This proposal was received with great applause, and, when the merry party reached the inn at Altdorf, they seated themselves around the table and in the moonlight the constitution of the Bartiania Society was drawn up and duly signed.
How great was the surprise of Afra, a month later, when the post-messenger appeared at her cottage with a heavy bundle, which with all his strength he rolled through the opened door. As he wiped the moisture from his brow, he said, “I greatly wonder, Afra, that you have acquaintances so far away, and the postmaster cannot understand it at all, or make out who it is.”
“It is surely a mistake,” said Afra; “it cannot be for me.”
“You can read,” said the post-carrier bluntly as he went on his way, and without doubt the plainly addressed package was in its right place.
The children gazed in wonder as the mother ripped open the sacking which was carefully sewed around the mysterious bundle. Out came coats and jackets, skirts, shoes and stockings. A roll of warm flannel in which was a heavy package containing many silver coins, and there were picture-books and various other things which brought great joy and delight to the little family.
The wonder grew until Franzelie found a Card
Who could have sent it? The wonder grew until Franzelie found a card on which was written:
“Whoever trusts the good God’s care
Will surely find a blessing.”