The mother meditated in silence; she could not understand Vinzi's meaning. She also had always delighted in music and had taught her children to sing as soon as they could talk; her greatest joy had been their daily evening song.
"Come, Vinzi," she now said, "let us sing together. What shall it be?"
"I do not know. If only I could sing the tune that still rings in my ears!"
"You only think you hear something. Now sing out briskly and you will enjoy it," advised his mother and started a song Vinzi knew well.
He hesitated but the familiar melody soon attracted him and he joined with his mother in a way she loved. The song was ended before they reached Mrs. Troll's house, and Stefeli darted out to them from behind a tree. From this hiding-place she had been watching the two children who sat in front of the house, each with a book. Stefeli would have liked very much to have run up to the little girl and start a friendship, but the governess came out, and she was not crooked at all, but so straight and stiff that timid Stefeli hid more carefully behind the tree. She now told all this and was very happy to have mother and brother with her as she passed the house, for the governess was still sitting there.
The children gave one another searching glances for all four of them were much interested, and Alida said half aloud, "They are the children we saw yesterday. I think I will go and make their acquaintance."
"No, you must not do that, Alida. We do not know who they are," said the governess quickly.
"She will not let Alida talk with us; did you hear that, mother?" said Stefeli.
"Yes," replied Mrs. Lesa. "I am glad you did not run in to see them, and you must not do so, Stefeli, do you hear?"
"Yes, but then we will never meet, and Alida wanted to so much," said Stefeli rather rebelliously.