Jasmin saw his mother hide her hand; but when it was necessary for her to cut the loaf, after making the cross according to custom, he saw that the ring on her left hand had disappeared.

"Holy Cross," he thought, "it is true that she has sold her wedding-ring to buy bread for her children." This was a sad beginning of life for the poor boy.

He was now another burden on the family.

Old Boe had gone, and could no longer help him with his savoury morsels.

He was so oppressed with grief, that he could no longer play with his comrades as before.