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130 him, but I knew they were hungry, for we had gone several hours on our journey without coming upon any habitation.

"'No, my children, that is not why I am weeping,' I replied. 'We have reached our journey's end; here in this house your father was born, your mother in that one yonder. This is the home of your grandparents. Let us thank God for bringing us home safe, and pray that we may receive a fatherly welcome.' The prayer finished, we went to the cottage, for I remembered that my parents lived there, having given the homestead to my brother for an annuity. Upon the outside of the door was still pasted the picture that George had brought his mother from the Vamberitz shrine,—the Virgin with the fourteen helpers. A burden fell from my heart as soon as I saw it. I thought: 'They blessed me when I left, and welcome me as I return;' and much comforted I entered the house with confidence.

"Father, mother, and old Betsey sat at the table eating soup out of one dish,—it was milk soup thickened with flour and egg. I remember it as if it were yesterday. 'Praised be Jesus Christ!' I said. 'For ever' was the reply. 'May I beg for a night's lodging for myself and these children? We come from far, we are tired and hungry,' I said, my voice trembling with emotion. They did not recognize me; it was somewhat dark in the room. [sic] 'Lay down your baggage, and sit down by the table!' said father and laid aside his spoon. 'Betsey,' said mother, 'go cook some more soup. In the meantime, sit down, mother, take some bread