And Kate added, “But he is more silent himself to-day than ever.”
“Paul, be good,” they said, caressingly, as they sat together at the supper-table; “we may only come here on such rare occasions!... show us a friendly face.”
“Have you forgotten what day it is?” he answered, stroking their hair.
They started, for their first thought was of the anniversary of their mother’s death, but they breathed freely again, for that fell near Midsummer-day.
“Well?” they asked.
“To-day, eight years ago, our barn was burned down!”
All were silent; only their father chuckled and sighed to himself....
It began to grow dark; over the heath there still streamed a streak of red light, which was reflected a fiery glow upon the white table-cloth. The storm rattled at the shutters.
It was a good thing that the house-keeper now entered the room. She was a garrulous woman, who had always much news to relate.
“Well, Frau Jankus, what have you to tell us?” called out Kate to her, who was glad to shake off the nightmare of remembrance.