Vinzi was not at all convinced that this plan would prevent his trip home, but he felt deeply moved at the thought of Faz taking so much pains to keep him. He had really had less to do with Faz than with the other two boys.
"What are you going to send me for my shop?" inquired Russli later.
"I shall not tell you," replied Vinzi. "It must be a surprise; then it will please you better."
"Is it something to eat?" persisted Russli.
"No, nor anything to drink," answered Vinzi. "But I will tell you no more about it, or it will be no surprise."
At the pasture Vinzi parted from Russli and went on to the hospice as usual. He had been instructed always to go at once to the great room and there await Father Silvanus. He always came quickly. But this morning Vinzi did not stand before the harmonium with sparkling eyes in happy expectation, as he always did when the priest stepped in. Today his pupil was quite downcast and when the priest looked at him questioningly, Vinzi informed him that this would be the last time he would come; he was going home the next day.
"Oh, what a pity, what a real pity!" exclaimed Father Silvanus slowly. "But you can keep up your music at home, can't you?"
Vinzi fought back the tears, though his eyes filled in spite of him as he answered, "No, I believe not."
"Keep up your courage, my boy!" advised Father Silvanus, patting him kindly on the shoulder. "Keep up your courage! It is always lovely to go home, and if the Lord thinks music is good for you, it is an easy thing for Him to send someone across your path who will help you further. Perhaps you will return to us and we will go on with your music together."
The priest shook his hand in a fatherly way and accompanied him to the door, where he gave the lad his blessing, saying heartily: "May God watch over you!" and then sent him on his way.