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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/37727-8.txt b/37727-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..f1cffd6 --- /dev/null +++ b/37727-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,4357 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Ovind, by Björnstjerne Björnson + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Ovind + A Story of Country Life in Norway + +Author: Björnstjerne Björnson + +Translator: Silvert Hjerleid + Elizabeth Hjerleid + +Release Date: October 11, 2011 [EBook #37727] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OVIND *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by Google Books + + + + + + +Transcriber's Notes: + + 1. Page scan source: + http://books.google.com/books?id=f8QFAAAAQAAJ + + 2. The diphthong oe is represented by [oe]. + + 3. This volume includes three stories: "Ovind," "The Eagle's Nest," + and "The Father." + + + + + + OVIND: + + A Story of Country Life in Norway, + + + BY + BJÖRNSTJERNE BJÖRNSON. + + + + TRANSLATED FROM THE NORWEGIAN + "EN GLAD GUT," + + + BY + SIVERT AND ELIZABETH HJERLEID. + + + + LONDON: SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, AND CO. + MIDDLESBROUGH: BURNETT AND HOOD. + * * * + 1869. + + + + + TRANSLATORS' PREFACE. + + +In offering to the public our Translation of Ovind, we wish to say that +the work was commenced simply for the pleasure of it, and without any +view to publication; but having completed it, we have decided to follow +the advice of many of our friends who have read the book, and who think +it a pity to keep in manuscript the translation of a work so original +as this. It is therefore offered to the English reader, in the hope +that it will meet with the same success in this country that it has +done in others; for Björnstjerne Björnson, that singular man who seemed +so long destined to be distinguished for naught but foolish pranks as a +boy, and inaptitude at school and college, has won for himself high +literary honors, not only in his native land but throughout Northern +Europe. A restless nature, wandering in a wilderness of unfixed +purpose, he has repeatedly been on the point of giving himself up as +good for naught, until at last the sequestered valley, and the lowly +and quiet life of his home, broke upon his wondering eye, in forms he +had been seeking in that dreamy half-conscious instinct, which has so +often been the harbinger of greatness. + +The "Bonde," that sturdy aristocrat of a northern settlement, a man of +noble descent, a lord of his ground, and the mainstay of his country, +covering under the rugged garb of his matter-of-fact life, a heart that +beats warm with attachment to his fellow man, and an inborn pride, +nurtured by Saga memories and family traditions,--is Björnson's text, +and a text he handles well. His romances are true to nature, and the +sombre grandeur of his land inspires him with ideas which we meet with +only in his writings, and which are completely his own. There is a +weird light over his whole mind, reflected in his works, which does not +repel, but allures. In short, Björnson, of all men living, seems to +have entered most entirely into the life of his nation as it is in its +reality, the life which exists on the national traditions, customs, +thought, handed down from generation to generation. + +The story, which it has been our endeavour to translate as literally as +possible, is one of the author's earliest works. In the original the +chapters are without headings, but we have added them as more consonant +with English taste and custom. As the Norwegian title, "En glad Gut," +scarcely bears translation, we have given the name of the hero of the +story to the book. Thinking it would be acceptable to our readers, we +have added two of Björnson's shorter pieces, "The Eagle's Nest," and +"The Father." + +We should not feel to be doing Herr Björnson justice, if we spoke only +of his romances, and omitted to mention his success as a poet and +dramatist. In the drama he has mostly chosen for his subjects, scenes +in old Norwegian history, but his play entitled, "Mary Stuart," and +another of more general interest, "The newly-married couple," would +perhaps be better suited to the English reader. + +North Ormesby, + +Middlesbrough, October, 1869. + + + + + CONTENTS + + + OVIND. + + CHAP. I. + The Lost Goat. + + CHAP. II. + At School. + + CHAP. III. + The Schoolmaster's Story. + + CHAP. IV. + Two Bright Buttons and One Black. + + CHAP. V. + A New Aim in Life. + + CHAP. VI. + Not Quite Fair. + + CHAP. VII. + A Voice from the Ridge. + + CHAP. VIII. + Be Sure that You Burn It. + + CHAP. IX. + Ovind Throws his Cap in the Air. + + CHAP. X. + Turn the River Where it can Flow. + + Chap. XI. + Gathering Berries. + + Chap. XII. + The Old Man gets his Own Way. + + * * * + + THE EAGLE'S NEST. + + * * * + + THE FATHER. + + + + + CHAP. I. + + THE LOST GOAT. + + +They called him Ovind, and he cried when he was born. But when he could +sit upon his mother's lap he smiled, and when they lit the candle in +the dusk, he laughed and laughed again, but cried when he couldn't come +to it. + +"This child will be something rare," said the mother. + +There, where he was born, the wild rocks overhung. From the top of the +ridge, the firs and birch looked down upon the cottage; the bird cherry +strewed its flowers on the roof. And up on the roof grazed Ovind's +little goat; they kept him there that he mightn't stray, and Ovind +gathered leaves and grass for him. One fine morning the goat leapt +down, and skipped among the rocks, away where he had never been before. +When Ovind came out in the afternoon, the goat was gone. He thought at +once of a fox, and grew hot and listened--"Billy, Billy, Billy, Bil-ly +goat!" "Ba-a-a!" he answered up from the ridge, laid his head to one +side, and looked down. + +By the side of the goat sat a little girl. "Is the goat yours?" said +she. + +Ovind stood with open eyes and mouth, and stuck both his hands in his +pocket. "Who are you?" said he. + +"I am Marit, my mother's pet, my father's darling, the fairy in the +house, granddaughter to Ole Nordistuen at Heidegaard, four years old in +Autumn, two days after the frosty nights!" + +"Oh! are you that!" said he, as he drew a long breath, for he had not +stirred while she spoke. + +"Is the goat yours?" said the little girl again. + +"Why, yes," said he, and looked up. + +"I have taken such a fancy to this goat;--you won't give it to me?" + +"No, that I won't." + +She twisted herself, looked down upon him, and said: "But if I give you +a butter biscuit, can I get the goat?" + +Ovind was of poor folk, he had only eaten butter biscuit once in his +life, that was when his grandfather came, and the like he had never +tasted before or since. "Let me first see the biscuit," said he. + +She held up a large one--"Here it is!"--and tossed it down. + +"Oh! it's broken!" said the boy, and he carefully gathered up every +crumb;--the smallest bit he must taste, and it was so good that he must +take just another, and another, till before he knew it, the whole +biscuit was gone. + +"Now the goat is mine," said the little girl. + +The boy stopped with the last bit in his mouth. The girl sat and +smiled, the goat standing by her side, with his white breast and dark +brown shaggy hair. + +"Couldn't you wait for a while?" begged the boy, and his heart began to +beat. + +Then the little girl laughed the more, and rose up on her knees. +"No--the goat is mine," said she, and threw her arm round his neck, +untied her garter, and bound it round. + +Ovind looked on. She rose and began to pull at the goat, but he +wouldn't go, and stretched his neck over towards Ovind. "Baa-a," said +he. She took hold of him by the hair with one hand, and drawing the +cord in with the other, said coaxingly,--"Come now, goaty, come, you +shall come to the kitchen and I'll give you nice milk and bread,"--then +she sang: + + + "Come calf from my mother, + Come goat from the lad, + Come pussy mew kitty, + Oh! I am so glad! + Come ducklings so yellow, + Go each with your fellow, + Come chickens and run, + Haste to join in the fun, + Come little doves cooing, + Your feathers are fine-- + The grass may be wet, + But the sun will still shine, + Early, early, early, in the summer sky, + Calling unto autumn that her days are nigh!" + + +There stood the boy. He had tended the goat since winter when he was +born, and the idea of losing him had never entered his mind, but now he +was gone all in a minute, and he should never see him more. + +The mother came singing up from the well. She saw the boy sitting in +the grass crying, and went over to him. "What are you crying for?" + +"Oh! the goat,--the goat." + +"Yes, where is the goat?" said the mother, as she looked up to the +roof. + +"He won't come any more!" said the boy. + +"Dear, how can that be?" + +Ovind wouldn't tell about it. + +"Has the fox taken it?" + +"Oh! I wish it was the fox!" + +"Now what have you been doing?" said the mother. "Where is the goat?" + +"Oh! oh! oh!... I ... I ... sold the goat for a biscuit!" + +Just as he said the words, he felt what it was to sell the goat for a +biscuit, he had not thought about it before. The mother said, "And what +do you say now the little goat thinks of you, that you could sell him +for a biscuit?" + +Now the boy fully understood it, and he felt sure he could never more +be happy here,--not even with God, he thought again. + +He felt so grieved, that he made an agreement with himself that he +would never do wrong any more,--he wouldn't cut the spinning thread, +and he wouldn't lose the sheep, nor go down to the sea alone. And as he +lay, he fell asleep, and dreamt that the goat had gone to heaven; the +Lord sat there with a great beard as in the catechism, and the goat +stood and nibbled the leaves from a shining tree, but Ovind sat alone +upon the roof and couldn't come up. + +Suddenly he felt something wet against his ear, and started up. +"Ba-a-a!" it said. It was the goat come back again. + +"Oh, are you come again!" He sprang up, took both the goat's forelegs, +and danced with him as a brother; he pulled him by the beard, and was +just going in with him when he heard something behind, and turning, he +saw the little girl sitting on the greensward. Now he understood it, +and let the goat loose. "Is it you who have brought him back?" + +She sat and pulled the grass up. "They wouldn't let me keep him. My +grandfather's up there waiting." + +Just then they heard a shrill voice calling,--"Now!" Then she +remembered what she had to do. She rose and went to Ovind, put one hand +in his, looked down, and said: "Forgive me." But then her courage +failed her; she cast herself over the goat, and wept. + +"You shall keep the little goat," said Ovind, and turned away. + +"Be quick!" said the grandfather up from the hill. + +Marit rose and walked slowly on. + +"You've forgotten your garter," cried Ovind. + +She turned herself, looked first on the garter and then on him, and at +last mumbled--"You can keep that." + +He went and took her by the hand,--"Thank you!" he said. + +"Oh, nothing to thank me for," she replied, heaved a deep sigh, and +went away. + +But Ovind wasn't so happy with the goat as he had been before. + + + + + CHAP. II. + + AT SCHOOL. + + +By the cottage side the goat was tethered, but Ovind was looking up +towards the hill. His mother came and sat by him; he wished to hear +stories about things far away, for the goat could no longer satisfy +him. So he was told how once all things could speak,--the mountain +spoke to the brook, and the brook to the river, and the river to the +sea, and the sea to the sky; but then he asked if the sky spoke to +nothing,--yes, the sky spoke to the clouds, and the clouds to the +trees, and the trees to the grass, and the grass to the flies, and the +flies to the animals, and the animals to children, and children to old +people, and so it went again and again, and round and round, and no one +knew who began. Ovind looked on the mountain, the trees, the sea, and +the sky, and had in reality never seen them before. The cat came out +and laid herself on the doorstep in the sun. "What does pussy say?" +said Ovind, and pointed. The mother sang: + + + "Softly the sun sheds his evening rays, + Idly the cat on the doorstep lays. + 'Two little wee mice, + Some cream from a cup, + And a dainty fish slice + Have I eaten up,-- + And I feel too lazy to stir, + I can only sit here and purr,' + Says the cat." + + +The cock with all his hens passed by. "What does the cock say?" asked +Ovind, and clapped his hands. The mother sang: + + + "Kindly the hen-mother spreads out her wings, + Proudly the cock stands on one leg and sings,-- + 'Up in the air with plumage grey, + The wild goose swiftly his course may steer, + But, in intellect tell me I pray + Can he ever match with Sir Chanticleer! + Come, come my hens, to rest, to rest-- + Soon will the sun sink down in the west,' + Says the cock." + + +Two little birds sat and sang up on the roof. "What do the little birds +say?" asked Ovind, and laughed. + + + "'Oh! how pleasant and sweet is life + Free from the turmoil of constant strife,' + Say the little birds." + + +And so he got to hear what all things said, even down to the ant that +crept through the moss, and the worm that bored in the bark. + +The same summer his mother began to teach him to read. He had often +wondered how it would be when the books began to talk, and now all the +letters were animals, birds, or anything else he thought of; but soon +they began to go together two and two; A stood and leaned against a +tree, and called to B, then E came and did the same, but now there were +three or four together, and it seemed as if they disagreed,--the +further he went the more he forgot what they were. He could remember A +the longest, for he liked it the best, it was a little black lamb and +was friends with everybody; but soon he forgot A too. The book had no +stories, but was simply lessons. + +One day his mother came in, and said to him "To-morrow the school +begins again, and I shall take you there to the farm." Ovind had heard +that the school was a place where little boys played together, and he +had nothing to say against it. He was delighted, and ran on before his +mother up the hill, full of glee and expectation. They reached the +school-house, and a busy hum greeted their ears, like the sound of the +water mill at home. He asked what it was. "It is the children reading," +she said: then he was pleased, for he had read that way himself before +he knew his letters. When he came in there were as many children +sitting round the table as he had ever seen at church. Others sat on +their dinner tins round the room, and some stood in small groups before +a black board. The schoolmaster, an old grey-headed man, sat on a stool +by the fire filling his pipe. When Ovind and his mother entered, they +all looked up, and the murmur ceased, as if the mill stream were +suddenly dammed. The mother said "Good morning," and shook hands with +the schoolmaster. + +"Here I come with a little boy who will learn to read," said the +mother. + +"What's the bairn's name?" said the schoolmaster, as he delved in his +pouch for the tobacco. + +"Ovind," said the mother; "he knows his letters and a few short words." + +"Oh! indeed!" said the schoolmaster. "Come here you little white head!" + +Ovind went to him, the schoolmaster lifted him on to his knee, and took +off his cap. "Here's a nice little lad!" said he, and stroked his hair. + +Ovind looked up in his face and smiled. + +"Is it me you're laughing at?" and he frowned. + +"Yes, that it is," replied Ovind, and laughed aloud. Then the +schoolmaster laughed also, and the mother, so the children saw they +might join, and they all laughed together. + +This was the way in which Ovind entered the school. + +When he had to take his seat each one wanted to make room for him, but +he stood looking round and round, from side to side, with his cap in +his hand and his book under his arm, while they whispered and pointed. + +"What then?" said the schoolmaster, and he took his pipe again. + +As the boy turned round to the schoolmaster he caught sight of Marit +with the many names, sitting on a little red painted box in the chimney +corner: she hid her face in both her hands and sat and peeped at him. + +"I'll sit here!" said Ovind quickly, hopped across the room, and set +himself down by her side. Now she lifted her arm and looked at him from +under her elbows; then he did the same. This went on till they all +laughed again. + +"Be quiet, you naughty, troublesome, giggling gewgaws!--Come be good +little children now!" + +It was the voice of the schoolmaster, who, if he stormed, was sure to +be calm before he finished. + +The children were soon quiet again, until each began to con his lesson +aloud. Then the treble voices sounded high, while the bass drummed +louder and louder to overpower them, and one and another chimed in +between, till Ovind thought he had never had such fun in all his days. + +"Is it always like this?" he whispered to Marit. + +"Yes, it's always like this," she said. + +By and bye they had to go up to the schoolmaster to read, then a little +boy was set to hear them, and they soon found a chance to slip back to +their corner again. + +"I've got a little goat now, too," said Marit. + +"Have you?" + +"Yes, but it's not so nice as yours." + +"Why haven't you come up oftener to the ridge?" + +"Grandfather was afraid lest I should fall down." + +"But it isn't so high." + +"Grandfather won't let me come though." + +"My mother knows so many songs," said Ovind. + +"Oh! so does grandfather." + +"Yes, but not the same as mother sings." + +"Grandfather knows a dancing song!--Will you hear it?" + +"Oh yes!" + +"Then come further away so that the schoolmaster shan't see us." + +He came quite close to her, and she said the song over and over again, +till he knew it by heart, and this was the first that he learnt at the +school,-- + + + "Dance! cried the fiddle + In tuning the strings, + Then suddenly upsprings + A youth and cries 'Ho!' + + 'Hey!' said Erasmus, + Embracing fair Randi, + 'Come hasten to give me + The kiss that you owe!' + + 'Nay,' answered Randi, + But slipped away shyly, + And nodding, said slyly, + 'From that you may know!'" + + +"Up youngsters," cried the schoolmaster, "this is the first day +at school, and you may go early, but now we must have prayers +and singing." Up rushed the children, laughing and talking and +scampering over the floor. "Silence! you little good-for-nothing +chatter-boxes,--be good and walk nicely over the floor my children!" +said the schoolmaster, whereupon they quietly took their places, the +schoolmaster went in front and said a short prayer, and then they sang. +He led in a deep bass voice, and all the children stood with folded +hands. Ovind and Marit stood near the door--they also folded their +hands, but they could not sing. So ended the first day at school. + + + + + CHAP. III. + + THE SCHOOLMASTER'S STORY. + + +Ovind grew, and became a promising lad. At school he was always among +the first, and at home he was industrious, for at home he loved his +mother and at school the schoolmaster. He did not see much of his +father, who was either away fishing or else attending to the mill. + +That which at this time had the most influence over his mind, was the +history of the schoolmaster, which his mother told him one night as +they sat over the log fire. It entered his books, it peeped out of +every word the schoolmaster said, and crept stealthily round the +school-room when all was still. It made him obedient and respectful, +and, as it were, enlarged the powers of his mind. The story ran +thus:--The schoolmaster's name was Baard, and he had one only brother +called Anders. They were much attached to each other, they enlisted +together, served in the same company, were together in the war, and +were both made corporals; and, when after the war they returned home, +they were looked upon by everybody as two brave fellows. + +Soon after this their father died, leaving a good deal of property not +easy to divide. To overcome the difficulty, they resolved to have an +auction sale, when they could share the profits, and each could buy +those things he liked best. Now the father had left a large gold watch, +known through all the country side, for it was the only gold watch the +people there had ever seen. When this watch was put up at the sale +there were many bids, until both the brothers began, and then others +ceased. Now Baard expected that Anders would let him have the watch, +and Anders thought the same of Baard. When the watch had come up to +twenty dollars, Baard thought it wasn't nice of his younger brother, +and he bid again until it was near thirty, but Anders would not give +in. Then Baard said forty dollars at one bid, and looked no longer at +his brother. There was a deep silence in the room, broken only by the +auctioneer quietly naming the last bid. Anders thought that if Baard +could afford to pay forty dollars, he could do it equally as well, and +if Baard would not let him have the watch, he should pay dearly for it, +so he bid higher. Then Baard laughed--"A hundred dollars and my +brotherhood into the bargain," he said, and went out. A moment after, +as he saddled his horse, one came out and said to him, "The watch is +yours; Anders gave in." As he heard this, a deep pang shot through +him,--he thought of his brother and not of the watch. The horse was +saddled, but he seemed uncertain whether to ride or not. Just then many +of the people came out, and Anders among them, who, seeing Baard with +his horse ready saddled and little dreaming of his real thoughts, +called out aloud,-- + +"Thank you, Baard, you shall never see the day when I come in your way +again!" + +"Nor you the day when I set foot on this farm," retorted Baard, pale as +death, as he swung himself into the saddle. + +Neither of them ever trod again upon the threshold of their father's +house. + +Soon after this Anders got married, but Baard was not invited to the +wedding. + +During the same year, Anders' only cow was found dead close to his +house, and no one could tell how it happened. One misfortune followed +another, and everything seemed to go wrong; at last, in the middle of +the Winter, his hay loft and everything in it was burnt to the ground, +and it could not be found out how the fire originated. "Some one who +wishes me evil has done this," said Anders, and he wept. He was now +reduced to poverty, and all his energy for work was gone. + +The next evening Baard appeared at his brother's house; Anders was +lying down, but sprang up at the unexpected sight. + +"What do you want here?" said he, then stood fixedly gazing at him. + +Baard waited a little before he answered, "I came to help you, Anders; +you are in trouble." + +"Things have gone with me as you would have them, Baard! Go, or I +cannot restrain myself." + +"You are mistaken, Anders, I regret ..." + +"Go Baard, or we are both victims!" + +Baard retreated a few steps, then in a trembling voice he said,--"If +you would like the watch you shall have it." + +"Go, Baard!" screeched the other, and Baard went. + +Now with Baard things had been thus:--Finding his brother fared so ill, +his heart was softened, but pride held him back. He felt a desire to go +to church, and there he made good resolutions, but failed in carrying +them out. He often went so near that he could see the house, but either +some one came out at the door, or there was a stranger, or Anders stood +and chopped wood,--there was always something in the way. But one +Sunday in the Winter, he again went to church, and Anders was there +too. Baard saw him, he looked very pale and thin, and he wore the same +clothes he had done when they lived together, but now they were old and +worn. During the sermon he looked up at the pastor, and Baard thought +he seemed good and kind, and he remembered their childhood's years and +what a good lad he had been. + +Baard himself went up to the altar that day, and he made the solemn +promise before God, that he would be reconciled to his brother cost him +what it might. + +This resolution took hold of him in the same moment as he drank of the +wine, and when he rose he meant to go and sit by his brother, but some +one was in the way, and Anders did not look up. After service there +were also hindering things,--there were so many people,--his wife +walked beside him, and Baard did not know her; he thought it would be +best to go home to him alone, and talk openly with him. + +When evening came, he went. As he reached the room door, he listened, +and heard his own name mentioned; it was by the wife. + +"He came up to the altar to-day," said she, "he was certainly thinking +of you." + +"No, he never thought of me," said Anders, "I know him; he thought only +of himself." + +Then there was a long pause; Baard felt the sweat upon his brow, +although the night was cold. He heard the wife busy with the kettle; +the fire blazed and crackled, a little baby cried now and then, and +Anders rocked the cradle. + +Then she said these few words,--"I believe you both think of each other +without admitting it." + +"Let us talk of something else," said Anders. + +Soon after, he rose and went towards the door; Baard hid himself in the +stick house, but just there Anders came to get wood. Baard crouched in +the corner, and could see him distinctly; he had doffed the poor +clothes he wore at church, and had taken instead the uniform he had +brought home from the war, the same as Baard's, and which they had +promised each other never to use, but to descend as heirlooms in the +family. Anders' was now all patched and torn. His strong well-built +body seemed enveloped in a bundle of rags, and at the same moment Baard +heard the gold watch ticking in his own pocket. Anders went to the spot +where the wood lay, but instead of taking it he stood and leaned +against the pile, and gazing up into the heavens, where the stars shone +bright and clear, he gave a sigh and said, "Yes,--yes,--yes,--my God! +my God!" + +So long as Baard lived these words sounded in his ears. He stepped +forward towards him, but just then his brother coughed, and it felt so +hard that he stopped. Anders took the bundle of wood, and passed so +close to Baard that the branches touched his face. There he stood, +without moving, till a cold shudder ran through him. This aroused him; +he went out, and confessed to himself that he was too weak to face his +brother, and he therefore resolved upon another plan. In the corner of +the stick-house he found a few pieces of charcoal; then he selected a +piece of fir wood for a torch, went up to the hay-loft, and struck +fire. When he had got the torch lighted, he sought for the nail where +Anders would hang his lamp when he came in the morning to thrash. On +this nail Baard hung the gold watch, blew out the light, and went +down;--he felt so light-hearted that he sprang over the snow like a +young lad. + +The day after, he heard that the hay-loft had been burnt down the same +night. Undoubtedly a spark must have fallen from his torch while he +turned to hang up the watch. + +This overpowered him so that he sat all day as though he were ill; then +he took the psalm book out and sang, so that the people in the house +could not think what was the matter. But in the evening he went out. It +was bright moonlight; he made his way to the ruins of the hay-loft, and +groped among the ashes. There, sure enough, he found a little lump of +gold;--it was the watch. + +It was with this in his hand, he went to his brother that evening as +before related, and sought for a reconciliation. + +A little girl had seen him groping among the ashes. He had also been +observed going towards the farm the foregoing Sunday evening; the +people in the house told how strangely he had behaved on Monday; +everybody knew that he and his brother were not on good terms, and he +was reported and brought up for trial. Nothing could be proved against +him, but suspicion rested on him, and now more than ever it seemed +impossible to approach his brother. + +Though Anders had said nothing, he had thought of Baard when the +hay-loft was burnt, and when the evening after, he saw him enter the +room looking so pale and strange, he at once concluded that now remorse +had struck him, but for such an offence, and against his own brother, +there was no pardon. On hearing the circumstantial evidence against +him, though nothing had been proved at the trial, he firmly believed +that Baard was guilty. They met each other at the trial, Baard in his +good clothes, and Anders in threadbare. Baard looked up as he went in, +with so imploring a glance that Anders felt it deeply. "He does not +want me to say anything," thought Anders, and when he was asked if he +believed his brother guilty, he answered clearly and decidedly, "No." + +From that day Anders took to drinking, and matters grew worse and worse +with him. With Baard it was little better, although he never drank; he +was not like himself. + +Late one evening a poor woman entered the little room where Baard +lived, and begged him to go with her. He knew her: it was his brother's +wife. He understood the errand she had come upon, turned deadly pale, +and followed without a word. There was a flickering light from the +window of Anders' room that served to guide them, for there was no +pathway over the snow. They reached the house and went in. On entering, +Baard felt at once that here reigned poverty; the room was close; a +little child sat on the hearth eating a piece of charcoal: its face was +black all over, but it looked up with its white teeth and grinned. +There on the bed, with all sorts of clothes to cover him, lay Anders, +thin and worn, with his clear high forehead, looking mildly upon him. +Baard trembled in all his limbs, he sat down on the bed foot, and burst +into tears. The sick man continued silently looking at him. At last he +told his wife to withdraw, but Baard signed to her to remain, and the +two brothers began to speak together. They related each his history, +from the day when they bid on the watch to the time they now met +together, and it was clearly shown that during all these years they had +never been happy for a single day. Baard finished by taking out the +little lump of gold, which he always carried about with him. + +Anders was not able to talk much, but as long as he was ill, Baard +continued to watch by his bedside. "Now I am perfectly well," said +Anders, one morning when he awoke,--"Now, my brother, we will always +live together as in the olden time!" But that day he died. + +Baard took the wife and the child to live with him, and they were well +cared for from that time. That which the brothers had said to each +other was soon known through the village, and Baard became the most +esteemed man among them. Everybody met him as one who had known great +sorrow and again found joy, or as one who had been long absent. Baard +felt strengthened by all this friendliness around him, he loved God +more, and felt a desire to be useful; so the old corporal became a +schoolmaster. That which he impressed first and last upon his pupils, +was love, and this precept was so exemplified in himself, that the +children were attached to him as to a play-fellow and father at the +same time. + +This was the story told of the old schoolmaster that had such effect +upon Ovind, that it became to him both religion and education. + +He looked upon the schoolmaster as a being almost supernatural, +although he sat there so familiarly and corrected them. Not to know his +lessons was impossible, and if, after saying them well, he got a smile +or a stroke of the head, he was glad and happy for the whole day. It +always made a strong impression upon the children when, before singing, +the schoolmaster would sometimes speak a little to them, and, at least +once a week, read aloud a few verses about loving your neighbour. As he +read the first of these verses his voice trembled, although he had now +continually read it for twenty or thirty years. It ran thus:-- + + + "Be kind to thy neighbour and scorn him not, + Though virtue and beauty be all forgot, + And no light is seen from above;-- + Remember he too has a soul to save, + He must live again when beyond the grave, + Then forget not the power of love!" + + +But when the whole of the piece was said, and he had stood still a +little while, he looked at them and blinked with his eyes,--"Up +children, and go nicely and quietly home,--go nicely, that I may hear +nothing but good of you, bairns!" Then, while they hastened to find +each his own things, he called out through the noise,--"Come again +to-morrow, come in good time, little girls and little boys, that we may +be industrious." + + + + + CHAP. IV. + + TWO BRIGHT BUTTONS AND ONE BLACK. + + +Of his life, till one year before confirmation, there is not much to +relate. He read in the mornings, worked in the afternoons, and played +in the evenings. + +As he was very lively the children of the neighbourhood sought his +company during play hours. Close to the farm lay a great hill, as +before mentioned, where, on a fine day, they assembled to drive their +sledges on the snow. Ovind was always master in the field: he had two +sledges, "Quick Trotter," and "Superior." The last he lent out, and the +first he used himself, taking Marit with him. + +The first thing Ovind did when he awoke in the morning, was to look out +and see if it was fine weather; if it was thick and misty, or he heard +it dripping from the roof, he dressed as slowly as if there was nothing +to be done that day. But on the contrary, and especially on holidays, +if it was sharp, cold, and clear weather,--his best clothes and no +work, the whole of the afternoon and evening free,--hey! he bounded out +of bed, was dressed like lightning, and could scarcely eat anything for +excitement. When afternoon came he sprang over the hill to the sledge +ground, and joined the party with a long shout that