midnight
Margery looked up at Bella triumphantly . She had her favourite , at any rate , so her anxiety was over . Charlie 's favourite was , ` God rest you , merry gentlemen , ' but he was doomed to disappointment that day ; and Tom did not get his -- `` The holly and the ivy Now both were full well grown . '' Bella had so many favourite carols , she was almost sure of hearing one or the other , and to-day her face lighted up with pleasure when the choir began -- `` It came upon the midnight clear , That glorious song of old , From angels bending near the earth , With news of joy foretold . Peace on the earth , goodwill to men , From heaven 's all-gracious King , The world in solemn silence lay To hear the angels sing . '' As they walked home the air and the words still rang in her head : -- `` And ye , beneath life 's crushing load , Whose forms are bending low , Who toil along the arduous way , With painful steps and slow ; Look now ! for glad and joyous hours , God 's messengers will bring .