"Yes, certainly—I'll get it for you." And she went off briskly to fetch her pitcher, which she filled with water.
"Ah!" said the farmer, stopping to take breath after a long draught; and with the water running down his chin, he continued, talking half into the jug: "There's after all no water like this in all the world." And again he raised the jug to his lips, and motioned to Amrei to keep still while he took a second long, thirsty draught. For it is extremely disagreeable to be addressed when you are drinking; you swallow hurriedly and feel an oppression afterward.
The child seemed to realize this, for not until the farmer had handed back the jug did she say:
"Yes, this is good, wholesome water; and if you would like to water your horses, it is especially good for them—it won't give them cramps."
"My horses are warm and must not drink now. Do you come from
Haldenbrunn, my girl?"
"Yes indeed."
"And what is your name?"
"Amrei."
"And to whom do you belong?"
[Illustration: AMREI BRISKLY BROUGHT HER PITCHER FILLED WITH WATER]