Suddenly from the armchair there rose a loud snore, and a glance and smile flew back and forth between the two young people; gradually the breathing grew more quiet, and one could easily talk a little—only Hauke did not know about what.
But when she raised her knitting and the birds appeared in their whole length, he whispered across the table: “Where have you learned that, Elke?”
“Learned what?” the girl returned.
“This bird knitting?” said Hauke.
“This? From Trin Jans out there on the dike; she can do all sorts of things. She was servant here to my grandfather a long time ago.”
“At that time I don’t suppose you were born?” said Hauke.
“I think not; but she has often come to the house since then.”
“Does she like birds?” asked Hauke; “I thought only cats were for her.”
Elke shook h
