She had but eight
kwartjes *{A kwartje is a small silver coin worth one-quarter of
a guilder, or ten cents in American currency.} left, and they
would buy but one pair of skates, at the furthest.
Looking down with a sigh at the two pairs of feet so very
different in size, she asked:
"Which of you is the better skater?"
"Gretel," replied Hans promptly.
"Hans," answered Gretel in the same breath.
Hilda smiled.
"I cannot buy you each a pair of skates, or even one good pair,
but here are eight kwartjes. Decide between you which stands
the best chance of winning the race, and buy the skates
accordingly. I wish I had enough to buy better ones. Good-bye!"
And, with a nod and a smile, Hilda, after handing the money to
the electrified Hans, glided swiftly away to rejoin her
companions.
"Jufvrouw! Jufvrouw van Gleck!" called Hans in a loud tone,
stumbling after her as well as he could, for one of his skate
strings was untied.
Hilda turned and, with one hand raised to shield her eyes from
the sun, seemed to him to be floating through the air, nearer and
nearer.
"We cannot take this money," panted Hans, "though we know your
goodness in giving it.
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