An
unknown lad came along the road,--certainly no Silser, she thought; and
yet as he drew near he stood still and looked at her, and she returned
his gaze, and was much perplexed. In an instant, however, away went her
bundle of straw, and she rushed forward towards the motionless figure
before her, crying out,--
"O Rico! are you still alive? Have you come back again? But how big you
are, Rico! I did not know you, at first; but as soon as I saw your face,
then I was sure,--nobody has a face like yours."
So Stineli stood with glowing cheeks before the lad; and he grew as
white as chalk from excitement, and could not find words to speak his
joy, but looked and looked at the girl. Presently he said,--
"You have grown, too, Stineli, but are not otherwise changed. The nearer
I came to the house, the more anxious I got lest you might be altered."
"Oh, to think that you are really here, Rico!" cried Stineli, joyfully.
"Oh, if the grandmother only knew! But come in, Rico; they will all be
surprised." She ran on before to open the door, and Rico followed.
The children hid themselves one behind the other; and their mother rose
and greeted the lad as if he were a stranger, and asked what his wishes
were. Neither she nor the children had an idea who he was. Now Trudi
and Sami came into the room, and bowed to him as they passed through.
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