"I do not see, Wilhelm, how you can have so steady a arm after holdingthe sickle all day. My arm aches, and my arm trembles so that I can butjust carry my cup to my lips."

Wilhelm made no reply, but held his right arm straight out at arm'slength, with the delicate figure he was carving poised on hisforefinger. It stood as steady as on the firm ground.

Carlen looked at him admiringly. "It is good to be so steady-handed,"she exclaimed; "you must be strong, Wilhelm."

"Yes," he said, "I haf strong;" and went on carving.

Nothing more like conversation than this was ever drawn from him. Yet heseemed not averse to seeing people. He never left the kitchen till thetime came for bed; but when that came he slipped away silent, taking nopart in the general good-night unless he was forced to do so. SometimesCarlen, having exclaimed jokingly to Harold, "Now, I will make Wilhelm saygood-night to-night," succeeded in surprising him before he could leavethe room; but often, even when she had thus planned, he contrived toevade her, and was gone before she knew it.