In a short time he came down and ate a hearty meal; but his face was far from cheerful. He appeared to be gloomy and glum; he said little and looked at no one. “He is tired,” said the mother to her husband, “take him up to the guest room!”
In the morning the visitor appeared to be more cheerful than before. He was still gloomy and glum, however, as he ate his breakfast. He had come down late and the miller had gone to his work in the mill. The mother was in the kitchen, and the daughter sang as she waited on him, poured water on the flowers and drew back the curtains to let more light into the room.
“Why are you sad?” said she, “see what a beautiful morning! The fleecy clouds are sailing over the hills; the mill stream is shouting for joy and the birds are singing.”
“Why should I be happy?” said he, “My wife and child are dead; I am not well and I have lost my money. Why should I rejoice?” So saying he looked gloomier and glummer than before.
“Oh, you poor man,” said the girl, “I am so sorry.” So saying she brought in another plateful of hot cakes and put a jugful of maple syrup on the table; but still she kept on singing, for her heart was filled with joy.
“It is very pleasant here,” said the Stranger. “If you do not mind I will stay a few days. I have enough money left to pay my board.”
“You must settle that with my mother,” said the girl. “It is rather lonesome here sometimes, but you will be very welcome to stay as long as you like.” So saying she ran off to tell her mother. “Oh, mother!” said she, “I think it will be splendid to have him here; he is so sad; and he has lost his wife and child and his money; and his health is poor, too. I am so sorry for him.”
“That is too bad,” said her mother, “We must be good to him and perhaps he will become more cheerful.”
At first the Stranger wandered up and down the stream, hunting in the woods or fishing in the brook. Presently he tired of this and began to help the miller. Very soon he spent most of his time in the mill. In the evening he and the daughter would sometimes take a walk through the woods or over the hills. As he worked in the mill and grew tired and hungry, and slept in the clean, sweet country air, lulled by the voices of the Little People, he grew stronger and happier; the frown left his brow; he began to smile, and presently to hum a tune.
One day the miller did not feel very well, and he went to lie down on his bed, leaving the mill in charge of the Stranger. A few days later this happened again. Presently the Gnome laid down every day, and then he became so weak that he must stay in bed all day, while the Stranger took care of the mill alone. They sent for the Doctor who said he must stay in bed until he got better. But he got no better; he grew worse each day. One day he called the Stranger to him and said: “I feel very sick, and I believe I shall soon be going to a far country; will you take care of my wife and daughter when I am gone?” “Yes,” said the Stranger, “I will do all I can. You have all been good to me and I will do my best to return your kindness.”