The Old House (8)

The Old House (8)

The old man left for a moment to fetch some comfits, apples, and nuts; it was certainly nice to be visiting the old house.

"But I can't stand it here ! " wailed the tin soldie, who was standing on the lid of a chest.
" It is so lonely and sad here ; once you have lived with a family you cannot get accustomed to being alone. I can't stand it !
The days are so long and the evenings feel even longer.
It is not the same here as in your home, where your parents talked so pleasantly and you sweet children made such a lot of lovely noise.
No, that poor old man really is lonely.
Do you think anybody ever gives him a kiss ? Or looks kindly at him ? Here there is no Christmas tree ever, or gifts !
The only thing he will ever get will be a funeral ! . . . I can't stand it ! "

" You mustn't take it so to heart, " said the little boy.
" I think it is very nice here. All the old thoughts and dreams come to visit him, so he said. "

" I see none of them and I don't want to either, " screamed the tin soldier.
" I can't stand it ! "

(8/20)