echoed from cliff +to cliff, and the sound died far away. Then he looked for Marit, and +when he found her there, he did not take much more notice of her. + +Now one Christmas the boy and the girl were both about sixteen or +seventeen years of age, and they were both to be confirmed in the +Spring. In Christmas week there was to be a grand party at Heidegaard, +where Marit's grand-parents lived, who had brought her up and educated +her. They had promised her this fête for three years, and now at last +they were obliged to fulfil their word. To this party Ovind was +invited. + +It was a dull evening, not a single star to be seen; it would probably +rain next day. There were great drifts of snow along the mountain side, +with here and there bare places, and again the groups of birch trees +standing isolated and conspicuous against the white back ground. The +farmstead lay in the middle of the fields on the mountain side, and in +the darkness the houses looked like black clumps from which the light +streamed first from one window then from another. It seemed as though +they were busy inside. Old and young flocked thither from different +directions. No one liked to go in first; so when they reached the farm, +instead of going direct to the house, they loitered about the +outbuildings. Some hid behind the cattle shed, a few under the granary, +some stood beside the hay-loft and imitated foxes, while others replied +in the distance as cats; one stood behind the bakehouse and howled +like an angry old dog, until there was a general chase. The girls came +by-and-bye in great numbers, accompanied by their younger brothers, who +would fain conduct themselves as grown-up men. The girls were very shy, +and when the older youths already assembled came out to meet them, they +ran away in all directions, and had to be brought in one by one. A few +there were who would not be persuaded to enter, till Marit came herself +and bade them. Now and then there also came a few who had certainly not +been invited, and whose intention had been simply to look on from +outside, but who, seeing the dancing, at last ventured in just for one +single turn. Marit invited those she liked best into the private +sitting room where her grandparents sat, and they fared exceedingly +well. Now Ovind was not of the number, and this he thought very +strange. + +The grand fiddler of the neighbourhood could not come until late, so +they had to content themselves with the old gardener, known by the name +of "Grey Knut." He could play four dances,--two Spring dances, a +halling,[1] and a waltz. When they tired of these, they made him vary +the hailing to suit a quadrille, and a Spring dance in the same way to +the mazurka polka. + +The party being at her grandfather's house, Marit was dancing nearly +all the time, and this the more drew Ovind's attention to her. He +wished to dance with her himself, and therefore he sat during one round +in order to spring to her side the moment the dance was done; and this +he succeeded in doing, but a tall, dark-looking fellow with black hair, +stepped suddenly forward;--"Away, child!" he cried, and pushed Ovind +that he nearly fell over Marit. Never before had he known such +behaviour,--never had any one been so unkind to him, and never had he +been called "Child!" in that contemptuous way. He blushed crimson, but +said nothing, and turned back to where the new fiddler, who had just +entered, had seated himself, and now tuned up. Every one stood still, +waiting to hear the first strong tones of "Himself;" they waited long +while he tuned the fiddle, but at last he began with a "Spring;"--the +lads stepped out, and, pair by pair, they quickly joined in the dance. +Ovind looked at Marit as she danced with the dark-haired man; he saw +her smiling face over the man's shoulder, and for the first time in his +life he felt a strange pang at his heart. + +He looked more and more earnestly at her, and it came forcibly before +him that Marit was now quite grown up. "And yet it cannot be," thought +he, "for she is still playing with us in the sledges." But grown she +certainly was, and the dark-haired man drew her to him at the end of +the dance; she loosened herself from his clasp but continued to sit by +his side. + +Ovind looked at the man: he wore a fine blue cloth suit, and fancy +shirt, and carried a silk pocket handkerchief; he had a small face, +deep blue eyes, laughing defying mouth; he was good looking. Ovind +looked long at him, and at last he looked at himself. He had got new +trousers for Christmas, which had much pleased him, but now he saw they +were only of gray homespun; his jacket was of the same material but old +and dark; his vest of common plaided cloth, also old, and with two +bright buttons and one black. He looked round and thought very few were +so poorly clad as he. Marit wore a black bodice of fine stuff, a brooch +in her necktie, and had a folded silk pocket handkerchief in her hand. +She had a little black head-dress fastened under the chin with broad +striped silk ribbons; she was red and white; she smiled, and the man +talked to her and laughed; the fiddler tuned up, and the dance must +begin again. + +One of his companions came and sat by him. + +"Why don't you dance, Ovind?" he said kindly. + +"Oh! no!" said Ovind, "I don't look like dancing." + +"Don't look like dancing!" said his companion; but before he could get +further, Ovind interrupted him,-- + +"Who is that in the blue cloth suit, dancing with Marit?" + +"That is Jon Hatlen; he has been at the Agricultural School, and is now +to take the farm." + +At the same moment Jon and Marit seated themselves. + +"Who is that light-haired lad sitting there by the fiddler and staring +at me?" said Jon. + +Then Marit laughed and said, "Oh! that's the peasant's son at the +little farm." + +Ovind had always known that he was a peasant's son, but until now he +had never felt it. He felt now so insignificant, that in order to keep +himself up, he tried to think of everything that had ever made him feel +proud, from the sledge playing to the smallest word of commendation. +But when he thought of his father and mother sitting at home, and +picturing him happy and glad, he could scarcely refrain from tears. All +about him were laughing and joking; the fiddler thrummed close under +his ear; it seemed to darken before his eyes; then he remembered the +school with all his companions, and the schoolmaster who was so kind to +him, and the pastor, who, at the last examination, had given him a book +and said he was a clever lad; his father even, who sat by, hearing it +had given him a smile. "Be a good boy, Ovind," he could fancy he heard +the schoolmaster say, taking him on his knee as though he were still a +child. "Dear me, it is so small a matter, and in reality they are all +kind, it only looks as though they were not,--we two shall get on +Ovind, as well as Jon Hatlen, we shall get good clothes, and dance with +Marit, a fine room, a hundred people, smile and talk together, go to +church together, chiming bells, a bride and bridegroom, the pastor and +I in the vestry, all with gladsome faces, and mother at home, a large +farm, twenty cows, three horses, and Marit good and kind as at +school...." + +The dance over, Ovind saw Marit opposite to him, and Jon sat by her +side, his face close to hers; he felt again the sharp pain at his +heart, and it was as if he said to himself,--"Yes, I am not well." + +At the same moment Marit rose and came direct over to him. She bent +down to speak to him,--"You must not sit and stare at me in that way," +she said, "the people will notice it; now go and dance with some one." + +He did not answer, but looked at her, and the tears came into his eyes. +She had already turned to go, but observing it she stopped. She blushed +crimson, turned and went to her place, then turned again and took +another seat. Jon quickly followed her. + +Ovind rose and went out; he passed through the house, and sat down on +the steps of the adjacent porch, but did not know what he did it for. +He got up, but sat down again, for he would not go home, and thought he +might as well be there as anywhere else. He could not realise anything +of what had happened, and he would not think about it, neither would he +think of the future, it seemed so void. + +"But what is it that I am thinking of?" he asked himself half aloud, +and when he heard his own voice, he thought, "I can still speak; can I +laugh?" And he tried: yes, he could laugh, and he laughed louder and +louder, and then it seemed so curious to be sitting there quite alone +and laughing, that at last he laughed at himself. + +Now Hans his companion, who had been sitting by him in the +dancing-room, had come out after him,--"Bless me, Ovind, what are you +laughing at!" he exclaimed, and stopped in front of the porch. + +Then Ovind ceased. Hans remained standing, as if waiting to see what +would happen next. Ovind got up, looked carefully round, and then said +in a low tone,--"Now I will tell you, Hans, why I have been so happy +hitherto; it is because I have not really cared for anybody; from the +day we care for any one we are no longer glad;" and he burst into +tears. + +"Ovind!" a voice whispered out in the garden; "Ovind!" He stood still +and listened; "Ovind!" it said again a little louder. It must be, he +thought. + +"Yes," he answered also in a whisper, dried his eyes quickly, and +stepped forth. Then he saw a woman's figure slowly approaching,-- + +"Are you there?" said she. + +"Yes," he answered, and stopped. + +"Who is with you?" + +"Hans." + +Hans would go; but Ovind said "No! no!" + +She now came slowly up to them; it was Marit. + +"You went so soon away," she said to Ovind. + +He did not know what to reply. This made her feel embarrassed, and they +were all three silent. Then Hans gradually withdrew. The two now stood +alone, but they neither looked at each other nor moved. Then Marit said +in a whisper, "I have gone the whole evening with this Christmas fare +in my pocket for you, Ovind, but I have not been able to give it you +before." She then drew out some apples, a slice of yule cake, and a +little bottle of home-made wine, which she pushed to him and said he +could keep. + +Ovind took it. "Thank you," he said, and held out his hand; her's was +warm; he let it go quickly as if he had burnt himself. + +"You have danced a great deal this evening." + +"I have so," she replied; then added, "but you have not danced much!" + +"No, I have not!" + +"Why have you not?" + +"Oh!" + +"Ovind!" + +"Yes." + +"Why did you sit and look at me so?" + +"Oh!" + +"Marit!" + +"Yes." + +"Why did you not like me to look at you?" + +"There were so many people." + +"You have danced a great deal with Jon Hatlen this evening!" + +"Oh! yes." + +"He dances well." + +"Do you think so?" + +"Don't you?" + +"Why yes!" + +"I don't know how it is, but this evening I cannot bear to see you +dance with him, Marit!" + +He turned away; it had cost him much to say it. + +"I don't understand you, Ovind." + +"I don't understand it myself; it is stupid of me. Goodbye, Marit, now +I must go." + +He went a step without looking round; then she called after him,--"It +is a mistake that which you have seen, Ovind!" + +He stopped,--"That you are grown up is at least no mistake," said he. + +He did not say what she had expected, and therefore she was silent; but +at this moment she saw the light of a pipe before her; it was her +grandfather who had just turned the corner and now passed by. He stood +still. "Are you there, Marit?" + +"Yes." + +"Who are you talking with?" + +"Ovind." + +"Who did you say?" + +"Ovind Pladsen." + +"Oh J the peasant lad at the little farm!--Come in directly!" + + + + + CHAP. V. + + A NEW AIM IN LIFE. + + +When Ovind awoke the next morning it was from a long refreshing sleep, +and happy dreams. Marit had been on the mountain and tossed grass down +upon him; he had gathered it up and thrown it back again; it went up +and down in a thousand shapes and colours, the sun stood high in the +heavens, and the whole mountain looked dazzling in its brightness. On +awaking, he looked round to see it all again; but then he remembered +the events of the day before, and the same acute stinging pain at his +heart returned. This will never leave me, he thought, and a feeling of +helplessness came over him, as though the whole future were lost to +him. + +"You have slept long," said his mother, as she sat by his side and +spun,--"Come now, and get your breakfast, your father is already in the +forest, hewing wood." + +It was as if the voice helped him; he got up with a little more +courage. It may be the mother remembered her own dancing time, for she +sat and hummed at her wheel whilst he took breakfast. This he could not +bear; he rose from the table and went to the window; the same heaviness +and indifference possessed him, but he sought to overcome it by +thinking of his work. The weather had changed, it was colder, and that +which yesterday threatened for rain fell to-day in wet sleet. He put on +his sailor's jacket and mittens, his gaiters, and a skin cap, then said +"Good morning," and took his axe on his shoulder. + +The snow fell slowly in great white flakes; he trudged laboriously over +the sledge hill to enter the forest from the left. Never before, either +Winter or Summer, had he passed over the sledge hills without some +joyful remembrance or happy thought. Now it was a lifeless, weary way; +he dragged through the wet snow, his knees were stiff, either from +dancing the day before or from lack of energy. He felt that the sledge +play was at an end for this year, and, therefore, for ever. Something +else he longed for, as he threaded his way among the trees where the +snow fell noiselessly; a frightened ptarmigan screamed and fluttered a +few yards off, and everything seemed to stand as though waiting for a +word that never was said. But what it was that he longed for he could +not exactly tell, only it was not to be at home, nor was it to be +anywhere else; it was not pleasure, nor work, it was something high +above or far away. Shortly after, it shaped itself into a definite +wish; it was to be confirmed in the Spring, and there to be number one. +His heart beat as he thought of it, and before he could hear the sound +of his father's axe among the branches, this desire had stronger hold +of him than any he had ever known since he was born. + +As usual his father did not speak many words to him; they both hewed, +and threw the wood together in heaps. Now and then they came into close +contact, and once Ovind let slip the unhappy words,--"A poor peasant +has much to endure!" + +"As much as others," said the father, spat on his hands, and took the +axe again. + +When the tree was felled, and the father dragged it to the heap, Ovind +remarked,--"If you were a rich farmer you wouldn't have to slave so." + +"Oh, well there'd be other things to trouble me then," he replied, and +worked away. + +The mother came up with their dinner, and they seated themselves. The +mother seemed in good spirits, she sat and hummed, and beat her feet +together to the time. + +"What will you be when you grow up, Ovind?" she said suddenly. + +"Oh! for a peasant lad there isn't much to choose," said he. + +"The schoolmaster says you must go to the training school." + +"Can one go there free?" asked Ovind. + +"The school fund pays," answered the father whilst he was eating. + +"Would you like it?" asked the mother. + +"I should like to learn something, but not to be schoolmaster." + +They were all three silent awhile, she hummed again, and looked round. +Ovind went away and sat by himself. + +"We don't need to take from the school fund," said she, when the lad +was gone. + +Her husband looked at her: "Poor people like us!" + +"I don't like, Thore, that you should always give yourself out for poor +when you are not so." + +They both of them peeped to see whether the lad could hear them where +he sat. + +Then the father looked sharply at her. "Nonsense! you don't understand +things." + +She laughed, then said seriously, "It seems like not thanking God that +we have got on well." + +"He can be thanked without wearing silver buttons," observed the +father. + +"Yes, but to let Ovind go as he went yesterday to the dance is not to +thank Him." + +"Ovind is a peasant lad." + +"Yet he may dress decently when we can afford it." + +"Say it so that he can hear it!" + +"He can't hear, or else I should have a good mind to do it," she said, +looking naively at her husband, as he glumly put his spoon away and +took out his pipe. + +"Such a poor farm we have," said he. + +"I can't help laughing at you, you always talk of the farm and never +speak of the mills!" + +"Oh dear! you and the mills; I don't think you care whether they go or +not." + +"Yes, thank God, if they'd only go both night and day." + +"But now they've been standing ever since before Christmas." + +"No one grinds at Christmas time." + +"They grind when there's water; but since they got the mill up at +Nystrommen, there's nothing to be done." + +"The schoolmaster didn't say so to-day." + +"H'm-- I shall let a more discreet man than the schoolmaster manage our +affairs." + +"Yes, last of all he should talk with your own wife." + +Thore did not reply to this, but lighting his pipe, he rose and leaned +against the wood pile, looking first at his wife and then at his son, +and finally fixing his gaze on an old crow's nest that hung deserted up +in a pine tree. + +Ovind sat by himself, with the future spread before him, like a long +blank sheet of ice, along which, for the first time, he rushed +restlessly from one side to the other. He saw clearly that poverty +hemmed him in on every side, but this made him only the more determined +to overcome it. From Marit it had certainly separated him for ever; he +half regarded her as engaged to Jon Hatlen; but he resolved that with +all his might he would strive to keep pace with them through life. Not +to be any more humiliated as he had been yesterday, he would keep away, +till, by God's help, he could become something more than he was at +present, and he did not feel a doubt in his own mind but that he should +succeed. He had a sort of feeling that he would do best to study, but +what further that should lead to he must leave to the future. + +There was capital sledge driving in the evenings; the children all came +to the hill, but not Ovind. Ovind sat by the fire and read, he had not +a moment to spare. The children waited long for him; at last they +became impatient, and one and another came and peeped in and called to +him, but he pretended not to hear. Evening after evening they came and +waited outside in wonderment, but he turned his back to them and read, +paying no heed to their entreaties. + +Later he heard that Marit had not been to the sledge playing either. He +read with such diligence that even his father thought it went too far. +He grew thoughtful; his face, which had been so round and mild, became +thinner and sharper, his eyes deeper; he seldom sang and never played, +it was as if time were too short. When the desire to join his old +companions came over him, it was as if something whispered, "Not yet, +not yet,"--and continually, "not yet." The children played, shouted, +and laughed awhile as before, but when they saw they could not by any +means induce him to come, they gradually disappeared; they found other +grounds and soon the sledge hill was quite vacated. + +The schoolmaster soon observed that he was not the same Ovind who used +to read because it fell out so, and play because it was necessary. He +often talked with him, and sought to find the cause, for the lad's +heart was not light as in former days. He spoke also with the parents, +and by agreement he came one Sunday evening late in the Winter, and +after sitting awhile, he said,--"Come, Ovind, let us go out, I want to +talk with you a little." + +Ovind got up and went with him. They took the path towards Heidegaard. +The conversation did not flag, but they spoke of nothing important; +when they came near the farms, the schoolmaster took the direction of +the middle one, and as they got nearer they heard the sound of laughter +and merriment. + +"What is up here?" said Ovind. + +"They are dancing," said the schoolmaster, "shall we not go in?" + +"No." + +"Will you not go to a dance, lad!" + +"No, not yet." + +"Not yet? When then?" + +He did not answer. + +"What do you mean,--not yet?" + +As he did not reply, the schoolmaster said,--"Come now, no such talk!" + +"No, I won't go." + +He was very positive and seemed agitated. + +"That your own schoolmaster should stand here and have to ask you twice +to go to dance!" + +There was a long silence. + +"Is there any one you are afraid of meeting?" + +"I cannot tell who there may be there." + +"But could there be any one?" + +No answer. + +Then the schoolmaster went close up to him, and laid his hand on his +shoulder,--"Are you afraid of meeting Marit?" + +Ovind looked down, and breathed heavily and quickly. + +"Tell me, Ovind." + +Still no answer. + +"You perhaps feel ashamed to confess it before you are confirmed, but +tell me anyhow, and you will never regret it." + +Ovind looked up but he could not say a word, and his eyes fell again. + +"You are not light-hearted as you were; does she care for any one more +than you?" + +Ovind was still silent, the schoolmaster felt a little hurt, and turned +away; then they went back. + +When they had gone some distance, the schoolmaster waited till Ovind +got up to him,--"You wish very much, that you were confirmed," said he. + +"Yes." + +"What do you then intend to do?" + +"I should like to go to the Training School." + +"And to be schoolmaster?" + +"No." + +"You think it isn't good enough?" + +Ovind was silent. + +"Then what would you be?" + +"I haven't thought much about it." + +"If you had money I suppose you'd buy a farm?" + +"Yes, but keep the mills." + +"Then it would be better to go to the Agricultural School." + +"Do they learn as much there as at the Training School?" + +"No; but they learn that which will afterwards be of use." + +"Do they get numbers there?" + +"Why do you ask that?" + +"I should like to be amongst the first." + +"You can be that without numbers." + +They were silent again till they came in sight of the little farm; they +could see a light shining from the room; the overhanging mountains +looked black in the Winter evening, the lake below was one blank sheet +of ice, and the moon reflected the shadow of the pine trees. + +"It is a beautiful place!" said the schoolmaster. + +Ovind could sometimes see it with the same eyes as when his mother told +him stories, and as when they played with the sledges; this he did +now,--all looked pleasing and bright. + +"Yes, it is beautiful," said he, but sighed. + +"Your father has found it sufficient; perhaps you might do so too." + +The happy aspect of the place vanished at once. The schoolmaster stood +as if waiting a reply, but getting none he shook his head and went in. +He sat awhile with them, but was more silent than talkative. When he +said good night, the parents both rose and followed him out, as if +expecting that he had something to say. They stood waiting, and looked +out upon the night. + +"It has grown so quiet," said the mother at last, "since the children +left off playing here." + +"You have no longer a child in the house," said the schoolmaster. + +The mother understood him,--"Ovind has not been happy of late," said +she. + +"No, he who is ambitious is not happy," and he looked up calmly into +the quiet heavens. + + + + + CHAP. VI. + + NOT QUITE FAIR. + + +Half a year after, in the Autumn, the confirmation being deferred till +then, the candidates were all assembled in the school-room for +examination, and among them Ovind Pladsen and Marit Heidegaard. Marit +had just come down from the pastor, who had given her a book and much +praise, and she laughed and talked with her friends on all sides. Marit +was now quite grown up, free and easy in her manners, and the boys as +well as the girls knew that Jon Hatlen, the first young man in the +district was paying attention to her. She might well be glad they +thought as she sat there. + +Close by the door there stood a group of girls and boys who had failed +in their examination, and these were crying, while Marit and her +friends were laughing. Among them was a little boy in his father's +boots and with his mother's church handkerchief,--"Dear, oh dear!" he +sobbed, "I daren't go home again." + +And those who had not yet been called up, were so affected by the power +of fellow feeling that it caused a general silence. Fear seized them in +the throat and eyes; they could not see clearly, neither could they +swallow, though feeling a constant desire to do so. + +One sat and reckoned up how much he knew, and although a few hours +before he had found he knew everything required, he now saw with equal +certainty that he knew nothing; he could not even read. Another called +to mind all his wrong-doings from the earliest time he could remember, +till now when he sat there, and he though it wouldn't be strange of God +if He didn't let him pass. A third sat and took signs from everything +around him. If the clock, which was on the point of striking, should +not sound till he counted twenty, he would pass; if the footstep he +heard in the passage was that of the farm-boy Lars, he would pass; if +the great raindrop that ran down the window pane should get to the +bottom, he would pass. The last and final proof should be, if he could +get the one foot twisted right round the other, but this he always +found to be impossible. A fourth felt sure that if they would ask him +only about Joseph in the Bible history, and about baptism in the +Catechism, or about Saul, or the Commandments, or about Jesus, or----he +sat and was still proving himself, when he was called. A fifth had a +strong partiality for the Sermon on the Mount, he had dreamt about the +Sermon on the Mount, he was certain to be heard in the Sermon on the +Mount; he said it over to himself, and he thought to go out and read it +over again, when just then he was called up to be questioned on the +Prophets. The sixth thought about the pastor, who was such a good man +and knew his father so well, and of the schoolmaster, who had so +friendly a face, and of God, who was so really good, and had helped so +many before both Jacob and Joseph, and then he thought that his mother +and sisters at home would be praying for him, and that would certainly +help. The seventh sat and gave up in despair all the things he had +thought he would be when he grew up. Once he had thought of being a +general or a pastor, and once he had even dreamt of being king, but now +that time was gone by. Up to the present he had thought of going to +sea, and of becoming captain, perhaps a pirate, and thereby to attain +great riches; now gave up first the riches, then the pirate, then the +captain, and the mate, and he stopped at the common sailor, or, at the +most, the boatswain, if ever he got to sea at all, but probably he must +just take a place on his father's farm. + +The eighth was more confident of himself, but yet not sure; the +cleverest even was not sure. He thought of the clothes he was to be +confirmed in, and what they could be used for if he did not pass; but +if he passed he should go to town and get cloth clothes, and come home +again at Christmas time and dance, to the envy of the youths and the +astonishment of the girls. The ninth reckoned differently;--he made up +a small account book between himself and God. On the one side he wrote, +"Debit; He shall let me pass," and on the other side, "Credit; so shall +I never lie any more, nor tell tales; always go to church, leave the +girls to themselves, and never swear any more." The tenth thought that +if Ole Hansen had passed last year, it would be more than injustice if +he, who had always got on better at school, and besides was of better +family, should not pass this year. By his side sat the eleventh, who +revolved in his mind the most fearful plans of revenge in case he +should fail, either to burn the school down, or else to leave the +village and come again as the thundering judge of the pastor and the +whole of the school commissioners, but proudly to let mercy go before +justice. To begin with, he would take a place with the pastor in the +neighbouring district, and there be number one next year, giving +answers so as to astonish the whole church. + +The twelfth sat by himself under the clock, with both his hands in his +pockets, looking over the assembly with a dejected and sorrowful air. +No one here knew what was his responsibility. One at home knew it; he +was betrothed. A great daddy long-legs came crawling along the floor +near to his feet; he used to tread upon the odious insect, but to-day +he kindly lifted his foot to let it go in peace whithersoever it would. +His voice was mild as a Collect; his eyes said continually that all men +were good; his hands slowly moved out of his pocket and up to his hair, +to smooth it down. If only he could squeeze himself through this +dangerous needle eye, he would recover himself again at the other side, +smoke tobacco, and make his engagement public. + +Down on a low stool, with his legs crouched up together under him, sat +the uneasy thirteenth; his small sparkling eyes looked round the whole +room three times in a second, and through his strong rough head rushed +all the thoughts of the twelve in broken disorder, from the brightest +hope to the most despairing doubt, from the humblest promises to the +most mighty plans of revenge; and, meanwhile, having bitten his poor +thumb so that he could bite no longer, he began with his nails, and +sent great pieces to all parts of the floor. + +Ovind sat by the window, having been up and given correct answers to +everything he had been asked; but neither the pastor nor the +schoolmaster had commended him, though for a whole half-year he had +been thinking what they both would say when they got to know how hard +he had worked, and he felt very much disappointed as well as hurt. +There sat Marit, who, for far less labour and knowledge, had received +both encouragement and reward. It was just to be great in her eyes +he had studied, and now she had reached laughing, the point he had +toiled so hard to attain. Her laughter and joking touched him to the +quick,--the easiness with which she moved wounded him. He had carefully +avoided speaking to her since that evening; years should pass first he +thought, but the sight of her now, so bright and lively, pressed him +down, and all his proud resolutions hung as wet leaves. + +He sought little by little to shake it off; much, however, depended on +his being Number One to-day, and to know this he waited anxiously. The +schoolmaster used to remain a little while with the pastor to consider +the order in which the children should stand, and then he would come +down and tell them the result; it was certainly not the final decision, +but it was what they agreed upon together. + +The conversation in the room became more and more lively as one after +another was examined and passed; but now the ambitious began to +separate themselves from those who were merely light-hearted. The +latter either went at once to tell their parents and friends of their +success, or they waited for their companions who had not yet been +called up; the former, on the contrary, became more and more silent, +their eyes directed constantly towards the door. + +At last the young people were all ready, the last had come down, and +the schoolmaster was consulting with the pastor. Ovind looked at Marit; +she was one of those who had remained, but whether for her own sake or +for others he knew not. How beautiful Marit had grown; exquisitely fine +was her complexion, he had never seen its equal; her nose was well +formed, her mouth smiling. Her eyes were dreamy when she was not +directly looking at any one, but therefore her glance came with +unexpected power when it did come; and she half smiled in the same, as +if to say that she meant nothing by it. Her hair was more dark than +light, it was wavy, and she wore long curls, which, together with the +dreamy eyes, gave a depth and charm that captivated. One could not be +certain who it was that she looked for, as she sat there among them +all, nor what she really thought when she turned to any one to speak, +for that which she gave she took as quickly back again. Under all this, +Jon Hatlen is certainly hidden, thought Ovind, but yet he continued to +look at her. + +Then the schoolmaster came. They all with one accord rushed up to him. + +"What number am I?" "And I?" "And I, I?" + +"Silence! uproarious children,---no noise here; be quiet, and then I +will tell you." + +He looked slowly round him. "You are Number 2," he said to a lad with +blue eyes looking beseechingly at him, and the lad danced out of the +circle. "You are Number 3,"--he touched a red-haired quick little boy +who stood and pulled at his coat; "You are Number 5;" "You Number 8," +&c. He caught sight of Marit,--"You are Number One of the girls." She +blushed crimson over her face and neck, but tried to smile. "You, +Number 12, have been lazy, you idle worthless scamp;" "Number 11, you +couldn't expect to stand higher, my lad;" "You, Number 13, must read +diligently before the confirmation or else you won't succeed!" + +Ovind could not bear it any longer. Number One had certainly not been +named, and yet he had stood the whole time so that the schoolmaster +could see him. "Schoolmaster?" He did not hear. "Schoolmaster!" Three +times he had to call before he was heard. + +At last the schoolmaster looked at him--"Number 9 or 10, can't say +exactly which," said he, and turned quickly to another. + +"Who is Number One then?" asked Hans, who was Ovind's best friend. + +"Not you, you curly head!" and tapped him on the hand with a paper +roll. + +"Who is it then?" asked many. "Who is it?" "Yes, who is it?" + +"He will get to know it himself!" said the schoolmaster decidedly. He +would not have