Maezli was to be sent to Apollonie every morning and was to spend the day there.
Not to be able to have a glimpse of their mother for two or three days was depressing news indeed.

The three children's faces were absolutely disconcerted, for the obstacles were clearly insurmountable.
"Well, is this so terrible ?" Uncle Philip said cheerily.

"Who needs to let his wings droop?
Just think if you were in the place of the sick girl, who has no mother at all! Can't you let her have yours for a few days?
No?
Just think what is to follow.

Your mother will come down then and bring you a new playmate.

Leonore is friendly and charming and has sweeter manners than you have ever seen.