Page:Story of the bitter wedding (1).pdf/18

 18 tearful eyes fixed upon the ground. The old fiddler was welcomed with shouts of applause; for the rain had prevented the arrival of the band of fiddlers and pipers who had been invited on the occasion, and over body thought it a piece of marvellous good luck for the wedding that master Almerich should have got through. ' Now, children,' exclaimed the old boy, fetch us something to drink, and some cheese and bread, and do not forget that youth who has dragged myself as well as my fiddle here to-day. The guests hastened to execute the old fiddler's commands, and even Gertrude and Bernhard bustled about to serve him. Poor Berthold's 'heart was bleeding, but he kept eating and drinking, that he might not be obliged to speak. Meanwhile the old fiddler put dry strings on his instrument, and began to tunc it so stoutly that it thrilled through marrow and bone, and quickly drew the attention of all upon the musician.' ' Bless me,' whispered Bernhard to Ger- trude,' upon my faith it is the very dwarf who gave me the bewitched wine and cheese! Be gentle to him wife, and say not a single word.' All at once the fiddle struck up so briskly that the very house shook with blow upon blow ---he commenced such a furious strain