"My name here is Uncle Philip," the kind gentleman answered, "just Uncle
Philip, nothing else!"
"Am I allowed to call you Uncle, too? That makes me feel so much at
home!" Salo exclaimed after nodding cordially. "Well, Uncle Philip, I
mean to come to you again with the keenest pleasure every time I am
invited. I would even come with the greatest joy if you never gave me
anything to eat."
"No, no, we don't have institutions for starving people," Uncle Philip
replied. "We are returning home now to a little feast I have told Kathy
to get ready. It will consist mostly of country dishes. Our guest must
know he has been received by friends."
"Oh, Uncle Philip, I felt that the first moment I met you," Salo
exclaimed.
The little group now strolled happily down the incline towards the house.
Maezli was standing in the doorway with eyes as big as saucers. She had
received the news from Kathy that they were to have omelette
apple-souffle, ham-pudding, sour milk and sweet biscuits for supper in
honour of a charming guest and Uncle Philip, who had come back. So Maezli
looked out at them, and as soon as they were near enough, studied Salo
very carefully.
He must have pleased her, for she quickly ran towards him and, reaching
out her hand, said, "Won't you stay with us for a while?"
Salo laughed: "Yes, I should love to."
Taking him by the hand, Maezli led him into the house and to the room
where the inviting table was already set.
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