The door opened again and what they thought impossible was really a fact. Stefeli stepped in triumphantly, holding Mr. Delrick by the hand. The surprise was so great that neither Mrs. Lesa nor Vinzi could utter a word though both their faces beamed with joy.
"I have changed my plans," explained Mr. Delrick after first greetings. "My friends are returning to Germany another way, so I have come back. Really I could not do otherwise for I carry such heaps of greeting for Vinzi from the people on the mountain that I had to unload them. They treated me as an old friend because I brought Vinzi's messages."
Vinzi's eyes sparkled as he asked in eager anticipation, "Did you see them all? Grandfather and Father Silvanus too?"
"Everybody! And they all seem to love you, Vinzi," replied Mr. Delrick. "Your good Cousin Lorenz and his wife could not talk enough about the happy times you had together."
Then he launched into an account of the happiness the gifts had given the three boys. Out of sheer ecstasy Russli would not let his present leave his hands. Wherever he went, he carried the red silk bag filled with the glittering agate marbles. Mr. Delrick said he brought a special message from Russli, and though he did not quite understand it, Vinzi would likely do so. Russli wished to say he would never tickle them again and had not expected his surprise to be so lovely.
Mr. Lesa now stepped into the room, and in his surprise at seeing Mr. Delrick, he stood stock still. Then shaking the proffered hand with all his might, his eyes shining with pleasure, he said, "So it is actually true? I could not help thinking it would be this way, life has been so empty since you left. Welcome back again!" he said, emphasizing his words with another handshake. "And now let's sit down to supper. My wife is sure to have something special for this guest. She is certainly just as glad as I am that you are back."
Mrs. Lesa had already disappeared to prepare the supper, and the meal was eaten with high satisfaction for the pleasure of the reunion had banished all sad thoughts.
When they rose from the table, Mr. Delrick said, "May I have a little talk with you out on the bench, Mr. Lesa, after our old manner? Don't forget your pipe."
Mrs. Lesa understood that Mr. Delrick wished to have a private conversation with her husband, so she kept the children indoors with her.