the old woman was sitting in that lonely place at her spinning-wheel, spinning. it was already dusk, and a log which was burning on the hearth gave a scanty light. all at once there was a noise outside, the geese were coming home from the pasture, and uttering their hoarse cries. soon afterwards the daughter also entered. but the old woman scarcely thanked her, and only shook her head a little. the daughter sat down beside her, took her spinning-wheel, and twisted the threads as nimbly as a young girl. thus they both sat for two hours, and exchanged never a word. at last something rustled at the window, and two fiery eyes peered in. it was an old night-owl, which cried, "uhu!"