And this for a giant like Peter! God only knows where he gets his strength; but he looks like his own shadow.

Maria doesn't need anything more than a bird, but Adrian, poor fellow, often leaves the table with tears in his eyes, yet I know he has broken many a bit of bread from his thin slice for Bessie.

It is pitiable.

Yet the proverb says: 'Stretch yourself towards the ceiling, or your feet will freeze--'Necessity knows no law,' and 'Reserve to preserve.' Day before yesterday, like the rest, we again gave of the little we still possessed.

To-morrow, everything beyond what is needed for the next fortnight, must be delivered up, and Peter won't allow us to keep even a bag of flour, but what will come then--merciful Heaven!--" The widow sobbed aloud as she uttered the last words and continued, weeping: "Where do you get your strength?
At your age this miserable scrap of meat is a mere drop of water on a red-hot stone." "Herr Van Aken gives me what he can, in addition to my ration.