A New Day

By Jeannine D. Van Eperen

Berlin 1846 Caroline lie in bed listening to the drip drop of rain as it beat against her bedroom window and as it fluttered down from the eaves. It was still dark but soon would be morning and she had yet to fall asleep. Her mind raced remembering Mama and Papa whom she would never see again. She sighed and stifled a sob. If only Papa had not died -- if only Mama had not acted like the little fool she was, I would still be able to call this room my own. But die they did, and tonight is the last night I will ever sleep in this bed, in this, my home. My life is ruined!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.
• Release date: Aug 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9781597054508

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Dedication

In memory of those brave immigrants, Caroline and Ludwig Rietow, Augusta and André Baranek and their descendants, especially Lucy and Mildred (Billie), for without them, I wouldn’t be here

Part 1

One

Berlin 1846

Caroline lay in bed listening to the drip drop of rain as it beat against her bedroom window and as it fluttered down from the eaves. It was still dark but soon would be morning, and she had yet to fall asleep. Her mind raced, remembering Mama and Papa, whom she would never see again. She sighed and stifled a sob. If only Papa had not died—if only Mama had not acted like the little fool she was, I would still be able to call this room my own. But die they did, and tonight, is the last night I will ever sleep in this bed, in this, my home. My life is ruined! She lighted the candle that stood on the table beside her large bed. Lovingly and longingly, she looked around her spacious room. Dove gray walls on three sides of the square room were accented with white lace fans with yellow ribbons on the papered wall behind her bed. A yellow velvet, soft stuffed chair, large enough for her to curl up in when she read, stood before the window. Glistening red mahogany tables and a chest of drawers faced her bed from the opposite wall. She picked up the two miniature portraits of Mama and Papa that would be the last she packed. The yearning for them and her old life was almost unbearable. She could not look at those formal paintings long. Carefully, she replaced them on the table, blew out the candle, and then got into bed, pulling the coverings up to her neck. Feeling as dismal as the dripping rain, she let uncontrolled tears run silently down her cheeks and onto her pillow until she finally found solace in sleep.

Bright sunshine greeted Caroline when Fraulein Ritter pulled the drapes open and wakened her. Kindly, Fraulein smiled and smoothed Caroline’s deep, chestnut hair. Caroline, Caroline. Wake up.

She blinked her eyes and yawned. Her head throbbed, and her eyelids were puffy from her tears. Fraulein Ritter noticed but said nothing, knowing Caroline’s pride would not allow her sympathy.

Ah, today you begin your new life, dear, Fraulein said cheerfully. She opened the window. How fresh the air smells after the rain. The sun is brightly shining, and soon the grass will be dry and the puddles gone. It will be a perfect day for your journey. Hedwig and Max will soon be here. See, I have put out your green traveling dress.

Caroline sat up and drew on her robe. Fraulein Ritter prattled on, looking out of the window to give Caroline time to compose herself. Caroline was grateful for Fraulein’s tact. As the woman poured warm water into the ornate washbowl, she forced a smile, willing herself to appear cheerful. Fraulein said, I’ll be right up with your chocolate, Caroline.

Later after Fraulein had helped her dress, Caroline regretfully picked up her parents’ portraits and put them into her handbag. She wished her brother and sisters had not already gone. One more kiss from them would be the balm she so badly needed. But she was the last to leave. It had been decided seeing her leave would be too traumatic for the younger children, so she was the last. All the servants except for Fraulein Ritter and Herman Krause were gone too. The house usually so filled with laughter was silent, a tomb filled with memories, both happy and sad. For Caroline, today’s memory was the saddest. Slowly, she turned around the room. It looked so empty now with her personal belongings packed away, but she had filed each image of what was in a special compartment of her memory. She would never forget.

Caroline! Caroline, come down here, Fraulein Ritter called. They are coming up the drive now. See the nice carriage they have rented just for you, Caroline.

"I’m coming, Fraulein," Caroline said without enthusiasm.

Now, now, Caroline. I know how you must feel, but you must be practical, Fraulein said. You’ve nowhere else to go, and they will be good to you. My sister, Hedwig, is one of the sweetest creatures, and Max Fechtnis is like my own brother. You will have a nice life, I am sure. Not the life you should have had, but nonetheless, you will have kindness—perhaps, more than your sisters and your brother.

She could not help herself. All of her pent-up emotions came out as she cried, I will not! How can I ever be happy again! I’ll never see Louisa, Martha, and Henry again. You know that. I’ll never see Frederick again, either, and he’ll never even know where I’ve gone! I’ll just be gone. I might as well be dead!

