CHAPTER XI
THE OLD SONG ONCE MORE
AUTUMN was here. In Lesa’s household it had come much too soon for every one, and the children could not believe that their days on the pasture were nearly over. Hugo and Alida would soon have to go right into the heart of a large city far away. Jos would go home to his mountain, while poor Stefeli would be left behind, unhappy and alone.
“I don’t want to be always alone,” said Stefeli determinedly, when they had discussed their prospects on one of their last days together. “I’ll send a letter to Uncle Lorenz. You know he promised me something.”
“I suppose Vinzi will soon come back,” said Alida, “and he’ll be wonderful company for you. We would have had lots more fun if he had been with us this summer. There were so many things I wanted to talk to him about, things none of you could understand.”
The same day Vinzenz Lesa said to his wife, “I hope Lorenz won’t come yet to fetch Jos home. It has been such a good year that we still have our hands full. Things have to be done on every side and I can’t do them without the boy. He has the best memory and such good ideas; common sense, besides, enough for three, and a love and interest in the work as if it were all for himself, instead of for us. He just wants to keep the farm in good shape. I would give half the place to have such a son. It would mean so much to me.”
“Let’s be glad he is still with us,” replied the wife, “and I think he’ll stay yet for a while. Good Cousin Lorenz hasn’t even warned us yet.”
Mr. Delrick sent word from time to time, and a letter had come rather lately with the usual good news. Vinzi was well and everything going smoothly. Mr. Delrick seemed to be in no hurry for Vinzi’s return, though the year of his absence was practically over.
A few days later when the children walked into the room one night a large letter lay on the table.