Whilst Otto took his hat, there was a low knock at the door.

Wilhelm opened it.

Without stood a poor old woman, with pale sharp features; by the hand she led a little boy--it was Jonas: thus then it was a visit from him and his grandmother.
The other boys had sold the boots and shoes which had been given him.
They ought to have a share, they maintained.

This atrocious injustice had induced the old grandmother to go immediately with little Jonas to the two good gentlemen, and relate how little the poor lad had received of flint which they had assigned to him alone.
Wilhelm spoke of the boy's sweet voice, and thought that by might make his fortune at the theatre; but then he ought not now to be left running about with bare feet in the wind and rain.
"But by this means he brings a skilling home," said the old woman.
"That's what his father and mother look to, and the skilling they can always employ.

Nevertheless she had herself already thought of bringing him out at the theatre,--but that was to have been in dancing, for they got shoes and stockings to dance in, and with these they might also run home; and that would be an advantage." "I will teach the boy music!" said Wilhelm; "he can come to me sometimes." "And then he will, perhaps, get a little cast-off clothing, good sir," said the grandmother; "a shirt, or a waistcoat, just as it happens ?" "Become a tailor, or shoemaker," said Otto, gravely, and laid his hand upon the boy's head.
"He shall be a genius!" said Wilhelm..