’There is no good in my going to see little
Hans as long as the snow lasts,’ the Miller
used to say to his wife, ‘for when people are in
trouble they should be left alone, and not be
bothered by visitors. That at least is my idea
about friendship, and I am sure I am right. So I
shall wait till the spring comes, and then I shall
pay him a visit, and he will be able to give me
a large basket of primroses and that will make
him so happy.’
’You are certainly very thoughtful about
others,’ answered the Wife, as she sat in her
comfortable armchair by the big pinewood
fire; ‘very thoughtful indeed. It is quite a treat
to hear you talk about friendship. I am sure the
clergyman himself could not say such beautiful
things as you do, though he does live in a three-
storied house, and wear a gold ring on his little
finger.’
