'That I do not know,--because he is not like other men; because he too is fond of birds and flowers.'
'And so am I, Johannes, as you may see.' And Robinetta called the robin to sit on her hand and talked to him fondly.
'That I know,' replied Johannes, 'and I love you very much.'
'Already? That is quick work!' laughed the girl. 'And whom, then, do you love best?'
Johannes hesitated. Should he utter Windekind's name? The fear that he might accidentally speak it in the presence of other persons was never out of his thoughts. And yet, was not this fair-haired creature in blue Windekind in person? How else could she give him such a sense of rest and gladness?
'You,' he suddenly replied, looking full into those deep blue eyes. He boldly made a complete surrender; but he was a little alarmed nevertheless, and anxiously awaited her reception of his precious offering.
Robinetta laughed again, a light clear laugh; but she took his hand and her look was no colder nor her voice less full of feeling.
'Why, Johannes,' said she, 'what have I done to deserve it all at once?'
Johannes made no reply, but stood looking at her with trustful eyes. Robinetta rose and laid her arm on his shoulder. She was taller than he. Thus they wandered on through the wood, gathering great bunches of cowslips till they could have hidden under the mass of bright yellow blossoms. The robin flew, as they went on, from branch to branch, and watched them with his glittering little black eyes.
They did not talk much, but looked at each other now and then, with a side glance. They were both embarrassed by this meeting and did not know what to think of each other.
But Robinetta had soon to turn back. It was growing late.
'I must go now, Johannes. But will you come and walk with me again? I think you are a nice little boy,' she said as they turned round.
'Weet, weet!' piped the robin, and flew after her.
When she was away and he had only her image left to think of, he had not a moment's doubt as to who she was. She it was to whom he had given his friendship: the name of Windekind faded from his mind, and that of Robinetta took its place.
And now everything was the same to him again as it had formerly been. The flowers nodded gaily, and their scent drove away the melancholy home-sickness which he had felt and encouraged now and then. Amid the tender greenery, in the warm, soft breeze of spring, he all at once felt himself at home, like a bird that has found its nest. He spread out his arms and drew a deep breath; he was so happy. As he went homewards the figure in light blue with yellow hair, floated before him whichever way he turned his gaze. It was as though he had looked on the sun, and its image danced before his eyes where-ever he looked.