"That's not so easily done; the district physician will have to order it."
Thoma had unexpectedly appeared, and brought in the supper, which she had had prepared. The pastor started to leave, but upon Thoma's and her mother's entreaties he remained. They needed a man of peace to bring quiet and concord. The meal-time passed cheerfully, and Landolin ate ravenously. During a pause, he asked: "Herr Pastor, is neither the young bailiff nor any of the councilmen at home? It would be no more than proper for them to call. They must have known that I was coming."
The pastor seemed to find no answer, and Landolin's wife spared him embarrassment by reminding her husband that he had said that he would no longer concern himself about other people.
When the pastor took his leave, Landolin accompanied him respectfully. Pausing before the house, the pastor said in a low tone:
"Give me half."
"Half of what?"
"When you were in prison, did you not vow a hundred times that when you were released you would give liberally to the poor and the church? Give me half, or a third, or a fourth."
"Herr Pastor, you're joking. It is too soon for me to joke with you."
"If you change your mind, you know where to find me," said the pastor. As he turned away, Landolin looked after him scornfully.
He went to the well and drank of the water that poured swiftly from it. As he wiped his mouth, he said to his wife who was looking out of the window: