The Old House (5)

The Old House (5)

Antique flowerpots with human face and donkey ears stood ranged in a row; the plants grew to suit themselves.

One of them was filled with carnations that spread out over the rim in all directions ； that is, the green leaves and the stems, the flowers hadn't come yet.

One could almost hear the plant saying: " The breeze has caressed me and the sun has kissed me and promised me  a flower next Sunday, a little flower next Sunday. "

The old servant led the boy into a chamber where the walls did not have paper on them; no, they were covered with leather, which had gilded flowers stamped upon it.

  " Gilding fades all too fast.　Leather, this is meant to last. "
said the walls.

In the room were high-backed armchairs with carvings all over them,
" Sit down, sit down ! " they cried.

And when you sat down in them they mumbled.
" Agh, how it cracks inside me. I think I've got rheumtism like the old cabinet.  Ugh, how it creaks and cracks. "

At last the little boy entered the room with the bow windows.

Here the old master of house greeted him.
" Thank you for the tin soldier, my little friend, " said he.
" And thank you for coming. "

(5/20)