.
A tiny boat, a fisher-boat--
The fisher draws his slender line;
He half in dream-land seems to float.
Saying, 'to-morrow will be fine.'"

Softly singing, in the soft falling shadows of evening, the happy trio
drew towards their home, and disappeared within the cottage door.

CHAPTER IV.

ALL AT HOME.

Dietrich had already worked for some time in his father's business. It was
all in the best possible condition; the work shop, the tools and materials
had been carefully kept up, and everything was fresh and in good working
order. The old customers had not withdrawn their custom, for the former
workman who had served under Steffan for many years had continued his
deceased master's methods, so that the reputation of the work was
sustained, and as Fohrensee grew, so also the saddler's orders grew, and
the business flourished. So Dietrich found his trade ready made to his
hand, and as good a prospect lay before him as heart could wish. He took
hold with a good will, and being his own master did not make him the less
diligent. He was determined first to work faithfully till he had
thoroughly learned the business, and then to travel for a while. When he
had seen the world a bit he would come back, go on with the business
farther and farther, and become a gentleman; and then--then--where could a
happier man be found than he should be, living with his mother and
Veronica in peace and plenty. His mother should pass her days in happy
idleness if she wished, without care, without sorrow, in wealth and
comfort, and Veronica! Yes, he would give Veronica a life far happier and
more beautiful than she had ever dreamed of for herself! While his brain
teemed with these pleasant thoughts, Dietrich sang and whistled at his
work all day long, and did good work, too. He had a skilful hand and a
clear head, and his work went successfully on.

Veronica had persuaded her mother to let her stay longer in the Industrial
School than was usual with the young girls of the neighborhood. Even up to
the day of her confirmation, she had taken sewing lessons twice from a
most accomplished teacher. A short time before Easter, the teacher had
assured Gertrude that Veronica had made such extraordinary progress, that
she was already prepared to teach, and that she had completed the course
taught at that school, and could learn no more there. Veronica certainly
deserved farther training and the teacher suggested that it