encumbered. She talked things over with the workman who had been so many
years in her employ and asked if he would help her carry on the business
as he had done after her husband's death while Dietrich was still a child.
The man was very angry with Dietrich for having thrown away the result of
all those years of labor, and at first refused to have anything more to do
with the business. He yielded at last, however, to Gertrude's urgent
request, and consented to remain with her at least till the future
prospects of the business could be decided upon; and Gertrude agreed that
if it should prosper she would hand it over to him, in case Dietrich
should not return within a certain time.

And so the mother set herself again to her task. She worked early and
late; she seemed to have gained new strength and courage instead of being
crushed down by this new burden.

It was curious to see how differently the two women nearest to Dietrich
were affected by this trouble. Gertrude's countenance gradually resumed
its customary look of cheerfulness and peace, while on Veronica's handsome
features rested a heavy scowl which now seldom left her clouded brow. Yet
she was almost an object of envy to all the young girls of the
neighborhood, and no wonder; for she was an attractive sight to all eyes,
with her neat, well-fitting clothes, that always looked new and fresh, and
her air of strength and activity. Not a few of the strangers who came to
Fohrensee, made inquiries about her, wondering where she could have come
from; for they noticed the marked difference between her and the other
women of the place. The work which passed through her hands, even if it
were most elaborately embroidered, was never crumpled nor soiled, but
looked as fresh as if it had not been handled at all. She could obtain any
price she chose to set upon her work, and everything she did found ready
sale. Moreover, she had been appointed to the place of which Sabina had