“Oh, leave him alone now!” said the aunt. “Why should he rush about after all the walking he’s done? He can start the day with the boys tomorrow, if he wants to.”
“I only asked, because boys usually like to be where something lively is going on,” replied Lorenz Lesa, “but he shall be free to say what he prefers.”
“I’d like to stay here,” replied Vinzi.
“All right, then,” said the uncle, as he went outside.
The aunt showed herself pleased that Vinzi was willing to remain quiet and did not immediately want to run away. First of all he was to have another cup of milk to lay the last bit of dust from the journey. Then folding her arms and settling comfortably into her chair she said: “Now tell me about your people at home and the kind of life you lead there. I like to hear about such things.”
Vinzi was pleased at this opportunity to talk about his home. He had been wondering all the time what his mother was doing just then, whether Stefeli was alone on the pasture, and how everything was getting along without him. He told his aunt about their household, especially how his mother and Stefeli usually spent the day.
A loud tramping neared the door now and the next instant it was flung open. A boy of Vinzi’s age came running in, followed by a little chap and one much larger, who apparently resented being the last. Quickly giving a high jump, he tried to leap over the little one’s head by propping himself on his shoulders. But quick as a wink the sly little one ducked down and the big boy fell headlong with a thump.
“You must not enter in such an unmannerly fashion, Faz,” said the mother calmly.
“Good evening, cousin,” said the eldest, holding his hand out to Vinzi.
“Good evening, cousin,” cried the second boy, too, and “Good evening cousin,” also called the youngest, pushing his way very near to Vinzi.