"Hark!" "The herald angels sing" "Glory to the newborn King" "Peace on earth and mercy mild" "God and sinners reconcile" "Joyful, all ye nations rise" "Join the triumph of the skies" "With th'angelic hosts proclaim" "Christ is born in Bethlehem" "Hark!" "The herald angels sing" "Glory to the newborn King" "Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace" "Hail the Son of Righteousness" "Light and life to all He brings" "Risen with healing in His wings" " This is very kind of you." " It's a privilege." " Which way are you going?" " Just over there." "The Mutual building." " My doctor's there." "See, I have hopes." " Fine." " I'm all right now." " Good luck to you." "Thank you so much." "Merry Christmas to you." "Merry Christmas." "Mother, please!" "Please lift me up!" "All right." "Just for a minute." "Look at that, Mom!" "Look at the funny choo-choo train!" "Come on, darling." "We have to go." "Oh, my baby!" "You saved her!" "Thank God, you saved my baby!" " How can I ever thank you?" " Just don't let it happen again." " I promise you, I won't." " Remember that." "Now on your way." "Yes." "Mostly resembles its cousin, the California red fir." "His botanical head is similar." "Pay me heed." "This is a specimen of the white fir." "Surely, you being a native Roman know your Latin." "You wanna buy or not?" " If it isn't my dear, beautiful Julia." " Hello, Professor." "What are you doing in this part of town?" "Buying a Christmas tree." "Hello, Mr. Maggenti." " Mrs. Brougham, how do you do?" " What do you charge for this weed?" " $1.85." " For this halfhearted twig?" "I'll pay you 10 cents a branch or take my trade elsewhere." " What can I do for you?" " You can save me that tree outside." " The big one by the door." " Okay." " Thank you." " Each Christmas for the past 18 years..." "Maggenti and I have been reenacting the same argument." "I didn't know you celebrated Christmas." " I thought you had no religion." " That's true, my dear." "But I like having a Christmas tree because it reminds me of my childhood." "I feel that this is a good time for looking backwards." "Can you imagine me ever having been a child?" "How's Henry?" "I haven't seen him lately." "He's well, thank you." "He's terribly tired and worried." "Is he having difficulty raising money for the cathedral?" "Yes." "It's slow work." " How's your book coming?" " Splendidly." "Greatest history of Rome since Gibbon." "Of course, nobody will read it." "And now, my good man, I choose not to prolong this bickering any further." "All right." "Ten cents a branch." " It's $1.40." " Very well, my old friend." "Here is your blood money." "Will you send the tree up on Christmas Eve?" "But not until late." " I don't want my daughter seeing it." " Don't worry." "I'll send it when the little bambino goes to bed." "Merry Christmas." "Come on." "There's something I'd like you to give Henry for his cathedral fund." "That's my lucky piece." "Not that it's brought me any luck, except knowing you." "It's an old Roman coin." "I picked it up years ago in a junk shop." "It has little value." " It's a wonderful contribution." " Nonsense." "It might be called the widow's might... if it weren't for the fact that I'm not a widow." "Julia, this is no occasion for tears." "It stopped snowing." "If only we could spend Christmas here where we were so happy... with you and our friends." "Now, now." " Good night." "I'll see you again soon." " It can't be soon enough." "Good night, Julia." "Professor!" "How fine to see you again after all these years!" " How well you look." " How are you?" " Never better." "And you?" " Quite well, thank you." " I don't think you remember me." " Preposterous!" "Of course I do." " Where did we meet?" " Professor, after all these years." "Just a moment." "It wasn't Vienna, was it?" " Beautiful, old Vienna." " The university?" " The university." " When I lectured on Roman history." "That's it." "And what great lectures they were." " And what you were with the ladies!" " Fancy, you remembering that." "I must confess, I had my moments." "And still have." " Where are you going?" " That car!" "I couldn't help noticing your tender parting from Julia." " Do you know Julia?" " In a way, yes." " Poor child." " She's unhappy?" " When were you in Vienna?" " I've been there many times." "I'm interested in Julia and Henry." " What seems to be their trouble?" " I never see Henry anymore." "He has no time for riffraff like me." "He now consults with the vulgar rich, like Mrs. Hamilton." "You know, she had me fired from the university here?" "Said I was a radical." "I, who've never taken any interest in politics... since the death of Nero." "Look at that." "Henry's old church, perishing from neglect." ""Benefit - help save St. Timothy's"" " It's such a nice, little church." " Too little, I'm afraid." "It can't stand up against the march of progress." "I must be pushing on." " Delighted to have seen you." " It's a pleasure." " We must get together and have a drink." " By all means!" " Good evening, Professor." " Pat." "Have you any idea who that man is?" "No." "He's a stranger to me." " Good evening, Mrs. Brougham." " Good evening, Matilda." "Hello, Queenie." "Is Debby in bed yet?" "Yes." "Mrs. Hamilton and the committee are in there with the bishop." "The dinner's been waiting a long time." "I don't know what to do about it." "We'll have dinner as soon as they leave." " What about the chicken..." " Don't worry about it, please." "Here." "Thank you." "My bag." "There." "Thank you." "I'm very displeased with your whole attitude." "I'm terribly sorry I'm so late." "Good evening, Mrs. Hamilton." "I was delayed Christmas shopping." "Good evening, Mr. Perry, Mrs. Trumbuss." "Hello, Mrs. Ward." "I hope you've been having a good meeting." "We have not." "I've never encountered such fuzzy thinking." " Do you think we've made progress?" " No, Mrs. Hamilton." "Mr. Perry was about to tell us something." "Merely a suggestion." "If you approve... we can place the George B. Hamilton chapel here on the northeast." "It'd be out of sight." "I won't stand for it." "This cathedral can't be designed for the glory of an individual." "It has to be created for all the people." "I'm displeased at your whole attitude." "You forget I was instrumental in having you made bishop... although I thought you too young." " Is that an exaggeration?" " Oh, yes..." " I mean, no." " You were the guiding spirit." " I distinctly remember..." " I had every confidence in you... when you were a poor parson in the church in the slums." "I confess, my confidence is weakened." "I regret I've been such a disappointment." "Regrets and apologies are no good." "You give the impression of being indecisive and ineffectual." "That is not the kind of leadership we expect of our bishop." "You better remember one thing:" "You'll build that cathedral as I want it... or you'll not build it at all." "That's all I have to say." "Someone get this dog out of the way." "Queenie." "Good night." " Good evening." " Good night." "Good evening." " Can we serve dinner now?" " Yes." " The chicken will be burned to a crisp." " We'll be right