or, The Silver Skates 393

loved and laughed at while on earth. He grew to be very thin
before he died, — thinner than Benjamin Dobbs, who is now
portliest among the portly.

Raff Brinker and his vrouw have been living comfortably in
Amsterdam for many years, a faithful, happy pair, as simple
and straightforward in their good fortune as they were patient
and trustful in darker days. They have a xomerhuis near the
old cottage; and thither they often repair with their children
and grandchildren on pleasant summer afternoons, when the
pond-lilies rear their queenly heads above the water.

The story of Hans Brinker would be but half told, if we did
not leave him with Gretel standing near. Dear, quick, patient
little Gretel! What is she now? Ask old Dr. Boekman:
he will declare she is the finest singer, the loveliest woman, in
Amsterdam. Ask Hans and Annie: they will assure you she
is the dearest sister ever known. Ask her husband,— he
who wore the red cap on the day of the grand skating-race :
you will learn that she is the brightest, sweetest little wife in
Holland. Ask Dame Brinker and Raff: their eyes will
glisten with joyous tears. Ask the poor: the air will be
filled with blessings.

But, lest you forget a tiny form trembling and sobbing on
the mound before the Brinker cottage, ask the Van Glecks :
they will never weary telling of the darling little girl who won

the silver skates. :