more questions. + +"Now go nicely home children, thank God, and make your parents happy! +Thank your old schoolmaster too, if it had not been for him you would +not have been good for much!" + +They thanked him and laughed, then went joyously home. One only was +left, who could not quickly find his books, and when he found them, sat +down as if to read again. + +The schoolmaster went up to him, "Well Ovind, are you not going with +the others?" + +He did not answer. + +"Why are you opening your books again?" + +"I want to see what it is that I've answered wrong." + +"You have not answered anything wrong." + +Ovind looked at him, and the tears gathered in his eyes, he turned his +head away while one after another rolled slowly down, but he did not +speak a word. + +The schoolmaster went in front of him,--"Are you not pleased that you +have passed?" + +His lips quivered, but he did not answer. + +"Your father and mother will be very pleased," said the schoolmaster, +and looked at him. + +Ovind struggled some time to get a word out; at last he asked in slow +broken sentences,--"Is it--because I--am a peasant lad--that I am +Number 9 or 10?" + +"Surely it must be so," said the schoolmaster. + +"Then it is no use for me to work," said he hopelessly, and all his +grand dreams vanished. Suddenly he lifted his head, raised his right +hand, struck it on the table with all his might, cast himself down on +his face, and burst into a violent fit of tears. + +The schoolmaster left him to lay there and cry it out; he waited long, +till at last his grief became more childlike. Then he rose took Ovind's +head in both his hands, lifted it up, and looked into the tearful face. + +"Do you think God has been with you?" said he, as he looked kindly at +him. + +Ovind sobbed still, but not so violently, the tears ran more quietly, +but he dare not look at him who spoke, nor reply. + +"This, Ovind, has been a deserved reward; you have not read from love +to religion, nor your parents, but you have read from vanity." + +There was silence in the room between each time of the schoolmaster's +speaking, and Ovind felt his glance to be resting upon him, and grew +softened and humbled under it. + +"With such angry feelings in your heart, you could not have stood forth +to have made a compact with your God, could you Ovind?" + +"No," he stammered, as well as he could. + +"And if you stood there conceitedly flattering yourself that you were +Number One, would it not be wrong?" + +"Yes," he whispered, and his mouth quivered. + +"You are still attached to me, Ovind?" + +"Yes." He looked up for the first time. + +"Then I must tell you it was I who had your number placed low down; +because I care for you so much, Ovind." + +The old schoolmaster looked at him, blinked a few times, and the tears +ran quickly down. + +"You have not anything against me for it?" + +"No." He looked up brightly though his voice trembled. + +"My dear child, I will watch over you as long as I live." + +He waited for him till he had gathered his books together, and then +said he would go home with him. They went slowly along: at first Ovind +was silent, battling with himself, but by degrees he overcame. He was +convinced that that which had come to pass was the best that could have +happened, and, before he reached home, this belief was so strong, that +he thanked God, and told the schoolmaster so. + +"Yes, now we shall hope to attain to something in life," said the +schoolmaster, "better than running after blind men and numbers. What do +you say to the Training School?" + +"Yes, I should like to go there." + +"You mean the Agricultural School?" + +"Yes." + +"That is certainly the best; it gives other prospects than those of a +schoolmaster." + +"But how can I get there? I do so wish it, but I have no means." + +"Be industrious and good, and the means will be found." + +Ovind was quite overwhelmed with gratitude. He felt the kindling in the +eye, the lightheartedness, the endless fire of love, that comes when we +experience the unexpected kindness of our fellow-men. The whole future +presents itself for a moment, with that sort of feeling one has when +walking in fresh mountain air, of being borne along rather than of +walking. + +When they came home, both the parents were in the sitting-room, quietly +waiting there, though it was the busy time of the day. The schoolmaster +entered first; Ovind after; both were smiling. + +"Now?" said the father, laying aside a prayer-book, where he had just +been reading a catechumen's prayer. + +The mother was standing by the fire-place; she smiled, but did not say +anything; her hands trembled, and she evidently expected good news +though she did not wish to betray herself. + +"I thought I must just come to give you the good news, that he has +answered every question correctly, and that the pastor said, after +Ovind was gone, that he had not examined a more promising candidate. + +"Oh no!" said the mother, and was much moved. + +"Well done!" said the father, and turned restlessly round. + +After a long silence, the mother asked in a low voice, "What number is +he?" + +"Number 9 or 10," said the schoolmaster quietly. + +The mother looked at the father, who looked first at her and then at +Ovind,--"A peasant lad cannot expect more," said he. + +Ovind looked at him in return; it was as if something would stick in +his throat, but he forced it back by quickly thinking of one cheering +thing after another. + +"Now I must leave," said the schoolmaster, nodded, and turned to go. + +As usual both parents followed him out; then the schoolmaster taking a +quid, said smiling, "He will be Number One after all, but it is better +not to tell him till the day comes." + +"No, no," said the father, and nodded. "No, no," said the mother, and +nodded too; then taking the schoolmaster's hand,--"Thank you for all +you have done," said she. "Yes, thank you," said the father, and the +schoolmaster went, but they stood long and looked after him. + + + + + CHAP. VII. + + A VOICE FROM THE RIDGE. + + +The schoolmaster had judged well when he asked the pastor to prove +whether Ovind could bear to stand Number One. In the three weeks +intervening between this time and the confirmation he was with the lad +every day. It is one thing for a pure young heart to yield to an +impression, and another to hold fast the good qualities he possesses. +Many dark hours came to the lad before he learnt to build his future on +better things than vanity and pride. When sitting at his work he would +suddenly leave it, saying hopelessly,--"What is the use? What do I +gain?" But then a minute after, he would remember the kind words and +goodness of the schoolmaster, and so each time he lost sight of his +higher duties, he was enabled, by these human means, to bring them into +view again. + +At the little farm they were preparing at the same time, for his +examination, and for his journey to the Agricultural School,--as the +day after the confirmation he was to set off. The tailor and the +shoemaker sat at work in the loft, the mother was baking in the +kitchen, and the father was busy with a trunk. They were querying as to +how much it would cost them in two years, and whether he could come +home the first Christmas, perhaps he could not even come the second, +and how hard it would be to be so long separated. They spoke also of +the love he should bear to his parents, when they strove so hard to put +their child forward. Ovind sat as one, who in his first trial at sea, +had upset the boat, and been picked up by kindly sailors. + +Such a feeling brings humility, and with it many other things. As the +great day drew near, he felt himself to be fully prepared for it, and +looked hopefully to the future. Every time the image of Marit presented +itself to his mind, he strove carefully to put it aside, though it +always gave him pain to do it. By practice in it he sought to +strengthen himself, but instead he felt only a deeper pain. Therefore +he felt weary the last evening, when, after a long self-proving, he +prayed to God that in this matter He would not try him. + +The schoolmaster came in in the evening. They all sat together, after +having prepared themselves as it is customary to do, the evening before +taking the Sacrament. The mother was much moved, and the father was +unusually silent; separation lay behind the festival of the morning, +and it was uncertain when they could all meet again. The schoolmaster +took the Psalm-book, they had a little service and sang, and then he +prayed from the heart as words came to him. + +These four sat there until late in the evening; they gradually grew +silent, each occupied with his own thoughts; then they separated with +best wishes for the coming day, and the influence it would have. + +Ovind thought when he went to rest that night that he had never been so +happy before, and he gave his own special interpretation to it; never +before, thought he, have I laid down so desirous of fulfilling God's +will and so trustful in it. Marit's face soon presented itself again, +and the last he remembered was, that he lay and proved himself:--not +quite happy, not quite;--and that he replied:--yes, quite;--but +again:--not quite;--yes, quite;--no; not quite. + +When he awoke, he at once remembered what day it was; he prayed, and +felt refreshed, as one does in a morning. He rose in good time and +carefully tried on his new clothes, for he had never had such fine ones +before. There was a round jacket especially that seemed strange to him; +it was made of fine cloth, and he felt it again and again before he got +used to it. When he had put his collar on, and for the fourth time +tried on the jacket, he got hold of a little looking-glass, and, +catching sight of the beautiful hair encircling his own self-satisfied +face, it suddenly struck him that this again was vanity. Yes; but +people may surely be well-dressed and clean, he argued, as he turned +away from the glass as though it were sin to look in it. Well, but not +to think so much of themselves for it. No, certainly, but the Lord must +like that one should care to be tidy. That may be, but would He not +like better that you should look well without thinking so much about +it. Yes, but it's only because everything is so new. Well then, +by-and-bye you will forget it. Then he began in the same way to prove +himself first upon one point and then upon another, he felt so afraid +lest any sin should blot that day. + +When he came down his parents were all ready and waiting breakfast for +him. He went up to them and thanked them for his new clothes; they +wished him the customary, "Health to wear them and strength to tear +them;" then they seated themselves at the table, said grace, and began +the meal. When they had finished, the mother cleared the table and +brought in the lunch basket for the journey to church. The father put +on his jacket, and the mother her shawl, they took the Psalm-books, +locked up the house and set off. On reaching the main road they met +with a great many going to church, some driving and some on foot, +a few of the candidates for confirmation among them, and now and then +white-haired grand-parents, who tried to get to church just this once +again. + +It was an Autumn day without sunshine as, if the weather were about to +break. The clouds, met and parted again; great masses broke into small +patches, chasing each other far away and bearing with them orders for +rain; down on the earth it was still quiet, the leaves hung dead and +motionless, the air was a little oppressive; the people carried cloaks +but did not require to use them. A large concourse of people had +gathered round the solitary church; but the confirmation candidates all +went straight in, to be placed before the service began. Then the +schoolmaster in his blue dress coat and knickerbockers, high boots, +stiff neck-cloth, and pipe sticking out of his pocket, walked about, +nodding and smiling, patting one on the shoulder, and telling another +to answer clearly and distinctly, until he reached the lower end where +Ovind stood talking to his friend Hans, and answering all his questions +about the journey. "Good morning, Ovind, you look very well to-day." He +took hold of him by the coat saying confidentially, "I think a great +deal of you; I have been talking to the pastor, and you are to have +your right place as Number One; go up and take it and answer well." + +Ovind looked up astonished at him; the schoolmaster nodded; the lad +went a few steps forward, then stopped, then a few more steps, then +stopped again; yes, it's true--he has spoken to the pastor for me,--and +the lad went straight on. + +"You are Number One after all," whispered one. + +"Yes," said Ovind in a low tone, but scarcely knew yet whether he dare +say it. + +The placing being accomplished, and the pastor having come, the bell +rung and the people streamed into the church. Ovind looked up and saw +Marit Heidegaard standing straight opposite him. She also saw him, but +they both of them felt so awed by the sacredness of the place that they +dared not greet each other. He saw only that she was bright and +beautiful, and that she wore nothing on her head. Ovind, who for +half-a-year had had so many pleasant dreams of standing opposite to +her, now that it was really come to pass, forgot both the place and +her. + +When all was over, his relations and friends came to offer their +congratulations; then his companions having heard that he was to travel +next day came to say good-bye; and many of the younger ones, whom he +had driven in the sledges, and whom he had assisted at school, cried a +little at the thought of his departure. At last Ovind and his parents +left for home accompanied by the schoolmaster. On the way there were +several more came to offer him their good wishes and to take leave; +otherwise they did not speak much till they sat again in the quiet room +at home. + +The schoolmaster tried to help them to keep their courage up, but now +that it was come to the point, they all three, never before having been +parted for a single day, dreaded the separation for two whole years, +but none of them wished to shew their feelings. As the time passed on +Ovind grew worse and worse, and at last he went out of doors to quiet +himself. + +It was growing dark, he stood upon the steps and looked up listening to +the gentle sighing of the wind. Then he heard his own name called down +from the ridge, quite softly, yet there was no mistaking it, it was +repeated twice. He looked up, and could just discern a woman's figure +looking down from among the trees. + +"Who is that?" he asked. + +"I hear you are going away," she said in a low tone, "so I thought I +would come and say good-bye to you, seeing you hadn't come to me." + +"Dear, is that you, Marit! I'll come up to you." + +"No, don't, I've been here so long, and then I should have to stay +still longer, and no one knows where I am, so I must be quick home." + +"It was kind of you to come," said he. + +"I couldn't bear that you should leave in that way Ovind; we have known +each other since we were children." + +"Yes, we have." + +"And now we haven't spoken to each other for half-a-year." + +"No we haven't." + +"We were separated so strangely that time too." + +"Yes, I think I must come up to you." + +"Oh no, don't! but tell me, I hope you are not grieved with me?" + +"Dear, how could you think so?" + +"Good-bye then Ovind, and thank you for all the pleasant times we have +had together!" + +"Marit!" + +"Yes, but now I must go, they will miss me. + +"Marit,--Marit!" + +"No, I daren't stay longer, Ovind; farewell!" + +"Farewell!" + +The rest of the evening he was, as it were, in a dream, answering +absently when they spoke to him. They attributed this to the thought of +his coming departure, which was quite a natural thing, and which +certainly did occupy his attention at the moment when the schoolmaster +took his leave, and slipped something into his hand, which he +afterwards found to be a five dollar piece. Soon, however, it passed +out of his mind, and he thought only of the words that had come down +from the ridge and gone up again. + + + + + CHAP. VIII. + + BE SURE THAT YOU BURN IT. + + +Dear Parents,--We have a great deal more to read now, but as I am much +more up to the others, it is not such hard work. When I come home I +shall make great changes in father's farm, for there is a great deal +that is very bad, and it is a wonder that things have hung together as +they have. But I shall put all to rights, for I have learnt many things +here. I should like to be in a place where I can have things as I now +know they should be; so when I am ready I must seek for a good +situation. All here say that Jon Hatlen is not so clever as they think +at home, but he has his own farm, so that is no matter. Many who come +from here get a very high salary, and they are so well paid because +this is the best agricultural school in the country. Some say that +there is a better in the next county, but that is not true. + +There are two words here, the one is called Theory, and the other +Practice; one is nothing without the other, but it is well to know them +both; the last, however, is the best. Theory is to know the reason why +a thing should be done, and practice is to be able to do it. Here we +learn both. The Principal is so clever that nobody can come up to him. +At the last General Agricultural Meeting he brought forward two +subjects for discussion, while the principals from the other schools +had none of them more than one, and in the discussions they found he +was always right. But the last meeting, when he wasn't there, ended in +nothing but talk. The lieutenant, who teaches us surveying, was engaged +only because he is so very clever; the other schools have no +lieutenant. + +The schoolmaster asks if I go to church; yes, certainly I go to church, +for now the pastor has got a curate who preaches so that everybody is +terrified, and it is a pleasure to hear him. He comes from the college +in Christiania, and people think he is too strict, but it is good for +them. + +At present we are reading history that we have never read before, and +it is wonderful to see all that has happened in the world, especially +in our country, for we have constantly conquered except when we have +lost, and that has been only when we haven't been equal. Now we have +more liberty than any other country except America, but there they are +not happy; and our liberty we must prize above all things. + +Now I must conclude for this time, for I have written a great deal. The +schoolmaster will read this letter, and when he answers for you, ask +him to tell me some news about one or another, for this he doesn't do. + With best love, + Your attached son, + Ovind Thoresen Pladsen. + + +Dear Parents, + +I must now tell you that we have had an examination, and I stand very +high in many things. I am high in writing, and land measuring, but not +so good in composition. The principal says this is because I have not +read enough, and he has given me some books by Ole Vig, which are very +easy to understand. + +Everything here is so small to what it is in other countries; we +understand next to nothing, we learn everything from the Scotch and +Swiss, but gardening most from Holland. + +I have now been here nearly a year, and I thought I had learnt a great +deal; but when I saw what those who left at the last examination knew, +and thought that not even they knew anything in comparison to the +foreigners, I felt quite disheartened. I am now in the first class, and +must stay here another year before I am ready. But most of my +companions are gone, and I long for home. It seems as if I stood alone, +though I certainly do not, but it feels so strange when one has been +long away. + +What am I to do when I leave here? I shall naturally come home first, +and then I must seek for some situation, but it must not be far away. + +Good-bye dear parents. Remember me kindly to those who ask after me, +and say I am well, but I long to come home. + + Your attached son, + Ovind Thoresen Pladsen. + + +Dear Schoolmaster, + +This is to ask you if you will be so good as to send the enclosed +letter, but be sure and say nothing about it to anybody. If you will +not, then it must be burnt. + + Ovind Thoresen Pladsen. + + +To Marit Knudsdatter Heidegaard. + +You will very likely be surprised to receive a letter from me, but you +need not be, for I will only ask how you fare, and this you must let me +know as soon as possible and in every respect. + +Respecting myself, I have only to say that I shall be ready to leave +here in one year. + + Respectfully, + Ovind Pladsen. + + +To Ovind Pladsen, + +At the Agricultural School. + +I duly received your letter from the schoolmaster, and will answer it +as you ask me, though I am rather afraid, because you are now so +learned; I have a letter book but it doesn't suit. However, I will do +my best, and you must take the will for the deed; but you musn't show +it, or else you are not what I think you are; and you musn't hide it +because any one might easily get hold of it, but you must burn it, that +you must promise me. There are a great many things that I wanted to +write about, but I dare not. We have had a good Autumn; potatoes are +high, and here at Heidegaard we have plenty of them. But the bears have +made sad havoc among the stock this Summer; they killed two of Ole +Nedregaard's cows, and injured one of our tenant's calves so that it +was obliged to be killed. + +I am weaving a very large web like the Scotch plaid, and it is very +difficult. And now I must tell you that I am still at home, though +there are some who would have it otherwise. + +I have nothing more to say this time, and so good-bye. + + Marit Knudsdatter. + +You must be sure to burn this letter. + + +To Ovind Thoresen Pladsen. + +I have said to you Ovind, that he who walks with God shall have a good +inheritance. And now listen to my advice: look not to the world with +too much longing and anxiety, but trust in God and let not your heart +be discouraged. + +Your father and mother are both well, but I suffer a good deal, for now +I feel the effects of the hardships I endured in the war. That which +you sow in your young days you reap in your old, both in body and soul, +and this is now my experience. But the aged should not complain, for +sorrow teacheth wisdom, and affliction worketh patience, and +strengthens for the last journey. + +There are many reasons why I take the pen to write to you to-day, but +first and foremost on Marit's account, for she has grown a good girl, +though she is light of foot as a reindeer and is changeable. She would +wish to keep to one, but it is not in her nature. I have often observed +that with such tender hearts the Lord is merciful and lenient, and does +not suffer them to be tempted above that they are able to bear. + +I duly gave her the letter and she hid it from all but her own heart. +If the Lord will further this matter I have nothing against it. That +she finds approbation in the eyes of the young men can easily be seen, +and she has abundance of this world's goods and also of the heavenly, +but with the latter there is much unsettledness; the fear of God with +her is like water in a shallow dam, it is there when it rains but away +when the sun shines. + +Now my eyes will not bear any more, for though I can see pretty well at +a distance, they begin to water when I look closely at anything. +Finally, let me remind you, Ovind, whatsoever you aspire to, take +counsel of God, as it is written:--"Better is an handful with +quietness, than both the hands full, with travail and vexation of +spirit."--(Proverbs IV. 6.) + + Your old schoolmaster, + Baard Andersen Opdal. + + +To Marit Knudsdatter Heidegaard. + +Thanks for your letter, which I have read, and burnt as you told me to +do. You write a great deal, but you don't say anything about that I +want you to, and I dare not write about a certain matter until I know +how you fare in every respect. + +The schoolmaster says nothing to be depended upon, he praises you, but +he calls you wavering. That you were before. Now I don't know what to +believe; you must write, for I shall feel uneasy until I have heard +from you. Just now I often think of that last evening when you came to +the ridge, and of what you then said. + +I will not write more this time, so good-bye. + + With all respect, + Ovind Pladsen. + + +To Ovind Thoresen Pladsen. + +The schoolmaster has given me a fresh letter from you, which I have now +read, but I cannot understand it, which must be because I am not +learned. You want to know how I fare in every respect. I am quite well. +I have a good appetite and sleep at nights, and sometimes also in the +day. I have danced a great deal this Winter, for there have been many +delightful parties here. I go to church when there is not too much +snow, but it has been very thick. Now you must have heard everything, +but, if not, I don't know anything better than that you should write to +me again. + + Marit Knudsdatter. + + +To Marit Knudsdatter Heidegaard. + +I have received your letter, but you appear to wish me to remain as +wise as before. Perhaps this is an answer after all, I don't know. I +dare not venture to write that which I wish to, because I don't feel to +know you. Perhaps you don't know me any better. You must not think I am +any longer the soft fellow that you crushed the spirit out of, as I sat +and watched you dance; I have had many provings since then. Neither am +I, as I used to be, like those long-haired dogs that hang their ears +and shun people; but enough of this now. + +Your letter was humorous enough, but the joking was just where it +should not have been, for you understood me quite well, and you should +have known that I did not ask in joke, but because lately I have not +been able to think of anything else than that I asked you about. I +waited anxiously, and then there came nothing but foolery. + +Farewell, Marit Heidegaard. I shall take care not to look too much at +you as I did at that dance. Grant you may both eat well and sleep well, +and get your new web finished, and grant above all, that you may shovel +away the snow lying before the church door. + + With all respect, + Ovind Thoresen Pladsen. + + +To Ovind Thoresen. + +In spite of my age and the weakness of my eyes, together with the pain +in my hip, I must yet give in to the entreaties of the young, for they +are glad to make use of the old people when they stick fast themselves. +They call and cry till they are let loose, and then they run away again +and will not hear us any more. This time it is Marit, who, with many +coaxing words, has begged me to write a letter to send with hers, as +she dare not trust herself to write alone. She had thought she had Jon +Hatlen or another fool to deal with, and not one that schoolmaster +Baard had brought up, but now the matter has come to a critical point. +Yet you have been a little too hard, for there are some women who joke +to keep from weeping. I am glad, however, that you look at serious +things seriously, otherwise you could not laugh at that which is +laughable. The position in which you stand to each other, is now +apparent from many things. I have often had my doubts about Marit, for +she is variable as the wind, but now I know she has refused Jon Hatlen, +and greatly enraged her grandfather thereby. She was pleased when she +received your letter, and it was not to repulse you that she wrote +jokingly. She has suffered much, and that in waiting for the one she +cared for, and now you will not have her but set her aside as a foolish +child. + +This was what I had to say to you, and if you take my advice you ought +to be at one with her, for you will find enough besides to trouble you. +I am like an old man who has seen three generations;--I know folly and +its reward. + +Your father and mother send their best love to you: they long to see +you back. I have always avoided speaking of this before, lest it should +make you home-sick. You do not know your father, and when you really +learn to know him, you will marvel. He has been depressed and silent in +respect of his affairs, but your mother made his mind easy, and now +things look brighter. + +Now my eyes grow dim, and my hand is unsteady, so I commend you to Him +whose eye is ever watchful and whose hand stayeth not. + + Baard Andersen Opdal. + + +To Ovind Pladsen. + +I am grieved that you are vexed with me, for I didn't mean it as you +have taken it. I am aware I have not always acted rightly towards you, +and I wish to tell you so, but you must not show this to any one. Once +when I got what I liked I wasn't good, and now no one cares for me any +more, and I'm very unhappy. Jon Hatlen has written a song about me, and +all the lads sing it, so that I daren't go anywhere. Both the old +people know about it, and they are very cross. I am writing this alone, +and you mustn't show it to any one. + +I have often been down to see your parents. I have spoken with your +mother, and we understand each other now, but I cannot tell you more +for you wrote so strangely last time. The schoolmaster only makes game +of me, but he knows nothing about the song, for no one dare sing such +before him. I stand alone and feel to have no one to talk to. I often +think of the time when we were children, when I always rode on your +sledge, and you were so good to me. I could wish we were children +again. + +I dare not ask you to answer me any more, but if you will write just +this once I shall never forget it, Ovind. + + Marit Knudsdatter. + +P.S.