in." "You knew they were expected here for the meeting this afternoon." " I know." "I'm sorry I was late." " What a ghastly afternoon." "What a ghastly woman." "I trust she understood I've no intention of being strangled by her purse strings." " She did." "I was proud of you." " I had a most unchristian impulse... to take those blueprints and give her a good whack over the... mink coat." "I thought you stood up to her magnificently." "I appreciate your appreciation, but what about my cathedral?" "May I make a suggestion?" "Postpone the cathedral." " Forget about it until after Christmas." " A house of God can't be put off." "This cathedral must rise." "There are other rich people in this town... and if I have to enlist their financial enthusiasm... then I'll take advantage of their yuletide spirit." "I can see it all now." "Those people, the luncheons, committee meetings and you there, flattering them." " Kowtowing and begging them." " It's got to be done." "If you could see your poor, harassed face." " You haven't done much to help it!" " Why..." "Yes, Miss Cassaway?" "What is it?" "Mr. Trevor on the phone." "He says it's urgent." " Tell him the bishop will call him back." " Yes, Mrs. Brougham." "What's happened to you?" "What's happened to us and our marriage?" "We used to have such fun, you, Debby and I." "We used to be happy." "We used to make other people happy." "That was your gift." "You're no financier and you're not a promoter." "You can't see beyond your nose." "I want this cathedral to stand... like a great beacon, it's light shining..." "Never mind, Henry." "Keep that for your next committee meeting." "Here's a contribution I collected." " What's that?" " An old Roman coin." "Professor Wutheridge sent it to you." "Wasn't it sweet of him?" "Old fool." "What can I do with that?" "Well." "It's a beginning." " All you need is another four million." " Don't be flippant about this!" " Is dinner ready?" " Yes." "Let's get it over with." "I have a lot of work to do." "For what we're about to receive, may the Lord make us truly thankful." "Amen." "I was just thinking... tomorrow, maybe we could go out together." "Where?" "We'll just walk around the way we used to." "We could call on the professor." "Or go to the park and watch the skaters... that sort of thing." "Maybe we could have lunch together." "At Michel's." "Remember that?" "Michel's." "It's been years since we've been there." "Forgive me." "I've been trying to explain to Mr. Trevor... but he insists upon speaking to you personally, Bishop." "Excuse me, darling." "Keep the soup warm, please." "The bishop's been called to the phone." "And tell Delia we'll be out for lunch tomorrow." "Yes, ma'am." "Of course, Mr. Trevor." "Yes, but..." "I appreciate your difficulties..." "Very well." "I'll be there." "10:30 tomorrow morning... then we'll go on to the board meeting." "All right." "Good-bye." "Put down Mr. Trevor's office at 10:30 tomorrow... and the board meeting at the bankers' club at 11:00." " Yes, sir." "Tomorrow, Thursday." " You might as well go home now." " There's a great deal of work to do." " You must be very tired." "Thank you." "And don't forget, tomorrow you speak to the junior assembly." " What time is that?" " At lunch, 1:00." "Remember, you made the appointment over a month ago." " Good night, Bishop." " Good night." "Oh, God." "What am I to do?" "Can't you help me?" "Can't you tell me?" "Oh, God." "Please help me." " Good evening." " Good..." "What can I do for you?" "That isn't the question." "Well, what is?" "What can I do for you?" "I must ask you to telephone my secretary for an appointment." " I'm in the middle of dinner." " I know, Henry." "Your soup will keep warm." "You asked for help." "I?" "L..." "Who told you?" "Well." "You're known to be a good man and you were heard." "I was instructed to come here in answer to your prayer." " Who are you?" " I'm an angel." " I beg your pardon?" " I'm an angel." " No wings at the moment, but..." " You're an angel?" "I knew it." "I've been working too hard." "I understand." "It's hard to believe, even for you." "Of course, I'm not one of the more important angels." "I just happen to be assigned to this district temporarily." "You see, we're everywhere... helping people who deserve to be... to be helped." "As you walk through the streets of the city... you may suddenly look into a strange face." "It may be the face of a murderer or it may be the face of an angel." "You're having problems with the building of this cathedral?" " Yes." " It's a fine cathedral." "It ought to look magnificent on top of Sanctuary Hill." "Well, Henry." "Do you believe I am what I say I am?" "Well, how can I?" " I've only got your word for it." " But you're a bishop." "You, of all people, can trust the word of an angel." "I'd like to." "What do you propose to do?" " Perform a miracle?" " If necessary." "Why don't you?" "Why don't you create the cathedral with a wave of your hand?" "You wouldn't want me to do that." "How would you explain it?" " Well, I'd..." " Tell the world an angel visited you?" "You can't do that." "Is anything wrong?" "L..." "I'm sorry." "I didn't know that you had..." " Julia, if you don't mind." " How do you do, Julia?" "I'm Dudley." "Henry's engaged me to help him with his work." "You mean you're going to be his assistant?" "That's it." "I'm going to help Henry to rest and get some relaxation." " That's what I've been praying for." " You too?" "I'm so relieved." "Isn't it wonderful you found someone to help you." " But..." " Where do you come from?" " All around." " Yes, but where?" "To tell you the truth, he says that he's an a..." "I've been doing some social service work downtown." "And now you're going to be with Henry permanently?" "For as long as may be necessary." "If you don't mind, I must talk to this gentleman alone." "I'll see you in a moment." "We were just having dinner." "Won't you join us?" "That's kind of you, but I've many things to do around town." "You understand, Henry." "So many people making so many mistakes." " Yes, I see." " Then we'll see you tomorrow?" " Oh, yes." "Bright and early." " Good." "Whenever you're ready." "Good night, Dudley." "Good night, Julia." "You sure you're an angel?" "I know it isn't easy, but you've got to take me on faith." " But how long will it take?" " Just long enough." "Until you can utter another prayer and say you have no further need of me." "Then I'll be gone and forgotten." "But Julia's waiting for you at the dining table." "You must go to her." "But I don't..." "What's the rest of Dudley's name?" "I don't know." "Are you nervous, dear?" "No." " The bishop didn't eat his breakfast." " He took only his prune juice." "What's the matter?" "Is he sick?" "He looked awful." "He said he had a very bad, sleepless night." "Passing up a breakfast like that." "That just ain't normal." "Nobody expects him to be normal." "He's a bishop." " If I could get you something, sir?" " No, thank you." " Maybe just a cup of tea?" " Nothing, thank you." " Good morning." " Good morning, Bishop." "Did anything come in for the cathedral fund?" "Mr. And Mrs. Ward, no