It is not for us to keep this joy from our men and
women. Charles Henry, with the overseer's permission, had already
assembled the villagers upon the open space under the beech-trees.
See! all are hastening with their work. Come, father, we must read
to our neighbors and friends our king's victories. A victory belongs
to the whole village, but should there ever be news of a lost
battle, then, father, we will read it to ourselves."
"God forbid that this should come to pass!" said the old man,
following Anna to the place of general meeting.
CHAPTER II.
NEWS OF BATTLE.
The inhabitants of the village had already assembled on the square,
under the great linden, and as old Buschman now approached,
supported by Anna Sophia's arm, they were joyfully greeted.
Anna waved the paper like a white flag in the air, and, hastening
the old man forward impatiently, she exclaimed,
"Our king has won a battle!"
Shouts of triumph were the result.
"Did he whip the French, or the Austrians?" asked one of the
peasants, as he drew close to Anna, and tried to seize the paper.
Anna drew it back hastily.
"The steward sent it to me, to read to the community, and I shall do
so.
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