Gaspard troubled himself little about the character given him by the neighbours of the man under whom he was to hold his little property. He had served for the last six years under one of the strictest colonels in the army, and had never incurred his displeasure. He believed, therefore, that by honestly paying the taxes, and conducting himself as a good vassal of the lord of the domain, he would have nothing to fear.
The little farm left to Gaspard was pleasantly situated at a short distance from the village of Feldsberg; the house was small but comfortable, surrounded by a garden well stocked with fruit-trees. Near the house, or rather cottage, ran a clear stream, which bounded some meadows, also belonging to Gaspard.
Full of hope and thankfulness, the good soldier and his family took possession of their new home. With the little money Gaspard had saved, a cow was bought; the horse was likely to be too useful to be parted with.
Michael and John were old enough to help their father in cultivating the land and garden, whilst Katherine undertook the care of the poultry-yard, an occupation in which the little Francis was her constant companion. A blessing seemed to attend their labours, so that the good couple hoped, after a time, to be able to give their boys some education, contenting themselves for the present with such as they were themselves able to give in their hours of leisure.
Four years passed happily away, and in that time Gaspard and his family had gained the respect and goodwill of their neighbours, whom they were ever ready to help in any way in their power.
The steward had never troubled them, though the overbearing insolence of his manner towards all who were in any way dependent on him had occasionally tried Gaspard's patience and forbearance.
[CHAPTER III.]
ADVERSITY.
DAYS of trial were now approaching. A bad season caused the produce of the land and garden to fail. Poor Gaspard was obliged to sell the cow to pay the taxes. This sacrifice was made without a murmur. He and his wife knew from whom the trial came, and patiently submitted, still putting their trust in One who had never yet forsaken them. This trouble was followed by another. Gaspard fell ill, and was unable to work. Katherine's time was taken up in attendance on her husband, so that the poultry-yard was neglected, and want and distress threatened to take the place of the ease and comfort in which the little family had hitherto lived.
Poor Katherine was forced to incur debts to procure what was necessary for her husband. The winter season was approaching, and there appeared to be but little prospect of their being able to pay the taxes, which they knew would be rigorously exacted.