contribution." " Mrs. Wilmark, $15.00." " We had her down for $10,000." "There's a letter from her explaining that this year..." "I know." "Same letter they all write." "I put your personal mail on the desk." "The rest I'm taking to the office." "I'll be there after the meetings." "I think there's someone at the door." "Yes, sir." "Good morning." "I'm Dudley, the bishop's new assistant." "Good morning." "It's a wonderful morning." "I'm a little late, but I stopped to chat... with a traffic policeman who was worried about his wife." "Oh, thank you, dear." "So I directed traffic while he telephoned the hospital." " I see." " She's doing fine." "So is the baby." "Why, you must be Mildred Cassaway." "How do you do?" " We're going to be working together." " That's very nice." "Thank you." " Thank you very much." " See you later." "Well, ready for duty." "Completely at your service." " I feel that..." " No." "Good morning, Julia." "Good morning, Dudley." "A lovely day, isn't it?" " Lovely." " Henry and I are going out together." " I'm sorry, but I have appointments." " You what?" "I'm seeing Mr. Trevor, then the board meeting and the junior assembly." " But you promised." " I know I did." "Couldn't Dudley represent you at those meetings?" "Could I?" "Out of the question." "They expect me." "It'd never do if I sent an a..." "An assistant." "Excuse me." "Now..." " The trouble is, I can't explain!" " You needn't try to explain." "This is the way it is and the way it will always be." "We've just got to get used to it, that's all." "I'll tell Matilda to take the day off, and I'll take care of Debby." "Mrs. George Hamilton has pledged one million dollars but hasn't sent a check." "Never mind those cards." "That's work for a bookkeeper, not an a..." " It's work for a bookkeeper." " So, you're beginning to believe in me." "I don't know who you are or who it was that sent you." "I'd just wish you'd make haste." "There's no time to lose." "Because the cathedral must be built?" "Obviously." "That's the most important thing." "Or because Julia must be happy?" "It's going to be difficult to help you... until I'm sure what it is you really want." "I've got the..." "Then the..." "Would you mind telling me what you intend to do now?" "This card index file is an awful mess." "I think I'll reorganize it." "I think you're wasting time on unimportant details." "Nothing's unimportant." "Remember, we're interested even in the lowliest sparrow." " Hello, Debby." " Are you Dudley?" "Yes." "How did you know?" "Mummy told me." "She said you came to help Daddy." "That's right." "Mummy said you were very nice." "Well, that's extremely kind of Mummy." "Mummy said that maybe with you here, we'll get to see Daddy sometimes." " Maybe we will." " That'll be enough out of you, Debby." "I asked Matilda to put your lunch on a tray for you." "Thank you." "I'll get along very well." "I'm sure you will." "Come on, dear." " Good-bye, Dudley." " Bye-bye, Debby." "Bye." " Thank you, Matilda." " Aren't you going to wear a hat?" " I never use one." " It's very cold outside." " The cold never effects me." " I think you should wear this anyway." "I bought it for the bishop last Christmas." " But he's never worn it." " It's a lovely scarf." "I'm sure the bishop will appreciate it when he sees it on me." "Well, thank you." "Good-bye." " What's the matter, honey?" " They don't want me." " Why not?" " I guess I'm too little or something." "Now, now." "Why, that's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard." "Why, Dudley." "Come on." "We'll show them how wrong they are." "Hey, fellas!" " Who's the head man around here?" " I am!" " What's this game you're playing?" " This isn't a game." "This is a battle!" "We attack the fort and they try to defend it." "See?" "I see." "Well, this young lady would like to get into it." " Her?" " She can't fight." "Her father's a bishop." "What difference does it make?" "Are you high-hat?" " How'd you like her on your team?" " She couldn't throw a snowball... as far as I could spit!" "Oh, couldn't she?" "Come on." " You show them what you can do." " But it's true." "I can't throw." "Nonsense." "Of course you can." "Here." "Pack it tight." "Put it in that hand, throw the arm back... aim it right at him and let it go!" "A bull's-eye!" "She pitched a curve!" "Did you see that?" "Come on, kid!" "You're in our army." "We've broken their moral." " You think she'll get hurt?" " Probably, but she'll love it." " May I?" " Surely." "What are you doing out here?" " Just admiring the scenery." " Aren't you supposed to be working?" "I always take a walk before lunch." "Good idea... relaxing." " I wish you'd persuade Henry to do that." " I'll try." "By the way, I told Miss Cassaway to go home... and I told Delia not to bring me anything on the tray." "What will you do about lunch?" "I thought I'd go to Michel's." "Ever heard of it?" "Michel's?" "It's a lovely place." "We used to go there years ago." "How about you and I going there today?" "You and..." "To Mich..." "No, I couldn't." "Why not?" "Surely, you don't think Henry would mind?" " I'd explain to him it'd be just..." " No, it isn't that." "Matilda's off Christmas shopping so I have to look after Debby." "Here's Matilda now." " If you wish..." "Oh, hello." " Hello." "If you wish, I'll take Debby home." " But your shopping." " I finished it." "I finished it so quick, it was just like miracle." "Mommy!" " We won!" " That's wonderful!" "Congratulations!" "Come on!" "We're giving out the medals!" "Put up your hood, dear." " Oh, Michel." " It's been a long time." "Much too long." "But you know my husbanïs work." "Yes, your husband." "He doesn't come to see us anymore." "But we understand." "We understand." "This way please." "Is this satisfactory?" "Fine, thank you." " Friends of yours?" " Yes." "That is, they're members of the cathedral committee." " Madame." " Thank you." " Monsieur?" " No, thank you." "Julia, don't bother with that." "Michel, you just bring us the best lunch you can think of." "I can see monsieur is a gourmet." "Perhaps you'd be interested in..." "Guinea Hen a lá Michel?" "Please." "Let's leave heaven out of this." "You speak French beautifully." "I've had quite a bit of work to do in Paris." "I've been wondering about you." " Wondering about me?" "Why?" " You know so much." " It makes me feel uncomfortable." " Then I'm sorry I learned anything." "I'm glad you knew about Michel." "Oh, it's so nice to be back here again." " So nice." " You have memories of this place?" "Did you and Henry come here often?" "As a matter of fact, this is where we became engaged to be married." "Then I can understand why you love it." " Pardon me." " Thank you." "Well, what about that?" "My." "Would you care to have your palm read?" "No, thank you." "Would you?" "No, thanks." "I know too much about myself as it is." "You are different." "I know so little about myself." "Really?" "May I look at your hand?" " Can you do that too?" " It's not too difficult." " I suppose you can read the future." " Within limits." "He's holding her hand." "What do you see?" "I never noticed." "Your eyes are green." "I see a great deal of