Veronica And Other Friends

, and everything was fresh and in good working order. The old customers had not withdrawn their custom, for the former workman who had served under Steffan for many years had c

n the world a bit he would come back, go on with the business farther and farther, and become a gentleman; and then-then-where could a happier man be found than he should be, living with his mother and Veronica in peace and plenty. His mother should pass her days in happy idleness if she wished, without care, without sorrow, in wealth a

rt time before Easter, the teacher had assured Gertrude that Veronica had made such extraordinary progress, that she was already prepared to teach, and that she had completed the course taught at that school, and could learn no more there. Veronica cert

ay her children could always remain together and with her. The fine embroidery for which lame Sabina was noted, it did not seem to her at all necessary for Veronica to learn, but she was willing to leave the decision to her. As soon as

ws, and only here and there a sleepy face was to be seen at the door of a house. She had to go early in order to get in a good day's work, for she was to come home at night, and it was an hour's walk each wa

on the grass plat before the house, where a flock of handsome fowl were pecking about. All was still quiet in the neighboring houses, but over by the well stood the never-idle Judith, beating and turning her clothes as she wash

a good exchange if the old folks were to lie abed at

doing it," said the othe

st as broad as it was long, filled the opening, with scarce anything to spare. He tried to yawn, but there was not room enough to stretch his ar

udith. "If you had been here two hours ago, you might have seen a s

and brought his jaws

y eyes to their utmost extent. "Why doesn't the foolish

s. You will never come up

er her, and I've no doubt I shall come up with her, and then there's no t

pleasantly. "Did you never hear the saying, '

face and began

hen he came out of the house he had intended to come over and say someth

ttle business before eleven o'clock, and then I must be back

s yet of being eleven o'clock. Use those big arms of yours, and they'll bring you fran

towards, the shoemaker's old house. There sat Jost before the door, hammering away at something as if for

of these-these-these Tanneneggers' boots. To-morrow is Cherry-festival in Fohrensee, and every one is going; and I, I must get their boots ready! I wish a thunder-storm would come and wash this away, and that, and

e better off than I am. I haven't a rap, and am in debt besides. I was g

Dietrich; he has his pockets full, and a big heap besides. But don't be such a fool as to ask him for just o

ed rather

er is always about, and she looks at a fellow as a bird does

o along!" and Jost enforced his advise with an emphatic shove that sent Blasi rolling along much faster than

eat me so; I'm as go

garden, he thought he could now get without being seen, into the room where he heard Dietrich whistling at his work. He went round the garden, and was just going in at the back gate, when he came plump against Gertrude. He

ittle garden. Blasi stood hesitating in his door-way,

ee you in company with a fellow, who steals your money from your pockets, be

. "Who picks my pockets? Who are you talking about? I k

les," said Judit

d himself unless he knows who is attacking him

leness!" As Judith spoke, she raised her head, and looked

something back of which he had been robbed, and that Judi

crossly; "I have to go at four o'clock to ring the be

. It has just struck half past two; do you know

along with you," sai

me, so go on and prosper," said Ju

fellow was chattering and laughing gaily, and his mother answered and laughed too, but they did not stop working all the while. Blasi saw plainly that this was not the time to make his request. He would wait until the mother had gone to the kitchen, as she was sure to do bye-and-

, wait a minute, can't

h turne

going to meet Veronica; she can't come h

g Dietrich by the arm. "You see, I'm in trouble for want of a few francs

are two francs and here's a half; will that be enough?" a

dren'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 eage

l mood, the mother asked for an account of this, Veronica's

ung girl's face beamed with a smile that swept away al

to earn so much. But after all, mother dear, the b

h quickly, and you had but to look in h

iling. "It has been a long day for me. It seems a gre

s sitting by you all day lon

perfectly happy, and cannot spare either of you;" and

and the new work, and it was late in the even