The things we do!

Then we go on sewing again--I with the printed paper, and the girl
working the machine. She is delighted to see how easily it goes, and her
eyes are all aglow.
How old was she?
Sixteen. Confirmed last year.
And what was her name?
Olga.
Her mother stands watching us, and would dearly like to try the machine
herself, but every time she comes near, Olga says: "Be careful, mother,
you'll despise it." And when the spool needs filling, and her mother takes
the shuttle in her hand a moment, the child is once more afraid it may be
"despised." [Footnote: Foragte, literally "despise." The word is evidently
to be understood as used in error by the girl herself, in place of some
equivalent of "spoil (destroy)," the author's purpose being to convey an
impression of something touchingly "poor," as with the dye-stained fingers
earlier and her awkward gait and figure later mentioned. Precisely similar
characteristics are used to the same end in _Pan_, and elsewhere.]
The old woman puts on the coffee-pot, and tends the fire; the room is soon
warm and cosy.


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