Page:Story of the bitter wedding (1).pdf/17

 17 with flesh and blood, and master Almerich's body is stuffed with chaff!' Nonsense ! replied the fiddler with a broad grin, You have behaved well, child; it would be a great pity if the bride yonder would not get you; you have the genuine patience of the lamb in you, yet I perceive you have also strength enough, with your heart in the right place, and as much wisdom as there is any need of in the country. Come, let us paint your cheeks, and put on the old cap you will find in my wallet, and the green waistcoat and get that belt about you; to- day you will be the fiddler's boy, and not a living creature know you.' The fiddler_opened his wallet and threw out its contents to Berthold, whose face he painted with cranberries, and beard and eye. brows with a bit of coal, and then they walked gaily on towards the village. Evening was just coming on, and the sun broke out all at once from under the clouds, ---the birds began to sing cheerfully,---the flowers opened their leaves as if to listen, and Berthold felt his clothes sooner dried than if he had been sitting close to a large fire. In a few minutes our wanderers mingled with the merry wedding-guests; noises and merriment were echoing all around, and no one looked sad but Siegelind, who kept her