Sooner than the mother had expected Kurt's steps could be heard hurriedly running into the house followed by a loud call for her.
"Here I am, Kurt," sounded calmly from the living-room, where his mother had finally settled down after her tasks, beside Maezli's chair.

"Come in first before you try to make your announcements; or is it so dreadfully urgent ?" Kurt had already reached his mother's side.
"Oh, mother, when I come home from school I'm never sure if you are in the top or the bottom of the house," he said, "so I have to inquire in plenty of time, especially when there is so much to tell you as there is to-day.

Now listen.

First of all, the teacher thanks you for the presents for the poor people.

He lets you know that if you think it suitable to send them a helmet of cardboard with a red plume, he will put it by for the present.