The door opened again, and what they had thought impossible really had come to pass. Stefeli triumphantly entered at the side of Mr. Delrick, whose hand she was holding. The surprise was so great for Vinzi and Mrs. Lesa that neither could say a word, but pure joy gleamed from their faces.
“I changed my plans,” said Mr. Delrick after the first greetings. “My friends are returning to Germany another way, and therefore I had to come back once more. Your relatives up there loaded me with greetings for Vinzi and I am glad to bring them to him myself. If I had gone to Germany another way I could not have done so, and the good people insisted on my delivering them. They treated me as an old friend because I brought them Vinzi’s greetings.”
Vinzi’s eyes gleamed with pleasure and the bliss of remembrance.
“Did you see them all? The grandfather and Pater Silvanus, too?” he asked expectantly.
“Yes, everybody, and they all seem to love you, Vinzi,” replied Mr. Delrick. “Your good uncle Lorenz and his wife could not tell me enough about your happy times together.”
Mr. Delrick also described how pleased the three boys had been with their gifts. They sent their warmest thanks. Russli did not let his present leave his hands, wherever he walked or stood, he held on to the red silk bag, filled with fine agate marbles. He had sent a special message for Vinzi, which Mr. Delrick had not quite understood, but hoped Vinzi could make out. Russli wanted Vinzi to know that he would never in his life tickle them any more. He had never thought a surprise could be so lovely.
At that moment the father entered. In surprise over his guest he stood stock-still for a moment. Mr. Delrick had risen to greet him.
“Oh, I am glad it’s true,” said Lesa with joyful eyes, shaking the proffered hand heartily. “I always thought this would happen somehow. It has been so empty here since you left. Welcome again to our house!” he added, strengthening this sentiment with a renewed shaking of the hand. “Let us sit down to supper now; my wife is sure to have something special for you. She couldn’t be less happy than I am at your coming.”
Mrs. Lesa had already disappeared to prepare supper. The meal passed most pleasantly, as the joy of seeing Mr. Delrick again had driven away all gloomy thoughts.
When every one rose from the table, Mr. Delrick said, “I’d like to have a little talk with you, out on the bench, the way we used to do; but don’t forget your pipe.”