"
Mrs. Maxa's face shone with joy and gratitude. Many things had still to
be discussed, and the two old friends remained sitting under the pine
tree till the last rays of the setting sun were throwing a rosy light
over the gray castle. The children were at last returning from their
walk across the meadows. They looked like a full-blown garden when they
approached the Baron's chair, for they were covered with garlands of
poppies, ivy and cornflowers. Now supper was announced, and the Baron
was escorted to the terrace as before. It was a true triumphal march
this time, when he, throned in his chair with the lion-skin on his knees,
was pushed along by the gaily decked children. The Baron told them how
much he would enjoy taking a similar ride into the fields some day.
When Mrs. Maxa gave the sign for parting after the merry supper party,
no sign of grief was shown because the Baron had already told them that
Leonore was to move up into the castle in a few days. They were all to
be present then. After that there would be no end to their visits.
When the Baron shook Maezli's hand at parting, he said, "You came to see
me first, Maezli, so you shall always be my special friend."
"Yes, I'll be your friend," Maezli said firmly.
When Leonore tenderly took leave of her uncle she whispered in his ear,
"May Salo come soon, Uncle?"
This time the answer was a clear affirmative, and the child's heart was
filled with rapture.
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