Answer Miep Gies: "Anne was only four years old, when I first met her. She was so curious that it became tiring to answer all her questions. She further visited with her friends the office, where I worked as Otto Franks secretary, to play with the phones and throw water on passers-by from the upper floor, till I had to stop that. Honestly, I found her a bit loud. This changed when she, at the age thirteen, went into hiding. She had developed a strong interest in the conduct of people. Though she liked to talk, she kept quiet as soon as anyone else spoke, closely observing that person. This is why she could describe the hiders so well. First I refused to read the diary, afraid of more pain. When I gave in to Otto's wish at last and began to read, I could not stop! Anne brought my friends back to life. Again I heard their voices, laughs and arguments. Though I wept a lot, I kept thinking: "Anne, you gave me one of the finest presents I ever got"."