"No, Manna, you must not go away and leave me here alone."
"Come with us," answered Manna, taking the child by the hand.
She went to the Superior and asked permission to go with Frau Dournay to her father, who was waiting for her on the main-land.
"Send for him to come here."
"No, I would rather go to him."
Permission was granted. It was difficult for Manna to free herself from Heimchen, who could be pacified only by Manna's solemn promise to return.
Manna sat gazing into the water while they were in the boat. With Frau Dournay, she entered the garden of the inn, where they found Sonnenkamp and Pranken sitting in the shade of the arbor.
"You are going home with us?" cried Sonnenkamp to his daughter.
She received his embrace, but did not return it. Pranken greeted Manna joyfully, and as she extended her hand to him, said smiling:—
"I have hardened my hand, but my heart is still soft, perhaps too soft."