"I know him," said the old man. "He is a fine man. Did he have no objection to your coming?"
Vinzi told him it was his cousin himself who had bidden him come and had told him to stay as long as the grandfather wished.
"That's fine; then you can play something for me. But I'm thinking we should have a bite to eat first." Therewith the old man stood up but suddenly changed his mind, for he reseated himself comfortably in his place.
"I'm thinking it would not be out of place for the youngster to fetch the food while the old man keeps his seat," he said, giving Vinzi a friendly clap on the shoulder. "Just go around the corner, open the door and you will find everything ready on the shelf, the food and a pitcher of milk. Bring it here."
Vinzi quickly came back and placed the food on the bench between them.
The grandfather cut bread and cheese for himself and invited Vinzi to do likewise.
"How do you like it on our mountain?" asked the grandfather in a few minutes.
Vinzi's eyes sparkled, as he said, "Oh, it is beautiful here! I never saw anything more lovely!" full of his recent impressions.
Well pleased, the grandfather patted him on the shoulder. "Neither did I; neither did I!" highly gratified. "You think as I do. Where could it be more beautiful? Where is there more golden sunshine than here? And air so invigorating that the whole body senses it at each breath! It gives one strength, this air and this sun. I can say this because I know something about it. Certainly my strength is failing, but though no longer young I am still healthy. How old do you suppose I am, boy?"