Frau Ceres gave a biscuit to a snow-white parrot, and the parrot called out, "God bless you, massa." Then she sank down into an easy-chair, and Pranken placed himself near her on a low tabouret, sitting almost at her feet.
Fräulein Perini selected a seat sufficiently near, if she wished to take part in the conversation, and yet far enough off to allow Pranken to speak with Frau Ceres alone.
Sonnenkamp beckoned to Eric to go with him into the garden. Roland accompanied them without being asked.
The servant came to inform them that the huntsman Claus was with the puppies, and begged that the young gentleman would come to him.
"I give you permission to go," the father said.
"But I would prefer to remain with you here," Roland replied.
There was an expression of childlike fondness in the tone and gesture, as he grasped Eric's hand.
"If your father says that you may go, you should go," Eric quietly answered.
Roland departed with lingering steps, halting at intervals, but still he went.