After that Fanchon and Frederic stood back quietly, while their mother cut the cake, and the older people talked. The two rich children sat munching dry crackers, for their parents said that cake was not good for them. But Fanchon and Frederic each had a large slice, which their dear mother gave them.
After they had finished eating, the guests arose to say good-bye, and the glittering carriage was driven to the door. The footman took from it two large bandboxes. These, the rich children handed with condescending pride, to Fanchon and Frederic. And just as the guests were about to take their leave, the dog Pepin, Frederic’s faithful friend and darling, came dancing and barking around them. The rich children screamed, and had to be lifted, kicking with fright, into the carriage, which immediately drove away.
So ended the visit of these wealthy, distinguished, and noble cousins.
THE NEW PLAYTHINGS
After the carriage containing the wealthy cousins had rolled down the hill, the Count threw off his green waistcoat, and put on his loose jacket, and ran his fingers through his hair. The children, too, quickly got out of their best clothes, and felt light and happy.
“To the wood! To the wood!” shouted Frederic, jumping as high as he could for joy.
“But don’t you wish to see what is in these handsome bandboxes your cousins gave you?” asked his mother.
And Fanchon, who had been gazing at the bandboxes with longing eyes, cried out: “Can’t we open them first, and go to the wood afterward?”
But Frederic was hard to convince. “Surely that stupid boy could not have brought anything worth while,” said he scornfully, “nor his ribbony sister! He talked so boldly about bears and lions, but when my dear Pepin barked, he forgot his sword and hid under the table! A brave sportsman he!”
“Oh, dear, good brother!” cried Fanchon, “just let us take one peep at what is in the boxes!”