“My dear child,” she said, seizing both slender hands, “you resemble your mother so much that I have to greet you as my own beloved child.  I loved her very much and we meant a great deal to each other.  You remind me of both your father and mother, Salo.  What happiness my friendship with your parents has brought me!  I want you both to be my children now, for your parents were the best friends I ever had in the world.”

This speech apparently met a response in the two children’s hearts.  As answer Leonore took Mrs. Maxa’s hand and held it tight between her own, and Salo came close to her to show what confidence he felt.  Then he said joyfully:  “Oh, I am so glad that you have come; you must help me comfort Leonore.  She is terribly afraid of the hospital and all the strange people there.  She even imagines that she will die there alone and forsaken and was crying because she thinks that we won’t see each other again.  I have to go so far away and I can’t help it.  To-morrow they are coming to fetch me and then I have to go back to school.  What shall we do?”

“As to that,” Mrs. Maxa replied, “nothing can be done.  But if Leonore has to spend a little while in the hospital, she won’t be an absolute stranger there.  I won’t let you be lonely for I shall often go to see you, dear child, and it is not even quite certain that you have to go there.”

“Oh, yes, they are going to take me there this morning, maybe quite soon,” said Leonore.  Listening anxiously, she again grasped Mrs. Maxa’s hand as if it were her safety anchor.

Mrs. Maxa did not gainsay her, because she did not yet know what the doctor might decide.  All she could do to calm Leonore was to tell her that she was not dangerously ill.  She might recover very quickly if she only stayed quiet for a while.  In that case she could soon see her brother again, for the ladies had promised to take her home as soon as she was well.

Mrs. Maxa had hardly said that when Leonore’s eyes again began to fill with tears.

“But I don’t feel at home there.  We really have no home anywhere,” she said with suppressed sobs.

“Yes, it is true; we have no home anywhere,” Salo exclaimed passionately.  “But, Leonore, you must have faith in me!” Fighting against his rising agitation, he quickly wiped away a tear from his eyes, which were usually so bright.  “It won’t be so long till I have finished my studies and then I can do what I please.  Then I shall try to find a little house for us both, which will be our home.  I am going to get that if I have to work for twenty years in the fields till it is paid for.”

Salo’s eyes had become sunny again during this speech.  He looked as if he would not have minded seizing a hoe that very moment.

Rapid steps were now heard approaching, the door was quickly opened, and Miss Remke called out on entering:  “The carriage is at the door.  Let us get ready, for I do not want the gentleman to wait.  I am sure you will be so kind as to help me lift Leonore out of bed and to carry her down stairs.”