happiness." "I see a woman who's adored." "I see a rich, full life." " Do you see Henry's new cathedral?" " It's not very clear." "There's kind of a fuzziness about that." " And Debby?" " No need to worry about her." "Just think." "The world changes, but two things remain constant." " What?" " Youth and beauty." "Though they're really one in the same thing." " Yes." "The trouble is, people grow old." " Not everybody." "The only people who grow old were born old to begin with." "You were born young." "You'll remain that way." " I wish I could believe." " You may." "You haven't looked at my hand once." "I never know what to think." "I never know if you're joking or serious." "I'm at my most serious when I'm joking." "Excuse me." "I've gotta do something about that." "Forgive me coming to your table, ladies." "I'm Dudley." "I believe you're friends of Julia's." "Would you care to join us for lunch?" " No, thank you." " Why don't you join us for some coffee?" "Do come over." "Julia will be delighted." "Wonderful." "Just over there." "How are you?" "Nice to see you." "Michel, bring us three Benedictines." "No." "Make it three Stingers." "Stingers?" "Oui, monsieur." " Is lunch ready?" " We thought you were out for lunch." "I cancelled my appointment." "Are my wife and Debby home?" " Debby's here, sir." " Where is Mrs. Brougham?" "She went out to lunch with Mr. Dudley." " With Dudley?" " Why, yes, sir." "I thought you knew, sir." "Yes." "Of course." "That's awful." "Merry Christmas, Santa." "Santa Claus doesn't really look like that." " You know Santa Claus?" " I've known him for years." " Nice chap." " You must tell Debby about him." "She's just beginning to be a little bit doubtful." " You like that hat." " Yes." "I'm crazy about it." " Let's go in and buy it." " No, I couldn't." " It's much too..." " Too what?" "Attractive?" "Nothing could be..." "Why!" "My old friend, the professor." " Are you with this man?" " Of course." "It's Dudley." "The professor knows me from the University of Vienna." "I've been thinking about that." "I don't believe you've ever been to Vienna." "It's a game we play." "He pretends he's never seen me before." "I don't know who he is, but I don't trust him." "He's Henry's new assistant." " You mean, you know this fella?" " Of course, I do." "In that case, how about dropping by for some yuletide cheer?" "No." "I have to go home." "L..." " Well, perhaps just for a few minutes." " Good!" "Come along." "There's a little sherry left..." "a rather inferior grade, but potable." " I see you're quite a religious man." " What makes you think that?" " You have an angel on your tree." " Julia gave me that years ago." " Your tree is beautiful." " It's disgraceful." "But it gives me the illusion of peace on earth, goodwill toward men." " To a charming lady." " Lovely." " You've noticed?" " It's more remarkable that you have." "When you want to know about a woman, ask the old men." "They know." "Will you show us the manuscript of your book?" " My book?" " Please." " Oh, no." " You're writing one?" " You didn't know?" " You didn't tell me." "I described that book in detail at the University of Vienna." "All my pupils knew." "Now I'm certain this fellow's an impostor." "Oh, that book." "I thought you finished that years ago." "I'll tell you..." "I'll tell you about my book." "For 20 years I've talked about it." "I promised publishers that it would be delivered next spring." "Funny part is, in all that time, I haven't written one word." " Not one word." " Why not?" "I couldn't think of anything original to say." "The same, old, monotonous history, dry as dust." "That's the whole story of my life." "Frustration." "It's a chronic disease... and it's incurable." "Once, I was madly..." "Once, I was madly in love with a girl." "My friends, she was a vision of delight." "A pure enchantress." " You never told me about that." " That's just the trouble." "I never told her about it either." "I couldn't find the words." "So, she married an athlete." "A great hulky oaf who never even reached the eighth grade." "But he knew how to say I love you." "Same trouble as my book." "Can't find the words." "Even when you had this coin to inspire you?" "Why, that's the one you gave to Henry." "Yes." "I stole it off the table." "You wasted your time." "It's worthless." "On the contrary." "This is one of the rarest of all antiquities." "Only 100 of these were minted by Julius Caesar 2,000 years ago." "That was when Cleopatra visited Rome." "Presumably, these were used to pay her hotel bill." " I never knew that." " Nobody did, except Caesar's wife." " And she was suspicious." " Definitely." "She didn't share her husbanïs admiration for Cleopatra." "So she had these coins destroyed..." "melted into ornaments for herself." "This is the one she missed." "It's a unwritten chapter in history." "And you will write it." "Do you know any more stories like that?" "Any number of them." "You're a curious fellow." "Have you just begun to notice that?" "What's your background?" " My background?" " Well, where do you come from?" " Well..." " Don't tell me any more about Vienna." " Because I won't believe it." " All right." "Would you believe me if I told you I came from another planet?" "I don't know." "I'd believe you." "And you'd be right, Julia, as always." "We all come from our own little planets." "That's why we're all different." "That's what makes life interesting." "We don't seem to be making any headway." "First star I see tonight..." "You must make a wish." "It's getting dark." "It must be late." "Henry will be worried." "We must be leaving." " Oh, no." " I'm sorry, but we must." " Yes, my friend." " There's one thing that troubles me." " One thing I wish I knew." " What's that?" "I'm an old man and that history's a tremendous task." "I wonder." "Will I have time to finish it?" "You'll finish your history." "You'll have time." "I believe you." "For a while now, every time I passed a cemetery..." "I felt as if I were apartment hunting." "Good-bye, Professor." "You've given an old man a very happy afternoon." " Thank you." " God bless you both." "Thank you." "I'll pass that recommendation along." "Oh, my." "That's pretty." "Why don't you take some of that pink stuff and make curly-cues with it?" " I hope the dinner won't be spoiled." " No, sir." "I had a feeling that they might be late." "Very considerate of you." "Who's that cake for?" " What cake?" " The cake behind you." "That cake?" "Oh, for anybody who might like cake." "But you know very well we don't like these elaborate desserts." "But we baked you an egg custard, sir." "Hello, dear." "I'm sorry we're late for dinner." " Good evening." " We've had the most marvelous time." " I wish you'd been with us." " I wish I had." " Debby told me about the snow fights." " Did she?" "We sent to see Professor Wutheridge and then had lunch at Michel's." " Is Debby in bed yet?" " She's waiting to see you." "Good." "I'll go up and say good night." "I won't be long." "I'll just see if she's all right." "I trust you spent a profitable afternoon?" "Oh, yes." "Did you have a profitable afternoon?" "Not very." "I'd