Fraulein Ritter shook her head sadly. What the girl said was true, and yet, how did one know what was for the best? Looking at the forlorn, petite figure, she said, Caroline, I know that life is playing a cruel trick on you, and today, especially, you are unhappy, but it will not always be so. Perhaps you will be able to visit me in Berlin and also visit your sisters and brother.

How can I when I’m going to the end of the world? Stettin! Pomerania! How I hate the sound of those places! Caroline blinked away her angry tears. How can life be so cruel to me? If only Papa had not died. If only Mama had not fallen in love with Adolph. If only Adolph had not gambled and drank away all of Papa’s money, and if only Mama had not died of a broken heart when Adolph left her when the money was gone. There are so many ifs in the world! "Oh, Fraulein, I know you have been very kind to arrange for me to live with your sister and her husband, and I do appreciate it. Really, I do."

Caroline sighed deeply. Poor little Henry. I will miss him so. Of course, I’ll miss Martha and Louisa, too, but Henry. He’s so small and frail. With a feeling of helplessness, Caroline turned, and tried to smile at Fraulein, who had always been more than a servant, her true friend, her confidant.

I know, I know. Fraulein Ritter patted Caroline’s shoulder and kissed her cheek, trying to comfort the unfortunate girl. If only your mother—

My mother was a thoughtless fool! Caroline cried angrily. Imagine, letting her lover, Adolph, gamble away all of poor Papa’s money and then dying when I’m sixteen. No one wants to adopt a penniless sixteen-year-old girl. No one wants to marry a penniless sixteen-year-old girl. How will I ever marry without a dowry?

There is plenty of time to think of that later, dear. Now, just be happy we have found you a home at last. You will learn to adjust, Caroline, Fraulein Ritter said. "And, Caroline, I think Pomerania is quite lovely.

Oh yes, it must be, Caroline said, remembering that Fraulein Ritter had tried very hard to find a home for her when none of Caroline’s relatives felt they could take her.

The few relatives she had all wished her well and sympathized but, under the circumstances, declined. She was too old to fit into their families, and they all had daughters who needed dowries and husbands. Why take a penniless relative? If there had been any money left, but there wasn’t. Caroline was poor as a church mouse. With her proud disposition, she would not even make a good nanny for the smaller children.

Fraulein Ritter was the kindest person Caroline had ever known and had in desperation suggested that Fredericka Caroline, eldest daughter of the deceased Baron Heinrich von Bartel, go live in Pomerania on her sister’s farm. Caroline had no choice but to make the best of the situation. She vowed she would never be the fool her mother was. To Fraulein she said, I will miss you. I will miss you most of all.

As much as Frederick? Fraulein teased and was rewarded by a blush from Caroline.

If you should see Frederick—

I’ll make it a point to let him know where you are. Now, let me look at you. Yes, you look quite sweet and lovely, my Caroline. Fraulein brought out a large, fragrant yellow rose and pinned it on Caroline’s dark green traveling outfit. That is much better. A touch of yellow does so much for an outfit, and I know it is your favorite color. Always think of me when you wear a yellow flower, dear. I’ll need no reminders to think of you. Not wishing to give away to sentiment, Fraulein quickly changed the subject.

Giving last minute instructions to her charge, Fraulein Ritter said, Remember to brush your hair at least one hundred strokes a day. Your hair is one of your best features, you know. It is such a nice, rich brown.

"I’ll remember, Fraulein."

Your nightclothes are in this satchel. You’ll need them, you know. You will like the trip on the steamboat. It is the best part of the journey.

Fraulein Ritter went to the window and looked out, watching the carriage slowly make its way down the muddy drive. I’m glad the sun came out. It will be a nice day.

Caroline sighed and looked about forlornly. Her lips began to quiver, and she fought desperately to keep from crying. Soon, very soon, she would leave her home forever. As she looked about, she vowed that she would never be the fool her beloved mother had been. She might be penniless, she might never regain her rightful position, but she would never let any man or anything defeat her, and she would not cry now. She decided she would accept this blow to her self-esteem as gracefully as she knew how. Hadn’t Papa always said most things happen for the best? Can this be the best?

They are here now. Fraulein turned from the window. Are you ready to meet your new aunt and uncle and your new life?

