"Our whole life, Roland, is nothing but homesickness for our heavenly home; of that we die, and happy is he who dies of it."
Roland perceived that his sister was in a state of overwrought excitement, amounting almost to ecstasy; and speaking in a tone of quiet and manly decision, he told her that she must first come back to her earthly home. He told her of his having acted in a play, and having been photographed in his page's silk dress; of the order his father had received; and, finally, of a secret his father had confided to him, and which he could not tell.
"Our father told you a secret?" asked Manna, her face growing rigid.
"Yes, and a beautiful, noble one; you will rejoice with me when you hear it."
Manna's features relaxed.
Roland told her how he had fancied himself with her all through his delirium, and that she ought to feel only happy at his being still alive.
"Yes, you are still alive," cried Manna, "you shall live. All is yours."
He reminded her that to-morrow was his birthday, and that his own wish was that she would let him take her to their parents on that day.
"Yes, I will go with you," cried Manna, "and it is better we should go directly."
Hand in hand, the brother and sister went to the convent, where Manna told the Superior of her intention to go home with Roland. In a state of feverish excitement, she then hurried to bid good-bye to all her fellow pupils, and all the nuns, went into the church and prayed, and finally made Roland go with her to Heimchen's grave.