Beside his duties Jos found plenty of time frequently to leap up for joy. Often he sang and yodelled so loudly that it re-echoed from all the hills. His voice was so fine and melodious that Stefeli was charmed by it and would beg over and over, “Sing again, Jos, sing it for me again.” The morning always passed so quickly that the two looked at each other questioningly when they heard the sounds of the noonday bell from far away. It seemed hardly possible that so many hours had already passed.
STEFELI ALWAYS SPREAD OUT THEIR LUNCH UNDER THE ASH TREE
Stefeli always spread out their lunch under the ash tree in the good old way. After a searching glance at the cows, who had quietly settled down about them in the sunshine, Jos sat down willingly by Stefeli. He first of all admired the neatly spread repast before him, for he had never seen a meal set out so perfectly outdoors. The swaying branches above gave them the needed shade.
“I am sure no one else could spread a table as well as you can, Stefeli,” he said, full of admiration. Then he began to eat everything Stefeli offered him with the heartiest appetite.
The afternoon passed as quickly as the morning, and when they were strolling homewards in the bright evening light, Stefeli said, “Oh, it was lovely today. I hope all the other days will be exactly like it.”
“I hope so, too,” repeated Jos.
Vinzenz Lesa stood at his barn and watched his herd coming home. Jos was running alongside of the cows, first on one side and then on the other. This kept them walking in a neat row, instead of running first here, then there.
“A quick, orderly boy,” said Vinzenz Lesa to himself, as he slowly met the procession on its way to the stable.
A series of perfect days followed, and the children had the happiest times. Stefeli’s wish seemed to be fulfilled, for she fairly beamed with joy and well-being all day long, and Jos sang and yodelled louder every day from sheer happiness.