"It always sets me thinking," said the grandmother, "when I, an old
woman of seventy-five years, am left, and here and there a young person
is called away,--a useful one, too."

"Yet the old folks are good for something. Who else can set an
example to the youth?" remarked the teacher. "But what is your
opinion, neighbor: what will become of the little fellow over yonder,
do you think?"

"Yes, what will become of him?" repeated the old woman. "I also ask
myself that question; and if my only reliance were upon human help, I
should not know of an answer. But there is a heavenly Father who looks
after the forsaken children. He will provide something for the lad."

"Will you not tell me, neighbor, how it happened that the Italian
married the daughter of your friend who lived over there opposite? One
never knows how these people may turn out."

"It happened as such things always happen, neighbor. You know how my old
friend Anne-Dete had lost all her children, and her husband also, and
lived alone in the cottage over yonder with Marie-Seppli, who was a
merry little girl. About eleven or twelve years ago Trevillo made his
appearance here. He had work in the Maloja, and came down here with the
other boys; and he and Marie-Seppli had scarcely become acquainted
before they were resolved to have each other.

"And it must be said, in justice to Trevillo, that he was not only a
handsome fellow who was agreeable to everybody, but also an industrious
and well-conducted man, with whom Anne-Dete (the mother) was well