Library of the Worlds Best Literature, Ancient and Modern, Volume 3 | Page 7

a prayer, and then called all of them into the kitchen.
She scooped up some water from the pail and poured it into the fire,
with these words:--"May all that's evil be thus poured out and
extinguished, and let those who light a fire after us find nothing but
health in their home."
Hansei, Walpurga, and Gundel were each of them obliged to pour a
ladleful of water into the fire, and the grandmother guided the child's
hand while it did the same thing.
After they had all silently performed this ceremony, the grandmother
prayed aloud:--
"Take from us, O Lord our God, all heartache and home-sickness and
all trouble, and grant us health and a happy home where we next kindle
our fire."
She was the first to cross the threshold. She had the child in her arms
and covered its eyes with her hands while she called out to the others:--
"Don't look back when you go out."
"Just wait a moment," said Hansei to Walpurga when he found himself
alone with her. "Before we cross this threshold for the last time, I've
something to tell you. I must tell it. I mean to be a righteous man and to
keep nothing concealed from you. I must tell you this, Walpurga. While
you were away and Black Esther lived up yonder, I once came very
near being wicked--and unfaithful--thank God, I wasn't. But it torments
me to think that I ever wanted to be bad; and now, Walpurga, forgive

me and God will forgive me, too. Now I've told you, and have nothing
more to tell. If I were to appear before God this moment, I'd know of
nothing more."
Walpurga embraced him, and sobbing, said, "You're my dear good
husband!" and they crossed the threshold for the last time.
When they reached the garden, Hansei paused, looked up at the
cherry-tree, and said:--
"And so you remain here. Won't you come with us? We've always been
good friends, and spent many an hour together. But wait! I'll take you
with me, after all," cried he, joyfully, "and I'll plant you in my new
home."
He carefully dug out a shoot that was sprouting up from one of the
roots of the tree. He stuck it in his hat-band, and went to join his wife at
the boat.
From the landing-place on the bank were heard the merry sounds of
fiddles, clarinets, and trumpets.
Hansei hastened to the landing-place. The whole village had
congregated there, and with it the full band of music. Tailor Schneck's
son, he who had been one of, the cuirassiers at the christening of the
crown prince, had arranged and was now conducting the parting
ceremonies. Schneck, who was scraping his bass-viol, was the first to
see Hansei, and called out in the midst of the music:--
"Long live farmer Hansei and the one he loves best! Hip, hip, hurrah!"
The early dawn resounded with their cheers. There was a flourish of
trumpets, and the salutes fired from several small mortars were echoed
back from the mountains. The large boat in which their household
furniture, the two cows, and the fowls were placed, was adorned with
wreaths of fir and oak. Walpurga was standing in the middle of the boat,
and with both hands held the child aloft, so that it might see the great
crowd of friends and the lake sparkling in the rosy dawn.

"My master's best respects," said one of Grubersepp's servants, leading
a snow-white colt by the halter: "he sends you this to remember him
by."
Grubersepp was not present. He disliked noise and crowds. He was of a
solitary and self-contained temperament. Nevertheless he sent a present
which was not only of intrinsic value, but was also a most flattering
souvenir; for a colt is usually given by a rich farmer to a younger
brother when about to depart. In the eyes of all the world--that is to say,
the whole village--Hansei appeared as the younger brother of
Grubersepp.
Little Burgei shouted for joy when she saw them leading the
snow-white foal into the boat. Gruberwaldl, who was but six years old,
stood by the whinnying colt, stroking it and speaking kindly to it.
"Would you like to go to the farm with me and be my servant?" asked
Hansei of Gruberwaldl.
"Yes, indeed, if you'll take me."
"See what a boy he is," said Hansei to his wife. "What a boy!"
Walpurga made no answer, but busied herself with the child.
Hansei shook hands with every one at parting. His hand trembled, but
he did not forget to give a couple of crown thalers to the musicians.
At last he got into the boat and exclaimed:--
"Kind friends! I thank you all. Don't forget us, and we shan't forget you.