She skipped and danced about the room like a newly freed bird and called out: "Now our troubles are over and no secret fears can scare us any more.

Now we can sing all we want and can live here with you every summer, Cornelli.

Oh, we are the happiest creatures in all the world, and it has all happened through you, Cornelli; you wonderful, incomparable Cornelli!" Agnes, seizing her friend's hand, jumped about with her in the room at such a rate that Nika had to calm her.

The elder sister warned Agnes that the Director might have to repent of his kindness to them if their lengthy stay began with such violent noise.

One could see, though, that Nika was willing enough to join the others in their antics.
"The day on which you came to our house, Cornelli," she said, "has really been more blessed than any other day in the year.