And the child
played her part with such a sweet and noble seriousness that everyone
present wondered at her dignity and grace, and John's eyes were full as
his heart and the words were yet unknown to human tongues that could
express his deep love and emotion. Perhaps Lord Harlow made the best and
truest of commentaries when he said,
"My dear friends, let us be thankful that we have yet hearts so
childlike as to be capable of enjoying this simple pleasure; for we are
told that unless we become as little children, we are not fit for the
kingdom of heaven."
The next day soon after noon John was in his factory, but the image of
his child still lived in his eyes. His vision was everywhere obstructed
by looms and belts and swirling bands, but in front of them there was a
silvery light and in its soft glow he saw--he saw clearly--the image of
the lovely May Queen in her glimmering dress of shining white with the
little gilt crown on her long brown hair. Nor could he dismiss this
phantom until he went up to Hatton Hall and described her fairy Majesty
to his mother.
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