'That I know,' replied Johannes, 'and I love you very much.'
'Already? That is quick work!' laughed the girl. 'And whom, then, do you love best?'
Johannes hesitated. Should he utter Windekind's name? The fear that he might accidentally speak it in the presence of other persons was never out of his thoughts. And yet, was not this fair-haired creature in blue Windekind in person? How else could she give him such a sense of rest and gladness?
'You,' he suddenly replied, looking full into those deep blue eyes. He boldly made a complete surrender; but he was a little alarmed nevertheless, and anxiously awaited her reception of his precious offering.
Robinetta laughed again, a light clear laugh; but she took his hand and her look was no colder nor her voice less full of feeling.
'Why, Johannes,' said she, 'what have I done to deserve it all at once?'
Johannes made no reply, but stood looking at her with trustful eyes. Robinetta rose and laid her arm on his shoulder. She was taller than he. Thus they wandered on through the wood, gathering great bunches of cowslips till they could have hidden under the mass of bright yellow blossoms. The robin flew, as they went on, from branch to branch, and watched them with his glittering little black eyes.
They did not talk much, but looked at each other now and then, with a side glance. They were both embarrassed by this meeting and did not know what to think of each other.
But Robinetta had soon to turn back. It was growing late.
'I must go now, Johannes. But will you come and walk with me again? I think you are a nice little boy,' she said as they turned round.