Still, to a boy not quite sixteen, and who had dwelt in one little world
all his short life, and in his childhood had been caressed and applauded
on all sides, it was a hard trial to have the whole of that little world
turn against him for naught. Especially hard in that bleak, snow-bound,
famine-stricken winter-time, when the only light and warmth there could
be found abode beside the village hearths and in the kindly greetings
of neighbours. In the winter-time all drew nearer to each other, all
to all, except to Nello and Patrasche, with whom none now would have
anything to do, and who were left to fare as they might with the old
paralyzed, bedridden man in the little cabin, whose fire was often low,
and whose board was often without bread; for there was a buyer from
Antwerp who had taken to drive his mule in of a day for the milk of the
various dairies, and there were only three or four of the people who had
refused his terms of purchase and remained faithful to the little green
cart. So that the burden which Patrasche drew had become very light,
and the centime pieces in Nello's pouch had become, alas! very small
likewise.

The dog would stop, as usual, at all the familiar gates which were now
closed to him, and look up at them with wistful, mute appeal; and it
cost the neighbours a pang to shut their doors and their hearts, and let
Patrasche draw his cart on again, empty. Nevertheless, they did it, for
they desired to please Baas Cogez.

Noel was close at hand.

The weather was very wild and cold; the snow was six feet deep, and the
ice was firm enough to bear oxen and men upon it everywhere. At this
season the little village was always gay and cheerful. At the poorest