half-open lips . `` It reminds me of the saints in the chapel of the Sacred Heart in Montreal . One little St. John looked like this , only he had a lamb instead of wings , '' said Jill , stroking the flaxen hair , and wishing she dared ask for it to play with . `` He is the children 's saint to pray to , love , and imitate , for he never forgot them , but blessed and healed and taught them all his life . This is only a poor image of the holiest baby ever born , but I hope it will keep his memory in your minds all day , because this is the day for good resolutions , happy thoughts , and humble prayers , as well as play and gifts and feasting . '' While she spoke , Mrs. Minot , touching the little figure as tenderly as if it were alive , had tied a broad white ribbon round it , and , handing it to Ralph , bade him fasten it to the hook above the tree-top , where it seemed to float as if the downy wings supported it . Jack and Jill lay silently watching , with a sweet sort of soberness in their young faces , and for a moment the room was very still as all eyes looked up at the Blessed Child . The sunshine seemed to grow more golden as it flickered on the little head , the flames glanced about the glittering tree as if trying to climb and kiss the baby feet , and , without , a chime of bells rang sweetly , calling people to hear again the lovely story of the life begun on Christmas Day . Only a minute , but it did them good , and presently , when the pleasant work was over , and the workers gone , the boys to church , and Mamma to see about lunch for the invalids , Jack said , gravely , to Jill , -- `` I think we ought to be extra good , every one is so kind to us , and we are getting well , and going to have such capital times . Do n't see how we can do anything else to show we are grateful . '' `` It is n't easy to be good when one is sick , '' said Jill , thoughtfully . `` I fret dreadfully , I get so tired of being still . I want to scream sometimes , but I do n't , because it would scare Mammy , so I cry . Do you cry , Jack ? '' `` Men never do . I want to tramp round when things bother me ; but I ca n't , so I kick and say , ` Hang it ! ' and when I get very bad I pitch into Frank , and he lets me . I tell you , Jill , he 's a good brother ! '' and Jack privately resolved then and there to invite Frank to take it out of him in any form he pleased as soon as health would permit .
`` I rather think we shall grow good in this pretty place , for I do n't see how we can be bad if we want to , it is all so nice and sort of pious here , '' said XXXXX , with her eyes on the angel over the tree .
Frank Jack Jill John Mamma Minot chime downy minute soberness