She loved their mother so much and had been so closely drawn to her that she was fond of the children before she had even seen them.

This pleased them tremendously, for they had expected Leonore to be very different from themselves and had been rather afraid of her.

As soon as they saw her, they felt that they might each be special friends with their charming guest.

Leonore found herself surrounded by them all in a corner of the sofa.

As she did not look at all strong yet, the mother had led her there.