--I beg you burn this letter, I scarcely know if I dare send it. + + +Dear Marit, + +It was a happy moment when you wrote that letter; and I thank you for +it. + +I feel as if I could scarcely stay here any longer Marit, I love you so +much, and if you love me as truly, then Jon Hatlen's song and others' +bitter words shall be like the chaff that the wind blows away. Since I +received your letter I am like another man,--I feel so much stronger, +and am not afraid of anything in the whole world. After I had sent my +last letter I regretted it so, that it made me almost ill, and now you +shall hear what this led to. The principal took me aside and asked me +what was the matter; he thought I read too much. Then he said to me +that when my year here was completed, he would allow me to stay a year +longer free of expense; I should assist him in several ways, and he +would give me a chance of learning more. Then I thought that work was +the only thing for me, and I was very grateful, and even now, though I +long so much to come to you, I do not regret it, for it will put me in +a better position for the future. How happy I am! I do the work of +three, and shall never be behind in anything. I will send you a book I +am reading, for there is a great deal about love, and I read it at +nights when the others are asleep; then I read your letter over too. + +Have you thought of the time when we shall meet again? I think about it +very often, and so must you, it is so delightful. I am glad I wrote so +much before, though it was so difficult, for now I can open my whole +heart to you. I shall send you several books to read, that you may see +what those who truly love each other have had to go through, choosing +rather to die of sorrow than to give each other up. And we should do so +too. Though it will be two years before we see each other, and longer +still before we really belong to each other, we must cheer our hearts +by thinking that each day as it goes brings us one day nearer. + +I have a great deal to write about, but I will leave it till next time, +as I have not got any more paper to night, and the others are all +asleep. + +Now I shall go to bed and think of you till I sleep. + + Your friend, + Ovind Pladsen. + + + + + CHAP. IX. + + OVIND THROWS HIS CAP IN THE AIR. + + +One Saturday, at Midsummer, Thore Pladsen rowed over the lake to meet +his son, who was coming that afternoon from the Agricultural School. +The mother had had a charwoman for two or three days, and everything +was made beautifully clean and tidy. Ovind's room had been ready some +time, and the stove was set in order. To-day his mother decorated it +with green, took the linen up, and made the bed, looking out between +times over the water, to see if there was not a boat. The table was +ready spread, and yet there was always something to be done,--flies to +chase away, or dust, constant dust. + +Still there was no boat. She seated herself in the window sill and +looked out; then she heard footsteps on the other side and turned to +see who was there; it was the schoolmaster, who came slowly along +leaning upon a stick for his hip was very bad. He stopped a minute to +rest, the expressive eyes moved quietly round; he nodded to her: "Not +come yet?" + +"No, I am expecting them every moment." + +"Good hay weather to-day." + +"But very hot for old people to be out." + +The schoolmaster smiled: "Has somebody else been out in the heat +to-day?" + +"Yes, but she's gone again." + +"Oh! well, may be they'll be meeting somewhere to-night." + +"I suppose so, but Thore says they shall not meet in his house till the +old people give their consent." + +"Quite right." + +"They are coming, I do believe!" the mother exclaimed. + +"Yes, that is them." + +The schoolmaster came in and rested a little, and then they went down +to the lake, while the boat plied quickly along, for both father and +son were rowing. When they came near, Ovind turned, rested his oars, +and called "Good morning, mother; good morning, schoolmaster!" + +"What a manly voice," said the mother, "but still the same light hair," +she added. + +Ovind sprang out, and shook hands; he laughed, and so unlike the +peasants' way, he at once began to tell them all about the examination, +the journey, the principal's testimonial, his prospects, &c.; then he +asked about the harvest, and about his friends, all except one. And so +they went home, Ovind laughing and talking; the mother smiling, not +knowing exactly what to say; the schoolmaster and the father listening. +Ovind was pleased with everything he saw,--first, that the house was +painted; then, that the mill was enlarged; then, that the lead windows +were taken out of the parlour, and white glass put instead of green. + +When they came in, everything looked so exceedingly small, so different +from what he had remembered it; but so cheerful, and all looked so +inviting. + +They seated themselves at the table, but there was not much eaten, for +Ovind was constantly talking. Once when he was telling them a long +story about one of his schoolfellows, and there came a moment's pause, +his father said, "I can scarcely understand a single word of what you +say, lad, you speak so exceedingly quick." They all laughed, and Ovind +not the least; he knew it was true, but he seemed as though he could +not help it. + +All that he had seen and heard during his long absence, had so +impressed and aroused him, that the powers which had hitherto lain +dormant were now awakened, and the brain was constantly at work. + +He was delighted with his little room; he thought he should like to +stay at home for a time, assisting with the hay harvest and reading; +where he should go after he could not tell, but it was all the same to +him. They were afraid lest he should have grown thoughtless, but on the +contrary he remembered everything; and it was he who thought of the +boat and unpacked the things. He had gained a quickness and power of +thought that was quite refreshing, and a liveliness in expressing his +feelings, which, during the whole year, had only been repressed. + +The schoolmaster looked ten years younger. "Now we have come so far +with him," said he, as he rose to go. + +The mother called Ovind aside, "Some one expects you at nine o'clock," +she whispered. + +"Where?" + +"Up on the ridge." + +Ovind looked at the clock, it was nearly nine. He could not wait in the +house, but went out, clambered up the ridge, and looked round. The +house roof lay close below; the bushes on the roof were very much +larger, and all the small trees had grown; he could remember each one. +And there lay the road, grey and sombre, and the wood with its varied +foliage, and in the bay a vessel laden with planks, waiting for wind. +The lake was bright and calm; some sea-birds flew over, but did not cry +as it was late. He sat down waiting; the small trees prevented him from +seeing very far over, but he listened to the slightest noise. For some +time there were only birds that started up and deceived him; then +again, a squirrel springing from tree to tree. But at last he heard a +rustling, then it ceased; then it came again. He rose,--his heart beat +fast, the blood rushed into his head; there was a movement in the +bushes close to him, and a shaggy dog appeared; it was the dog from +Heidegaard, and close behind, it rustled again; the dog looked back and +wagged his tail; now comes Marit. + +A bush caught her dress, she turned to release it, and so she stood +when he first saw her; she had her hair plainly dressed, as was the +custom with the peasant girls on week days; she wore a strong plaided +dress without sleeves, and nothing on her neck except the linen collar. +She had stolen away from her work, and durst not stay to tidy herself. +She looked up and smiled, then she came forward, growing more and more +red at each step. He went to meet her, and took her hand in both of +his; she looked down, and so they stood. + +"Thanks for all your letters," was the first he said, and when she then +looked up a little and laughed, he felt that she was the most roguish +little elf he ever could meet in a wood; but he was caught, and she not +any the less. + +"How you have grown!" she said, but meant something quite different. + +They looked at each other but said nothing. Meanwhile the dog had +seated himself at the edge of the ridge, and looked down upon the farm, +and Thore observing his head from below, could not for his life think +what it could be. + +When, at last, the two began to talk, Ovind spoke so quickly that Marit +couldn't help laughing. + +"Yes, you see, it's when I am glad, really glad, you see, and when we +came to understand each other it was as if a lock sprang open within +me, sprang open, you see." + +She laughed, then she said, "I know all the letters you sent me by +heart." + +"And I know yours too, but you always wrote such short letters." + +"Because you always wanted them so long." + +"And when I wanted you to write about one particular thing, you slipped +away, and I never heard how you got rid of Jon Hatlen." + +"I laughed." + +"How?" + +"Laughed, don't you know what it is to laugh?" + +"Yes, I can laugh!" + +"Let me see!" + +"Did you ever hear such a thing! I must have something to laugh at +first." + +"I don't need it when I am happy." + +"Are you happy now, Marit?" + +"Do I laugh now, then?" + +"Yes, that you do!" + +He took both her hands, and clapped them together as he looked at her. +Here the dog began to growl, then his hair stood on end, and he barked, +and grew more and more angry till at last he seemed quite savage. Marit +sprang up in fear, but Ovind went forward and looked down. It was his +father the dog was barking at; he was standing close under the ridge, +with both his hands in his pockets. + +"What! are you there, too? Pray, whose is that savage dog?" + +"It's a dog from Heidegaard," replied Ovind, rather taken aback. + +"How in the world did it come there?" + +The mother hearing the noise, had come out to see what it was, and +understanding at once how things were, she laughed, and said: "The dog +comes here every day, so it's nothing wonderful." + +"But what a ferocious animal!" + +"He'll be quiet if he's spoken to," said Ovind, and patted him. The dog +ceased barking though he continued to growl. The father was satisfied +and went down again. + +"Safe this time!" said Marit, "but there's some one else to watch us." + +"Your grandfather?" + +"Exactly." + +"But that won't do any harm." + +"Not the slightest." + +"You promise me?" + +"Yes, I do Ovind." + +"How pretty you are, Marit!" + +"So said the fox to the raven, and got the cheese." + +"You may think I want the cheese too." + +"But you won't get it." + +"I shall take it then." + +She turned her head, and he didn't take it. + +"I'll tell you something, Ovind," and she looked slily round. + +"Well." + +"How ugly you have grown." + +"You'll give me the cheese though." + +"No, indeed I won't," and she turned away again. + +"Now, I must go, Ovind." + +"I'll go with you." + +"But not out of the wood, or grandfather will see you." + +"No, not out of the wood,--dear, are you running?" + +"We cannot go side by side here." + +"But this isn't to go in company." + +"Catch me then," and on she ran. + +They stopped when they got to the end of the trees. + +"When shall we meet again?" she whispered. + +"To-morrow, to-morrow." + +"Yes, to-morrow." + +"Good bye;" she ran. + +"Marit!" and she stopped. + +"How strange that we should meet first up on the ridge." + +"Yes, it is;" she ran again. + +He looked long after her,--the dog ran before and barked, she after, +trying to silence him. Ovind took his cap, and tossed it again and +again; "Now, I believe, I really begin to be happy," said he, and sang +as he went home. + + + + + CHAP. X. + + TURN THE RIVER WHERE IT CAN FLOW. + + +When they were all making hay, one afternoon, in the summer, a little +bare-headed, bare-footed boy came running down the ridge over the field +to Ovind, and gave him a note. + +"You are running fast," said Ovind. + +"Yes, I am paid for it," answered the boy. + +Ovind was a little perplexed when he opened the note, it was so +carefully wrapped up and sealed; it ran as follows:-- + + +"He is on his way now, but he goes slowly. Go into the wood and hide. + + You Know Who From." + + +"No, that I won't," thought Ovind, and looked defiantly up over the +hill. + +It was not long before an old man came into sight on the top of the +hill; resting, then going a little further, and resting again. The +father and the mother both left off working to look at him. Thore +smiled; but the mother, on the contrary, changed colour. + +"Do you know him?" + +"Yes, there's no mistaking him." + +The old man came slowly nearer and nearer. He was somewhat tall and +burly, and being rather lame, he could only with difficulty walk by the +help of his staff. When he came close to, he stopped, took off his cap, +and wiped his forehead. His head was quite bald at the back; he had a +round tight-drawn face, small piercing eyes, bushy eyebrows, and a full +row of teeth. He spoke in a sharp shrill voice, hopping, as it were, +over gravel and stone, and every now and then resting with great +delight upon an inviting R. In his younger days he had been known as a +cheerful, but hot tempered, man; now, after many adversities, he had +grown peevish and distrustful. + +Thore and his son had many journeys backwards and forwards before old +Ole got up to them, but at last, as they came out from the hay loft, +they saw him standing in front of the kitchen door, as though doubtful +what to do; he held his cap and staff in one hand, and with the other +wiped his bald head with a handkerchief. Ovind stood behind his father +as he went up and accosted him. + +"You must be tired, will you not come in?" + +Ole turned and looked sharply at him, at the same time adjusting his +cap, before he replied: + +"No, I can rest where I stand, I shall not be long." + +Since he had lost his hair his cap was far too big for him, it came +down over his eyes; so that to be able to see, he had to hold his head +right back. + +"Is that your son standing there behind you?" he began in a harsh +voice. + +"They say so." + +"His name is Ovind, is it not?" + +"Yes, they call him Ovind." + +"He has been to one of those Agricultural Schools in the south, hasn't +he?" + +"Yes, something of that kind." + +"H'm, my girl, my granddaughter, Marit seems to have lost her senses in +these latter days." + +"That's a pity." + +"She will not marry." + +"What?" + +"She won't have any of the fine young men who come to pay their +addresses to her." + +"Indeed?" + +"And it is his fault, his that stands there." + +"Indeed?" + +"He has completely turned her head, that son of yours, Ovind." + +"Do you say so?" + +"See now, I don't like that any one should take my horses when I let +them go to the mountains; and neither do I like that any one should +take my daughters when I let them go to the dance, don't like it at +all." + +"No, of course not." + +"I cannot go after them, I am old, I cannot take care of them." + +"No no, no no." + +"You see I wish to keep order, and when I say a thing must be done, it +must, and when I say to her, not him, but him, it must be him, and not +him!" + +"Certainly!" + +"But it is not so; for three years she has said no, and for three years +there hasn't been a good understanding between us. That is not good, +and if it is he who is the cause of it, I will only say to him, so that +you hear it, you who are his father, that it is no use, he must give +up." + +"Well." + +Ole looked a minute at Thore, then said, "You give such short answers." + +"I can't make the sausage longer than it is." + +Here Ovind must laugh, though in sooth he was in no laughing mood; but +with some people laughter and fear go hand in hand. + +"What are you laughing at?" said Ole sharply. + +"I?" + +"Are you laughing at me?" + +"Heavens preserve me!" but his own reply only made him worse. + +Ole saw this, and it infuriated him. They would turn the conversation, +and begged him to go in, but it was three years' pent up anger that now +sought liberty, and it was not to be stayed. + +"Don't think to make a fool of me," he began, "I seek my +granddaughter's happiness as I understand it, and your giggling +laughter shall not hinder me. One doesn't bring up a girl just to hand +her over to the first peasant that turns up, neither does one labor for +forty years to leave all to the first that fools her. My daughter went +on so, till at last she married a scamp; he ruined them both through +drink, and I had to take the child, and pay for the entertainment, but, +on my word, it shall not be so with my granddaughter, do you hear that? +I tell you that as true as I am Ole Nordistuen of Heidegaard, the +priest might as well think of publishing the banns for the trolls up in +the forest, as to give out such names from the pulpit as Marit's and +your's, you puppy dog! You sly fox, as if I didn't know what you think +of, you and she! You think old Ole must soon turn his nose up in the +church-yard, and then you'll trip away to the altar. No, no, I've lived +seventy years now, and you shall see, boy, that I shall not die till +you are both tired out! I tell you, you may watch for her, and not even +see her footprints, for I shall send her away somewhere where she will +be safe, and you may roam about like a fool, and keep company with the +wind and the rain! And now I shan't say any more to you, but you, who +are his father, know my will, and if you desire his happiness in this +respect, you will get him to turn the river where it can flow, for +through my territory it shall not pass." He turned, and hobbled away +with short quick steps, lifting the right foot higher than the left, +and grumbling to himself. + +An evil foreboding overshadowed those who remained; there was no more +joking and laughter and the house stood as though empty. They entered +without a word being said. The mother, who had overheard all from the +kitchen door, looked at Ovind sorrowfully, almost in tears, and would +not make matters harder for him by saying anything. The father sat down +in the window, and looked after Ole. Ovind watched for the slightest +change of expression on that grave and serious face, for on his first +word the destiny of the future might depend. If Thore should join Ole +in saying no, it would hardly be possible to overcome it. His +frightened thoughts bore him swiftly on from one obstruction to +another. He saw before him only poverty, opposition, and +misunderstanding, and each support that he had relied on seemed to give +way under the thought. It increased his anxiety that his mother stood +with her hand on the door-latch, uncertain whether to stay and see the +result or not, and that at last she quite lost courage and stole +quietly out. Thore was still staring out of the window, and Ovind dared +not speak to him, for he knew he must have his thought out. Just then, +his own thoughts having run their unhappy course, took courage again, +and, as he looked at his father's knitted brows, he thought: "None but +God can separate us in the end." Thore drew a long sigh, he rose, and +at the same time met his son's gaze. He stopped, and looked long at +him: "I should like it best if you could give her up, for one should +not either beg, or force oneself upon others; but if you cannot, you +must let me know, and perhaps I can help you." He went to his work, and +the son followed. + +In the evening Ovind had got his plan all ready. He would try to get to +be Agriculturist for the district, and would ask the principal and the +schoolmaster to help him. "If she will hold out, by God's help I shall +win her through my work." + +He waited in vain for Marit that evening, but whilst he waited he sang +the song he loved the best:-- + + + "Come lift your head up, my thoughtful lad, + If a hope from your heart be riven, + Another may brighten your tearful eye, + If you turn to the light of heaven! + + Come lift your head up, and look around, + Voices are kindly calling,-- + A thousand voices are bidding you come, + Softly their echoes are falling! + + Come lift your head up, for deep within + Lieth a fountain of blessing, + Tones of music are flowing free, + Love on your heart impressing. + + Come lift your head up, and gaily sing, + Nor fear for the coming morrow,-- + As the buds of the Spring return again, + So joy will come after sorrow. + + Then lift your head up, and courage take + In the hope around you springing, + From the blue above, to the green beneath, + To the world she ever is singing." + + + + + CHAPTER XI. + + GATHERING BERRIES. + + +It was in the middle of the noonday's rest; the people at Heidegaard +were asleep, the hay lay scattered about the field, and the rakes were +all stuck in the ground. The hay sledges stood outside the granary, and +the horses were grazing a little distance off. Except these, and some +hens that had strayed in the corn field, there was not a living thing +to be seen. + +The road from the farm to the rich grass fields of the Heidegaard +S[oe]ters,[2] lay through a mountain pass. Up in the pass a man stood +and looked down over the plain, as though expecting something. Behind +him lay a tarn, from which the beck flowed down, that had made the +cleft in the mountain. On both sides of the lake there were sheep walks +leading to the S[oe]ters, which he could see far in the distance. The +barking of dogs and the tinkling of bells resounded among the rocks; +the cows were rushing madly to the water, while the poor herdsmen and +the dogs sought in vain to gather them. The cows appeared in the most +wonderful shapes, with their tails in the air, kicking and plunging, +roaring and bellowing; making straight for the lake, where, to their +delight, they stood quite still, up to their necks in water; their +bells tinkling with each move of the head. The dogs drank a little, but +kept back on the dry land; the herdsmen came after, and seated +themselves on the warm smooth mountain side. Here they took out their +provision, exchanged with each other; praised each others' dogs, oxen, +and people; finally undressed and sprang in the water. The dogs +wouldn't go in, but drawled lazily about, hanging their heads, with +their tongues out on one side. There was no bird to be seen, no sound +to be heard save the voices of the lads and the tinkling of the bells; +the ling was burnt up and withered; the sun scorched the whole mountain +side, and the heat was intense. + +Ovind sat a long time in the hot sun, close to the beck that flowed +from the lake; he waited and waited, but still there was no one to be +seen at Heidegaard, and he began to be a little anxious, when suddenly +a great dog came panting out from a door, followed by a young girl in +summer attire; she sprang over the fields up towards the mountain. +Ovind felt a strong desire to halloo but dare not; he kept a look out +to see if any one should accidentally come out from the farm and see +her, but she escaped unobserved. At last she got near, picking her way +by the side of the brook, and helping herself on by the small bushes, +the dog a little before her, snuffing in the air. Ovind ran to meet +her, the dog growled and was hushed down, and as soon as Marit saw him +come, she seated herself on the Great Stone, looking fiery red, and +quite overpowered by the heat. He sat down beside her. + +"I'm so glad you've come." + +"How fearfully hot! Have you been waiting long?" + +"No.--As they watch us so in the evenings, we must take the mid-day; +but after this, I think we ought not to keep things so secret, and it +is just about this I wanted to speak to you." + +"Not secret?" + +"I know very well that it suits you best to keep everything secret, but +to shew courage suits you also. I have come to-day to talk a long time +with you, and now you must hear." + +"Is it true that you mean to try to be District Agriculturist?" + +"Yes, and I hope to succeed too. I have a two-fold object in +view,--first, to gain position; and secondly, to do something that your +grandfather can both see and understand. It happens most fortunately +that most of the farmers about Heidegaard are young people who wish to +make improvements and require assistance; they have also means at +command. So I shall begin there. I shall improve everything from the +smallest things to the greatest. I shall give lectures, and also work; +and so to say, lay siege to the old man by good deeds." + +"Well done, Ovind! What more?" + +"The next concerns ourselves,--you must not go away." + +"When he commands it?" + +"And keep nothing secret respecting us two." + +"When he tortures me?" + +"But we gain more, and protect ourselves better by having everything +open. We shall be just so much observed by people, that they will talk +of how much we care for each other, and they will the sooner wish us +well. You must not leave. There is danger for those who are separated +lest slander should come in between them; they believe nothing the +first year, but they begin little by little to be influenced the +second. We two must meet when we can, and laugh away all the ill report +they will set between us. We shall be able to meet at a dance now and +then, and swing merrily round while they sit by who calumniate us. We +shall meet at church, and talk to each other in the face of those who +wish us a hundred miles away. If any one writes a ditty about us, we +will see if we cannot write one in reply. No one can harm us if we keep +together and let people see it. All the unhappiness in love belongs +either to those who are afraid, or to those who are weak, or to those +who are ill, or to those calculating people who watch for certain +opportunities, or to those cunning people who at last suffer for their +own devices, or to those matter-of-fact people who don't care so much +for each other, that state and position can disappear; they steal +quietly away, and send letters, and tremble at a single word, and at +last take that constant restlessness and uneasiness for love; they feel +unhappy and dissolve away like sugar. Pooh, pooh! if they really cared +for each other they would have no fear, they would be light hearted, +they would not care who saw them. I have read about it in books. I have +seen it myself also; that is a poor love that goes round about. True +love must begin in secrecy because it begins in reserve and modesty, +but it must live in openness because its existence is joy. It is as in +the spring time, when the leaves begin to shoot, all that is withered +and dry falls off from the tree as soon as the new life begins. He who +falls in love leaves the useless toys he has held to before, the new +life springs, and then can no one see it? Hey, Marit! they will be glad +through seeing us glad. Two betrothed, who are true to each other, are +a benefit to the public, for they read them a poem which the children +learn by heart, to the shame of their calculating parents. I have read +of many instances, and there are rumours of such even here in the +district, and it is just the children of those who once caused all the +misery, that now speak of it and are moved by it. Well, now let us join +hands, and promise to be true to each other and we shall succeed." + +He was about to embrace her but she turned her head away, and slipped +down from the stone. As he remained sitting, she came back again, and +with her arms resting on his knees she stood there, and talked to him +as she looked up. + +"Listen now, Ovind, when he says I must leave, what shall I say?" + +"You must say no, straight out." + +"Oh dear! will that do?" + +"He cannot take and carry you out to the carriage." + +"If he doesn't do just that, there are many other ways in which he can +force me." + +"I do not think so. Obedience is certainly your duty so long as it is +not sin; but it is also your duty to let him know fully how hard it is +to you to obey in this case. I think when he hears that, he will +reconsider the matter; for at present, like most others, he believes it +to be only child's play. You must show him it is something more." + +"You may think he is not easy to do with; he watches me like a tethered +goat." + +"But you break the chain again and again in one day." + +"That is not true." + +"Yes, every time you secretly think of me, you break it." + +"Yes, that way, but are you certain that I think of you so often?" + +"Were it else, you would not be here now." + +"Oh! but you sent me a message to come." + +"But you came because your thoughts drove you." + +"Rather because it was a fine day." + +"You said just now it was too hot." + +"To go up the hill, yes; but down again?" + +"Then why did you come up?" + +"To be able to run down." + +"Then why are you not going?" + +"Because I wish to rest." + +"And talk to me about love?" + +"I couldn't deny you that pleasure." + +"While the little birds sang,"-- + +"And all were asleep;" + +"And the bells they rang,"-- + +"O'er the green wood's steep." + +Here they both saw Marit's grandfather come limping out on the farm, +and go to the bell string to ring the people up. The people came slowly +down from the out-houses, drawled sleepily to the horses and rakes, +scattered themselves in various parts of the field, and soon all was +life and work again. The grandfather only went out of the one house and +into the other, and at last up on to the top of the hay loft and looked +all round. A little lad came bounding up to him, apparently he had +called him. The boy went down in the direction of Pladsen, and the +grandfather, in the meantime, went round about the farm, often looking +up to the mountain, but little suspecting that the dark spot on the +"great stone" was Marit and Ovind. But again Marit's dog brought +misfortune, for seeing a strange horse drive into Heidegaard, he seemed +to think it part of his business to bark at the top of his voice. They +tried to quiet him, but he had got roused, and would not give over; the +grandfather stood below and stared straight up. But matters grew still +worse, for the sheep dogs hearing the voice of a stranger, ran up, and +seeing a great wolf-like champion, these straight-haired Finnish dogs +all united against him, and so frightened Marit, that she ran away +without even saying good-bye; while Ovind, in the midst of the battle, +kicked and struck, but only succeeded in driving the dogs further away, +for they soon found themselves another battle field; he after them +again, and so on, till at last they were close to the edge of the beck; +here Ovind rushed on them again, and got them all into the water, just +where it was really deep; and they crawled out, looking quite ashamed, +and going each his own way; so ended the fray. + +Ovind went straight over till he reached the high road, but Marit met +her grandfather a little above the farm, and the dog was to blame for +this. + +"Where have you been?" + +"Into the wood." + +"What have you been doing there?" + +"Gathering berries." + +"That is not true." + +"No, it isn't." + +"What did you do then?" + +"I was talking to some one." + +"Was it the peasant lad?" + +"Yes." + +"Listen now, Marit, you are going away tomorrow." + +"No." + +"Well, Marit, I will only say one single thing, you SHALL go." + +"You can't lift me into the carriage." + +"No? Can't I?" + +"No, because you won't do it." + +"Won't I? Listen, Marit, only for pleasure you see, only for pleasure, +I will give that raggamuffin a real good thrashing." + +"No, you daren't do that." + +"Don't dare? Do you say I dare not? Who could do anything to me, who?" + +"The schoolmaster." + +"The schoo--school--schoolmaster? Do you think he cares for him?" + +"Yes, it was he who sent him to the Agricultural School." + +"The schoolmaster?" + +"The schoolmaster!" + +"Listen now Marit, I will not have any more of this nonsense, you must +leave, you give me only sorrow and trouble, it was just the same with +your mother, only sorrow and trouble. I am an old man, and I wish to +see you well provided for, and I will not be talked about as a fool in +this matter; it is your own good that I have at heart, you may be sure +of that, Marit. I may soon be gone, and then you would stand there +alone; what would have become of your mother if it had not been for me? +Come now, Marit, be a good girl, and listen to what I say, I seek only +your own good." + +"No, you don't." + +"How? What do I seek then?" + +"To have your own way without any regard to mine." + +"You have a will of your own, have you, you young sea-bird? You think +you know your own good, do you, little fool? I shall let you taste the +birch rod, so tall and big you are. Now listen Marit, let me speak a +little kindly with you. You are not so bad at the bottom, but you are +deluded. You must attend to what I say, I am old and experienced. I am +not so well off as people think, a poor cageless bird could soon fly +away with the little I have; your father dived hard into it. No, let us +take care of ourselves in this world, it is not better worth. It is all +very well for the schoolmaster to talk, for he has money himself, and +the priest too, they can afford to preach; but with us, who must work +for our living, it is quite a different thing. I am old, and have gone +through much; I can tell you, love is nice enough to talk about, and +may do very well for the clergy and such, but it won't do for the +peasantry, they must look at it in another light. First subsistence you +see, then religion, then a little schooling, then a little love if it +so falls in; but I tell you it is no use to begin with love and end +with victuals. What have you to say now Marit?" + +"I don't know." + +"You don't know?" + +"Yes, but I do." + +"What then?" + +"Must I say?" + +"Yes, of course you must." + +"I am bound up in this love." + +He stood a moment amazed, then, remembering the many similar +conversations leading only to the same end, he shook his head, turned +his back and went. + +He vented his wrath on the men, abused the girls, beat the great dog, +and nearly frightened the life out of a little hen that had strayed in +the field, but to Marit he said nothing. + +That evening Marit was so happy when she went up stairs to bed, that +she opened her window, looked out, and sang. She had got a fine little +book from Ovind, and in it was a fine little love song,--this she +sang:-- + + + Do you love me true, + E'en as I love you, + All the livelong happy day;-- + The summer quickly flies, + The leaf and blossom dies, + But to come again we say. + + What you said before, + Comes to me o'er and o'er, + Like a small bird in a tree,-- + Flutters his tiny wings, + Nestles himself and sings, + Merrily chirping, happy and free. + + Litli, litli, lu, + Do you hear me, you, + Laddie from the birch hedge under? + Darkness falleth fast, + Daylight soon is past, + Who's to guide me home I wonder! + + Garry, garry, giss, + Sang I of a kiss? + Nay, my love, that ne'er can be,-- + Do you say you doubt it? + Think no more about it, + I shall slip away you see. + + Oh, goodnight, goodnight, + Dreamland seems so bright, + Whispering of your blue eyes true,-- + Of the little silent word, + Once, you know, I overheard, + Oh, it was so rash of you! + + See, I shut the door, + Do you want me more? + Echoes falling on mine ear, + Ticing and laughing free, + Do you want more with me? + The night is so mild and clear. + + + + + + CHAP. XII. + + THE OLD MAN GETS HIS OWN WAY. + + +A few years have passed since the last scene. It is in the Autumn; the +schoolmaster is coming towards Heidegaard; he opens the outside door, +finds nobody at home, goes further in, still nobody there, till he +comes to the innermost room;--there sits Ole Nordistuen in front of his +bed, gazing at his hands. + +The schoolmaster salutes him, and is welcomed; takes a stool, and seats +himself in front of Ole. + +"You have sent for me." + +"Yes, I have." + +The schoolmaster looks round, takes a book that is lying on the sofa +and opens it. + +"What was it you wanted with me?" + +"I am just thinking it over." + +The schoolmaster takes his time, brings out his spectacles to read the +title of the book, dries them, and puts them on. + +"You are getting old now, Ole." + +"Yes, it was just about that I wanted to see you; things go wrong, and +I shall soon be gone." + +"Then you should see that you are ready to go, Ole;" he shuts the book, +and sits looking at the binding. + +"It's a good book you have in your hand, there." + +"Yes, that's true;--have you often got beyond the fly leaf, Ole?" + +"Lately, yes--" + +The schoolmaster lays the book aside, and puts his spectacles by. + +"Things are not just as you would wish them now, Ole." + +"Nor have they been as far back as I can remember." + +"Well it was the same with me for a long time. I was not on good terms +with a friend of mine, I wanted him to come to me, and I was miserable; +at last I bethought me I would go to him, and since then I have been +happy." + +Ole looks up, but is silent. + +The schoolmaster: "How do you think the farm is doing, Ole?" + +"It is going backwards like myself." + +"Who will take it when you are gone?" + +"It is just this I don't know, and it troubles me." + +"Your neighbours are doing well, Ole." + +"Yes, they have the Agriculturist to help them." + +The schoolmaster turns towards the window, saying somewhat carelessly, +"You should have help too Ole, you can't walk much, and you know very +little of the new method." + +"Oh, there's no one who would help me!" + +"Have you asked anyone?" + +But Ole makes no reply. + +The schoolmaster: "It was long thus between myself and God. 'Thou art +not good to me,' I said to Him. 'Hast thou asked me to be so?' He +replied. No, I had not, then I prayed, and all things went on well." + +Ole is still silent, and now the schoolmaster is silent too. + +At last Ole says, "I have a grandchild she knows what it would please +me to see before I am borne away, but she does not do it." + +The schoolmaster smiles: "Perhaps it would not please her? There are +many things that trouble you, but so far as I can see, all the +difficulties centre at last on the farm." + +Ole replies feelingly: "Yes, it has passed from one generation to +another, and the soil is good. All that father after father has got +together, has been laid out there, and now things don't grow. Neither +do I know, when I am taken away, who shall come in my stead. He cannot +be of our kindred." + +"But there is your granddaughter.