companions.

"Jufvrouw! Jufvrouw van Gleck!" called Hans in a loud tone,
stumbling after her as well as he could, for one of his skate
strings was untied.

Hilda turned and, with one hand raised to shield her eyes from
the sun, seemed to him to be floating through the air, nearer and
nearer.

"We cannot take this money," panted Hans, "though we know your
goodness in giving it."

"Why not, indeed?" asked Hilda, flushing.

"Because," replied Hans, bowing like a clown but looking with the
eye of a prince at the queenly girl, "we have not earned it."

Hilda was quick-witted. She had noticed a pretty wooden chain
upon Gretel's neck.

"Carve me a chain, Hans, like the one your sister wears."

"That I will, lady, with all my heart. We have whitewood in the
house, fine as ivory; you shall have one tomorrow." And Hans
hastily tried to return the money.

"No, no," said Hilda decidedly. "That sum will be but a poor
price for the chain." And off she darted outstripping the
fleetest among the skaters.