I’m ready. Caroline managed a smile. I’m sorry I’ve been acting like a spoiled girl instead of a young lady. I know I’m fortunate to have a friend like you. I may say you are my friend, mayn’t I?

Yes, Caroline. I am your friend. I have helped raise you since you were a baby, and I understand you better than your mother did. I wish you only the best.

Thank you.

And, Caroline... Fraulein Ritter hesitated.

"What is it, Fraulein?"

Caroline, never forget who you are. You are the daughter of a baron, well brought up and raised to be a lady. Always be one. Even though you live on a farm and help with the chores, remember who you are.

"I will, Fraulein. You may be sure of that. With head held high, Caroline said, Come now, let’s greet your dear, kind relatives."

THE TRIP TO THE BOAT on the Oder River was filled with familiar scenery for Caroline. As she rode with Tanta Hedwig and Oncle Max her mind drifted back to happier days when she was traveling with her parents and Martha, Louisa and Henry. As they passed landmarks of her former life, Caroline would point out the object and relate incidents to her new family. Hedwig and Max spoke Plattdeutsch, so Caroline would speak slowly so they would understand, but often her sixteen-year-old enthusiasm carried her away in a torrent of High German that the Fechtnises could not completely comprehend.

Fraulein Ritter had taught Caroline the idiosyncrasies of the Plattdeutsch dialect as she had taught her French, grammar, and embroidery, but the sound of spoken Plattdeutsch annoyed her ears. She started to daydream.

They drove past the Rosengarten where Caroline and her family had spent many happy hours. Quite clearly, she remembered one day two years ago in July of 1844. A warm, sunny day, Fraulein Ritter took the von Bartel children to the Rosengarten. Caroline and Fraulein Ritter read while Louisa, Martha and Henry played nearby.

Caroline, Caroline, please come to see Henry’s little boat. Oh, do hurry, Louisa called from across the Rosengarten.

With all the dignity her fourteen years could acquire, Caroline rose gracefully from the park bench. "Fraulein Ritter, please, may we finish the lesson some other time and watch Henry sail his new little boat on the pond?"

Fraulein Ritter snapped her book closed. I really can’t see how you can be speaking and understanding French in time for your trip unless we finish some of these books. Then her brown eyes twinkled. "I, too, am becoming bored with the Memoirs of Madame Roland."

Putting her book under her arm, holding Caroline’s hand with one hand and lifting her full skirt with the other, Fraulein sped across the Rosengarten with Caroline, oblivious to the afternoon crowd of children, nursemaids, and governesses. They ran down the grass covered slope to the sparkling pond below to see that Henry had just placed his new sailboat in the water while Louisa and Martha danced in excitement and expectation, their white-stockinged legs flashing in the sun.

Oh, Caroline, lisped seven-year-old Martha, her hands clasped before her, I do hope it sails ever so much better than Frederick’s. Oh, I do hope so. She lifted her round blue eyes upwards as if in prayer.

You silly, Louisa said slyly. Don’t you know Caroline likes Frederick very, very much and can’t choose sides?

Henry looked up at his older sister in bewilderment. Is that true, Caroline?

No, you silly goose. She laughed as she dropped to the grass beside him. You know that you will always be my one and only love. Caroline glanced from under the wide brim of her white flowered hat to where Frederick sat busily adjusting the sails of his boat. The sun shone on his glossy, dark hair. As she looked at him she felt the familiar thump in her chest. This phenomenon had puzzled her for the last few months, but somehow she was unable to tell Mama or Fraulein about it. It only happened when she saw Frederick. Because she was sure it wasn’t quite nice to feel that way, she was certain she could never ask Papa about this strange feeling. Frederick was already a head taller than she, and so handsome, now more a man than a boy. Even though they had played together as children, they were now like strangers when they met. He was always coolly polite, and if she could think of anything to say, she stammered while saying it.

The toy boats were launched. Frederick’s boat began a wide, graceful arc around the pond. The three girls and the governess looked at each other in dismay as Henry’s boat made several erratic little turns, and then shuddered convulsively, listing sideways, dragging its sails through the water.

I’m so sorry, Henry, Fraulein Ritter said. Perhaps, I should have checked the sails. I lived most of my life, you know, near the Baltic Sea, and my sister, Hedwig, still lives there. Noticing the boy’s downcast face, she continued, Maybe we can visit Hedwig someday and do some real sailing.

Frederick’s boat returned to him. He swooped it from the pond, walked over to Henry, and presented him with the still dripping boat. I’d like you to have this, Henry.

