e is sawn
underneath, and stands only so firm that a few pushes will produce the
effect--the thing is not difficult. Besides, we'll all run to the
attack, if it be needful."

"Oh, heaven help us! if it be only so, my young ones will soon manage
the business--and _a propos_! I have a few bottles of select white
sugar-beer with me, which would certainly please my father, and which
will be exactly the right thing if we, as is customary on such
occasions, have to drink healths."

During this conversation little Alfred had gone round ineffectually
offering two kisses, and was just on the point of growing angry because
his wares found no demand, when all at once, summoning resolution, he
threw his arms round Gabriele's neck, and exclaimed, "Now I see really
and thoroughly, that Aunt Gabriele has need of a kiss!" And it was not
Aunt Gabriele's fault if the dear child was not convinced how wholly
indispensable his gift was.

But Louise still turned over her things. "Here," said she, "I have a
waistcoat-piece for Bergstroem, and here a neck-kerchief for Ulla, as
well as this little brush with which to dust mirrors and tables. Is it
not superb? And see, a little pair of bellows, and these trifles for
Brigitta."

"Now the old woman," said the sisters, "will be happy! She is now and
then out of humour, but a feast of coffee, and some little present,
reconcile her with all the world; and to-day she will get both."

"And see," continued Louise, "how capitally these bellows blow: they can
make the very worst wood burn--see how the dust flies!"

"Uh! one can be blown away oneself," said Gabriele, laughing.

While the sisters were still occupied with cleaning and dusting, and
Louise was admiring her own discoveries, the Judge came in, happy and
warm.

"What a deal of business is going forward!" exclaimed he, laughing. "I
must congratulate you," said he, "Louise; your boys please me entirely.
They are animated boys, with, intellects all alive--but, at the same
time, obedient and polite. Little David is a regular hairbrain, and a
magnificent lad--what a pity it is that he will be lame!"

Louise crimsoned from heartfelt joy over the praise of her boys, and
answered quickly to the lamentation over the little David, "You should
hear, father, what a talent he has for the violoncello; he will be a
second Gehrman."

"Nay, that is good," returned the Judge; "such a talent as that is worth
his two feet. But I have hardly had time to