Fred followed them, switching a willow wand, as if to suggest the most efficient method of teaching Hans to walk by himself.

When they reached the dining-room, the boys opened their eyes wide to see the big loaf from which Mrs.Stein cut each a slice, and they were not slow in setting their teeth into the rosy apples, of which each had one for his own.

Elsli too had an apple and a slice of bread.
Elsli explained that she had come to get the clothes which Mrs.Stein had told her father to send for.
"You cannot carry them, my child," said Mrs.Stein, "it is enough for you to take the boys home.

Tell your mother that I have something to say to her; and when she comes to see me, she can carry the clothes home." "Don't you care to eat the bread and apple, Elsli ?" asked the aunt, noticing that the girl put the apple into her pocket, and held the bread in her hand.
Elsli blushed, as if she were guilty of a breach of good manners, and said, timidly:-- "I should like to take them home to Fani; he will not get any supper to-night." "It is very nice of you to take it to him," said Mrs.Stein kindly, "but why will he not have his supper ?" "We have done supper at home, and we ate up everything, all the sour milk and potatoes, for there was not a great deal; and father said those who are not there at supper-time are not hungry, and can go without But I know that Fani is hungry, only he is busy about something, and forgets that it is time for supper." "Where is he?
Does he never help you with all these heavy children ?" "No, he is never allowed to help with the children.

Mother says he's of no use; he only makes the children naughtier, and he'd better keep out of the way.