But why, Frederick? It’s a perfectly wonderful boat.

Because I am getting too old to be playing in the park and too busy. Addressing himself to Fraulein Ritter, he said, I’m preparing for Heidelberg, you know.

The girls rose to their feet. Frederick turned to them. "My best regards to your father and mother. Au revoir." He bowed slightly from the waist, clicked his heels, and was gone, but not before his eyes met Caroline’s momentarily.

Henry gazed at the trim boat in his hands and then at the retreating figure of Frederick.

That was very kind of him, Fraulein said. She patted Henry’s blond head and wondered how many more kindnesses were left to be enjoyed by this pale, transparent-looking boy and his almost daily fever.

Louisa tugged at Fraulein’s hand. "Look, Fraulein Ritter, at how very, very pink Caroline’s face is...!"

Caroline, we’re going to stop for some lunch, Tanta Hedwig said, breaking into Caroline’s memories. She smiled at the brown-haired girl as she sat daydreaming and smiling to herself. That must have been a pleasant memory, Caroline.

"It was. Oh, it was, Tanta Hedwig. Here, let me help you with the basket."

Lunch was eaten beside a clear, cool, little brook as they sat under the shade of a tree. Caroline was surprised to find that she possessed a hearty appetite and found the sausage and black bread a real treat. "I hope you will teach me to make good bread and sausage like this, Tanta Hedwig, she said. I’m afraid my dear Fraulein probably told you that I am a wonderful cook, but I really know nothing about cooking at all. You are so kind to take me, and I do hope to be a big help to you."

I’ll enjoy teaching you, Caroline. Bertha told me that you embroider well, but your cooking ability was never mentioned. You know, Caroline, you are to be a member of the family, my daughter, the daughter I have always wanted. My two girls died in infancy. Hedwig sighed, lost in her own thoughts for a few moments. We have three sons. Three healthy boys—Fritz, Herman, and our youngest, Joseph August, who is near your little brother’s age, I believe. Unfortunately, Caroline, we must all help on the farm, and I am sure you will be a big help to me. You are not meant to be a housemaid, and I would never try to force any chore on you. Hedwig smiled and patted Caroline’s shoulder. No matter who you do marry, it will be well for you to learn to cook, and I will teach you.

Thank you, Caroline said. I know I will be happy with you. Your sons will become my brothers, and I know I shall be happy as your adopted daughter.

Hedwig looked at the proud, young girl as she sat eating her lunch. Caroline was a small, thin creature with delicate features, clear, dancing hazel eyes, and deep brown hair. Her back was straight, and she held her head proudly. Poor little Caroline, I hope you will be happy with us. But how will that be possible? A daughter of a baron? How can I treat such a girl as an equal? She is far above me, and she talks of learning to cook. Sighing, Hedwig hoped somehow the girl with the proud name of Fredericka Caroline Bartel would be rescued from the life she and Max offered.

Have you ever been on a steamboat, Caroline? Max asked.

"No, Oncle, I haven’t."

They’ve been on the Oder for about ten years now. As soon as we reach the Oder, we take the boat all the way up to Stettin. Since the steamboat came, it is a much easier trip, Max said.

You’ll like Stettin, Hedwig said. It has many shops and a large market place, not like Berlin, of course, but it is nice with the castle of the Pomeranian princes high above the Oder.

"I’m sure it’s beautiful, Tanta."

The Stettin Bay is beautiful. You’ll like it, Max said.

There is a large garrison in Stettin, Hedwig said. The Prussian soldiers march down the street so well.

Sometimes they even parade in Guilsow, Max said.

Guilsow? Caroline asked.

The von Bülow’s village.

The Bülow estate is huge. It reaches to the Baltic Sea, Tanta Hedwig said. A real Junker estate, it is. And Guilsow village is very near the estate.

Max was anxious to get home. Talking about places in Pomerania made him lonesome. He was never away from his farm for long, but Hedwig had said this was a special trip, and the young lady was special, too. Max could see that she was, and wondered what the future would hold for her, and how she would fit in with their rural life. Never in his life did he expect to talk to a baron, let alone have a baron’s daughter live in his house as a member of his family. He looked at the proud, beautiful girl and felt humbled. We won’t get to Stettin or to Guilsow by sitting here talking about it.

The farm won’t run away, Maxie, Hedwig said lightly. It will still be there when we get back. Fritz and Herman will see to that.

Boys! What do they know about running a farm? Max asked rhetorically.