--" + +"But he who takes her, how will he manage the farm? This I long to know +before I die. There is haste Baard, both for me and the farm." + +After a pause, the schoolmaster said, "Shall we go out a little and +look at the farm, this fine day?" + +"Yes, let us go, I have labourers up there; they gather the leaves, but +they don't work except they see me." + +He hobbled for his great cap and stick, saying as he went, "They don't +like working for me, I don't know how it is." + +On coming out and turning the corner, he exclaimed, "Here you see, no +order; the wood scattered all over, the axe not stuck in the log." He +bent over with difficulty, took it up and slashed it in. + +"There, do you see that sheep skin fallen down, but has any one hung it +up?" He did it himself. + +"And there is the ladder out of place." He put it right, and turning to +the schoolmaster, said, "The same thing day after day!" + +As they went further they heard a lively song from the fields. + +"Hark! they are singing at work," said the schoolmaster. + +"No, it is little Knut Ostistuen who is singing; he is gathering leaves +for his father. It is over there my people are working, they are not +singing." + +"It is not one of the country songs, that?" + +"No, I hear it is not." + +"Ovind Pladsen has been a great deal in Ostistuen; it must be one of +those he has introduced; where he is, there is sure to be song." + +No reply. + +The field they went over was not in good condition, it wanted +attention. The schoolmaster remarked it, whereupon Ole stopped. + +"I cannot do any more," he said, almost in tears; "but it is hard to go +over such a field, you may be sure." + +As they began to talk again about the size of the farm, and what most +required attention, they concluded to go up the hill side, where they +could overlook the whole. When they had reached the place, and could +see the farm laid out before them, the old man was quite moved. + +"I should not like to leave it as it is. We have worked hard there both +I and my parents before me; but now nothing is to be seen of our +labour." + +Just then, right above their heads, there burst out a song, with that +peculiar sharpness that a lad's voice has when it is changing. They +were not far from the tree where little Knut Ostistuen was sitting, +pulling leaves for his father, and they listened to the song:-- + + + All along by copse and glade + Up the rocky mountain, + Thro' the pleasant birch wood's shade, + By the silver fountain. + Chase away each thought of care, + Gaily, gladly singing, + Through the pure and bracing air + Joyful echoes ringing. + + The birds salute from every tree, + They form a charming choir, + The air grows pure, and light, and free, + Higher up and higher. + So the thought of childhood's hours + To the memory rushes, + Recollections from the flowers + Peep with rosy blushes. + + Stay and listen;--it is good, + To thy heart appealing-- + The grand deep song of solitude, + Speaks to every feeling. + But a streamlet gurgling on, + But a small stone rolling, + Calls up forgotten duties gone, + Like a death knell tolling. + + Tremble, yes, but pray, poor soul + 'Midst thy saddest thinking;-- + Forward to the blesséd goal,-- + Keep thy heart from sinking. + There is Christ as once of old, + Elias too, and Moses; + When their glory ye behold, + Faith in joy reposes. + + +Ole had seated himself, and hid his head in his hands. + +"Let us talk together here," said the schoolmaster, and sat down by his +side. + + * * * + +Down at the little farm, Ovind had just returned from a long journey, +the chaise was still at the door, while the horses were resting. + +Although Ovind had now a good salary as District Agriculturist, he +still kept his little room, down at Pladsen, and assisted them in his +spare time. Pladsen was now under good cultivation from one end to the +other, but it was so small that Ovind called it "Mother's doll's play;" +for it was chiefly she who managed the farm. + +He had just dressed after his journey, and so had the father who had +come home white from the mill, and they were speaking of going out a +little before supper, when the mother came in looking quite pale: + +"Do look out, pray see the strangers coming to the house!" + +They both went to the window, and Ovind was the first to exclaim,-- + +"It is the schoolmaster, and,----yes, I do believe it is,----yes, it is +him!" + +"Yes, it is old Ole Nordistuen," said Thore, as he turned from the +window to avoid being seen, for they were close at hand. + +Ovind got a glance from the schoolmaster, as he retreated from the +window; Baard smiled and looked back at old Ole, who was labouring +along with his stick, and the small short steps, the one leg always +lifted higher than the other. From inside they could hear the +schoolmaster saying, "He has only just come home;" and Ole to repeat +twice, "Hm-hm." + +They waited a long time in the passage, the mother had gone to the +pantry where the milk stood, Ovind had his old place, his back leaning +against the great table, his face to the door, and the father sat by +his side. At last there came a knock, and in walked the schoolmaster, +and took his hat off, then old Ole, and took his cap off, but back he +turned to shut the door, and stood a long time, manifestly at a loss. +Thore rose, and bade them be seated; they sat side by side on the +window sill. Thore sat down again. + +Now thus was the matter settled. + +The schoolmaster: "We have had beautiful weather this Autumn." + +Thore: "Yes, it has taken up of late." + +"It will be sure to last so long as the wind remains in the same +quarter." + +"Are you ready with the harvest up there?" + +"No, indeed, Ole Nordistuen here, as perhaps you know, would like to +have your help, Ovind, if there's nothing in the way?" + +Ovind: "When I am requested, I shall be glad to do what I can." + +"Yes, but it wasn't only just for the present, he meant. He sees the +farm is not doing well, and he thinks it is the right method and +oversight that are wanting." + +Ovind: "I am so little at home." + +The schoolmaster looks at Ole, who feels that it is his turn to speak +now, he moves uneasily a few times, and then begins quickly and +abruptly: "It was, it is,--yes,--I thought you might stay,--that is, +you might live with us up there, be there, when you were not away on +your journeys." + +"I thank you very much for the offer, but I should prefer to stay where +I am." + +Ole looks at the schoolmaster, who explains: + +"Things seem in a muddle for Ole to-day; you see he was here once +before, and the recollection of it makes it rather awkward." + +Ole, quickly: "Yes, that's it, I went on like a fool, I was striving so +long with the girl, that the edge of the axe grew blunt. But byegones +shall be byegones. Rain brooks soon dry up. May snow does not last +long. It is not thunder that kills people." + +They all laughed, and the schoolmaster said, "Ole means that you must +forget the past, and you also, Thore." + +Ole looks, and does not know whether he dare begin again. + +Then Thore says, "A sharp cut mends sooner than a tear, and you will +find no scar upon me." + +Ole: "I did not know the lad that time. Now I see that things prosper +under his hand; Autumn answers to Spring; he has money at his finger +ends, and I should like to get hold of him." + +Ovind looks at his father, and he at the mother, she from them to the +schoolmaster, and at last all eyes were fixed upon him. + +"Ole means that he has a large farm--" + +Ole interrupts: "A large farm but ill cultivated;--I cannot do more, I +am old, and my feet refuse to obey my commands, but it would repay +anyone to have a pull up there." + +"The largest farm in the district, and no mistake!" says the +schoolmaster. + +"The largest farm in the district; that is just the misfortune, for +great shoes won't keep on; it is all right to have a good gun, but you +must be able to lift it." (With a quick glance at Ovind,) "You could +perhaps give me a lift could you?" + +"To manage the farm?" + +"Just so; you should have the farm." + +"Should I GET the farm?" + +"Just so; and so you would have the charge of it." + +"But?--" + +"Will you not?" + +"Yes, of course." + +"Yes yes, yes yes, then it is settled, said the hen, when she flew on +to the water." + +"But?----" + +Ole looks inquiringly at the schoolmaster. + +"Ovind wants to know if he is to have Marit?" + +Ole quickly, "Marit into the bargain, Marit into the bargain!" + +Ovind jumped up and laughed for joy, rubbed his hands, and ran about, +repeating continuously, "Marit into the bargain! Marit into the +bargain!" + +Thore laughed in deep chuckles; the mother sat up in the corner, with +eyes constantly fixed on her son, till the tears came. + +Ole, very eagerly: "What do you think of the farm?" + +"It's excellent soil!" + +"Excellent, isn't it?" + +"And matchless pastures!" + +"Matchless pastures! Will it carry through?" + +"It shall be the best farm in the district!" + +"The best farm in the district? Do you think so? Do you mean it?" + +"As true as I stand here." + +"Just as I said!" + +They both of them spoke equally quickly, and corresponded to each other +like a pair of wheels. + +"But the money, you see, the money? I have no money." + +"We shall get on slowly without money, but still we shall get on!" + +"We shall get on! To be sure we shall get on! But things would improve +much quicker if we HAD money you say?" + +"A very great deal quicker." + +"A great deal? We should have had money; yes, yes; but one can chew +without all one's teeth; he who drives only with oxen still gets on." + +The mother stood and winked at Thore, who often glanced up quickly at +her as he sat and rocked himself backwards and forwards, stroking his +hands down over his knees; the schoolmaster blinked at him. + +Thore cleared his throat a little, and tried to begin, but Ole and +Ovind were talking so incessantly, laughing and making such a noise, +that it was impossible for any one else to be heard. + +"Could you be quiet a little, Thore has something to say," breaks in +the schoolmaster, at which they stop and look at Thore. + +At last he begins in a low tone, "It has happened that at this place we +have had a mill, and of late years it has happened we have had two. +From year to year we have always had a penny or two from these mills; +but neither my father nor I have touched the money, excepting that time +Ovind was away. The schoolmaster had it in charge, and he says it has +prospered,--but now it is best that Ovind should get it for +Nordistuen." + +The mother stood in the corner, making herself quite little, as with a +face glowing with pleasure she gazed at Thore, who, on his part, sat +immoveable, and looking almost stupid; Ole Nordistuen sat in front of +him with gaping mouth; Ovind was the first to recover himself from the +surprise, and breaking out: "Good luck attends me!" went across the +room to his father, clapped him on the shoulder. "Oh father!" said he, +rubbed his hands, and went back again. + +"How much money will it be?" Ole asked at last, speaking in a low tone +to the schoolmaster. + +"Oh, not so very little." + +"A few hundred?" + +"More than that." + +"More than that? Ovind, more than that! Good gracious, what a farm it +will be!" He rose up and laughed aloud. + +"I must go up with you to see Marit," said Ovind, "we'll take the +chaise that is standing outside, and be quick there." + +"Yes, quick, quick! Do you, then, want everything quick?" + +"Yes, quick and rash." + +"Quick and rash! Exactly as when I was young, exactly!" + +"Here is your cap and stick, and now I'm going to turn you out!" + +"You turn me out, ha, ha, ha! But you are coming with me, really, are +you not? The others must come too; we must sit together tonight so long +as there is a spark in the embers, come along!" + +They promised. Ovind helped him up into the carriage, and they were off +to Nordistuen. The great dog was not the only one up there that was +astonished when Ole Nordistuen drove into the farmstead with Ovind +Pladsen. Whilst Ovind was helping him out of the carriage, and the +servants and laborers were staring with open mouths, Marit came out +into the passage to see what it was the dog was so incessantly barking +at; but when she saw, she stopped as though she were glued to the spot, +then grew desperately red, and ran in again. When old Ole got into the +room, however, he called out so terrifically to her, that she could do +no other than come forth again. + +"Go and get ready, child, here is the one that shall have the farm!" + +"Is it possible?" she exclaims almost without knowing it, and so loud +that it rang again. + +"Yes, it is possible!" answers Ovind, clapping his hands; thereupon she +swings round on one foot, tosses that she has in her hand far away, and +runs out; Ovind follows. + +The schoolmaster soon came with Thore and his wife; the old man had got +a lamp on the table, which was decked with a white cloth; he called for +wine and beer, and he, himself, went busily round and round, lifting +his legs even further up than usual, and still the right foot higher +than the left. + + * * * + +Before this little story is concluded, it may be told that five weeks +after, Ovind and Marit were married in Sognet's church. The +schoolmaster himself led the song that day, as the sexton was ill. His +voice was broken, for he was old, but Ovind thought it did him good to +hear him. And when he had given Marit his hand and led her up to the +altar, the schoolmaster nodded to him from the choir, just like Ovind +had pictured it, as he sat so depressed at that dance; he nodded back +again, while the tears would run down. + +Those tears at the dance were the forerunners of these here, and +between them lay his faith and his work. + +Here ends the story of Ovind. + + + + + + FOOTNOTES: + +[Footnote 1: The "Spring dance" and "Halling" are the national dances +of the country.] + +[Footnote 2: To those of our readers who have travelled in the +mountainous districts of Norway, the idea of the "S[oe]ters" is sure to +convey a romantic and pleasing impression, and though to others we fear +we cannot give a just representation of these strongholds of the +brownies, we may at least explain the meaning of the word. + +In the prospect of the long winter before them, the farmers are anxious +to cultivate as meadow every available spot of grass land in the +valley, and therefore during the summer months the cattle are sent to +graze up in the forests and on the mountain sides, where each farm has +its S[oe]ter usually several miles away from the farm itself. A part of +the family take up their residence in the small wooden house prepared +in the simplest way for their accommodation; a few plain wooden chairs +and a table may be all the furniture, but everything is scrupulously +clean, and here many a young girl may gain her first experience in +housekeeping and the superintendence of the dairy. + +Early in the morning, when the dewy freshness of the air gives life and +vigour to all around, the milkmaid will arise, and in clear beautiful +tones sing a song of the country, and gather the cattle around her, +giving to each a handful of salt, and calling them all by name. The +mountains rise on all sides, and her song is re-echoed from cliff to +cliff. Far in the distance amid the towering peaks, peep here and there +the deep crevasses filled with everlasting snow; the icy surface gives +a glacier-like appearance, and there you may see grand images of the +sun reflected like gigantic stars. + +The herdsmen up in the S[oe]ters play skilfully upon a curious wooden +instrument, peculiar to the country. This can be heard for miles, and +should any of the cattle have strayed from the rest, they are guided +back by the sweet sounds of the "Luur."] + + + + + + THE EAGLE'S NEST. + + + THE FATHER. + + + + + THE EAGLE'S NEST. + + +Endregaarden was the name of a small solitary hamlet, surrounded by +high mountains, from which flowed a broad river that divided the flat +and fertile valley in two. + +The river ran into a lake that lay close to the hamlet, and from this +spot there was a beautiful prospect. Once there came a man rowing over +Endre Water; his name was Endre, and it was he who had first settled in +the valley, and his kindred who now lived there. Some said he had +decamped hither for murder's sake, and it was therefore his descendants +were so dark; others said it was due to the mountains, that shut out +the sun at five o'clock on midsummer day. + +Over this hamlet there hung an eagle's nest from the projecting cliffs +up in the mountain, and though all could see when the eagle was +sitting, the nest was quite out of reach. The male bird sailed over the +hamlet, pouncing now on a lamb, now on a kid, once he had also taken a +little child and borne away; therefore there was no security so long as +the eagle had her nest in this mountain fastness. + +There was a tradition among the people, that in the olden time, two +brothers had climbed up and destroyed the nest; but now there was no +one who could do it. + +When two met in Endregaarden, they would speak of the eagle's nest, and +look up. Every one knew what time in the new year the eagles had come +back, where they had pounced down and done mischief, and who had last +attempted to climb up. + +In the hope of one day being able to achieve the feat of the two +brothers, the lads, from quite small boys, would practise themselves in +climbing trees and cliffs, wrestling, &c. + +At the time of which we now speak, the first lad in Endregaarden was +not of the Endre kin; his name was Leif, he had curly hair, and small +eyes, was clever in all play, and fond of the gentler sex. He said very +early of himself, that one day he would reach the eagle's nest, but +people intimated he had better not have said it aloud. + +This tickled him, and before he was of full age, he went aloft. It was +a clear Sunday morning in the early summer; the young birds would +scarcely be hatched. The people gathered in a crowd under the mountain +to see; old and young alike advising him against the attempt. + +But he listened only to the voice of his own strong will, and waiting +till the eagle left her nest, he made one spring and hung in a tree +several yards from the ground. It grew in a cleft, and up this cleft he +began to climb. Small stones loosened from under his feet, and the soil +and gravel came tumbling down, otherwise it was quite still, save the +sound of the river from behind with its subdued and ceaseless sough. + +He soon reached that part where the mountain began to project, and here +he hung by one hand, groping with his foot for a hold; he could not +see. Many, especially women, turned away, saying he would not have done +this if his parents had been living. At last he found a footing, sought +again, first with the hand, then with the foot; he missed, slipped, +then hung fast again. They who stood below could hear each other +breathing. + +Then a tall young girl, who sat upon a stone apart from the rest, rose +up; they said she had promised herself to him from a child, although he +was not of the Endre kin, and her parents would never give their +consent. She stretched out her arms and called aloud, "Leif, Leif, why +do you do this!" Every one turned towards her; the father stood close +by and gave her a severe look, but she did not heed him. "Come down +again, Leif," she cried: "I, I love you, and there's nothing to be +gained up there!" + +One could see that he was considering, he waited a moment or two, and +then went further up. He found a firm footing, and for a time he got on +well; then he seemed to grow tired, for he often stopped. + +A small stone came rolling down, as though it were a forerunner, and +all who stood there must watch its course to the bottom. Some could not +bear it longer, and went away. The girl still standing high upon the +stone, wrung her hands and gazed up. Leif took hold again with one +hand; it slipped, she saw it distinctly; he made a grasp with the +other, it slipped also; "Leif!" she cried, so that it rang in the +mountain, and all the others joined in. "He's slipping!" they cried, +and stretched out their hands towards him, men and women. He continued +to slip with the sand, stone, and soil; slip, slip, faster, faster. The +people turned away, and then they heard a rustling and rattling on the +mountain behind them, and something heavy fall down like a great piece +of wet earth. When they looked round again, there he lay, torn and +disfigured. The girl lay on the stone; the father took her up and +carried her away. The lads, who had the most excited Leif to climb, +dared not now go near to help him, some could not even look at him; so +the old people had to come forward. The eldest of them said, as he took +him up, "Alas! alas! but,--" he added, "it is well there is something +hangs so high that every one cannot reach it." + + + FINIS. + + + + + THE FATHER. + + +Thord Overaas, of whom we are about to speak, was the wealthiest man in +the parish. + +His tall figure stood one day in the pastor's study: "I have got a +son," he said eagerly, "and I wish to have him baptised." + +"What shall he be called?" + +"Finn, after my father." + +"And his god parents?" + +They were named, being relatives of Thord, and the best men and women +in the district. + +"Is there anything else?" asked the pastor, and looked up. + +The farmer stood a minute; + +"I should like to have him baptised by himself," he said. + +"That is to say on a week day?" + +"Next Saturday, at twelve o'clock." + +"Is there anything else?" + +"Nothing else." + +The farmer took his hat, and moved to go. + +Then the pastor rose; "There is still this," he said, and going up to +Thord, he took his hand, and looked him in the face: "God grant that +the child may be a blessing to you!" + +Sixteen years after that day, Thord stood again in the pastor's study. + +"You look exceedingly well, Thord," said the pastor; he saw no change +in him. + +"I have no trouble," replied Thord. + +The pastor was silent, but a moment after: "What is your errand +to-night?" he asked. + +"I have come to-night about my son, who is to be confirmed to-morrow." + +"He is a clever lad." + +"I did not wish to pay the pastor, before I heard what number he would +get." + +"I hear that,--and here are ten dollars for the pastor." + +"Is there anything else?" asked the pastor, he looked at Thord. + +"Nothing else." Thord went. + +Eight years more passed by, and so one day the pastor heard a noise +without his door, for many men were there, and Thord first among them. +The pastor looked up and recognised him: "You come with a powerful +escort to-night." + +"I have come to request that the banns may be published for my son; he +is to be married to Karen Storliden, daughter of Gudmund, who is here +with me." + +"That is to say, to the richest girl in the parish." + +"They say so," replied the farmer, he stroked his hair up with one hand. + +The pastor sat a minute as in thought, he said nothing, but entered the +names in his books, and the men wrote under. + +Thord laid three dollars on the table. + +"I should have only one," said the pastor. + +"Know that perfectly, but he is my only child; will do the thing well." + +The pastor took up the money: "This is the third time now, Thord, that +you stand here on your son's account." + +"But now I am done with him," said Thord, took up his pocket book, said +good night, and went. The men slowly followed. + +Just a fortnight after this, the father and son were rowing over the +lake in still weather to Storliden, to arrange about the wedding. + +"The cushion is not straight," said the son, he rose up to put it +right. At the same moment his foot slipped; he stretched out his arms, +and with a cry fell into the water. + +"Catch hold of the oar!" called the father, he stood up and stuck it +out. But when the son had made a few attempts, he became stiff. + +"Wait a minute!" cried the father, and began to row. Then the son +turned backwards over, gazed earnestly at his father, and sank. + +Thord could scarcely believe it to be true; he kept the boat still, and +stared at the spot where his son had sunk, as though he would come up +again. A few bubbles rose up, a few more, then one great one, it +burst--and the sea again lay bright as a mirror. + +For three days and three nights the father was seen to row round and +round the spot without either food or sleep; he was seeking for his +son. On the morning of the third day he found him, and carried him up +over the hills to his farm. + +It would be about a year after that day, when the pastor, one autumn +evening, heard something rustling outside the door in the passage, and +fumbling about the lock. The door opened, and in walked a tall thin +man, with bent figure and white hair. The pastor looked long at him +before he recognised him; it was Thord. + +"Do you come so late?" asked the pastor and stood still before him. + +"Why yes, I do come late," said Thore, he seated himself. The pastor +sat down also, as though waiting; there was a long silence. + +Then said Thord, "I have something with me that I wish to give to the +poor,"--he rose, laid some money on the table, and sat down again. + +The pastor counted it: "It is a great deal of money," he said. + +"It is the half of my farm, which I have sold to-day." + +The pastor remained long sitting in silence; at last he asked, but +gently: "What do you intend to do now?" + +"Something better." + +They sat there awhile, Thord with downcast eyes, the pastor with his +raised to Thord. Then the pastor said slowly, and in a low tone: "I +think at last your son has really become a blessing to you." + +"Yes, I think so myself also," said Thord, he looked up, and two tears +coursed slowly down his face. + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Ovind, by Björnstjerne Björnson + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OVIND *** + +***** This file should be named 37727-8.txt or 37727-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/7/7/2/37727/ + +Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by Google Books + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Ovind + A Story of Country Life in Norway + +Author: Björnstjerne Björnson + +Translator: Silvert Hjerleid + Elizabeth Hjerleid + +Release Date: October 11, 2011 [EBook #37727] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OVIND *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by Google Books + + + + + +</pre> + + +<br> +<br> +<br> +<p class="hang1">Transcriber's Notes:<br> +1. Page scan source:<br> +http://books.google.com/books?id=f8QFAAAAQAAJ<br> +<br> +2. This volume includes three stories: "Ovind," "The Eagle's Nest," +and "The Father."</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h1>OVIND:</h1> +<br> +<h2>A Story of Country Life in Norway,</h2> +<br> +<br> +<h5>BY</h5> +<h2>BJÖRNSTJERNE BJÖRNSON.</h2> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h3>TRANSLATED FROM THE NORWEGIAN<br> +"EN GLAD GUT,"</h3> +<br> +<br> +<h5>BY</h5> +<h3>SIVERT AND ELIZABETH HJERLEID.</h3> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h3>LONDON: SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, AND CO.<br> +<span class="sc2">MIDDLESBROUGH: BURNETT AND HOOD.</span></h3> +<hr style="width:5%; color:black; margin-top:0px; margin-bottom:0px"> +<h5>1869.</h5> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>TRANSLATORS' PREFACE.</h2> + + +<p class="normal">In offering to the public our Translation of Ovind, we wish to say that +the work was commenced simply for the pleasure of it, and without any +view to publication; but having completed it, we have decided to follow +the advice of many of our friends who have read the book, and who think +it a pity to keep in manuscript the translation of a work so original +as this. It is therefore offered to the English reader, in the hope +that it will meet with the same success in this country that it has +done in others; for <span class="sc">Björnstjerne Björnson</span>, that singular man who seemed +so long destined to be distinguished for naught but foolish pranks as a +boy, and inaptitude at school and college, has won for himself high +literary honors, not only in his native land but throughout Northern +Europe. A restless nature, wandering in a wilderness of unfixed +purpose, he has repeatedly been on the point of giving himself up as +good for naught, until at last the sequestered valley, and the lowly +and quiet life of his home, broke upon his wondering eye, in forms he +had been seeking in that dreamy half-conscious instinct, which has so +often been the harbinger of greatness.</p> + +<p class="normal">The "Bonde," that sturdy aristocrat of a northern settlement, a man of +noble descent, a lord of his ground, and the mainstay of his country, +covering under the rugged garb of his matter-of-fact life, a heart that +beats warm with attachment to his fellow man, and an inborn pride, +nurtured by Saga memories and family traditions,--is <span class="sc">Björnson's</span> text, +and a text he handles well. His romances are true to nature, and the +sombre grandeur of his land inspires him with ideas which we meet with +only in his writings, and which are completely his own. There is a +weird light over his whole mind, reflected in his works, which does not +repel, but allures. In short, <span class="sc">Björnson</span>, of all men living, seems to +have entered most entirely into the life of his nation as it is in its +reality, the life which exists on the national traditions, customs, +thought, handed down from generation to generation.</p> + +<p class="normal">The story, which it has been our endeavour to translate as literally as +possible, is one of the author's earliest works. In the original the +chapters are without headings, but we have added them as more consonant +with English taste and custom. As the Norwegian title, "En glad Gut," +scarcely bears translation, we have given the name of the hero of the +story to the book. Thinking it would be acceptable to our readers, we +have added two of Björnson's shorter pieces, "The Eagle's Nest," and +"The Father."</p> + +<p class="normal">We should not feel to be doing <span class="sc">Herr Björnson</span> justice, if we spoke only +of his romances, and omitted to mention his success as a poet and +dramatist. In the drama he has mostly chosen for his subjects, scenes +in old Norwegian history, but his play entitled, "Mary Stuart," and +another of more general interest, "The newly-married couple," would +perhaps be better suited to the English reader.</p> + +<p class="continue"><span class="sc2">North Ormesby</span>,</p> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc2">Middlesbrough, October, 1869</span>.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> +<hr style="width:5%; color:black"> + +<h2>OVIND.</h2> +<br> +<h3><span class="sc">Chap. I.</span></h3> +<p style="text-indent:15%"><a name="div1Ref_01" href="#div1_01">The Lost Goat.</a></p> +<br> +<h3><span class="sc">Chap. II</span></h3> +<p style="text-indent:15%"><a name="div1Ref_02" href="#div1_02">At School.</a></p> +<br> +<h3><span class="sc">Chap. III</span></h3> +<p style="text-indent:15%"><a name="div1Ref_03" href="#div1_03">The Schoolmaster's Story.</a></p> +<br> +<h3><span class="sc">Chap. IV</span></h3> +<p style="text-indent:15%"><a name="div1Ref_04" href="#div1_04">Two Bright Buttons and One Black.</a></p> +<br> +<h3><span class="sc">Chap. V</span></h3> +<p style="text-indent:15%"><a name="div1Ref_05" href="#div1_05">A New Aim in Life.</a></p> +<br> +<h3><span class="sc">Chap. VI</span></h3> +<p style="text-indent:15%"><a name="div1Ref_06" href="#div1_06">Not Quite Fair.</a></p> +<br> +<h3><span class="sc">Chap. VII</span></h3> +<p style="text-indent:15%"><a name="div1Ref_07" href="#div1_07">A Voice from the Ridge.</a></p> +<br> +<h3><span class="sc">Chap. VIII</span></h3> +<p style="text-indent:15%"><a name="div1Ref_08" href="#div1_08">Be Sure that You Burn It.</a></p> +<br> +<h3><span class="sc">Chap. IX</span></h3> +<p style="text-indent:15%"><a name="div1Ref_09" href="#div1_09">Ovind Throws his Cap in the Air.</a></p> +<br> +<h3><span class="sc">Chap. X</span></h3> +<p style="text-indent:15%"><a name="div1Ref_10" href="#div1_10">Turn the River Where it can Flow.</a></p> +<br> +<h3><span class="sc">Chap. XI</span></h3> +<p style="text-indent:15%"><a name="div1Ref_11" href="#div1_11">Gathering Berries.</a></p> +<br> +<h3><span class="sc">Chap. XII</span></h3> +<p style="text-indent:15%"><a name="div1Ref_12" href="#div1_12">The Old Man gets his Own Way.</a></p> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<h2><a name="div1Ref_13" href="#div1_13">THE EAGLE'S NEST.</a></h2> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<h2><a name="div1Ref_14" href="#div1_14">THE FATHER.</a></h2> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>CHAP. I.</h2> + +<h3><a name="div1_01" href="#div1Ref_01">THE LOST GOAT.</a></h3> + +<p class="normal">They called him Ovind, and he cried when he was born. But when he could +sit upon his mother's lap he smiled, and when they lit the candle in +the dusk, he laughed and laughed again, but cried when he couldn't come +to it.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This child will be something rare," said the mother.</p> + +<p class="normal">There, where he was born, the wild rocks overhung. From the top of the +ridge, the firs and birch looked down upon the cottage; the bird cherry +strewed its flowers on the roof. And up on the roof grazed Ovind's +little goat; they kept him there that he mightn't stray, and Ovind +gathered leaves and grass for him. One fine morning the goat leapt +down, and skipped among the rocks, away where he had never been before. +When Ovind came out in the afternoon, the goat was gone. He thought at +once of a fox, and grew hot and listened--"Billy, Billy, Billy, Bil-ly +goat!" "Ba-a-a!" he answered up from the ridge, laid his head to one +side, and looked down.</p> + +<p class="normal">By the side of the goat sat a little girl. "Is the goat yours?" said +she.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind stood with open eyes and mouth, and stuck both his hands in his +pocket. "Who are you?" said he.