354. 'GOD'S PEACE'
away times, and some of them, especially the very old Students Lane, wind in and out amongst steps, tumbled-down cottages, and crumbling walls, and are so narrow that we must walk along them in single file.
Sometimes we walk along the open country roads, where one can see far out over the land, and one's thoughts take long journeys into the future. Refreshed by the cold air, warm and flushed with the healthy exercise we return home to our work. I to my book, which is now well advanced, and Greta to her outfit.
From her mother's time the chests and cupboards are well stocked with all kinds of linen, strong homespun goods. But Greta will not go a lazy bride to her bridal bed, she will furnish it with sheets, which are hemmed, stitched, and initialled by her own hands. And as the bed, so the bridal house shall be. All day long the sewing machine is going, and in the evenings the needle flies in and out, while I sit by and often interrupt the work by kissing the dear, busy hands.
One evening I found Greta occupied by cutting some fine linen into tiny pieces. I sit brooding over what in the world they could be for, and Greta, who notices my astonishment, smiles slyly. At last my curiosity gets the better of me, and I ask : ' Is it you or me who is going to be trimmed up with these dolls' clothes ? '
' No,' she answers, ' they are going to be shirts for our first born.'
