Sally and Kaetheli, those model scholars, kept putting their heads together and whispered continuously like the ripple of a brook.  Yes, indeed, Kaetheli was so brim full of news that she even kept on whispering to Sally while the latter had to answer questions in arithmetic and of course got into the most inexplicable confusion.  Even Edi, the very best scholar, forgot his studies and was staring sadly before him.  For just now had come before his mind’s eye, during the rest-period, the great bravery of his troops who, from want of a real enemy, had put each other in a sorry shape.  And he was not allowed to lead these courageous soldiers against the boasting Churi, and to show this fellow how a great general does his work!  The teacher was just standing before him and called on him, continuing in the geography lesson:  “Edi, will you tell me the most important productions of Upper Italy?”

Italy!  At the sound of that name, the whole war operation stood before Edi’s eyes, for he had studied the minutest details of that region where the Romans had met their enemies, and Churi, as Hannibal, stood triumphant before him.  Edi, heaving a deep sigh, answered nothing for the present.

“Edi,” the master said when no answer came, “I cannot understand what sadness can be found in our topic, nor what can burden your mind, but one thing I can see, that today you all are like a herd of thoughtless sheep with whom nothing can be done.  Kaetheli, you magpie, can you stop a moment and listen to what I am saying?  You all are going home.  I have had enough, and everyone—­do you understand?—­everyone takes home some home-work for punishment.  As you go out, come to my desk, one after the other, and each will receive his special task.”

So it was done, and at once the whole crowd rushed with joyous hearts into the open.  For the home-work did not at all suppress the joy that school had closed a whole half-hour early.  Outside on the playground, the groups who had common interests at once crowded together.  The largest throng pressed around Edi, to listen with much shouting and noise to his battle plans.

At once after leaving the schoolroom Kaetheli took Sally by the hand and said:  “I will go with you for a while, then I can finish telling you what Marianne told Mother this morning.”  With this Kaetheli continued her story, which she had begun in school, and told Sally everything that had happened last night in Marianne’s cottage.  Sally listened very quietly and never said a word.  When they arrived at the garden, Kaetheli had just finished her sad tale; she stood still for a moment and was surprised that Sally did not say anything; then she said, “Good-bye!” and ran away.