“Yes,” said the boy, “our father must sweat a good deal before the mountain will bring forth grapes; but when the vintage comes, then how gay is the scene!”
“Where does thy father dwell, boy?”
“There in the valley beneath, where the white gable end peeps between the trees: come with us, stranger-man, our mother will most gladly receive you, for it is her greatest joy when a tired wanderer calls in upon us.”
“Yes,” said the little girl, “then we always have the best dishes; therefore do come—I will conduct thee.”
So saying, the little girl seized the old Count’s hand, and drew him forth—the boy, on the other side, keeping up with them, sprung backwards and forwards, continually looking kindly at the stranger, and thus, slowly advancing, they arrived at the hut.
The Haus-frau (wife) was occupied in blowing the light ashes to awaken a slumbering spark, as the pilgrim entered: at the voices of her children she looked up, saw the stranger, and raised herself immediately; advancing towards him with a cheerful countenance, she said—
“Welcome, reverend pilgrim, in this poor hut—if you stand in need of refreshment after your toilsome pilgrimage, seek it from us; do not carry the blessing which you bring with you farther.”
Having thus spoken, she conducted the old man into the small but clean room. When he had sat down, he said—
“Woman! thou hast pretty and animated children; I wish I had such a boy as that!”
“Yes!” said the Haus-frau, “he resembles his father—free and courageously he often goes alone upon the mountain, and speaks of castles he will build there. Ah! Sir, if you knew how heavy that weighs upon my heart!”—(the woman concealed a tear).