The mother looked several times now at the one, then at the other, for nothing unusual in her children ever escaped her motherly eye; but she said nothing.

When later she had prayed with the children, and was now standing in her own bedroom, she heard how Sally, in her little bedroom beside hers, was praying loud and earnestly to God.
The mother wondered what could so occupy the thoughts of her little girl, who was usually so open and communicative.

What had happened this evening, and what was urging her to such a pleading prayer, and why had she not said a word about it?
Could the child have a secret trouble?
She softly opened the door a little, and now heard how Sally several times in succession fervently prayed: "Oh, dear God, please bring it about that Erick may come to his grandfather on the beautiful estate." Now the mother entered Sally's room.

"My dear child," she said, "for what did you pray just now to the dear God?
Will you explain it to me ?" But Sally made such an uproar that the mother stopped with surprise.
"You did not hear it, Mother?
I hope you have not understood it, Mother.
Have you?
You must not know it, Mother, no one must know it.

It is a great secret." "But, dear child, do be quiet and listen to me," said the mother kindly.
"I heard that you prayed to the dear God for something for Erick.
Perhaps we, too, could do something for him.