Fritz and Herman will do well, Hedwig said, But I, too, miss them and little Joseph August.

Feigning enthusiasm she did not feel, Caroline said, I am anxious to meet the three boys.

Almost men, Hedwig said. Fritz is already taller than Max, and Herman is almost as big. Only Joseph August is smaller than me. He is a good boy, Caroline. And he is smart! Perhaps you will be able to help him with reading and writing. Both Fritz and Herman can read and write, but Joseph August, I think, is a better student.

"I think I’d like to do that, Tanta."

THE BUSTLING PORT AT Stettin surprised Caroline. A large shipbuilding business dominated the wide Oder riverbanks, and high above on an escarpment of the river stood the large tan-colored stone castle of the Pomeranian Princes. The wide river and high banks dwarfed the small steamboat that brought Caroline to her destination. What appeared to be confusion to Caroline became a well-drilled enterprise as she climbed from the boat and up onto the embankment. Everyone was engaged in some activity, be it commerce, shipbuilding, or transportation. Merchants’ carts stood near an old, dark brown brick tower. Goods of all types were stacked in the peddlers’ wagons. In one wagon, there was colorful dress material. In another melons of yellow and green were piled high. A peddler hawked jewelry from a smaller wagon.

Caroline’s eyes danced as she saw the hustle and bustle. Maybe Stettin would not be as dull as she thought. Her gaze took in the sights.

Beyond the fortress was a large garrison where the elite Prussian guards paraded. The banks of the river not devoted to commerce were covered with a blanket of the greenest grass Caroline had ever seen. Verdant hills rolled away from the Oder River in all directions, and the air smelled sweet and clean.

The Fechtnis couple did not dally long in the city, but got another wagon and mule from a stable and packed Caroline’s belongings into it. Hedwig insisted that Caroline ride up front with Max while she clambered up into the wagon by Caroline’s trunk. She stretched her legs out and leaned back.

Is Guilsow very far? Caroline asked as she gawked at the wharf, the castle, and the countryside. Though not as large as Berlin, Stettin was a busy city. She was pleased and hoped that Guilsow, also, held some of the charm and liveliness of this Pomeranian city.

Ach! Yes, we have a long drive, Max said. We won’t get home today, nor tomorrow."

That far?

Max nodded his head. I had business in Stettin so we came this way. It is about the same traveling time on the wagon either way.

Either way?

We could have driven the wagon down directly to Berlin and not gone by the steamboat, but the roads are not well-maintained, and as I said, I needed my wagon repaired. It is a bit closer to Stettin and I trust the Pomeranians more... His voice petered out, and he gave in to introspection. He was not a man who liked to talk.

They couldn’t fix the wagon in Guilsow?

Max shook his head.

Caroline then knew that the place she headed toward was not a bustling city. She sighed. She turned to her new aunt to ask about Guilsow, but saw that Tanta Hedwig had fallen asleep.

THE MULE PLODDED, PULLING the Fechtnises and Caroline to their destination. They rested, camping near a grove of trees, eating sausage and cheese again. Tanta had bought a loaf of fresh bread from a farmer’s wife earlier that day A stream meandered just a few paces from the dirt road. Caroline trod down to the stream and fetched water for them to drink.

The next day bright sunshine woke Caroline. She stretched and yawned. She looked around and wondered how she could have slept so well out in the open on the ground and not in her featherbed. Hedwig and Max already tended a small fire. She smelled the aroma of coffee, and she longed for some. She first took care of her personal morning business and washed her face, neck and hands in the fast-running stream water. She realized the countryside was green and lovely, but longed for Berlin, for the noise of horses clopping by, or venders’ cries. It was so quiet. Even her new aunt and uncle rarely made an unnecessary sound. Caroline forced a smile and said gaily, What a beautiful day! The coffee smells so good.

"Ya, Oncle Max likes a cup of coffee in the morning. Hedwig grinned at Caroline. Did you sleep well?"

"Oh, yes, Tanta. I think I must have been very tired."

It is the good, fresh country air, Max said. I think we’ll make Guilsow before sundown.

And home? Caroline asked.

Soon afterward.

THE SUN WAS SINKING, presenting a sky of orange and yellow as they drove into the town. A small garrison was on the outskirts of the village. A few merchant stores lined the road, and a Lutheran church’s steeple reached heavenward.

Caroline sighed. Hardly a bustling city. Quiet, perhaps. This is Guilsow?