like to see you... for a moment." "Certainly." "Excuse me." "Can you prove to me that you are an angel?" "Proof?" "You mean an document?" "You, of all people should know that an angel needs no passport." "I want to see you perform a miracle." " What kind?" " Make the desk fly around the room." "Please!" "I didn't come down here to do silly tricks." " I'm surprised at you." " I don't believe you're an angel." "I think you're a demon right out of..." "Oh, Henry!" "Don't say that." "Well, anyway." "You know how I feel." "Yes." "Wait a minute." "There's another thing." "Dinner is served, Bishop." "Thank you." "For what we are about to receive, may the Lord make us truly thankful." "Amen." "Pass the celery, Henry." "Please." "The celery." "Thank you." "What's that you're humming?" "I don't know, dear." "Is it anything?" " It's rather gay." " I feel gay." "I like to watch you brushing your hair." "Thank you, dear." "Is that a compliment?" "Yes." "You do it so capably." "Well, thank you." "In fact, now that I think of it... everything you do is capable." "The one thing I pride myself on is that we lead a well-ordered life." "The family, I mean." "Of course, that's due to you much more than me." " I think you're an excellent wife." " Thank you." " Do you think I'm an excellent husband?" " Of course." "We're having supper early so we can get to St. Timothy's on time." " St. Timothy's?" " Choir rehearsal for the benefit." " Oh, yes." " You've been looking very tired lately." "I hope you'll take it easier now that Dudley's here." " I think that he's very able." " You do?" " He knows so many things." " What, for instance?" "You should have seen him with Professor Wutheridge." "He knows more about history than the professor." "He'd been at it longer." " Let's do that again." " No!" "Tell me a story." " Now?" " Don't you know any stories?" " I know hundreds of stories." " Tell me one." "Please!" "All right." "Let me think." "Now this happened many, many years ago." "That's not the way to begin." "Stories start, "Once upon a time."" "Yes, that's true." "Well, once upon a time... there was a little boy who lived in a little town." " What was his name?" " His name was David." "He was a shepherd and the town where he lived was called Bethlehem." "I know Bethlehem." "That's where the star was." "That's right." "Only, David lived long before the star." "One night, he was out in the hills tending his sheep." " He was playing the harp and singing." " Was he singing "Jingle Bells"?" ""Jingle Bells" hadn't been written then." "He was singing songs he wrote himself." "Suddenly, an angel came down and spoke to David." " How did David know it was an angel?" " He didn't know." "You know, that's the way it always is." "Angels come and put ideas into peoples' heads." "Then people feel proud of themselves... because they think it was all their own idea." "This angel said to David..." ""One of your lambs has strayed."" "David put aside his harp and went into the darkness to find his lamb." "Of course, the angel guided him." "When David found the lamb, he saw a great, big, ferocious lion." "Oh!" "David said to the lion, "You get away from that lamb!"" "And the lion said, "Get away from me or I'll eat you too!"" " Did David run away?" " No." "You know why?" "Because the angel put another idea into his head." "David took out his sling and he hurled his stone... and hit the lion right between the eyes." "I bet that lion was surprised!" "And so was David." "Because he didn't know an angel had helped him." "Well, he picked up the lamb and took it back to the fold." "He felt so happy, he made up another song." "It started out, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." ""He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:" ""He leadeth me beside the still waters." ""He restoreth my soul."" " You can tell the rest of this, Henry." " Some other time." "Hello, Daddy." "Miss Cassaway, please get Mrs. Hamilton on the telephone." " Get Mrs. Hamilton on the phone, please!" " Yes, Bishop." " Good morning, Julia." " Good morning." "I'll see you in a minute." "I have to see Matilda now." " Bye, Debby." " Good-bye, Dudley." " Thank you." " Oh, pretty." " Are you expecting a letter?" " One never knows." "But if I should get one, the stamp would be worth saving." " I have Mrs. Hamilton in a moment, sir." " Are you seeing her today?" " I hope to." " May I come along?" "I'd like to meet her." "Hello, Mrs. Hamilton." "How are you?" "I'm glad to hear it." "I'd like to see you today." "This afternoon, if possible." "Yes, it is." "It's very urgent." " That's too bad." " That's terrible." "You can?" "That's splendid." "Thank you so much." "I'll be there." "5:00 this evening." "Thank you." "Good-bye." "You didn't make an appointment for this afternoon, did you?" " It was the only possible time." " You can't do this to Reverend Miller." "That rehearsal's being held just for you." "They'll get along without me, and there are other things more important." " He'll be delighted to see you." " It isn't the same." "You're his bishop." "I don't like going alone." "It's the big house at the end of this street, Driver." "Dudley, I take it that... that you have the money for the taxi?" "No." "What makes you think I have money?" "I just thought that, you being an ang..." "Goodness!" " I'm sorry." " Sorry." "Thank you." "I may be in time to join you before too long." " Please try." " I'll see you in front of the church... in exactly one hour." " Try." " I will be there." " Good." " This is it, Driver." " Good evening, Bishop Brougham." " How are you, Stevens?" "Mrs. Hamilton is in the drawing room, sir." "Thank you." "Well, Bishop Brougham." "My dear Mrs. Hamilton, I've come to tell you..." " You've come to apologize, I trust." " Exactly." "Upon mature consideration, my objections seem petty... compared with your generous gesture." " I'm very relieved." "Sit down, Bishop." " Thank you." "What hurt me most was to think that my instinct had betrayed me... in recommending you for the position you now hold." "I am unceasingly grateful." "Now, in planning the cathedral I'm taking it for granted... that the George B. Hamilton Memorial Chapel shall be located..." "Just where you specified, Mrs. Hamilton." "You don't feel the effect will be lost... if the whole cathedral was built in my husbanïs honor?" "I said that in the heat of a dispute." "What matters is that it be built." "Good." "I will not have his name in some horrid little brass plaque." "No, it will be in marble with large, gilded letters." "Now, the large window depicting St. George and the dragon." "I should like St. George's countenance suggest my late husbanïs." "And the dragon?" "Any dragon." "Let's get the blueprints." "Mrs. Hamilton, since we're now in agreement... would you mind if we postpone the discussion of the details?" " Julia's waiting at St. Timothy's." " Very well." "We can go over the plans when we send for the funds." "Thank you." "I'm glad we've settled our differences." "Is anything the matter?" "It doesn't seem quite right." "Stevens!" "There's something wrong about the bishop's chair." "Madame, it must