Fritz felt so relieved at their pleasant reception that he made the
explanation.

"Certainly, certainly, I will not object," replied Mrs. Hagner. "I do
not like dogs, but I do like my neighbor and I like boys; so taking
these two likings together, you see they are too strong to be mastered
by the one dislike."

"Thank the lady for her kindness, Pixy," said Fritz gleefully and it was
done, not omitting the bark, and aunt and nephew went with light hearts
up the steps to the third floor to tell the anxious Franz and Paul the
result of their visit.

"Now, children," said Mrs. Steiner, "let us lay that care and all others
aside and be happy. I am rejoiced to see you all, and hope to make you
have a pleasant visit. But you must also do your share to make it so by
being satisfied with what I can do to entertain you. You must be
contented with the few pleasures I can offer. And now tell me, Fritz,
why you are wearing a rain-coat on a clear day," and Fritz explained the
situation in a few words.

"Well, dear Fritz, we must sometimes have shadow instead of sunshine,
thorns instead of roses; and you must not let this mar your pleasure. I
am glad to see young, cheerful people about me; it makes me feel young
again."

The boys looked at each other with a satisfied smile. They felt that it
was the right kind of a welcome, and Fritz was proud of his father's
sister.