Page:Poet Lore, volume 35, 1924.pdf/513

 ''follows a few steps, but does not go in. Instead, in sudden resolution, he hastens out right.'')

''Same as. In the lodge of the old man, candles are burning. On the garden table is a lamp. Through the open door of the lodge the is seen kneeling in prayer.  is seated under the chestnut tree,  at her side. He is frightened. Holding on to his mother, he throws a scared glance at the death chamber now and again.''

A sexton comes out of the lodge, a cassock over his arm, a satchel with paraments over his shoulder. ''comes after him. The sexton goes out right, lighting his way with a candle.  comes to the table and buries his face in his hands.  seeing his uncle in sorrow is about to approach him.'')

Ann (In a sharp whisper, restrains him).—Stay right here!

Johnny (Struggles free of her hand and runs to ).—I don’t want to! Let me go, mama! ( about to pursue, but remains seated.)

Johnny (Caressing head).—Don’t cry so bitterly, uncle.

Hans.—Oh, it’s you, Johnny!—I am not crying, see?

Johnny.—I thought you were. Why don’t you, when your father died?

Hans.—One does not always cry when one is sad. When you grow up you will realize that often your heart will be breaking when your eyes will shed no tears. Did you love grandpa?

Johnny.—Oh, yes, very much, but they would never let me go to him. Aunt Julia, she loved him very much too. The others, they did not love him so much not so much as we two.

Hans.—How much did the others love him?

Johnny.—Not so well as we two. You see. I had to love him the most of all, because he was my grandfather and my godfather, too.

Hans.—So your name is Jan, also? You are going to celebrate tomorrow?

Johnny.—I am. (Tearfully) Oh dear! Grandpa will never hear my greeting any more and I learned such a pretty one. Aunt Julia found it for me.

Hans.—Never mind, you shall say it to me.