Above and about and below me stood a multitude of children, apparently of all ages, some just able to run alone, and some about twelve or thirteen.

Three or four seemed older.
They stood in a small knot, a little apart, and were less excited than the rest.

The many were chattering in groups, declaiming and contradicting, like a crowd of grown people in a city, only with greater merriment, better manners, and more sense.
I gathered that, by the approach of my hand to a second apple, they knew that I liked the first; but how from that they argued me good, I did not see, nor wondered that one of them at least should suggest caution.

I did not open my mouth, for I was afraid of frightening them, and sure I should learn more by listening than by asking questions.

For I understood nearly all they said--at which I was not surprised: to understand is not more wonderful than to love.
There came a movement and slight dispersion among them, and presently a sweet, innocent-looking, lovingly roguish little fellow handed me a huge green apple.