Rolf was delighted at having a new subject of study to share with Dora.
"We can start right away, Dora," he said eagerly. "Come, I'll show them all to you, one after another, even if it should take us till twelve o'clock."
These words reminded Dora that it was already late.
"No, no, Rolf," she said hastily, "not tonight, but thank you just the same. But will you do it tomorrow?"
"Surely we'll do it tomorrow, and don't forget you promised. Good-night, Dora."
"Good-night, Rolf," Dora called out before hastening into the house. She was so full of happiness over the whole wonderful afternoon, that she ran right up to her waiting aunt and began to tell about everything at once.
Her vivacity and animation quite alarmed her aunt. "Dora, Dora, just think! The excitement might affect your wounded arm. Go to bed and sleep, that will be the best," she said.
Dora went to her room at once, but felt unable to go to sleep. First of all, she knelt down by her bedside and thanked God for the happiness she had experienced. The most blissful holidays were before her, after which she would not mind going back to her dreary work. She resolved in her deepest soul to endure the long, sad winter days without complaints, never forgetting her charming friends. Dora could not shut her eyes for a long time, she was so deeply grateful and overjoyed.
[CHAPTER VIII]
STILL MORE RIDDLES AND THEIR SOLUTION