.

There, now you can see what I am; I was just going to let out a great secret.

My grandmother has strictly forbidden me to tell any one what dear little visitors we are expecting; but I feel as if I had known you a long time already, and you have such kind eyes that I could tell you everything.
You see, when I am very happy, I have no one in the whole world to talk to about it, except old Melitta and my grandmother, and, I don't know how it is, that, though they love me so much, they sometimes cannot understand how trifles can make me so happy." "That is because they are old, and have forgotten what made them happy in their youth.

But have you no companions of your own age that you are fond of ?" "Not one.

Of course there are many other young girls beside me in Naukratis, but my grandmother says I am not to seek their acquaintance, and if they will not come to us I am not to go to them." "Poor child! if you were in Persia, I could soon find you a friend.