to ask his question. At last Stineli made up her mind to go herself, if
this lasted three days more. On the fourth day, however, as Rico was
standing, timid and depressed, before the door, it opened suddenly, and
the teacher came out quickly, and ran into Rico with such force, that
the slender little fellow, who did not weigh more than a feather, was
thrown backward several feet. The teacher stood looking at the child in
great surprise and some displeasure. Then he said, "What does this mean,
Rico? Why do you stand before the door without knocking, if you have a
message to deliver? If you have no message, why do you not go away? If
you wish to tell me any thing, do so at once. What is it that you wish?"

"How much does a fiddle cost?" Rico blurted out his question in
great fear and haste. The teacher's surprise and displeasure
increased visibly.

"I do not understand, Rico," he said, with a severe glance at the boy.
Have you come here on purpose to mock me? or have you any particular
reason for asking this? What did you mean to say?"

"I did not mean any thing," said Rico abashed, "only to ask how much it
would cost to buy a fiddle."

"You did not understand me just now,--pay attention to what I am saying.
There are two ways of asking a question: either to obtain information,
or simply from idle curiosity, which is foolishness. Now pay attention,
Rico: is this a mere idle question, or did somebody send you who wishes
to buy a fiddle?"

"I want to buy one myself," said the boy, taking courage a little;
but he was frightened when the angry reply came, "What! what did you