"Yes, it's our business to keep things clean," said Walpurga. "When I look up at the mountains, I see the rocks and forests which only men, with their chisels and axes, can shape into houses. Men's work is with whatever's strong and powerful. Even if others do flatter us, and we persuade ourselves that we're ever so great, we women are less than they are."
The mother smiled and said: "Oh child, your thoughts are far-fetched, but you're right, for all."
"My Hansei's a real steady man," continued Walpurga.
"That he is," answered the mother, with joyful mien.
"He doesn't talk as much as others do, but when it comes to a pinch, he knows what he has to do and how to do it, and that's just the way your blessed father was. You're very lucky to find this out so soon after the birth of your first child. I didn't know it till after my third, or, indeed, till I'd lost all my children except yourself."
"Good-day to you all!" suddenly said a little needy-looking man.
"Why, it's Peter!" cried the grandmother; "you here already? That's good. And is this your daughter? What's her name?"
"Gundel."
"God greet you both," said the grandmother, who kept wetting and wiping her hand again and again, before offering it to her brother.
The little man's features expressed great surprise. It was long since any one had been so glad to see him; but, of course, he had come to a house that was overflowing with joy.