be the new varnish." "The finisher should have warned us." " I hope I'm not harming the chair." " Not at all." "Call a furniture shop or a plumber." " Turpentine." "Do something, Stevens." " Yes, ma'am." " Oh, dear." " I wonder..." "Will you give it a little pull at the back?" "Thank you." ""Benefit." "Help Save St. Timothy's"" "It's been a long time since Henry's been here." "I wish he had come." "When he was here, he was so close to people." "So loved by everybody." "How does it seem now?" "That the cathedral has moved him away from the people he loved?" "Reverend Miller will be disappointed not to see him." "He doesn't have to be." " Hello, Mr. Miller." " So good of you to come, Mrs. Brougham." "I'm delighted to be here." "This is Mr. Dudley, the bishop's new assistant." " A pleasure." " Thank you." "The bishop will try to get here later." "Something important came up." "Oh." "Of course, he's a busy man." " This is Mrs. Duffy." " I know her." "How are you?" "It's always an honor to have you here at St. Timothy's." "Thank you." "This is Mr. Dudley." "Mrs. Duffy is the organist." "I'm sure she plays enchantingly." "Hello, Mrs. Duffy." "I'm afraid some of our boys are a little late." "We should begin but I don't see how we can." "It's quite embarrassing." "It is a little difficult to compete with basketball and Christmas." " They're all good boys at heart." " I know." " They'll show up." " I hope so." " Hello, Bobby." " Hello." " What do you sing?" " First soprano." " Are you good?" " I don't know." " How about giving a..." " Me alone?" " You've got George." "Hello, George." " Hello." " What do you say?" " Okay." " Are you ready, Mrs. Duffy?" " Oh, yes." "Hit it." "O sing to God" "Your hymns of gladness" "Ye loving hearts" "Your tribute make" "Your Lord is born this happy day" "Then pierce the sky with songs of gladness" "Disperse the chains of gloom and sadness" "The Lord is born" "This happy day" "O Sing to Him" "Your hymns of gladness" "O sing to God" "Your hymns of gladness" "Ye loving hearts your tribute make" "Your Lord is born" "This happy day" "Then pierce the sky with songs of gladness" "Disperse the shades of gloom and sadness" "Your Lord is born" "This happy day" "O sing full out" "Your hymns of gladness" "O Word of God" "For us incarnate" "O Word of God" "For us incarnate" "By faith we hear Thine angels sing" " Their hymns" " Angels sing their hymns" "Of praise to Thee their King" "We join with them in adoration" "We pour We pour to Thee" "Our supplication" "That Thou wouldst" "Grant us Lord" "Salvation" "Boys, that was beautiful." "Really beautiful." "You've all grown up so since the bishop and I lived in this parish." "I hardly recognized any of you." "I'm so proud of you." "I know he will be to." "Thank you." "Mr. Miller, that was wonderful." "I can't thank you enough." " And you, Mr. Dudley." " I'm sorry the bishop isn't here." " Are you all right?" " Yes." "Thank you." "What is keeping Stevens?" "Stevens, there you are." "I'm sorry but the furniture shop is closed until after New Year's." "I can't find a plumber." "We're out of turpentine." " This is preposterous." " What about some witch hazel?" " May I use your telephone?" " Of course." "It's over there." "Thank you." "Tilda, this is Bishop Brougham." "Will you bring a pair of my trousers over to Mrs. Hamilton's house?" "What difference does it make?" "Just bring me another pair of trousers." "Thank you." "I'm so sorry this has happened." "If only I could contact Julia or Dudley." "Don't be nervous, Bishop." "Have a chair." "Thank you, I have one." "He isn't here." "Perhaps the meeting was more important than he thought." "I suppose." "We'd better go home." "Dudley, it's strange thing." "What's strange?" "You make me feel as if everything is going to be all right." " It could be if..." " If what?" "If people could only learn to behave like human beings." "Hey, taxi." "Here's a cab." "Will you please wait, Sylvester?" "Sure, mister." "Sylvester?" "Good evening." "I'll be right with you." "This is one of our most exclusive models." "It's lovely." "Simply ravishing!" "So chic, so young." " It is sweet, isn't it?" " It's stunning." "Not everyone could wear such a daring hat." "It was made for madame." "How did you know my name was Sylvester?" "It's up there on your card." "Could you drive us through the park, please?" "That's out of your way." "Sylvester, are you getting bored with us?" "Oh, no." "I'll drive you to Mexico City, if you want." "Thank you." "I'm having so much fun." " Are you?" " Yes." " Are you really?" " I feel as if I'm doing something bad." " Why?" " I don't know." "I seems wrong to have so much fun but..." "I can't figure out why." "You folks know what's wrong with this country?" "I've heard several versions of that." " Do you know?" " I think I do." "Too many people who don't know where they're going... and they want to get there too fast." "Take you two." "I'd call you unusual." "Thank you." "You're very perceptive." "You know your destination but are in no hurry to get there." "You want to enjoy some scenery en route." "And you're not reluctant to spend an extra four bits... for a detour with Mother Nature." "Look where you're going!" "Well, my goodness." "Did you see the way I missed that truck?" " It was like a miracle." " Yes, but don't overplay your hand." "Sylvester, pull up here." "We're going skating." "We mustn't." "It's late." "We couldn't." " Do you think we could?" " Henry can wait a little longer." " Yeah." " Sylvester, stop the car." " I am wicked." " If you are, so am I." "And that's impossible." "Can you skate?" "I used to but I'm too old now." "Put on some skates." "You'll find out how young you are." "I don't know about this." "Relax." "That's right." "Pretty hat." " Why, Dudley!" " Now you." " Oh, no." "L..." " Come on." " Dudley, this is heaven." " You found the perfect word." "Look what I'm doing!" "You're a beautiful skater." "In fact, you're beautiful." "Look at Sylvester!" "Now, Sylvester." " Excuse me." " Sure." "Keep cool, Sylvester!" "Relax." "That's right." "Come on." "Give me the other one." "That's it." "Relax." "No, not collapse." "Hang on to me." "Don't leave me!" "How am I doing, Dudley?" "Wait for me!" "Thank you, Dudley." " How much do I owe you?" " Not a cent, my friend." "My pockets are bulging with the coins of self-satisfaction." " Know why?" " I'd love to know." "Because you two have restored my faith in human nature." "Good night, Dudley and Julia." " Good night, Sylvester." " Good night, Sylvester." "Sylvester is a noble soul." "His children and his children's children will rise up and call him blessed." "This has been the most wonderful evening I've had in years." "This has been the most wonderful evening I've had in centuries." " I hope I haven't left the key..." " Go on in." "It's open." "Thank you." "Thank you." " Hello, Queenie." " Hello, Queenie." "How are you?" " Can I help you?" " Yes, please." " All right." " Oh!" "You got my shoe." " Hello, Henry." " Well, Henry." "I thought you were going to meet us at St. Timothy's." "What happened to you?" " Can I take that?" " Thank you." "You'll never guess." " We went skating." " The coat..." "There you are." " See you in a minute." " All right." " Skating?" " Yes." "Dudley's a marvelous skater." "He made me imagine that I was good." "You should have heard the boys at St. Timothy's." "It was heavenly." " I'm sure of that." " Did you have a successful meeting?" " Did you?" " Satisfactory." "Good." "I want to see Debby before she goes to sleep." " You haven't said a word about it." " About what?" "My new hat." " What do you think?" " Charming." "Thank you." "I'll be right down." "I know that Julia is absolutely blameless in this." " Of course she is." " You stopped me from joining you." "Julia had a very good time." "I didn't." "If you'd sent me to Mrs. Hamilton's I would have gone." "You didn't." "So I went with your wife." "Is that part of the normal duties of an..." "Of an angel?" "Sometimes angels must rush in where fools fear to tread." "I don't know what that means and don't explain it." "You can go now." " I've solved my problem." " Have you?" "Mrs. Hamilton is giving the money for the cathedral." "That was a foregone conclusion... if you were willing to sacrifice your principles." "Don't you think this glorious edifice is worth it?" "I'm not so sure of its glory." " You're not?" " No, I'm not." "These are lean years for the world." "So many people need food and shelter." "That big roof could make so many little roofs." "We're dealing with a materialistic woman who doesn't care about that." "Did you try?" "It's all arranged." "It's finished." "You came so that I could have a cathedral." "Now I want you to go." "Get out of my life and away from Julia." "Pray for that." "It was your prayer that brought me here." " That was no prayer." " It was right from my heart." " I want you to go." " Julia doesn't." "Get out!" "Julia's coming back." "Don't let her see you like that." "Try to calm yourself." "Debby wants to say good night to Dudley." " Where is he?" " He's gone." " Where?" " How should I know?" " Why did he leave?" " I got rid of him." " I fired him." " Why?" "He's incompetent and I can't stand the sight of him!" "Mummy, I'm sure that Dudley's never coming back." "Darling, you must never say never." "Where is he?" "Come here, dear." "Listen to me." "Dudley wouldn't leave without saying a word." "Beside, he promised to tell you about Santa Claus." "He knows him very well." "But it's almost Christmas Eve." "Soon I'll have to go to bed." "I told you he wouldn't leave without saying a word." " Would he, Matilda?" " Oh, no." "That wouldn't be like Mr. Dudley." "Come along, Debby." "I'll get you ready for dinner." " Will you come see me later?" " Of course." "Here is the list of your calls." " Ending at Mrs. Hamilton's." " Thank you." "Miss Cassaway, here is the manuscript to my Christmas sermon." "I shall want the original and five carbons for the press." "If you finish before I come back, leave them on my desk." "I'm sorry to keep you so long on Christmas Eve." "I understand." "It must be done." "I'm ready to start out now." "We're going to the Trubb-Shaws, then..." "Then to the Van Dovers." "Good-bye, Miss Cassaway." " Sylvester!" " Hello, Julia." "What are you doing here?" "I've been waiting about an hour hoping for another skating party." "I didn't want to miss it." "Where's Dudley?" "You got a preacher with you." "Oh, I know!" "You and Dudley are getting married!" "Sylvester, this is my husband, Bishop Brougham." " How do you do?" " Oh." "247 North Maple." "247 North Maple." " Mildred." " Oh!" "Dudley, it's you." "I didn't see..." "Where have you been?" "We've been worrying about you." "And poor Mrs. Brougham." " What about her?" " She's been in and out of here all day." "Asking if we've seen or heard from you." " Where is she?" " She and the bishop are making calls... finishing at Mrs. Hamilton's." " I'll type this for you." " Oh, no." " You go." " The bishop told me..." "It's almost Christmas Eve." "You must have shopping to do." " Go on." " Thank you, Dudley." "Merry Christmas, Mildred." "Merry Christmas, Dudley." "Take a sermon." "Tonight, I want to tell you the story of an empty stocking." "Once upon a midnight clear, there was a chilïs cry." "A blazing star hung over a stable... and wise men came with birthday gifts." "Have you got that?" "Good." "We haven't forgotten that night down the centuries." "We celebrate it with stars hung on the Christmas tree and bells... and gifts, especially gifts." "We buy them, wrap them and put them under the tree." "You give me a tie." "I give you a book." "Aunt Martha wants an orange squeezer." "Uncle Harry can use a new pipe." "We forget nobody, adult or child." "All the stockings are filled." "All except one." " I'm sorry, Matilda." " Mr. Dudley, I knew you'd come back." "I knew you hadn't walked out on us." "Of course not." "Debby's been so worried and Mrs. Brougham..." "Run upstairs." "Tell Debby I'll see her later." " I have some work to do." " I'll tell her." "One moment, please." " Is Mrs. Hamilton expecting you?" " No, but she'll want to see me." " I'm the bishop's assistant." " You're not expected, but the bishop is." "I told you, Stevens, she'll wish to see me." ""This was composed for you, my darling, and you only." "Allan."" "Her husbanïs name was George." "Good evening." "That music you were playing." "I'm the only one living that knows that composition." "It's a shame that we're the only ones... who appreciate the lost genius of Allan Cartwright." " You know about him?" " Oh, yes." "The world lost a brilliant, young composer when he died." "That was forty years ago." "You couldn't have known him." "I'm older than you think." "Come, let us sit down." " What is your name?" " My name is Dudley." "Tell me about Allan and you." "Tell me." "Allan Cartwright was the only man I ever loved." "We were engaged to be married." "I got frightened." "He had nothing and I was afraid of poverty." "He went away." "I never saw him again." "I never loved George Hamilton." "He was very much in love with me." "He was wealthy." "I've spent a fortune honoring his memory in empty monuments." "The Hamilton mansion." "Never been here before." " What do I owe you?" " No charge." "I'm not busy." " Thank you, Sylvester." " I'll be seeing you, Julia." "That must be Henry and Julia at the door." "The bishop!" "I can't see him now." " Oh, yes, you will." " No!" "Yes." "Just go out and greet them in you usual warmhearted manner." "The Bishop and Mrs. Brougham are calling, madame." " You'll stay for dinner?" " I'm afraid I can't." "I have work to do." "Don't keep Henry and Julia waiting." "How do you do, Mrs. Hamilton?" "How nice of you to come and see me." "Merry Christmas." "Let's go into the drawing room." " Merry Christmas to you too." " Oh, we're old friends." "Call me Agnes." "You too, Julia, dear." "Yes, of course." "But he's gone already." "Who?" " He was here." " I should have known it." " Where did he go?" " The poor man had so much work to do." "You must make him take some rest." "I've been trying to." "I can't thank you enough for sending him to me." "But sit down." "Meeting Dudley has been the greatest spiritual experience of my