In place of the two leafless trees, there was a big flagstaff on which waved the Danish flag, and close beside it a pole, on which in summer and autumn hops with their sweet-smelling clusters twined themselves, but where in the winter, according to old custom, a sheaf of oats was raised that the birds of the air could have their meal at the joyous Christmas time.

“The good Larsen is growing sentimental in his old age,” said the family; “but he is faithful and devoted to us.”

At New Year time, one of the illustrated papers of the capital had a picture of the old manor; one saw the flagstaff and the sheaf of oats for the birds, and it was spoken of as a beautiful thought that an old custom should be brought into recognition and honour; so distinctive for the old manor.

“All that Larsen does,” said the family, “they beat the drum for. He is a lucky man! we must almost be proud that we have him!”

But they were not proud of it! They felt that they were the owners, they could give Larsen his dismissal; but they did not do that, they were good people, and there are so many good people of their class, that it is a good thing for every Larsen.

Yes, that is the story of ‘The Gardener and the Family.’ Now you can think it over!