Celebration

There's a commotion in the Square. Flags are flying from every window; ledges and roofs are hives of people. The hum is tremendous.

Frosted air is warmed by jumping delight of children . . . bands, ready to beat the right tunes. Players stamp snow from their feet. The Mayor measures time closely with his finger on the face of his watch . . .

Today is the celebration in which the whole town has a part. The Mayor pulls his collar up and an urchin with eyes round as a halo on the Madonna's head buries both hands in a glove the Mayor dropped— before he hands it back.