Rolf, Wili and
Lili stood as near Dora as they could squeeze, to make her hear what they
were saying, and Hunne kept fast hold of her, as if afraid that she would
vanish away.
"If you squeeze Dora to death the first time she makes us a visit, she
will not come a second time;" remarked Julius, who sat stretched out at
full length on a garden-bench; "so take my advice, and give her room to
breathe."
"How old are you, Dora? Not much older than I am?" asked Lili eagerly.
"I am just twelve."
"Oh, what a shame! then you are as old as Paula;" said Lili regretfully,
who had hoped that Dora would belong to her in every respect, even in age.
"No, no," cried Rolf, "Dora is my age; at least nearer mine than Paula's,
if she is only just twelve."
Rolf thought this opened a favorable prospect for special companionship.
"Are you good at guessing riddles? And are you fond of them?"
"Yes, yes, and I have made a riddle;" cried Hunne, putting in his oar,
"Now guess mine, Dora. My first you can eat but not drink"--
Rolf cut the little boy's charade ruthlessly in two with,
"Oh, get away with your old riddle, Hunne; it is no riddle at all! Now
listen, Dora;
"My first conceals from light of day--" But Rolf was not destined to
finish his verses, for Lili had seized Dora's hand and was pulling her
with all her might, saying,
"Come, Dora, I will play you everything I know.
Pages:
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142