until the mother had gone to the kitchen, as she was sure to do
bye-and-bye. Four o'clock came and the great business of his day was at
hand; it was time to ring the bell, and he had to go. At last when evening
came Blasi found his opportunity. He stood watching outside the door, when
suddenly Dietrich threw it open, and started off with rapid strides.

Blasi called out, "Wait, wait a minute, can't you? What's your hurry?"

Dietrich turned about.

"What do you want? Tell me quickly. I'm going to meet Veronica; she can't
come home alone through the woods after dusk."

"Well, look here," said Blasi, breathing hard with his haste, and holding
Dietrich by the arm. "You see, I'm in trouble for want of a few francs or
so. Can't you lend them to me? I'll give them back again very soon."

"I haven't that much about me now. Stop a minute--yes, here are two francs
and here's a half; will that be enough?" and throwing the money to Blasi,
the young man hastened away.

As evening drew on, Gertrude stood at the end of the garden and looked
down the road. She listened to every sound that came from below. She was
waiting for her children's voices, for the sound of their footsteps; her
children, who made her life, her happiness, her hope! Ah! there they are!
that is Dietrich's voice talking eagerly, while Veronica's bell-like
laugh sounds clear through the still evening air. With a heart filled to
overflowing with happiness, Gertrude went forth to meet them.

As they sat together round the table in their usual cheerful mood, the