Chapter 2
"Good evening everyone. Sorry to have kept you waiting." Maria said, as
she entered the dining room, Leisl at her side. "Oh, it was no problem,
Fraulein. After all, this is to be expected from a young woman like you, is it
not?" The captain said, with a twinkle in his eyes. The children giggled. The
governess stared at the captain for a moment, her mouth agape. Then she
realized that he was teasing her, so she smiled, and agreed. "Yes, sir." She
then walked to her place at the other side of the table. "Well," The Captain
said, once Maria was seated. "Would you like to say grace for us, Fraulein?"
Maria nodded, and said, "For what we are about to receive, may the Lord
make us truly grateful. Amen." "AMEN" Echoed the others. The clanging of
plates, forks and spoons filled the room, as the children were very hungry
from the delayed start of dinner. The Captain and Fraulein were
uncomfortable with the silence of the room, so the Captain cleared his
throat. "Children, I decided that it's about time I do something special with
you, to make up for the past few years. So, I'm going to take you all to see
"The Magic Flute" in concert next week. I've reserved tickets, and you are
all invited." The children looked at each other excitedly, no longer thinking
about food. "Father," Brigitta said. "Can Fraulein Maria come along?" The
Captain looked shocked. "Of course, Brigitta! I can't imagine what it would
be like if I have to watch all seven of you without Fraulein Maria! That is, if
your fraulein wants to go." He looked at Fraulein Maria, who was looking at
them as if they were crazy. "Of Course I'll go! I've always wanted to watch
it as a little girl, but I never got a chance to." "Well, it's settled then! Now,
before you kids explode with excitement, please eat some food! "Yes father"
The children chorused.