ten
o'clock
`` We are listening to the music in the church . The choir has sung ` Carol , brothers , carol , ' and now we think the organist is beginning to play ` My ain countree ' for Carol . '' `` I hope she hears it , '' said Mrs. Bird ; `` but they are very late to-night , and I dare not speak to her lest she should be asleep . It is almost ten o'clock . '' The boy soprano , clad in white surplice , stood in the organ loft . The light shone full upon his crown of fair hair , and his pale face , with its serious blue eyes , looked paler than usual . Perhaps it was something in the tender thrill of the voice , or in the sweet words , but there were tears in many eyes both in the church and in the great house next door .