As they neared the village, the people that they passed stared at them. Old Hansel Hansen’s return to society was taken due notice of. By the time they reached the smithy, Tom Bradley was waiting outside. He stood erect—tense trying to read the face of his sister and the faces of her three companions.
“Elena, are you well?” he asked, anxiety clear in his voice.
“I am well, brother,” she said clearly and firmly. “We got lost in the storm, and the Hansens have been very kind to us.” She smiled at him, and he smiled back, but eyed Old Hansel and Young Hansel.
Tom helped his sister dismount the wagon and led them all into the smithy. The accumulated crowd was left to stare after them as they disappeared indoors. Inside, Hansel’s father asked consent to marry the smith’s sister. Tom stared a
