"This is a good day for you, child; we'll melt down the butter and salt the hams."
The words sounded as joyous as if she had offered her an invitation to Paradise, and Maria willingly helped in the work, which began at once. When the widow moved her hands, tongues could not remain silent, and the conversation that had probably taken place between Peter and his wife excited her curiosity not a little.
She turned the conversation upon him cleverly enough, and, as if accidentally, asked the question:
"Did he apologize for his departure on the anniversary of your wedding- day?"
"I know the reason; he could not stay."
"Of course not, of course not; but whoever is green the goats eat. We mustn't allow the men to go too far. Give, but take also. An injustice endured is a florin, for which in marriage a calf can be bought."
"I will not bargain with Peter, and if anything weighed heavily on my mind, I have willingly forgotten it after so long a separation."
"Wet hay may destroy a barn, and any one to whom the hare runs can catch him! People ought not to keep their troubles to themselves, but tell them; that's why they have tongues, and yesterday was the right time to make a clean breast of everything that grieves you."
"He was in such a joyous mood when he came home, and then: Why do you think I feel unhappy?"
"Unhappy. Who said so?"