Hedwig smiled. Yes, nearly home. I can’t wait to see my boys! Max and I have never been away so long or so far. She reached for Caroline’s hand. But our trip was worth it. I now have a daughter. You may call me aunt, but I will be like a mother to you, my dear child.

Caroline kissed Hedwig’s cheek.

We’ll walk a ways now, Hedwig said. All that sitting and riding makes me feel all stiff and old.

Two soldiers lingered nearby watching as Caroline and Hedwig embarked from the farm wagon. The Fechtnises have returned, Hans Bahn said.

Who is that with them? Ludwig Rietow asked.

The reason for their trip. I hear they have brought their niece from Berlin to live here with them. A poor orphan girl, Hans related.

She may be an orphan, but she is a pretty one. I didn’t know Max and Hedwig Fechtnis had relatives in Berlin. Ludwig made up his mind to ride out to the Fechtnis farm one day soon for a visit.

CAROLINE FOUND LIFE on the Fechtnis farm not unpleasant. Fraulein Ritter, true to her word, told Frederick Froehlich where Caroline was living when he returned to Berlin from Heidelberg for a vacation from his studies. From then on Frederick wrote to Caroline as often as his studies allowed him. Caroline’s heart would beat a little faster each time Oncle Max would walk into the tidy kitchen with a letter in his hands. When the letter was addressed to her, she would thank him breathlessly, and eagerly tear open the envelope to devour its message to her.

Frederick wrote what he had never told her in person. He wrote of his undying affection, which grew with the years. He told her he didn’t care if she never had a dowry, but he was glad she was learning to cook as he found his appetite an ever-increasing one.

Heidelberg, Frederick wrote to Caroline, was not only a university city but at this moment a city of intrigue, riots, unrest, and dissatisfaction. He did not understand the public unrest, and told her of his wish to join the military. The honor of Prussia must be defended, he had written, and he told her that he was going to beg his father for permission to leave the university to fulfill his military obligation. Also, his letters told her of riots in Berlin similar to those in Baden. He felt that the Berlin unrest would help him to persuade his father to let him leave the university to join the military.

"Oh, Oncle Max, Caroline said after reading one letter. Why do men think only of wars and military glory?"

I don’t know, Max answered. I think only of my farm and whether I’ll be able to afford another milk cow. I was happy when my army days ended.

Frederick wants to leave Heidelberg University and join the military, Caroline said.

I’m going to be a soldier someday, Joseph August said. I’ll march up and down the streets of Stettin like this. He began to march around the large kitchen, with his mother’s broom on his shoulder.

Outside with you, Joseph August, Hedwig said, trying to hide her smile as she took the broom away from him. Scat!

The boy blew a kiss to Caroline and briskly scampered out of the kitchen as both he and his father beat a hasty retreat. Caroline smiled as she watched the boy following in his father’s footsteps, heading towards the sturdy, white barn.

There are many good young men in Guilsow, Caroline, Hedwig said. Only the other day Hans Bahn asked about you.

Hans Bahn! He is nice, but he is nothing compared with Frederick.

But, Caroline, if he must finish his studies and his military duty, you will not be able to marry for many years.

"Yes, Tanta, but remember I’ll be here with you for that much longer. Don’t you want me here?" She gave her aunt a saucy grin.

Ach! Caroline, you know I do. Tanta Hedwig settled her plump body into a chair and rested as she watched Caroline deftly finish making a pie and then push it into the oven. You have learned well, and you are a real help to me. I bless my dear sister, Bertha, for suggesting that you come to live here.

"Ah, such praise, Tanta! Caroline danced around the room to stand behind her aunt’s chair with her arms gently caressing Hedwig’s shoulders. No wonder everybody says I am too proud. It is you who is to blame."

"No, dear. You were born proud. You are a real lady. Oncle Max says you honor our house. Hedwig blushed as she remembered that she should not have repeated such praise. Make my apron shut, will you, Caroline? We must get the churning done and finish up in the kitchen so that we can begin working on the new winter clothes."

Caroline tied the apron around the ample bulk of Tanta Hedwig and hugged her affectionately. "You and Oncle Max are very good to me. She eyed the cloth on which they were to work. We have such a pile of material to work on. The blue wool is quite lovely. It will make a handsome shirt for Oncle Max."

"For Oncle Max? Oh no, the blue is for you. The gray is for Max’s shirt."

"For me! But it is so lovely, Tanta! You must have it."

"How would I look in such a pretty blue? No, that is for a young woman; that is for you. You must wear nice things while you are young and slim