life." "I'm so glad." "How did you find him?" " It was an accident." " It was a miracle." "Indeed." "Talking with this wonderful, understanding man has..." "I've changed my mind about the cathedral." "My money's going to those who need it." "The poor and the homeless." "The unappreciated people here and around the world." "I want you to direct the spending of the money." " You see what Dudley has done?" " I see." " Now you understand..." " Thank you, Mrs. Hamilton." "I'll be home later for dinner, or something." "I don't know what..." "Good-bye." "Hello, Professor." "Come in, my dear fellow." "Sit down." "Let me take your coat." " No, thanks." " Not there." "Here." "This is the only reliable chair." "This is a surprise and an honor." "We must have a glass of sherry." " No, thank you." " I insist." "I want to show you something." "You see this bottle and note that it is full?" "Watch." "This is inexplicable even to you with your vast ecclesiastical knowledge." "Observe that it is still full." "How do you account for that?" "And the sherry." "It stimulates, warms and inspires." "But no matter how much you drink, it never inebriates." "I can account for it." "Dudley's been here." "And that's not all." "He told me some things about history that opened my eyes." "Today I went to the university library and read some ancient texts... which have been undecipherable to living scholars." "Suddenly, I could understand them." "And this is what I have done, thanks to Dudley." "I'm actually writing my history." "Let's face it." "Dudley is no mortal man like the rest of us." "Is he?" " How did you know?" " I can't tell." " What is he?" " He says he's an angel." " An angel." " Nothing stopped me that time." " From heaven?" " That I'm not sure about." "An angel." "Too bad." "He's such a nice fellow." "I should have known." "Nothing less could have put me to work." "I'm glad he's done somebody some good." "He's brought nothing but disaster for me." "That's absurd." "He and Julia were here the other day." "She seemed happy, quite like her old, delightful self." "She's a different person when she's with him." "He's made her despise me." "Are you sure he has done that?" " You think it's my fault?" " I didn't say that." "This is a mystery beyond my powers of comprehension." "I suppose I am to blame for everything." "I asked for this in more ways than one." "Dudley's presence only confirmed that I'd already lost Julia and Debby's love." "I must confess, my old friend." "You generously sent me a coin." "And I only saw its commercial value." "Now I don't know where it is." "I do." "Here it is." "Where did you find it?" "Don't tell me." "And what's more he told me what it is." "A muzeum piece." "Worth a fortune." "You keep it." "Give it to Julia as my Christmas present." "It might bring luck to you both." "It seems strange, you a bishop... and me, a broken-down, old scholar." "I feel terribly sorry for you." "I wish I could help." " There's nothing to be done." " There must be." "You and Julia have always loved each other." "That's only partially true." " I love Julia..." " Then fight for her." "How can I?" "You have a tremendous advantage." " Advantage over an angel?" " That's precisely it." "He's an angel." "Julia is a creature of earth." "She's a woman and you are a man." "Isn't it beautiful?" "He did every bit of it himself." "So quick too." "I couldn't believe my eyes." " What a blessing he's been." " The tree's lovely." "I'm glad you like it." "It's been years since I've decorated a tree." "I usually get the more disagreeable jobs." "Good night, Matilda." " Sweet dreams." " Thank you, Mr. Dudley." "I think my work here is almost finished." "I'll have to be going." "Where will you be going?" "Wherever they send me." "Who are they?" "My superior officers." "Will we ever see you again?" "They seldom send us to the same place twice." "We might form attachments." " I don't understand." " Of course not." " I don't want to leave." " Why?" "There are few people who know the secret of making a heaven here on Earth." "You are one of them." " I think you should go." " Please don't send me away." " What are you saying?" " I'm tired of wandering." "I'm tired of existing where one is neither hot nor cold, hungry nor full." "You must go away and never come back." "I've never fought an angel, but take off your coat and put up your dukes." "Why do you want to fight me?" "Because you tried to steal my wife, my child, the love that belongs to me." "Don't you realize that as an angel..." "I could destroy you with a bolt of lightning?" "I don't care." "Julia means more to me than my life." "I'm not gonna lose her." "Then I have news for you." "I'm going." "I'll accept that when I see it." "No, you won't." "Because when I go you'll never know an angel visited your house." " What about Julia?" " She won't remember either." "Nor will Debby, the professor or anyone else." " I don't trust you." " You may." "Because your prayer has been answered." "That's not true." "I was praying for a cathedral." "No, you were praying for guidance." "That has been given to you." "Just a minute, please." "Good-bye, Henry." "If we need you again, will you come back?" "Not I." "I should ask to be assigned to the other end of the universe." "Because I was so difficult?" "This difficulty was in me." "When an immortal envies the mortal entrusted to him it's a danger signal." "Take her in your arms and hold her tight." "Coming." "Kiss her for me, you lucky Henry." "She's asleep." "Are you all right?" "Of course I am." "Did you get that for Debby?" "I can't imagine where it came from." "Why, Henry." "What is it?" "I don't know." "L..." "I just have the most inexplicable feeling of happiness." " You know something?" " What?" "There's a big bowl of cider downstairs." "That's for tomorrow afternoon." "Let's drink it now." "To us." "To our happiness and what lies ahead." "Then let's smash the glasses in the fireplace." "Listen." "That's coming from St. Timothy's." "Let's have the cider after your Christmas Eve sermon." " Oh, my sermon." " Yes." "That's better still." "Ring the bells in adoration" "We pour We pour to Thee" "Our supplication" "That Thou wouldst" "Grant us Lord" "Salvation" "Tonight I want to tell you the story... of an empty stocking." "Once upon a midnight clear... there was a chilïs cry." "A blazing star hung over a stable... and wise men came with birthday gifts." "We haven't forgotten that night down the centuries." "We celebrate it with stars on Christmas trees... with the sound of bells and with gifts." "Especially with gifts." "You give me a book." "I give you a tie." "Aunt Martha wants an orange squeezer." "Uncle Henry can use a new pipe." "We forget nobody, adult or child." "All the stockings are filled." "All, that is, except one." "And we have even forgotten to hang it up." "A stocking for the child born in a manger." "It's His birthday we're celebrating." "Let's not ever forget that." "Let us ask ourselves... what He would wish for most." "And then let each put in his share." "Loving kindness, warm hearts... and the stretched-out hand of tolerance." "All the shining gifts"