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am Marit, my mother's pet, my father's darling, the fairy in the +house, granddaughter to Ole Nordistuen at Heidegaard, four years old in +Autumn, two days after the frosty nights!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh! are you that!" said he, as he drew a long breath, for he had not +stirred while she spoke.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is the goat yours?" said the little girl again.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why, yes," said he, and looked up.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have taken such a fancy to this goat;--you won't give it to me?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, that I won't."</p> + +<p class="normal">She twisted herself, looked down upon him, and said: "But if I give you +a butter biscuit, can I get the goat?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind was of poor folk, he had only eaten butter biscuit once in his +life, that was when his grandfather came, and the like he had never +tasted before or since. "Let me first see the biscuit," said he.</p> + +<p class="normal">She held up a large one--"Here it is!"--and tossed it down.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh! it's broken!" said the boy, and he carefully gathered up every +crumb;--the smallest bit he must taste, and it was so good that he must +take just another, and another, till before he knew it, the whole +biscuit was gone.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Now the goat is mine," said the little girl.</p> + +<p class="normal">The boy stopped with the last bit in his mouth. The girl sat and +smiled, the goat standing by her side, with his white breast and dark +brown shaggy hair.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Couldn't you wait for a while?" begged the boy, and his heart began to +beat.</p> + +<p class="normal">Then the little girl laughed the more, and rose up on her knees. +"No--the goat is mine," said she, and threw her arm round his neck, +untied her garter, and bound it round.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind looked on. She rose and began to pull at the goat, but he +wouldn't go, and stretched his neck over towards Ovind. "Baa-a," said +he. She took hold of him by the hair with one hand, and drawing the +cord in with the other, said coaxingly,--"Come now, goaty, come, you +shall come to the kitchen and I'll give you nice milk and bread,"--then +she sang:</p> +<div class="poem2"> +<p class="t4"> +"Come calf from my mother,<br> +Come goat from the lad,<br> +Come pussy mew kitty,<br> +Oh! I am so glad!<br> +Come ducklings so yellow,<br> +Go each with your fellow,<br> +Come chickens and run,<br> +Haste to join in the fun,<br> +Come little doves cooing,<br> +Your feathers are fine--<br> +The grass may be wet,<br> +But the sun will still shine,</p> +<p class="t0">Early, early, early, in the summer sky,<br> +Calling unto autumn that her days are nigh!"</p> +</div> + +<p class="normal">There stood the boy. He had tended the goat since winter when he was +born, and the idea of losing him had never entered his mind, but now he +was gone all in a minute, and he should never see him more.</p> + +<p class="normal">The mother came singing up from the well. She saw the boy sitting in +the grass crying, and went over to him. "What are you crying for?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh! the goat,--the goat."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, where is the goat?" said the mother, as she looked up to the +roof.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He won't come any more!" said the boy.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Dear, how can that be?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind wouldn't tell about it.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Has the fox taken it?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh! I wish it was the fox!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Now what have you been doing?" said the mother. "Where is the goat?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh! oh! oh!... I ... I ... sold the goat for a biscuit!"</p> + +<p class="normal">Just as he said the words, he felt what it was to sell the goat for a +biscuit, he had not thought about it before. The mother said, "And what +do you say now the little goat thinks of you, that you could sell him +for a biscuit?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Now the boy fully understood it, and he felt sure he could never more +be happy here,--not even with God, he thought again.</p> + +<p class="normal">He felt so grieved, that he made an agreement with himself that he +would never do wrong any more,--he wouldn't cut the spinning thread, +and he wouldn't lose the sheep, nor go down to the sea alone. And as he +lay, he fell asleep, and dreamt that the goat had gone to heaven; the +Lord sat there with a great beard as in the catechism, and the goat +stood and nibbled the leaves from a shining tree, but Ovind sat alone +upon the roof and couldn't come up.</p> + +<p class="normal">Suddenly he felt something wet against his ear, and started up. +"Ba-a-a!" it said. It was the goat come back again.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh, are you come again!" He sprang up, took both the goat's forelegs, +and danced with him as a brother; he pulled him by the beard, and was +just going in with him when he heard something behind, and turning, he +saw the little girl sitting on the greensward. Now he understood it, +and let the goat loose. "Is it you who have brought him back?"</p> + +<p class="normal">She sat and pulled the grass up. "They wouldn't let me keep him. My +grandfather's up there waiting."</p> + +<p class="normal">Just then they heard a shrill voice calling,--"Now!" Then she +remembered what she had to do. She rose and went to Ovind, put one hand +in his, looked down, and said: "Forgive me." But then her courage +failed her; she cast herself over the goat, and wept.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You shall keep the little goat," said Ovind, and turned away.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Be quick!" said the grandfather up from the hill.</p> + +<p class="normal">Marit rose and walked slowly on.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You've forgotten your garter," cried Ovind.</p> + +<p class="normal">She turned herself, looked first on the garter and then on him, and at +last mumbled--"You can keep that."</p> + +<p class="normal">He went and took her by the hand,--"Thank you!" he said.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh, nothing to thank me for," she replied, heaved a deep sigh, and +went away.</p> + +<p class="normal">But Ovind wasn't so happy with the goat as he had been before.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>CHAP. II.</h2> + +<h3><a name="div1_02" href="#div1Ref_02">AT SCHOOL.</a></h3> + +<p class="normal">By the cottage side the goat was tethered, but Ovind was looking up +towards the hill. His mother came and sat by him; he wished to hear +stories about things far away, for the goat could no longer satisfy +him. So he was told how once all things could speak,--the mountain +spoke to the brook, and the brook to the river, and the river to the +sea, and the sea to the sky; but then he asked if the sky spoke to +nothing,--yes, the sky spoke to the clouds, and the clouds to the +trees, and the trees to the grass, and the grass to the flies, and the +flies to the animals, and the animals to children, and children to old +people, and so it went again and again, and round and round, and no one +knew who began. Ovind looked on the mountain, the trees, the sea, and +the sky, and had in reality never seen them before. The cat came out +and laid herself on the doorstep in the sun. "What does pussy say?" +said Ovind, and pointed. The mother sang:</p> +<div class="poem2"> +<p class="t0" style="text-indent:-6px">"Softly the sun sheds his evening rays,<br> +Idly the cat on the doorstep lays.</p> +<p class="t4" style="text-indent:-6px">'Two little wee mice,<br> +Some cream from a cup,<br> +And a dainty fish slice<br> +Have I eaten up,--<br> +And I feel too lazy to stir,<br> +I can only sit here and purr,'<br> +Says the cat."</p> +</div> + +<p class="continue">The cock with all his hens passed by. "What does the cock say?" asked +Ovind, and clapped his hands. The mother sang:</p> +<div class="poem2"> +<p class="t0" style="text-indent:-6px">"Kindly the hen-mother spreads out her wings,<br> +Proudly the cock stands on one leg and sings,--</p> +<p class="t4" style="text-indent:-6px">'Up in the air with plumage grey,<br> +The wild goose swiftly his course may steer,<br> +But, in intellect tell me I pray<br> +Can he ever match with Sir Chanticleer!<br> +Come, come my hens, to rest, to rest--<br> +Soon will the sun sink down in the west,'<br> +Says the cock."</p> +</div> + +<p class="normal">Two little birds sat and sang up on the roof. "What do the little birds +say?" asked Ovind, and laughed.</p> +<div class="poem2"> +<p class="t4" style="text-indent:-6px"> +"'Oh! how pleasant and sweet is life<br> +Free from the turmoil of constant strife,'<br> +Say the little birds."</p> +</div> + +<p class="normal">And so he got to hear what all things said, even down to the ant that +crept through the moss, and the worm that bored in the bark.</p> + +<p class="normal">The same summer his mother began to teach him to read. He had often +wondered how it would be when the books began to talk, and now all the +letters were animals, birds, or anything else he thought of; but soon +they began to go together two and two; A stood and leaned against a +tree, and called to B, then E came and did the same, but now there were +three or four together, and it seemed as if they disagreed,--the +further he went the more he forgot what they were. He could remember A +the longest, for he liked it the best, it was a little black lamb and +was friends with everybody; but soon he forgot A too. The book had no +stories, but was simply lessons.</p> + +<p class="normal">One day his mother came in, and said to him "To-morrow the school +begins again, and I shall take you there to the farm." Ovind had heard +that the school was a place where little boys played together, and he +had nothing to say against it. He was delighted, and ran on before his +mother up the hill, full of glee and expectation. They reached the +school-house, and a busy hum greeted their ears, like the sound of the +water mill at home. He asked what it was. "It is the children reading," +she said: then he was pleased, for he had read that way himself before +he knew his letters. When he came in there were as many children +sitting round the table as he had ever seen at church. Others sat on +their dinner tins round the room, and some stood in small groups before +a black board. The schoolmaster, an old grey-headed man, sat on a stool +by the fire filling his pipe. When Ovind and his mother entered, they +all looked up, and the murmur ceased, as if the mill stream were +suddenly dammed. The mother said "Good morning," and shook hands with +the schoolmaster.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Here I come with a little boy who will learn to read," said the +mother.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What's the bairn's name?" said the schoolmaster, as he delved in his +pouch for the tobacco.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ovind," said the mother; "he knows his letters and a few short words."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh! indeed!" said the schoolmaster. "Come here you little white head!"</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind went to him, the schoolmaster lifted him on to his knee, and took +off his cap. "Here's a nice little lad!" said he, and stroked his hair.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind looked up in his face and smiled.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is it me you're laughing at?" and he frowned.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, that it is," replied Ovind, and laughed aloud. Then the +schoolmaster laughed also, and the mother, so the children saw they +might join, and they all laughed together.</p> + +<p class="normal">This was the way in which Ovind entered the school.</p> + +<p class="normal">When he had to take his seat each one wanted to make room for him, but +he stood looking round and round, from side to side, with his cap in +his hand and his book under his arm, while they whispered and pointed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What then?" said the schoolmaster, and he took his pipe again.</p> + +<p class="normal">As the boy turned round to the schoolmaster he caught sight of Marit +with the many names, sitting on a little red painted box in the chimney +corner: she hid her face in both her hands and sat and peeped at him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I'll sit here!" said Ovind quickly, hopped across the room, and set +himself down by her side. Now she lifted her arm and looked at him from +under her elbows; then he did the same. This went on till they all +laughed again.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Be quiet, you naughty, troublesome, giggling gewgaws!--Come be good +little children now!"</p> + +<p class="normal">It was the voice of the schoolmaster, who, if he stormed, was sure to +be calm before he finished.</p> + +<p class="normal">The children were soon quiet again, until each began to con his lesson +aloud. Then the treble voices sounded high, while the bass drummed +louder and louder to overpower them, and one and another chimed in +between, till Ovind thought he had never had such fun in all his days.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is it always like this?" he whispered to Marit.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, it's always like this," she said.</p> + +<p class="normal">By and bye they had to go up to the schoolmaster to read, then a little +boy was set to hear them, and they soon found a chance to slip back to +their corner again.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I've got a little goat now, too," said Marit.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Have you?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, but it's not so nice as yours."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why haven't you come up oftener to the ridge?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Grandfather was afraid lest I should fall down."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But it isn't so high."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Grandfather won't let me come though."</p> + +<p class="normal">"My mother knows so many songs," said Ovind.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh! so does grandfather."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, but not the same as mother sings."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Grandfather knows a dancing song!--Will you hear it?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh yes!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then come further away so that the schoolmaster shan't see us."</p> + +<p class="normal">He came quite close to her, and she said the song over and over again, +till he knew it by heart, and this was the first that he learnt at the +school,--</p> +<div class="poem2"> +<p class="t4" style="text-indent:-6px">"Dance! cried the fiddle<br> +In tuning the strings,<br> +Then suddenly upsprings<br> +A youth and cries 'Ho!'</p> +<p class="t0"> </p> +<p class="t4">'Hey!' said Erasmus,<br> +Embracing fair Randi,<br> +'Come hasten to give me<br> +The kiss that you owe!'</p> +<p class="t0"> </p> +<p class="t4">'Nay,' answered Randi,<br> +But slipped away shyly,<br> +And nodding, said slyly,<br> +'From that you may know!'"</p> +</div> + +<p class="normal">"Up youngsters," cried the schoolmaster, "this is the first day +at school, and you may go early, but now we must have prayers +and singing." Up rushed the children, laughing and talking and +scampering over the floor. "Silence! you little good-for-nothing +chatter-boxes,--be good and walk nicely over the floor my children!" +said the schoolmaster, whereupon they quietly took their places, the +schoolmaster went in front and said a short prayer, and then they sang. +He led in a deep bass voice, and all the children stood with folded +hands. Ovind and Marit stood near the door--they also folded their +hands, but they could not sing. So ended the first day at school.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>CHAP. III.</h2> + +<h3><a name="div1_03" href="#div1Ref_03">THE SCHOOLMASTER'S STORY.</a></h3> + +<p class="normal">Ovind grew, and became a promising lad. At school he was always among +the first, and at home he was industrious, for at home he loved his +mother and at school the schoolmaster. He did not see much of his +father, who was either away fishing or else attending to the mill.</p> + +<p class="normal">That which at this time had the most influence over his mind, was the +history of the schoolmaster, which his mother told him one night as +they sat over the log fire. It entered his books, it peeped out of +every word the schoolmaster said, and crept stealthily round the +school-room when all was still. It made him obedient and respectful, +and, as it were, enlarged the powers of his mind. The story ran +thus:--The schoolmaster's name was Baard, and he had one only brother +called Anders. They were much attached to each other, they enlisted +together, served in the same company, were together in the war, and +were both made corporals; and, when after the war they returned home, +they were looked upon by everybody as two brave fellows.</p> + +<p class="normal">Soon after this their father died, leaving a good deal of property not +easy to divide. To overcome the difficulty, they resolved to have an +auction sale, when they could share the profits, and each could buy +those things he liked best. Now the father had left a large gold watch, +known through all the country side, for it was the only gold watch the +people there had ever seen. When this watch was put up at the sale +there were many bids, until both the brothers began, and then others +ceased. Now Baard expected that Anders would let him have the watch, +and Anders thought the same of Baard. When the watch had come up to +twenty dollars, Baard thought it wasn't nice of his younger brother, +and he bid again until it was near thirty, but Anders would not give +in. Then Baard said forty dollars at one bid, and looked no longer at +his brother. There was a deep silence in the room, broken only by the +auctioneer quietly naming the last bid. Anders thought that if Baard +could afford to pay forty dollars, he could do it equally as well, and +if Baard would not let him have the watch, he should pay dearly for it, +so he bid higher. Then Baard laughed--"A hundred dollars and my +brotherhood into the bargain," he said, and went out. A moment after, +as he saddled his horse, one came out and said to him, "The watch is +yours; Anders gave in." As he heard this, a deep pang shot through +him,--he thought of his brother and not of the watch. The horse was +saddled, but he seemed uncertain whether to ride or not. Just then many +of the people came out, and Anders among them, who, seeing Baard with +his horse ready saddled and little dreaming of his real thoughts, +called out aloud,--</p> + +<p class="normal">"Thank you, Baard, you shall never see the day when I come in your way +again!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Nor you the day when I set foot on this farm," retorted Baard, pale as +death, as he swung himself into the saddle.</p> + +<p class="normal">Neither of them ever trod again upon the threshold of their father's +house.</p> + +<p class="normal">Soon after this Anders got married, but Baard was not invited to the +wedding.</p> + +<p class="normal">During the same year, Anders' only cow was found dead close to his +house, and no one could tell how it happened. One misfortune followed +another, and everything seemed to go wrong; at last, in the middle of +the Winter, his hay loft and everything in it was burnt to the ground, +and it could not be found out how the fire originated. "Some one who +wishes me evil has done this," said Anders, and he wept. He was now +reduced to poverty, and all his energy for work was gone.</p> + +<p class="normal">The next evening Baard appeared at his brother's house; Anders was +lying down, but sprang up at the unexpected sight.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What do you want here?" said he, then stood fixedly gazing at him.</p> + +<p class="normal">Baard waited a little before he answered, "I came to help you, Anders; +you are in trouble."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Things have gone with me as you would have them, Baard! Go, or I +cannot restrain myself."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are mistaken, Anders, I regret ..."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Go Baard, or we are both victims!"</p> + +<p class="normal">Baard retreated a few steps, then in a trembling voice he said,--"If +you would like the watch you shall have it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Go, Baard!" screeched the other, and Baard went.</p> + +<p class="normal">Now with Baard things had been thus:--Finding his brother fared so ill, +his heart was softened, but pride held him back. He felt a desire to go +to church, and there he made good resolutions, but failed in carrying +them out. He often went so near that he could see the house, but either +some one came out at the door, or there was a stranger, or Anders stood +and chopped wood,--there was always something in the way. But one +Sunday in the Winter, he again went to church, and Anders was there +too. Baard saw him, he looked very pale and thin, and he wore the same +clothes he had done when they lived together, but now they were old and +worn. During the sermon he looked up at the pastor, and Baard thought +he seemed good and kind, and he remembered their childhood's years and +what a good lad he had been.</p> + +<p class="normal">Baard himself went up to the altar that day, and he made the solemn +promise before God, that he would be reconciled to his brother cost him +what it might.</p> + +<p class="normal">This resolution took hold of him in the same moment as he drank of the +wine, and when he rose he meant to go and sit by his brother, but some +one was in the way, and Anders did not look up. After service there +were also hindering things,--there were so many people,--his wife +walked beside him, and Baard did not know her; he thought it would be +best to go home to him alone, and talk openly with him.</p> + +<p class="normal">When evening came, he went. As he reached the room door, he listened, +and heard his own name mentioned; it was by the wife.</p> + +<p class="normal">"He came up to the altar to-day," said she, "he was certainly thinking +of you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, he never thought of me," said Anders, "I know him; he thought only +of himself."</p> + +<p class="normal">Then there was a long pause; Baard felt the sweat upon his brow, +although the night was cold. He heard the wife busy with the kettle; +the fire blazed and crackled, a little baby cried now and then, and +Anders rocked the cradle.</p> + +<p class="normal">Then she said these few words,--"I believe you both think of each other +without admitting it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Let us talk of something else," said Anders.</p> + +<p class="normal">Soon after, he rose and went towards the door; Baard hid himself in the +stick house, but just there Anders came to get wood. Baard crouched in +the corner, and could see him distinctly; he had doffed the poor +clothes he wore at church, and had taken instead the uniform he had +brought home from the war, the same as Baard's, and which they had +promised each other never to use, but to descend as heirlooms in the +family. Anders' was now all patched and torn. His strong well-built +body seemed enveloped in a bundle of rags, and at the same moment Baard +heard the gold watch ticking in his own pocket. Anders went to the spot +where the wood lay, but instead of taking it he stood and leaned +against the pile, and gazing up into the heavens, where the stars shone +bright and clear, he gave a sigh and said, "Yes,--yes,--yes,--my God! +my God!"</p> + +<p class="normal">So long as Baard lived these words sounded in his ears. He stepped +forward towards him, but just then his brother coughed, and it felt so +hard that he stopped. Anders took the bundle of wood, and passed so +close to Baard that the branches touched his face. There he stood, +without moving, till a cold shudder ran through him. This aroused him; +he went out, and confessed to himself that he was too weak to face his +brother, and he therefore resolved upon another plan. In the corner of +the stick-house he found a few pieces of charcoal; then he selected a +piece of fir wood for a torch, went up to the hay-loft, and struck +fire. When he had got the torch lighted, he sought for the nail where +Anders would hang his lamp when he came in the morning to thrash. On +this nail Baard hung the gold watch, blew out the light, and went +down;--he felt so light-hearted that he sprang over the snow like a +young lad.</p> + +<p class="normal">The day after, he heard that the hay-loft had been burnt down the same +night. Undoubtedly a spark must have fallen from his torch while he +turned to hang up the watch.</p> + +<p class="normal">This overpowered him so that he sat all day as though he were ill; then +he took the psalm book out and sang, so that the people in the house +could not think what was the matter. But in the evening he went out. It +was bright moonlight; he made his way to the ruins of the hay-loft, and +groped among the ashes. There, sure enough, he found a little lump of +gold;--it was the watch.</p> + +<p class="normal">It was with this in his hand, he went to his brother that evening as +before related, and sought for a reconciliation.</p> + +<p class="normal">A little girl had seen him groping among the ashes. He had also been +observed going towards the farm the foregoing Sunday evening; the +people in the house told how strangely he had behaved on Monday; +everybody knew that he and his brother were not on good terms, and he +was reported and brought up for trial. Nothing could be proved against +him, but suspicion rested on him, and now more than ever it seemed +impossible to approach his brother.</p> + +<p class="normal">Though Anders had said nothing, he had thought of Baard when the +hay-loft was burnt, and when the evening after, he saw him enter the +room looking so pale and strange, he at once concluded that now remorse +had struck him, but for such an offence, and against his own brother, +there was no pardon. On hearing the circumstantial evidence against +him, though nothing had been proved at the trial, he firmly believed +that Baard was guilty. They met each other at the trial, Baard in his +good clothes, and Anders in threadbare. Baard looked up as he went in, +with so imploring a glance that Anders felt it deeply. "He does not +want me to say anything," thought Anders, and when he was asked if he +believed his brother guilty, he answered clearly and decidedly, "No."</p> + +<p class="normal">From that day Anders took to drinking, and matters grew worse and worse +with him. With Baard it was little better, although he never drank; he +was not like himself.</p> + +<p class="normal">Late one evening a poor woman entered the little room where Baard +lived, and begged him to go with her. He knew her: it was his brother's +wife. He understood the errand she had come upon, turned deadly pale, +and followed without a word. There was a flickering light from the +window of Anders' room that served to guide them, for there was no +pathway over the snow. They reached the house and went in. On entering, +Baard felt at once that here reigned poverty; the room was close; a +little child sat on the hearth eating a piece of charcoal: its face was +black all over, but it looked up with its white teeth and grinned. +There on the bed, with all sorts of clothes to cover him, lay Anders, +thin and worn, with his clear high forehead, looking mildly upon him. +Baard trembled in all his limbs, he sat down on the bed foot, and burst +into tears. The sick man continued silently looking at him. At last he +told his wife to withdraw, but Baard signed to her to remain, and the +two brothers began to speak together. They related each his history, +from the day when they bid on the watch to the time they now met +together, and it was clearly shown that during all these years they had +never been happy for a single day. Baard finished by taking out the +little lump of gold, which he always carried about with him.</p> + +<p class="normal">Anders was not able to talk much, but as long as he was ill, Baard +continued to watch by his bedside. "Now I am perfectly well," said +Anders, one morning when he awoke,--"Now, my brother, we will always +live together as in the olden time!" But that day he died.</p> + +<p class="normal">Baard took the wife and the child to live with him, and they were well +cared for from that time. That which the brothers had said to each +other was soon known through the village, and Baard became the most +esteemed man among them. Everybody met him as one who had known great +sorrow and again found joy, or as one who had been long absent. Baard +felt strengthened by all this friendliness around him, he loved God +more, and felt a desire to be useful; so the old corporal became a +schoolmaster. That which he impressed first and last upon his pupils, +was love, and this precept was so exemplified in himself, that the +children were attached to him as to a play-fellow and father at the +same time.</p> + +<p class="normal">This was the story told of the old schoolmaster that had such effect +upon Ovind, that it became to him both religion and education.</p> + +<p class="normal">He looked upon the schoolmaster as a being almost supernatural, +although he sat there so familiarly and corrected them. Not to know his +lessons was impossible, and if, after saying them well, he got a smile +or a stroke of the head, he was glad and happy for the whole day. It +always made a strong impression upon the children when, before singing, +the schoolmaster would sometimes speak a little to them, and, at least +once a week, read aloud a few verses about loving your neighbour. As he +read the first of these verses his voice trembled, although he had now +continually read it for twenty or thirty years. It ran thus:--</p> +<div class="poem2"> +<p class="t0" style="text-indent:-6px">"Be kind to thy neighbour and scorn him not,<br> +Though virtue and beauty be all forgot,</p> +<p class="t2">And no light is seen from above;--</p> +<p class="t0">Remember he too has a soul to save,<br> +He must live again when beyond the grave,</p> +<p class="t2">Then forget not the power of love!"</p> +</div> + +<p class="normal">But when the whole of the piece was said, and he had stood still a +little while, he looked at them and blinked with his eyes,--"Up +children, and go nicely and quietly home,--go nicely, that I may hear +nothing but good of you, bairns!" Then, while they hastened to find +each his own things, he called out through the noise,--"Come again +to-morrow, come in good time, little girls and little boys, that we may +be industrious."</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>CHAP. IV.</h2> + +<h3><a name="div1_04" href="#div1Ref_04">TWO BRIGHT BUTTONS AND ONE BLACK.</a></h3> + +<p class="normal">Of his life, till one year before confirmation, there is not much to +relate. He read in the mornings, worked in the afternoons, and played +in the evenings.</p> + +<p class="normal">As he was very lively the children of the neighbourhood sought his +company during play hours. Close to the farm lay a great hill, as +before mentioned, where, on a fine day, they assembled to drive their +sledges on the snow. Ovind was always master in the field: he had two +sledges, "Quick Trotter," and "Superior." The last he lent out, and the +first he used himself, taking Marit with him.</p> + +<p class="normal">The first thing Ovind did when he awoke in the morning, was to look out +and see if it was fine weather; if it was thick and misty, or he heard +it dripping from the roof, he dressed as slowly as if there was nothing +to be done that day. But on the contrary, and especially on holidays, +if it was sharp, cold, and clear weather,--his best clothes and no +work, the whole of the afternoon and evening free,--hey! he bounded out +of bed, was dressed like lightning, and could scarcely eat anything for +excitement. When afternoon came he sprang over the hill to the sledge +ground, and joined the party with a long shout that echoed from cliff +to cliff, and the sound died far away. Then he looked for Marit, and +when he found her there, he did not take much more notice of her.</p> + +<p class="normal">Now one Christmas the boy and the girl were both about sixteen or +seventeen years of age, and they were both to be confirmed in the +Spring. In Christmas week there was to be a grand party at Heidegaard, +where Marit's grand-parents lived, who had brought her up and educated +her. They had promised her this fête for three years, and now at last +they were obliged to fulfil their word. To this party Ovind was +invited.