“Father said I ought to write to you and tell you the time we would be here,” replied Fritz, “but I put it off until it was too late, and I thought you would not care.”

“No, it does not make the least difference to me but it might have made a great difference to you.  I might have been sick, or, as I said before, away from home.  So do not trust to chance in such matters, but more than all, do as your parents advise.  They know best.  Now I see that it is my usual time for getting supper, and Paul will go out with me to buy something for it.  Fritz and Franz can go into the kitchen and wash their hands in the basin hanging by the sink.  Then Franz can tie on an apron he will see out there and take the peelings from a dish of boiled potatoes on the table and cut them up in small pieces, while Fritz sets the table in this room.  The tablecloth is in this drawer, and the dishes in the cupboard; and he can set the table for four people as he sees it set at home.  Now, Paul, we will go.”

Nothing could have made the boys feel more at home that first evening than the sharing of the work of the household, and all joined in cheerfully.

“I am as hungry as a wolf; I could almost eat the cold potatoes,” remarked Franz.

“So could I, but we can wait.  Aunt will get supper quickly when she comes.”  And he was right, for the boys had scarcely finished their work when they heard her and Paul coming up the steps, and a half hour later supper was ready.

She had turned the well-chopped potatoes in a hot pan in which was melted butter and set Franz to stir them that they might brown without burning.  In another pan she put the slices of liverwurst for Fritz to watch, and Paul, who had first been sent to the kitchen to wash his hands, put the slices of rich ham upon a pretty pink plate, and fresh lettuce upon another, and placed them upon the table, while Mrs. Steiner cut the bread and got a pitcher of new milk.

“Now, Fritz, before we take our suppers, here is a plate upon which you can break some pieces of bread and soften it with this good milk.”

“What for?” asked the boy in surprise.

“For Pixy, who is waiting so patiently.  Could we enjoy our supper knowing that the poor dumb creature is hungry?”

This was done and the plate placed on the floor by the window, and the heart of Fritz was filled with pleasure to see Pixy’s appreciation of the good supper.

The potatoes and liverwurst, both beautifully browned, were placed upon the table, and all sat down.

“Did I set the table nicely, Aunt Fanny?” asked Fritz.

“Yes, very well indeed, except that you forgot the napkins.  Please get four out of that drawer, and then choose the places you wish,” and she took her own at the head of the table.  Bowing her head she said in reverent voice, “Dear Jesus, be our guest at this meal and at all our meals.  Bless the good food Thou hast given us, and receive our grateful thanks.  Amen.”