Learn English Through Stories Level 4 ⭐ English Story - A Second Chance

Summary

Lucas, once a wealthy farmer, loses everything due to mismanagement and finds himself living in poverty with his wife and newborn daughter, Mariska. Struggling to find a godmother for Mariska's christening, Lucas encounters an old woman who unexpectedly agrees and gifts them money during the ceremony. This magical event transforms their fortunes as the money multiplies, allowing them to reclaim their farm and live happily. As Mariska grows, she attracts a wealthy prince, marrying him and fulfilling the godmother's prophecy of joy and comfort for her parents. Lucas learns the importance of wise management and generosity.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lucas was once a wealthy farmer but lost everything due to careless financial management.
• 😞 After falling into poverty, Lucas and his wife struggled to provide for their newborn daughter, Mariska.
• 💔 They faced rejection from neighbors and the mayor's wife when seeking a godmother for their child.
• 🌟 Lucas remained hopeful and approached a kind old woman who agreed to be Mariska's godmother.
• ⛪ The christening ceremony was transformed into a grand event thanks to the old woman's secret gift of a golden ducat.
• 💰 Following the christening, Lucas discovered that the single ducat had multiplied into ten, changing their fortunes.
• 🏡 With newfound wealth, Lucas and his wife managed their resources wisely, rebuilding their lives and farm.
• 👶 Mariska grew up to be a beloved daughter, bringing joy and comfort to her parents.
• 👑 Eventually, Mariska married a wealthy prince, fulfilling the old woman's prophecy of a happy future.
• 🤝 The story emphasizes the importance of kindness, community support, and responsible stewardship of wealth.

Q & A

What was Lucas's situation at the beginning of the story?

Lucas was a wealthy farmer who mismanaged his farm and finances, leading to his downfall and resulting in poverty.

How did Lucas and his wife feel about having a child?

They had always prayed for a child, but during their years of wealth, they felt God had not listened to them.

What was the reaction of their neighbor's wife when Lucas asked her to be Mariska's godmother?

The neighbor's wife refused, stating that they were all struggling and she could not afford to add another child's welfare to her concerns.

What motivated Lucas to seek a different godmother after being turned away by the neighbor's wife?

Lucas was determined to have his daughter christened and felt that they needed to find someone who would accept the role of godmother.

Who did Lucas meet on the road, and what was her response?

Lucas met an old woman in tattered clothes, who happily agreed to be the godmother to his baby, Mariska.

What miraculous event occurred during the christening ceremony?

The old woman gave a golden ducat to the priest, which led to a lavish christening ceremony suitable for wealthy merchants.

What gift did the old woman give Lucas for Mariska?

She gifted Lucas another golden ducat to help provide for Mariska and predicted that she would bring them joy and comfort.

How did Lucas and his wife react when they discovered the money multiplied?

They were astonished and overjoyed as the ducats multiplied, allowing them to recover from their financial struggles.

What changes did Lucas make after regaining his wealth?

Lucas promised to manage his farm wisely, purchased back his property, built a solid house, and became a generous neighbor.

What ultimately happened to Mariska as she grew up?

Mariska grew into a beautiful young woman who attracted a wealthy prince and eventually married him, living a long and happy life.