"Gretel," replied Hans, promptly.
"Hans," answered Gretel, in the same breath.
Hilda smiled.
"I cannot buy you each a pair of skates, or even one good pair; but here are eight kwartjes. Decide between you which stands the best chance of winning the race, and buy the skates accordingly. I wish I had enough to buy better ones—good-bye!" and, with a nod and a smile, Hilda, after handing the money to the electrified Hans, glided swiftly away to rejoin her companions.
"Jufvrouw! jufvrouw von Gleck!" called Hans in a loud tone, stumbling after her as well as he could, for one of his skate-strings was untied.
Hilda turned, and with one hand raised to shield her eyes from the sun, seemed to him to be floating through the air, nearer and nearer.
"We cannot take this money," panted Hans, "though we know your goodness in giving it."
"Why not indeed?" asked Hilda flushing.
"Because," replied Hans, bowing like a clown, but looking with the eye of a prince at the queenly girl, "we have not earned it."
Hilda was quick-witted. She had noticed a pretty wooden chain upon Gretel's neck.