The grandmother took her brother by the hand, and led him toward the house. She felt sad when she looked at the poor little man, for his appearance betokened great poverty.
She forthwith gave her brother and her niece something to eat. When they had finished, she took Gundel out to the wash-tub by the lake.
"Just work there till dinner-time, and then you'll know where you belong." She went back to her brother and again bade him welcome. The little man complained that life went hard with him. The grandmother went into the other room with Walpurga, and asked her:
"How much money did you mean to give me for my journey home?"
"As much as you want."
"No.--Tell me how much."
"Would ten florins be enough?"
"More than enough. Give them to me at once."
Walpurga gave her a ten florin piece and said:
"Mother, I haven't given you a present since I came back."