In the centre of this temporary home was a cask, on which was laid a board that served as a table, and which, though rude and rough, was clean and decent; around were small beds of chaff and straw, with coarse woollen bedclothes. That of the good soldier was ornamented with a large bear-skin, bequeathed to him by his grandfather, who had killed a bear of unusual size in Hungary. Above these humble beds hung a large cross, which had been given to Gaspard's good and pious mother by the superior of a convent in Strasburg, and which her son held in great veneration. Near the cross hung the soldier's armour—his helmet, sword, and cuirass.
When Gaspard entered this humble dwelling, Katherine was busy preparing the evening meal. His two children ran eagerly to welcome his return;—Michael, the eldest, impatient to display a sword he had ingeniously cut out of a piece of wood, and the youngest, John, no less so to show a helmet he had made of gilt paper, and adorned with a few feathers he had picked up.
The father readily praised his children's work, and then, laying aside his arms, he seated himself, calling his wife to his side. "Katherine," said he, with ill-disguised emotion, "to-morrow by daybreak we march; there is to be an encounter with the French about two leagues from Metz."
The smiles with which Katherine had greeted her husband's return gave place to tears, and putting her hand in his, she exclaimed, "Oh! Gaspard, the day after to-morrow is my birthday; must I pass it without you?"
"Our General tells us it may not be more than a day's work," replied Gaspard; "so with God's blessing I may be with you, and may bring you yet a birthday present."
"Only return safe and well yourself," said poor Katherine; "and I shall want nothing else."
"God has protected us so far, dear wife," returned her husband; "let us put our trust in Him."
These words helped to restore Katherine's composure, and, wiping away her tears, she said more cheerfully—
"Now you must want your supper, Gaspard, as well as the children." So saying, she placed what she had prepared on the rude table, and enjoyed seeing her husband and little ones make a hearty meal. Soon after which the two boys knelt and said their evening prayer, and sang their little hymn of praise. They were soon asleep, equally unconscious of the hardships of the present, or the dangers of the future.
It was late ere their parents retired for the night. Gaspard was busy cleaning his arms and accoutrements, and Katherine worked by his side.