A NEWCOMER IN ILLER-STREAM Old Matthew was raking the gravel paths in the garden when Cornelli stepped out of the house and slowly approached.

She held a book in her hand and now sat down on the bench under the hazel bush.

Laying the book on her lap, she watched Matthew while he cleaned up the paths.
Looking up he said: "Come with me, Cornelli, and let us go over to the stable together, for you have not been there for a long time.

You should see how the little kid is growing." Cornelli merely shook her head and gave no answer.

Matthew looked over at the child a few more times, but said no more.
Esther, carrying a large basket, now arrived.