</p> + +<p class="normal">It was a dull evening, not a single star to be seen; it would probably +rain next day. There were great drifts of snow along the mountain side, +with here and there bare places, and again the groups of birch trees +standing isolated and conspicuous against the white back ground. The +farmstead lay in the middle of the fields on the mountain side, and in +the darkness the houses looked like black clumps from which the light +streamed first from one window then from another. It seemed as though +they were busy inside. Old and young flocked thither from different +directions. No one liked to go in first; so when they reached the farm, +instead of going direct to the house, they loitered about the +outbuildings. Some hid behind the cattle shed, a few under the granary, +some stood beside the hay-loft and imitated foxes, while others replied +in the distance as cats; one stood behind the bakehouse and howled +like an angry old dog, until there was a general chase. The girls came +by-and-bye in great numbers, accompanied by their younger brothers, who +would fain conduct themselves as grown-up men. The girls were very shy, +and when the older youths already assembled came out to meet them, they +ran away in all directions, and had to be brought in one by one. A few +there were who would not be persuaded to enter, till Marit came herself +and bade them. Now and then there also came a few who had certainly not +been invited, and whose intention had been simply to look on from +outside, but who, seeing the dancing, at last ventured in just for one +single turn. Marit invited those she liked best into the private +sitting room where her grandparents sat, and they fared exceedingly +well. Now Ovind was not of the number, and this he thought very +strange.</p> + +<p class="normal">The grand fiddler of the neighbourhood could not come until late, so +they had to content themselves with the old gardener, known by the name +of "Grey Knut." He could play four dances,--two Spring dances, a +halling,<a name="div2Ref_01" href="#div2_01"><sup>[1]</sup></a> and a waltz. When they tired of these, they made him vary +the hailing to suit a quadrille, and a Spring dance in the same way to +the mazurka polka.</p> + +<p class="normal">The party being at her grandfather's house, Marit was dancing nearly +all the time, and this the more drew Ovind's attention to her. He +wished to dance with her himself, and therefore he sat during one round +in order to spring to her side the moment the dance was done; and this +he succeeded in doing, but a tall, dark-looking fellow with black hair, +stepped suddenly forward;--"Away, child!" he cried, and pushed Ovind +that he nearly fell over Marit. Never before had he known such +behaviour,--never had any one been so unkind to him, and never had he +been called "Child!" in that contemptuous way. He blushed crimson, but +said nothing, and turned back to where the new fiddler, who had just +entered, had seated himself, and now tuned up. Every one stood still, +waiting to hear the first strong tones of "Himself;" they waited long +while he tuned the fiddle, but at last he began with a "Spring;"--the +lads stepped out, and, pair by pair, they quickly joined in the dance. +Ovind looked at Marit as she danced with the dark-haired man; he saw +her smiling face over the man's shoulder, and for the first time in his +life he felt a strange pang at his heart.</p> + +<p class="normal">He looked more and more earnestly at her, and it came forcibly before +him that Marit was now quite grown up. "And yet it cannot be," thought +he, "for she is still playing with us in the sledges." But grown she +certainly was, and the dark-haired man drew her to him at the end of +the dance; she loosened herself from his clasp but continued to sit by +his side.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind looked at the man: he wore a fine blue cloth suit, and fancy +shirt, and carried a silk pocket handkerchief; he had a small face, +deep blue eyes, laughing defying mouth; he was good looking. Ovind +looked long at him, and at last he looked at himself. He had got new +trousers for Christmas, which had much pleased him, but now he saw they +were only of gray homespun; his jacket was of the same material but old +and dark; his vest of common plaided cloth, also old, and with two +bright buttons and one black. He looked round and thought very few were +so poorly clad as he. Marit wore a black bodice of fine stuff, a brooch +in her necktie, and had a folded silk pocket handkerchief in her hand. +She had a little black head-dress fastened under the chin with broad +striped silk ribbons; she was red and white; she smiled, and the man +talked to her and laughed; the fiddler tuned up, and the dance must +begin again.</p> + +<p class="normal">One of his companions came and sat by him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why don't you dance, Ovind?" he said kindly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh! no!" said Ovind, "I don't look like dancing."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Don't look like dancing!" said his companion; but before he could get +further, Ovind interrupted him,--</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who is that in the blue cloth suit, dancing with Marit?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is Jon Hatlen; he has been at the Agricultural School, and is now +to take the farm."</p> + +<p class="normal">At the same moment Jon and Marit seated themselves.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who is that light-haired lad sitting there by the fiddler and staring +at me?" said Jon.</p> + +<p class="normal">Then Marit laughed and said, "Oh! that's the peasant's son at the +little farm."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind had always known that he was a peasant's son, but until now he +had never felt it. He felt now so insignificant, that in order to keep +himself up, he tried to think of everything that had ever made him feel +proud, from the sledge playing to the smallest word of commendation. +But when he thought of his father and mother sitting at home, and +picturing him happy and glad, he could scarcely refrain from tears. All +about him were laughing and joking; the fiddler thrummed close under +his ear; it seemed to darken before his eyes; then he remembered the +school with all his companions, and the schoolmaster who was so kind to +him, and the pastor, who, at the last examination, had given him a book +and said he was a clever lad; his father even, who sat by, hearing it +had given him a smile. "Be a good boy, Ovind," he could fancy he heard +the schoolmaster say, taking him on his knee as though he were still a +child. "Dear me, it is so small a matter, and in reality they are all +kind, it only looks as though they were not,--we two shall get on +Ovind, as well as Jon Hatlen, we shall get good clothes, and dance with +Marit, a fine room, a hundred people, smile and talk together, go to +church together, chiming bells, a bride and bridegroom, the pastor and +I in the vestry, all with gladsome faces, and mother at home, a large +farm, twenty cows, three horses, and Marit good and kind as at +school...."</p> + +<p class="normal">The dance over, Ovind saw Marit opposite to him, and Jon sat by her +side, his face close to hers; he felt again the sharp pain at his +heart, and it was as if he said to himself,--"Yes, I am not well."</p> + +<p class="normal">At the same moment Marit rose and came direct over to him. She bent +down to speak to him,--"You must not sit and stare at me in that way," +she said, "the people will notice it; now go and dance with some one."</p> + +<p class="normal">He did not answer, but looked at her, and the tears came into his eyes. +She had already turned to go, but observing it she stopped. She blushed +crimson, turned and went to her place, then turned again and took +another seat. Jon quickly followed her.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind rose and went out; he passed through the house, and sat down on +the steps of the adjacent porch, but did not know what he did it for. +He got up, but sat down again, for he would not go home, and thought he +might as well be there as anywhere else. He could not realise anything +of what had happened, and he would not think about it, neither would he +think of the future, it seemed so void.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But what is it that I am thinking of?" he asked himself half aloud, +and when he heard his own voice, he thought, "I can still speak; can I +laugh?" And he tried: yes, he could laugh, and he laughed louder and +louder, and then it seemed so curious to be sitting there quite alone +and laughing, that at last he laughed at himself.</p> + +<p class="normal">Now Hans his companion, who had been sitting by him in the +dancing-room, had come out after him,--"Bless me, Ovind, what are you +laughing at!" he exclaimed, and stopped in front of the porch.</p> + +<p class="normal">Then Ovind ceased. Hans remained standing, as if waiting to see what +would happen next. Ovind got up, looked carefully round, and then said +in a low tone,--"Now I will tell you, Hans, why I have been so happy +hitherto; it is because I have not really cared for anybody; from the +day we care for any one we are no longer glad;" and he burst into +tears.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ovind!" a voice whispered out in the garden; "Ovind!" He stood still +and listened; "Ovind!" it said again a little louder. It must be, he +thought.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes," he answered also in a whisper, dried his eyes quickly, and +stepped forth. Then he saw a woman's figure slowly approaching,--</p> + +<p class="normal">"Are you there?" said she.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes," he answered, and stopped.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who is with you?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Hans."</p> + +<p class="normal">Hans would go; but Ovind said "No! no!"</p> + +<p class="normal">She now came slowly up to them; it was Marit.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You went so soon away," she said to Ovind.</p> + +<p class="normal">He did not know what to reply. This made her feel embarrassed, and they +were all three silent. Then Hans gradually withdrew. The two now stood +alone, but they neither looked at each other nor moved. Then Marit said +in a whisper, "I have gone the whole evening with this Christmas fare +in my pocket for you, Ovind, but I have not been able to give it you +before." She then drew out some apples, a slice of yule cake, and a +little bottle of home-made wine, which she pushed to him and said he +could keep.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind took it. "Thank you," he said, and held out his hand; her's was +warm; he let it go quickly as if he had burnt himself.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have danced a great deal this evening."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have so," she replied; then added, "but you have not danced much!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, I have not!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why have you not?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ovind!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why did you sit and look at me so?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Marit!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why did you not like me to look at you?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"There were so many people."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have danced a great deal with Jon Hatlen this evening!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh! yes."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He dances well."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do you think so?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Don't you?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why yes!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I don't know how it is, but this evening I cannot bear to see you +dance with him, Marit!"</p> + +<p class="normal">He turned away; it had cost him much to say it.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I don't understand you, Ovind."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I don't understand it myself; it is stupid of me. Goodbye, Marit, now +I must go."</p> + +<p class="normal">He went a step without looking round; then she called after him,--"It +is a mistake that which you have seen, Ovind!"</p> + +<p class="normal">He stopped,--"That you are grown up is at least no mistake," said he.</p> + +<p class="normal">He did not say what she had expected, and therefore she was silent; but +at this moment she saw the light of a pipe before her; it was her +grandfather who had just turned the corner and now passed by. He stood +still. "Are you there, Marit?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who are you talking with?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ovind."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who did you say?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ovind Pladsen."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh J the peasant lad at the little farm!--Come in directly!"</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>CHAP. V.</h2> + +<h3><a name="div1_05" href="#div1Ref_05">A NEW AIM IN LIFE.</a></h3> + +<p class="normal">When Ovind awoke the next morning it was from a long refreshing sleep, +and happy dreams. Marit had been on the mountain and tossed grass down +upon him; he had gathered it up and thrown it back again; it went up +and down in a thousand shapes and colours, the sun stood high in the +heavens, and the whole mountain looked dazzling in its brightness. On +awaking, he looked round to see it all again; but then he remembered +the events of the day before, and the same acute stinging pain at his +heart returned. This will never leave me, he thought, and a feeling of +helplessness came over him, as though the whole future were lost to +him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have slept long," said his mother, as she sat by his side and +spun,--"Come now, and get your breakfast, your father is already in the +forest, hewing wood."</p> + +<p class="normal">It was as if the voice helped him; he got up with a little more +courage. It may be the mother remembered her own dancing time, for she +sat and hummed at her wheel whilst he took breakfast. This he could not +bear; he rose from the table and went to the window; the same heaviness +and indifference possessed him, but he sought to overcome it by +thinking of his work. The weather had changed, it was colder, and that +which yesterday threatened for rain fell to-day in wet sleet. He put on +his sailor's jacket and mittens, his gaiters, and a skin cap, then said +"Good morning," and took his axe on his shoulder.</p> + +<p class="normal">The snow fell slowly in great white flakes; he trudged laboriously over +the sledge hill to enter the forest from the left. Never before, either +Winter or Summer, had he passed over the sledge hills without some +joyful remembrance or happy thought. Now it was a lifeless, weary way; +he dragged through the wet snow, his knees were stiff, either from +dancing the day before or from lack of energy. He felt that the sledge +play was at an end for this year, and, therefore, for ever. Something +else he longed for, as he threaded his way among the trees where the +snow fell noiselessly; a frightened ptarmigan screamed and fluttered a +few yards off, and everything seemed to stand as though waiting for a +word that never was said. But what it was that he longed for he could +not exactly tell, only it was not to be at home, nor was it to be +anywhere else; it was not pleasure, nor work, it was something high +above or far away. Shortly after, it shaped itself into a definite +wish; it was to be confirmed in the Spring, and there to be number one. +His heart beat as he thought of it, and before he could hear the sound +of his father's axe among the branches, this desire had stronger hold +of him than any he had ever known since he was born.</p> + +<p class="normal">As usual his father did not speak many words to him; they both hewed, +and threw the wood together in heaps. Now and then they came into close +contact, and once Ovind let slip the unhappy words,--"A poor peasant +has much to endure!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"As much as others," said the father, spat on his hands, and took the +axe again.</p> + +<p class="normal">When the tree was felled, and the father dragged it to the heap, Ovind +remarked,--"If you were a rich farmer you wouldn't have to slave so."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh, well there'd be other things to trouble me then," he replied, and +worked away.</p> + +<p class="normal">The mother came up with their dinner, and they seated themselves. The +mother seemed in good spirits, she sat and hummed, and beat her feet +together to the time.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What will you be when you grow up, Ovind?" she said suddenly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh! for a peasant lad there isn't much to choose," said he.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The schoolmaster says you must go to the training school."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Can one go there free?" asked Ovind.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The school fund pays," answered the father whilst he was eating.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Would you like it?" asked the mother.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I should like to learn something, but not to be schoolmaster."</p> + +<p class="normal">They were all three silent awhile, she hummed again, and looked round. +Ovind went away and sat by himself.</p> + +<p class="normal">"We don't need to take from the school fund," said she, when the lad +was gone.</p> + +<p class="normal">Her husband looked at her: "Poor people like us!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I don't like, Thore, that you should always give yourself out for poor +when you are not so."</p> + +<p class="normal">They both of them peeped to see whether the lad could hear them where +he sat.</p> + +<p class="normal">Then the father looked sharply at her. "Nonsense! you don't understand +things."</p> + +<p class="normal">She laughed, then said seriously, "It seems like not thanking God that +we have got on well."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He can be thanked without wearing silver buttons," observed the +father.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, but to let Ovind go as he went yesterday to the dance is not to +thank Him."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ovind is a peasant lad."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yet he may dress decently when we can afford it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Say it so that he can hear it!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"He can't hear, or else I should have a good mind to do it," she said, +looking naively at her husband, as he glumly put his spoon away and +took out his pipe.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Such a poor farm we have," said he.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I can't help laughing at you, you always talk of the farm and never +speak of the mills!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh dear! you and the mills; I don't think you care whether they go or +not."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, thank God, if they'd only go both night and day."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But now they've been standing ever since before Christmas."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No one grinds at Christmas time."</p> + +<p class="normal">"They grind when there's water; but since they got the mill up at +Nystrommen, there's nothing to be done."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The schoolmaster didn't say so to-day."</p> + +<p class="normal">"H'm-- I shall let a more discreet man than the schoolmaster manage our +affairs."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, last of all he should talk with your own wife."</p> + +<p class="normal">Thore did not reply to this, but lighting his pipe, he rose and leaned +against the wood pile, looking first at his wife and then at his son, +and finally fixing his gaze on an old crow's nest that hung deserted up +in a pine tree.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind sat by himself, with the future spread before him, like a long +blank sheet of ice, along which, for the first time, he rushed +restlessly from one side to the other. He saw clearly that poverty +hemmed him in on every side, but this made him only the more determined +to overcome it. From Marit it had certainly separated him for ever; he +half regarded her as engaged to Jon Hatlen; but he resolved that with +all his might he would strive to keep pace with them through life. Not +to be any more humiliated as he had been yesterday, he would keep away, +till, by God's help, he could become something more than he was at +present, and he did not feel a doubt in his own mind but that he should +succeed. He had a sort of feeling that he would do best to study, but +what further that should lead to he must leave to the future.</p> + +<p class="normal">There was capital sledge driving in the evenings; the children all came +to the hill, but not Ovind. Ovind sat by the fire and read, he had not +a moment to spare. The children waited long for him; at last they +became impatient, and one and another came and peeped in and called to +him, but he pretended not to hear. Evening after evening they came and +waited outside in wonderment, but he turned his back to them and read, +paying no heed to their entreaties.</p> + +<p class="normal">Later he heard that Marit had not been to the sledge playing either. He +read with such diligence that even his father thought it went too far. +He grew thoughtful; his face, which had been so round and mild, became +thinner and sharper, his eyes deeper; he seldom sang and never played, +it was as if time were too short. When the desire to join his old +companions came over him, it was as if something whispered, "Not yet, +not yet,"--and continually, "not yet." The children played, shouted, +and laughed awhile as before, but when they saw they could not by any +means induce him to come, they gradually disappeared; they found other +grounds and soon the sledge hill was quite vacated.</p> + +<p class="normal">The schoolmaster soon observed that he was not the same Ovind who used +to read because it fell out so, and play because it was necessary. He +often talked with him, and sought to find the cause, for the lad's +heart was not light as in former days. He spoke also with the parents, +and by agreement he came one Sunday evening late in the Winter, and +after sitting awhile, he said,--"Come, Ovind, let us go out, I want to +talk with you a little."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind got up and went with him. They took the path towards Heidegaard. +The conversation did not flag, but they spoke of nothing important; +when they came near the farms, the schoolmaster took the direction of +the middle one, and as they got nearer they heard the sound of laughter +and merriment.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What is up here?" said Ovind.</p> + +<p class="normal">"They are dancing," said the schoolmaster, "shall we not go in?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Will you not go to a dance, lad!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, not yet."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Not yet? When then?"</p> + +<p class="normal">He did not answer.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What do you mean,--not yet?"</p> + +<p class="normal">As he did not reply, the schoolmaster said,--"Come now, no such talk!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, I won't go."</p> + +<p class="normal">He was very positive and seemed agitated.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That your own schoolmaster should stand here and have to ask you twice +to go to dance!"</p> + +<p class="normal">There was a long silence.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is there any one you are afraid of meeting?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I cannot tell who there may be there."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But could there be any one?"</p> + +<p class="normal">No answer.</p> + +<p class="normal">Then the schoolmaster went close up to him, and laid his hand on his +shoulder,--"Are you afraid of meeting Marit?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind looked down, and breathed heavily and quickly.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Tell me, Ovind."</p> + +<p class="normal">Still no answer.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You perhaps feel ashamed to confess it before you are confirmed, but +tell me anyhow, and you will never regret it."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind looked up but he could not say a word, and his eyes fell again.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are not light-hearted as you were; does she care for any one more +than you?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind was still silent, the schoolmaster felt a little hurt, and turned +away; then they went back.</p> + +<p class="normal">When they had gone some distance, the schoolmaster waited till Ovind +got up to him,--"You wish very much, that you were confirmed," said he.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What do you then intend to do?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I should like to go to the Training School."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And to be schoolmaster?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You think it isn't good enough?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind was silent.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then what would you be?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I haven't thought much about it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If you had money I suppose you'd buy a farm?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, but keep the mills."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then it would be better to go to the Agricultural School."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do they learn as much there as at the Training School?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No; but they learn that which will afterwards be of use."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do they get numbers there?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why do you ask that?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I should like to be amongst the first."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You can be that without numbers."</p> + +<p class="normal">They were silent again till they came in sight of the little farm; they +could see a light shining from the room; the overhanging mountains +looked black in the Winter evening, the lake below was one blank sheet +of ice, and the moon reflected the shadow of the pine trees.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is a beautiful place!" said the schoolmaster.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind could sometimes see it with the same eyes as when his mother told +him stories, and as when they played with the sledges; this he did +now,--all looked pleasing and bright.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, it is beautiful," said he, but sighed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your father has found it sufficient; perhaps you might do so too."</p> + +<p class="normal">The happy aspect of the place vanished at once. The schoolmaster stood +as if waiting a reply, but getting none he shook his head and went in. +He sat awhile with them, but was more silent than talkative. When he +said good night, the parents both rose and followed him out, as if +expecting that he had something to say. They stood waiting, and looked +out upon the night.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It has grown so quiet," said the mother at last, "since the children +left off playing here."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have no longer a child in the house," said the schoolmaster.</p> + +<p class="normal">The mother understood him,--"Ovind has not been happy of late," said +she.</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, he who is ambitious is not happy," and he looked up calmly into +the quiet heavens.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>CHAP. VI.</h2> + +<h3><a name="div1_06" href="#div1Ref_06">NOT QUITE FAIR.</a></h3> + +<p class="normal">Half a year after, in the Autumn, the confirmation being deferred till +then, the candidates were all assembled in the school-room for +examination, and among them Ovind Pladsen and Marit Heidegaard. Marit +had just come down from the pastor, who had given her a book and much +praise, and she laughed and talked with her friends on all sides. Marit +was now quite grown up, free and easy in her manners, and the boys as +well as the girls knew that Jon Hatlen, the first young man in the +district was paying attention to her. She might well be glad they +thought as she sat there.</p> + +<p class="normal">Close by the door there stood a group of girls and boys who had failed +in their examination, and these were crying, while Marit and her +friends were laughing. Among them was a little boy in his father's +boots and with his mother's church handkerchief,--"Dear, oh dear!" he +sobbed, "I daren't go home again."</p> + +<p class="normal">And those who had not yet been called up, were so affected by the power +of fellow feeling that it caused a general silence. Fear seized them in +the throat and eyes; they could not see clearly, neither could they +swallow, though feeling a constant desire to do so.</p> + +<p class="normal">One sat and reckoned up how much he knew, and although a few hours +before he had found he knew everything required, he now saw with equal +certainty that he knew nothing; he could not even read. Another called +to mind all his wrong-doings from the earliest time he could remember, +till now when he sat there, and he though it wouldn't be strange of God +if He didn't let him pass. A third sat and took signs from everything +around him. If the clock, which was on the point of striking, should +not sound till he counted twenty, he would pass; if the footstep he +heard in the passage was that of the farm-boy Lars, he would pass; if +the great raindrop that ran down the window pane should get to the +bottom, he would pass. The last and final proof should be, if he could +get the one foot twisted right round the other, but this he always +found to be impossible. A fourth felt sure that if they would ask him +only about Joseph in the Bible history, and about baptism in the +Catechism, or about Saul, or the Commandments, or about Jesus, or----he +sat and was still proving himself, when he was called. A fifth had a +strong partiality for the Sermon on the Mount, he had dreamt about the +Sermon on the Mount, he was certain to be heard in the Sermon on the +Mount; he said it over to himself, and he thought to go out and read it +over again, when just then he was called up to be questioned on the +Prophets. The sixth thought about the pastor, who was such a good man +and knew his father so well, and of the schoolmaster, who had so +friendly a face, and of God, who was so really good, and had helped so +many before both Jacob and Joseph, and then he thought that his mother +and sisters at home would be praying for him, and that would certainly +help. The seventh sat and gave up in despair all the things he had +thought he would be when he grew up. Once he had thought of being a +general or a pastor, and once he had even dreamt of being king, but now +that time was gone by. Up to the present he had thought of going to +sea, and of becoming captain, perhaps a pirate, and thereby to attain +great riches; now gave up first the riches, then the pirate, then the +captain, and the mate, and he stopped at the common sailor, or, at the +most, the boatswain, if ever he got to sea at all, but probably he must +just take a place on his father's farm.</p> + +<p class="normal">The eighth was more confident of himself, but yet not sure; the +cleverest even was not sure. He thought of the clothes he was to be +confirmed in, and what they could be used for if he did not pass; but +if he passed he should go to town and get cloth clothes, and come home +again at Christmas time and dance, to the envy of the youths and the +astonishment of the girls. The ninth reckoned differently;--he made up +a small account book between himself and God. On the one side he wrote, +"Debit; He shall let me pass," and on the other side, "Credit; so shall +I never lie any more, nor tell tales; always go to church, leave the +girls to themselves, and never swear any more." The tenth thought that +if Ole Hansen had passed last year, it would be more than injustice if +he, who had always got on better at school, and besides was of better +family, should not pass this year. By his side sat the eleventh, who +revolved in his mind the most fearful plans of revenge in case he +should fail, either to burn the school down, or else to leave the +village and come again as the thundering judge of the pastor and the +whole of the school commissioners, but proudly to let mercy go before +justice. To begin with, he would take a place with the pastor in the +neighbouring district, and there be number one next year, giving +answers so as to astonish the whole church.