"No, I don't want to live alone," said Stefeli with determination when they were discussing the sad outlook on one of their last days together. "I shall write a letter and send it to Cousin Lorenz. He promised me something."
"Vinzi will come home," suggested Alida, "and then you will have good company."
That same day Vinzenz Lesa said to his wife: "I only hope Lorenz will not take his boy away from me. It has been such a bountiful years there is much to do. I can't get along without the boy, for I cannot see everything that must be done. He has a good memory, and displays as much thought and care as three. He shows as much interest and pleasure in the farm as though he owned it. Ah, if he were mine! I would give half my wealth for such a son!"
"Let us be happy that he is still with us," rejoined his wife. "Perhaps we can keep him for quite a while; good Cousin Lorenz has sent us no warning yet."
Mr. Delrick wrote regularly, and a letter had recently come containing the usual good news: Vinzi was well and everything was going along all right. Mr. Delrick seemed in no hurry to write about Vinzi's return, though the year of his absence was near its end.
A few days later as the children entered the room one evening a thick envelope lay on the table.
"That is a letter from father to Mr. Lesa!" exclaimed Alida as she glanced at the handwriting.
"Now it's all over!" said Hugo. "You'll find we have to go, Alida."
The children were all alarmed, but even though they talked about their departure none of them thought it was actually near at hand. Even Jos, to whom the news was told the moment he came in, made great eyes. He had not quite conceived that their happiness must end, for he and Hugo had drawn close in a warm friendship.
When Mr. Lesa came in, he took up the letter only to lay it aside, for he read letters only when there was nothing else to do and now supper was ready.