And because they complain a little , and do not quite like to stay behind , he gives them some apples out of his pocket , and proposes to tell them a very pretty story . Hereupon they brighten up , and change their grieved looks into the broadest kind of smiles . As for the story , I was there to hear it , hidden behind a bush , and shall tell it over to you in the pages that come next . THE MIRACULOUS PITCHER . One evening , in times long ago , old Philemon and his old wife Baucis sat at their cottage-door , enjoying the cahn and beautiful sunset . They had already eaten their frugal supper , and intended now to spend a quiet hour or two before bedtime . So they talked together about their garden , and their cow , and their bees , and their grapevine , which clambered over the cottage-wall , and on which the grapes were beginning to turn purple . But the rude shouts of children and the fierce barking of dogs , in the village near at hand , grew louder and louder , until , at last , it was hardly possible for Baucis and Philemon to hear each other speak . `` Ah , wife . '' cried Philemon , `` I fear some poor traveller is seeking hospitality among our neighbors yonder , and , instead of giving him food and lodging , they have set their dogs at him , as their custom is ! '' `` Well-a-day ! '' answered old Baucis , `` I do wish our neighbors felt a little more kindness for their fellow-creatures . And only think of bringing up their children in this naughty way , and patting them on the head when they fling stones at strangers ! '' `` Those children will never come to any good , '' said Philemon , shaking his white head . `` To tell you the truth , wife , I should not wonder if some terrible thing were to happen to all the people in the village , unless they mend their manners . But , as for you and me , so long as Providence affords us a crust of bread , let us be ready to give half to any poor , homeless stranger , that may come along and need it . '' `` That 's right , husband ! '' said Baucis . `` So we will ! '' These old folks , you must know , were quite poor , and had to work pretty hard for a living .
Old Philemon toiled diligently XXXXX his garden , while Baucis was always busy with her distaff , or making a little butter and cheese with their cow 's milk , or doing one thing and another about the cottage .
So about as at before for if in of to