CHAPTER VII.
WHAT OSCAR FOUNDED AND WHAT EMMA PLANNED.
Feklitus took very kindly to the idea of making the speech at the Musical Festival, and told his parents at once of the coming event.

This announcement made a great sensation in the household of Mr.Bickel, who at once ordered a new suit and a new pair of boots for the boy; and both parents determined to go and hear him speak.

A change had come over the boy since this proposal had been made to him.

He became very silent and went about with his head bowed and his brows knit as if oppressed with heavy thoughts.
One afternoon he came out of school and made one great spring from the upper step to the ground.

It was not from joyfulness of heart that he made this leap, but because the sudden pressure of those who came behind him gave him an irresistible impulse, and he could not stop for the single steps.