"I will thresh it myself, if need be," exclaimed Mother Van Hove withspirit. "My good man shall not come home and find the farm- workway behind if I can help it." And with these brave words she exclaimedgood-night to the other women, called Jan and Marie, and turnedonce more down the street toward the little house on the edge ofthe village. Far across the peaceful twilight fields came thesound of distant bells. "Hark!" exclaimed Mother Van Hove to the Twins--"the cathedral bells of Malines! And they are playing 'The Lionof Flanders!'"

(three lines of music)