Frau Greta had already hopes of a fourth; and every one knows “Maternity renders weary.”
Paul was not at home; he was working on the moor; but their father came towards them with a cunning laugh, swinging his crutch, and crying out, “Can’t I run again like a youth?”
Frau Kate expressed her admiration and Frau Greta agreed with her.
“It goes first-rate,” he laughed; “the day before yesterday I even went as far as Helenenthal.”
They looked at him in surprise, and almost in terror, for since he was forced to leave it he had never been there again.
“How were you received?” asked Frau Greta.
“Who? What? Oh, you think perhaps I went for a neighborly visit? You are real geese! I would sooner be the guest of your watch-dog and try to take his mutton-bone away.”
“But what did you do there, then?”
“I peeped through the gate and looked at the clock and then I came home again. How long do you think it takes me to walk there? just guess.”
They had no idea.