The visitor now gave her listener some information that seemed to be far from pleasing to Mrs. Maxa, because the face of the latter became more and more worried all the time.  Mrs. Knippel and her husband had come to the conclusion that the time had come when their sons should be sent to the neighboring town in order to enter the lowest classes of the high school.  The Rector’s teaching had been sufficient till now, but they felt that the boys had outgrown him and belonged to a more advanced school.  So they had decided to find a good boarding place for the three boys together, as Bruno would naturally join them in order that they could remain together.  Since the three would, in later years, have great authority in the little community, it would be splendid if they were educated alike and could agree thoroughly in everything.  “My husband means to go to town in the near future and look for a suitable house where they can board,” the speaker concluded.  “I am sure that you will be grateful if the question is solved for Bruno, as you would otherwise be obliged to settle it yourself.”

Frau Maxa’s heart was very heavy at this news.  She already saw the consequences and pictured the terrible scenes that would result if the three boys were obliged to live closely together.

“The thought of sending Bruno away from home already troubles me greatly,” she said finally.  “I do not see the necessity for it.  Our rector, who has offered to teach them out of pure kindness, means to keep the boys under his care till a year from next spring.  They are able to learn plenty still from him.  However, if you have resolved to send your sons away, I shall be obliged to do the same, as the Rector could not continue the lessons for Bruno alone.”  Mrs. Maxa declined the offer of her visitor to look up a dwelling-place for Bruno, as she had to talk the matter over first with her brother.  He was always her counsellor in these things, because he was the children’s guardian.

The district attorney’s wife did not seem gratified with this information.  As she was anxious to have the matter settled then and there, she remarked rather sarcastically that a mother should be able to decide such matters alone.  “The boys are sensible enough to behave properly without being constantly watched,” she added.  “I can certainly say that mine are, and where two hold to the right path, a third is sure to follow.”

“My eldest is never one to follow blindly,” Mrs. Maxa said with animation.  “I should not wish it either in this case.  I shall keep him at home as long as it is possible for me, and after that I shall send him away under God’s protection.”

“Just as you say,” the other lady uttered, rising and taking leave.  “We can talk the question of boarding over again another time,” she remarked as she was going away; “when the time comes, my husband’s preparation for the future will be welcome, I am sure.”

When the mother, after escorting her guest, came back to the children’s room, Maezli immediately called out, “Did she say if the two are still locked up?”