That same evening, when the children had gone to bed and Miss Hanenwinkel had retired, Mr. and Mrs. Birkenfeld, according to their daily custom, sat together on the sofa, talking over their common problems. They mentioned the fact that their neighbors were lengthening their stay, and after expressing her joy, the mother concluded with these words:
"I actually dread the day when we shall lose the child, and it is not very far off. It is impossible to say what a blessing Dora has been to our household, and it is evident at every step. I keep on discovering new traces of her good influence all the time. I don't quite know why the child attracts me so much. All I can say is that a world of memories stirs in me, whenever I look into her eyes. I don't pretend to understand it."
"My dearest wife, you think this every time you grow fond of a person," Mr. Birkenfeld interposed. "I can remember quite well that you thought we must have stood in some incomprehensible relationship long ago, when you just knew me a short time."
"However that may be, you bad, sarcastic husband," she retorted, "I suppose the solid reasons this time are enough. You can't deny that Dora is very dear and charming. I love her, and I know how many of the pleasant changes in our household are due to her. Paula goes about like a ray of sunshine, there is not a trace left of her moodishness and bad humor. Jul takes off his riding boots himself without disturbing the whole household, and Rolf is so eager at his studies, that he does not waste a minute of the day. Lili has developed a diligence and ability for music that surprises everybody, while Hun is always pleasantly occupied, and looks so merry, that it is a joy to see him."
"Can the fact that the twins have not perpetrated any evil deeds lately be due to Dora, too?" asked Mr. Birkenfeld.
"Doubtless," the wife answered. "Dora has somehow awakened Lili's enthusiasm for music, and the lively child is putting all her energies into playing now. Willi does the same, and in that way the two are kept out of mischief."
"Dora is really a curious being. Too bad she is leaving us," said Mr. Birkenfeld, quite regretfully.
"I regret it so much, too," his wife continued, "and I keep on wondering how we could keep them here a little longer."
"We can't," replied the husband, "for we don't know them well enough. We must let them go, but if they come back another year, something might be done about it."
Mrs. Birkenfeld sighed as she thought of the long winter and the uncertainty of their return.