And when my little girl fell ill his wife wept almost as much as I did.
And when my garden wall fell down he helped me to build it up in no time. What a fine strong fellow he is, to be sure!
Yes, it is quite pleasant to have such kindly folks for neighbours. Their youthfulness helps to warm our chilly old age, and their lightheartedness to drive away our care.
But this poor room of theirs looks like a prison-cell, it is so bare.
Nay. Say, rather, it is like a church, it is so bright!
See the flowers on the table! She ha's been plucking them as she walked through the fields, in that poor pink gown of hers and faded hair-riband. Here are some May lilies, with the dew not dry upon them.
Do not touch them, dear children--do not touch the flowers. She has imprinted her kiss upon them, so we must not let them fall to the ground. She has breathed her sweet breath upon them, so we must not mingle our breath with hers. Do not touch them, dear children--do not touch them.
She means him to see them the moment he enters the room.
Yes, and to receive her sweet kisses from them.
But surely we did not come here to leave nothing behind us for these charming young neighbours of ours? That would be a sorry thing to do!
I have brought a loaf of spiced bread and a bottle of milk.
And I some sweet, fresh herbs. If we strew; the floor with them it will look like a verdant meadow, and smell of spring.
And we some sprigs of oak and birch, with their pretty green leaves. If we deck the walls with them the room will look like a fresh, luxuriant arbour.
And my present is a fine cigar. It did not cost very much, but it is mellow and strong, and will be a splendid thing to dream over.
And I have brought her a new pink hair-riband. When she has bound up her hair with it she will look so neat and charming! It was given me by my sweetheart, but _I_ have many ribands, whereas she has only one.
And what have _you_ brought with you, little girl? Surely you have brought some present for our good neighbours?
No, nothing--nothing. At least, I have brought my cough with me, but they would not care for _that_, would they, neighbour?
No, no, little girl; no more than they would for my crutches. Ah, dear child, who would care for crutches?