"Does your mama know that you mean to go to the castle ?" "No, because I only thought of it on my way here," Maezli assured her old friend.

"But one must always keep a promise; Kurt told me that." "Mr.Trius won't even let you in," Apollonie protested.
"Certainly! He has to.

I know the Castle-Steward well, and he is not in the least afraid of Mr.Trius; I have noticed that," said Maezli, firmly holding to her resolution.
Apollonie realized that words would do no good and resolved to entertain Maezli so well with the little chickens and other things that it would finally be too late for her to go to the castle.

Maezli inspected the tiny chickens and the ripening plums with great enjoyment, but as this had barely taken any time at all, she soon said resolutely, "I have to go now because it is late.

If you would like to stay home, Loneli can come with me.