</p> + +<p class="normal">The twelfth sat by himself under the clock, with both his hands in his +pockets, looking over the assembly with a dejected and sorrowful air. +No one here knew what was his responsibility. One at home knew it; he +was betrothed. A great daddy long-legs came crawling along the floor +near to his feet; he used to tread upon the odious insect, but to-day +he kindly lifted his foot to let it go in peace whithersoever it would. +His voice was mild as a Collect; his eyes said continually that all men +were good; his hands slowly moved out of his pocket and up to his hair, +to smooth it down. If only he could squeeze himself through this +dangerous needle eye, he would recover himself again at the other side, +smoke tobacco, and make his engagement public.</p> + +<p class="normal">Down on a low stool, with his legs crouched up together under him, sat +the uneasy thirteenth; his small sparkling eyes looked round the whole +room three times in a second, and through his strong rough head rushed +all the thoughts of the twelve in broken disorder, from the brightest +hope to the most despairing doubt, from the humblest promises to the +most mighty plans of revenge; and, meanwhile, having bitten his poor +thumb so that he could bite no longer, he began with his nails, and +sent great pieces to all parts of the floor.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind sat by the window, having been up and given correct answers to +everything he had been asked; but neither the pastor nor the +schoolmaster had commended him, though for a whole half-year he had +been thinking what they both would say when they got to know how hard +he had worked, and he felt very much disappointed as well as hurt. +There sat Marit, who, for far less labour and knowledge, had received +both encouragement and reward. It was just to be great in her eyes +he had studied, and now she had reached laughing, the point he had +toiled so hard to attain. Her laughter and joking touched him to the +quick,--the easiness with which she moved wounded him. He had carefully +avoided speaking to her since that evening; years should pass first he +thought, but the sight of her now, so bright and lively, pressed him +down, and all his proud resolutions hung as wet leaves.</p> + +<p class="normal">He sought little by little to shake it off; much, however, depended on +his being Number One to-day, and to know this he waited anxiously. The +schoolmaster used to remain a little while with the pastor to consider +the order in which the children should stand, and then he would come +down and tell them the result; it was certainly not the final decision, +but it was what they agreed upon together.</p> + +<p class="normal">The conversation in the room became more and more lively as one after +another was examined and passed; but now the ambitious began to +separate themselves from those who were merely light-hearted. The +latter either went at once to tell their parents and friends of their +success, or they waited for their companions who had not yet been +called up; the former, on the contrary, became more and more silent, +their eyes directed constantly towards the door.</p> + +<p class="normal">At last the young people were all ready, the last had come down, and +the schoolmaster was consulting with the pastor. Ovind looked at Marit; +she was one of those who had remained, but whether for her own sake or +for others he knew not. How beautiful Marit had grown; exquisitely fine +was her complexion, he had never seen its equal; her nose was well +formed, her mouth smiling. Her eyes were dreamy when she was not +directly looking at any one, but therefore her glance came with +unexpected power when it did come; and she half smiled in the same, as +if to say that she meant nothing by it. Her hair was more dark than +light, it was wavy, and she wore long curls, which, together with the +dreamy eyes, gave a depth and charm that captivated. One could not be +certain who it was that she looked for, as she sat there among them +all, nor what she really thought when she turned to any one to speak, +for that which she gave she took as quickly back again. Under all this, +Jon Hatlen is certainly hidden, thought Ovind, but yet he continued to +look at her.</p> + +<p class="normal">Then the schoolmaster came. They all with one accord rushed up to him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What number am I?" "And I?" "And I, I?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Silence! uproarious children,---no noise here; be quiet, and then I +will tell you."</p> + +<p class="normal">He looked slowly round him. "You are Number 2," he said to a lad with +blue eyes looking beseechingly at him, and the lad danced out of the +circle. "You are Number 3,"--he touched a red-haired quick little boy +who stood and pulled at his coat; "You are Number 5;" "You Number 8," +&c. He caught sight of Marit,--"You are Number One of the girls." She +blushed crimson over her face and neck, but tried to smile. "You, +Number 12, have been lazy, you idle worthless scamp;" "Number 11, you +couldn't expect to stand higher, my lad;" "You, Number 13, must read +diligently before the confirmation or else you won't succeed!"</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind could not bear it any longer. Number One had certainly not been +named, and yet he had stood the whole time so that the schoolmaster +could see him. "Schoolmaster?" He did not hear. "Schoolmaster!" Three +times he had to call before he was heard.</p> + +<p class="normal">At last the schoolmaster looked at him--"Number 9 or 10, can't say +exactly which," said he, and turned quickly to another.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who is Number One then?" asked Hans, who was Ovind's best friend.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Not you, you curly head!" and tapped him on the hand with a paper +roll.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who is it then?" asked many. "Who is it?" "Yes, who is it?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"He will get to know it himself!" said the schoolmaster decidedly. He +would not have more questions.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Now go nicely home children, thank God, and make your parents happy! +Thank your old schoolmaster too, if it had not been for him you would +not have been good for much!"</p> + +<p class="normal">They thanked him and laughed, then went joyously home. One only was +left, who could not quickly find his books, and when he found them, sat +down as if to read again.</p> + +<p class="normal">The schoolmaster went up to him, "Well Ovind, are you not going with +the others?"</p> + +<p class="normal">He did not answer.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why are you opening your books again?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I want to see what it is that I've answered wrong."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have not answered anything wrong."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind looked at him, and the tears gathered in his eyes, he turned his +head away while one after another rolled slowly down, but he did not +speak a word.</p> + +<p class="normal">The schoolmaster went in front of him,--"Are you not pleased that you +have passed?"</p> + +<p class="normal">His lips quivered, but he did not answer.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your father and mother will be very pleased," said the schoolmaster, +and looked at him.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind struggled some time to get a word out; at last he asked in slow +broken sentences,--"Is it--because I--am a peasant lad--that I am +Number 9 or 10?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Surely it must be so," said the schoolmaster.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then it is no use for me to work," said he hopelessly, and all his +grand dreams vanished. Suddenly he lifted his head, raised his right +hand, struck it on the table with all his might, cast himself down on +his face, and burst into a violent fit of tears.</p> + +<p class="normal">The schoolmaster left him to lay there and cry it out; he waited long, +till at last his grief became more childlike. Then he rose took Ovind's +head in both his hands, lifted it up, and looked into the tearful face.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do you think God has been with you?" said he, as he looked kindly at +him.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind sobbed still, but not so violently, the tears ran more quietly, +but he dare not look at him who spoke, nor reply.</p> + +<p class="normal">"This, Ovind, has been a deserved reward; you have not read from love +to religion, nor your parents, but you have read from vanity."</p> + +<p class="normal">There was silence in the room between each time of the schoolmaster's +speaking, and Ovind felt his glance to be resting upon him, and grew +softened and humbled under it.</p> + +<p class="normal">"With such angry feelings in your heart, you could not have stood forth +to have made a compact with your God, could you Ovind?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No," he stammered, as well as he could.</p> + +<p class="normal">"And if you stood there conceitedly flattering yourself that you were +Number One, would it not be wrong?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes," he whispered, and his mouth quivered.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are still attached to me, Ovind?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes." He looked up for the first time.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then I must tell you it was I who had your number placed low down; +because I care for you so much, Ovind."</p> + +<p class="normal">The old schoolmaster looked at him, blinked a few times, and the tears +ran quickly down.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have not anything against me for it?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No." He looked up brightly though his voice trembled.</p> + +<p class="normal">"My dear child, I will watch over you as long as I live."</p> + +<p class="normal">He waited for him till he had gathered his books together, and then +said he would go home with him. They went slowly along: at first Ovind +was silent, battling with himself, but by degrees he overcame. He was +convinced that that which had come to pass was the best that could have +happened, and, before he reached home, this belief was so strong, that +he thanked God, and told the schoolmaster so.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, now we shall hope to attain to something in life," said the +schoolmaster, "better than running after blind men and numbers. What do +you say to the Training School?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, I should like to go there."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You mean the Agricultural School?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is certainly the best; it gives other prospects than those of a +schoolmaster."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But how can I get there? I do so wish it, but I have no means."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Be industrious and good, and the means will be found."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind was quite overwhelmed with gratitude. He felt the kindling in the +eye, the lightheartedness, the endless fire of love, that comes when we +experience the unexpected kindness of our fellow-men. The whole future +presents itself for a moment, with that sort of feeling one has when +walking in fresh mountain air, of being borne along rather than of +walking.</p> + +<p class="normal">When they came home, both the parents were in the sitting-room, quietly +waiting there, though it was the busy time of the day. The schoolmaster +entered first; Ovind after; both were smiling.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Now?" said the father, laying aside a prayer-book, where he had just +been reading a catechumen's prayer.</p> + +<p class="normal">The mother was standing by the fire-place; she smiled, but did not say +anything; her hands trembled, and she evidently expected good news +though she did not wish to betray herself.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I thought I must just come to give you the good news, that he has +answered every question correctly, and that the pastor said, after +Ovind was gone, that he had not examined a more promising candidate.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh no!" said the mother, and was much moved.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Well done!" said the father, and turned restlessly round.</p> + +<p class="normal">After a long silence, the mother asked in a low voice, "What number is +he?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Number 9 or 10," said the schoolmaster quietly.</p> + +<p class="normal">The mother looked at the father, who looked first at her and then at +Ovind,--"A peasant lad cannot expect more," said he.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind looked at him in return; it was as if something would stick in +his throat, but he forced it back by quickly thinking of one cheering +thing after another.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Now I must leave," said the schoolmaster, nodded, and turned to go.</p> + +<p class="normal">As usual both parents followed him out; then the schoolmaster taking a +quid, said smiling, "He will be Number One after all, but it is better +not to tell him till the day comes."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, no," said the father, and nodded. "No, no," said the mother, and +nodded too; then taking the schoolmaster's hand,--"Thank you for all +you have done," said she. "Yes, thank you," said the father, and the +schoolmaster went, but they stood long and looked after him.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>CHAP. VII.</h2> + +<h3><a name="div1_07" href="#div1Ref_07">A VOICE FROM THE RIDGE.</a></h3> + +<p class="normal">The schoolmaster had judged well when he asked the pastor to prove +whether Ovind could bear to stand Number One. In the three weeks +intervening between this time and the confirmation he was with the lad +every day. It is one thing for a pure young heart to yield to an +impression, and another to hold fast the good qualities he possesses. +Many dark hours came to the lad before he learnt to build his future on +better things than vanity and pride. When sitting at his work he would +suddenly leave it, saying hopelessly,--"What is the use? What do I +gain?" But then a minute after, he would remember the kind words and +goodness of the schoolmaster, and so each time he lost sight of his +higher duties, he was enabled, by these human means, to bring them into +view again.</p> + +<p class="normal">At the little farm they were preparing at the same time, for his +examination, and for his journey to the Agricultural School,--as the +day after the confirmation he was to set off. The tailor and the +shoemaker sat at work in the loft, the mother was baking in the +kitchen, and the father was busy with a trunk. They were querying as to +how much it would cost them in two years, and whether he could come +home the first Christmas, perhaps he could not even come the second, +and how hard it would be to be so long separated. They spoke also of +the love he should bear to his parents, when they strove so hard to put +their child forward. Ovind sat as one, who in his first trial at sea, +had upset the boat, and been picked up by kindly sailors.</p> + +<p class="normal">Such a feeling brings humility, and with it many other things. As the +great day drew near, he felt himself to be fully prepared for it, and +looked hopefully to the future. Every time the image of Marit presented +itself to his mind, he strove carefully to put it aside, though it +always gave him pain to do it. By practice in it he sought to +strengthen himself, but instead he felt only a deeper pain. Therefore +he felt weary the last evening, when, after a long self-proving, he +prayed to God that in this matter He would not try him.</p> + +<p class="normal">The schoolmaster came in in the evening. They all sat together, after +having prepared themselves as it is customary to do, the evening before +taking the Sacrament. The mother was much moved, and the father was +unusually silent; separation lay behind the festival of the morning, +and it was uncertain when they could all meet again. The schoolmaster +took the Psalm-book, they had a little service and sang, and then he +prayed from the heart as words came to him.</p> + +<p class="normal">These four sat there until late in the evening; they gradually grew +silent, each occupied with his own thoughts; then they separated with +best wishes for the coming day, and the influence it would have.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind thought when he went to rest that night that he had never been so +happy before, and he gave his own special interpretation to it; never +before, thought he, have I laid down so desirous of fulfilling God's +will and so trustful in it. Marit's face soon presented itself again, +and the last he remembered was, that he lay and proved himself:--not +quite happy, not quite;--and that he replied:--yes, quite;--but +again:--not quite;--yes, quite;--no; not quite.</p> + +<p class="normal">When he awoke, he at once remembered what day it was; he prayed, and +felt refreshed, as one does in a morning. He rose in good time and +carefully tried on his new clothes, for he had never had such fine ones +before. There was a round jacket especially that seemed strange to him; +it was made of fine cloth, and he felt it again and again before he got +used to it. When he had put his collar on, and for the fourth time +tried on the jacket, he got hold of a little looking-glass, and, +catching sight of the beautiful hair encircling his own self-satisfied +face, it suddenly struck him that this again was vanity. Yes; but +people may surely be well-dressed and clean, he argued, as he turned +away from the glass as though it were sin to look in it. Well, but not +to think so much of themselves for it. No, certainly, but the Lord must +like that one should care to be tidy. That may be, but would He not +like better that you should look well without thinking so much about +it. Yes, but it's only because everything is so new. Well then, +by-and-bye you will forget it. Then he began in the same way to prove +himself first upon one point and then upon another, he felt so afraid +lest any sin should blot that day.</p> + +<p class="normal">When he came down his parents were all ready and waiting breakfast for +him. He went up to them and thanked them for his new clothes; they +wished him the customary, "Health to wear them and strength to tear +them;" then they seated themselves at the table, said grace, and began +the meal. When they had finished, the mother cleared the table and +brought in the lunch basket for the journey to church. The father put +on his jacket, and the mother her shawl, they took the Psalm-books, +locked up the house and set off. On reaching the main road they met +with a great many going to church, some driving and some on foot, +a few of the candidates for confirmation among them, and now and then +white-haired grand-parents, who tried to get to church just this once +again.</p> + +<p class="normal">It was an Autumn day without sunshine as, if the weather were about to +break. The clouds, met and parted again; great masses broke into small +patches, chasing each other far away and bearing with them orders for +rain; down on the earth it was still quiet, the leaves hung dead and +motionless, the air was a little oppressive; the people carried cloaks +but did not require to use them. A large concourse of people had +gathered round the solitary church; but the confirmation candidates all +went straight in, to be placed before the service began. Then the +schoolmaster in his blue dress coat and knickerbockers, high boots, +stiff neck-cloth, and pipe sticking out of his pocket, walked about, +nodding and smiling, patting one on the shoulder, and telling another +to answer clearly and distinctly, until he reached the lower end where +Ovind stood talking to his friend Hans, and answering all his questions +about the journey. "Good morning, Ovind, you look very well to-day." He +took hold of him by the coat saying confidentially, "I think a great +deal of you; I have been talking to the pastor, and you are to have +your right place as Number One; go up and take it and answer well."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind looked up astonished at him; the schoolmaster nodded; the lad +went a few steps forward, then stopped, then a few more steps, then +stopped again; yes, it's true--he has spoken to the pastor for me,--and +the lad went straight on.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are Number One after all," whispered one.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes," said Ovind in a low tone, but scarcely knew yet whether he dare +say it.</p> + +<p class="normal">The placing being accomplished, and the pastor having come, the bell +rung and the people streamed into the church. Ovind looked up and saw +Marit Heidegaard standing straight opposite him. She also saw him, but +they both of them felt so awed by the sacredness of the place that they +dared not greet each other. He saw only that she was bright and +beautiful, and that she wore nothing on her head. Ovind, who for +half-a-year had had so many pleasant dreams of standing opposite to +her, now that it was really come to pass, forgot both the place and +her.</p> + +<p class="normal">When all was over, his relations and friends came to offer their +congratulations; then his companions having heard that he was to travel +next day came to say good-bye; and many of the younger ones, whom he +had driven in the sledges, and whom he had assisted at school, cried a +little at the thought of his departure. At last Ovind and his parents +left for home accompanied by the schoolmaster. On the way there were +several more came to offer him their good wishes and to take leave; +otherwise they did not speak much till they sat again in the quiet room +at home.</p> + +<p class="normal">The schoolmaster tried to help them to keep their courage up, but now +that it was come to the point, they all three, never before having been +parted for a single day, dreaded the separation for two whole years, +but none of them wished to shew their feelings. As the time passed on +Ovind grew worse and worse, and at last he went out of doors to quiet +himself.</p> + +<p class="normal">It was growing dark, he stood upon the steps and looked up listening to +the gentle sighing of the wind. Then he heard his own name called down +from the ridge, quite softly, yet there was no mistaking it, it was +repeated twice. He looked up, and could just discern a woman's figure +looking down from among the trees.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who is that?" he asked.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I hear you are going away," she said in a low tone, "so I thought I +would come and say good-bye to you, seeing you hadn't come to me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Dear, is that you, Marit! I'll come up to you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, don't, I've been here so long, and then I should have to stay +still longer, and no one knows where I am, so I must be quick home."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It was kind of you to come," said he.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I couldn't bear that you should leave in that way Ovind; we have known +each other since we were children."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, we have."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And now we haven't spoken to each other for half-a-year."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No we haven't."</p> + +<p class="normal">"We were separated so strangely that time too."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, I think I must come up to you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh no, don't! but tell me, I hope you are not grieved with me?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Dear, how could you think so?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Good-bye then Ovind, and thank you for all the pleasant times we have +had together!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Marit!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, but now I must go, they will miss me.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Marit,--Marit!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, I daren't stay longer, Ovind; farewell!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Farewell!"</p> + +<p class="normal">The rest of the evening he was, as it were, in a dream, answering +absently when they spoke to him. They attributed this to the thought of +his coming departure, which was quite a natural thing, and which +certainly did occupy his attention at the moment when the schoolmaster +took his leave, and slipped something into his hand, which he +afterwards found to be a five dollar piece. Soon, however, it passed +out of his mind, and he thought only of the words that had come down +from the ridge and gone up again.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>CHAP. VIII.</h2> + +<h3><a name="div1_08" href="#div1Ref_08">BE SURE THAT YOU BURN IT.</a></h3> + +<p class="normal"><span class="sc">Dear Parents</span>,--We have a great deal more to read now, but as I am much +more up to the others, it is not such hard work. When I come home I +shall make great changes in father's farm, for there is a great deal +that is very bad, and it is a wonder that things have hung together as +they have. But I shall put all to rights, for I have learnt many things +here. I should like to be in a place where I can have things as I now +know they should be; so when I am ready I must seek for a good +situation. All here say that Jon Hatlen is not so clever as they think +at home, but he has his own farm, so that is no matter. Many who come +from here get a very high salary, and they are so well paid because +this is the best agricultural school in the country. Some say that +there is a better in the next county, but that is not true.</p> + +<p class="normal">There are two words here, the one is called Theory, and the other +Practice; one is nothing without the other, but it is well to know them +both; the last, however, is the best. Theory is to know the reason why +a thing should be done, and practice is to be able to do it. Here we +learn both. The Principal is so clever that nobody can come up to him. +At the last General Agricultural Meeting he brought forward two +subjects for discussion, while the principals from the other schools +had none of them more than one, and in the discussions they found he +was always right. But the last meeting, when he wasn't there, ended in +nothing but talk. The lieutenant, who teaches us surveying, was engaged +only because he is so very clever; the other schools have no +lieutenant.</p> + +<p class="normal">The schoolmaster asks if I go to church; yes, certainly I go to church, +for now the pastor has got a curate who preaches so that everybody is +terrified, and it is a pleasure to hear him. He comes from the college +in Christiania, and people think he is too strict, but it is good for +them.</p> + +<p class="normal">At present we are reading history that we have never read before, and +it is wonderful to see all that has happened in the world, especially +in our country, for we have constantly conquered except when we have +lost, and that has been only when we haven't been equal. Now we have +more liberty than any other country except America, but there they are +not happy; and our liberty we must prize above all things.</p> + +<p class="normal">Now I must conclude for this time, for I have written a great deal. The +schoolmaster will read this letter, and when he answers for you, ask +him to tell me some news about one or another, for this he doesn't do.</p> +<p style="text-indent:10%">With best love,</p> +<p style="text-indent:12%">Your attached son,</p> +<p style="text-indent:15%"><span class="sc">Ovind Thoresen Pladsen</span>.</p> +<br> + +<p class="continue"><span class="sc">Dear Parents</span>,</p> + +<p class="normal">I must now tell you that we have had an examination, and I stand very +high in many things. I am high in writing, and land measuring, but not +so good in composition. The principal says this is because I have not +read enough, and he has given me some books by Ole Vig, which are very +easy to understand.</p> + +<p class="normal">Everything here is so small to what it is in other countries; we +understand next to nothing, we learn everything from the Scotch and +Swiss, but gardening most from Holland.</p> + +<p class="normal">I have now been here nearly a year, and I thought I had learnt a great +deal; but when I saw what those who left at the last examination knew, +and thought that not even they knew anything in comparison to the +foreigners, I felt quite disheartened. I am now in the first class, and +must stay here another year before I am ready. But most of my +companions are gone, and I long for home. It seems as if I stood alone, +though I certainly do not, but it feels so strange when one has been +long away.</p> + +<p class="normal">What am I to do when I leave here? I shall naturally come home first, +and then I must seek for some situation, but it must not be far away.</p> + +<p class="normal">Good-bye dear parents. Remember me kindly to those who ask after me, +and say I am well, but I long to come home.</p> + +<p style="text-indent:12%">Your attached son,</p> +<p style="text-indent:15%"><span class="sc">Ovind Thoresen Pladsen</span>.</p> +<br> + +<p class="continue"><span class="sc">Dear Schoolmaster</span>,</p> + +<p class="normal">This is to ask you if you will be so good as to send the enclosed +letter, but be sure and say nothing about it to anybody. If you will +not, then it must be burnt.</p> + +<p style="text-indent:15%"><span class="sc">Ovind Thoresen Pladsen</span>.</p> +<br> + +<p class="continue"><span class="sc">To Marit Knudsdatter Heidegaard</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">You will very likely be surprised to receive a letter from me, but you +need not be, for I will only ask how you fare, and this you must let me +know as soon as possible and in every respect.</p> + +<p class="normal">Respecting myself, I have only to say that I shall be ready to leave +here in one year.</p> + +<p style="text-indent:12%">Respectfully,</p> +<p style="text-indent:15%"><span class="sc">Ovind Pladsen</span>.</p> +<br> + +<p class="continue"><span class="sc">To Ovind Pladsen</span>,</p> + +<p style="text-indent:10%">At the Agricultural School.</p> + +<p class="normal">I duly received your letter from the schoolmaster, and will answer it +as you ask me, though I am rather afraid, because you are now so +learned; I have a letter book but it doesn't suit. However, I will do +my best, and you must take the will for the deed; but you musn't show +it, or else you are not what I think you are; and you musn't hide it +because any one might easily get hold of it, but you must burn it, that +you must promise me. There are a great many things that I wanted to +write about, but I dare not. We have had a good Autumn; potatoes are +high, and here at Heidegaard we have plenty of them. But the bears have +made sad havoc among the stock this Summer; they killed two of Ole +Nedregaard's cows, and injured one of our tenant's calves so that it +was obliged to be killed.</p> + +<p class="normal">I am weaving a very large web like the Scotch plaid, and it is very +difficult. And now I must tell you that I am still at home, though +there are some who would have it otherwise.</p> + +<p class="normal">I have nothing more to say this time, and so good-bye.</p> + +<p style="text-indent:15%"><span class="sc">Marit Knudsdatter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">You must be sure to burn this letter.</p> +<br> + +<p class="continue"><span class="sc">To Ovind Thoresen Pladsen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I have said to you Ovind, that he who walks with God shall have a good +inheritance. And now listen to my advice: look not to the world with +too much longing and anxiety, but trust in God and let not your heart +be discouraged.</p> + +<p class="normal">Your father and mother are both well, but I suffer a good deal, for now +I feel the effects of the hardships I endured in the war. That which +you sow in your young days you reap in your old, both in body and soul, +and this is now my experience. But the aged should not complain, for +sorrow teacheth wisdom, and affliction worketh patience, and +strengthens for the last journey.</p> + +<p class="normal">There are many reasons why I take the pen to write to you to-day, but +first and foremost on Marit's account, for she has grown a good girl, +though she is light of foot as a reindeer and is changeable. She would +wish to keep to one, but it is not in her nature. I have often observed +that with such tender hearts the Lord is merciful and lenient, and does +not suffer them to be tempted above that they are able to bear.</p> + +<p class="normal">I duly gave her the letter and she hid it from all but her own heart. +If the Lord will further this matter I have nothing against it. That +she finds approbation in the eyes of the young men can easily be seen, +and she has abundance of this world's goods and also of the heavenly, +but with the latter there is much unsettledness; the fear of God with +her is like water in a shallow dam, it is there when it rains but away +when the sun shines.</p> + +<p class="normal">Now my eyes will not bear any more, for though I can see pretty well at +a distance, they begin to water when I look closely at anything. +Finally, let me remind you, Ovind, whatsoever you aspire to, take +counsel of God, as it is written:--"Better is an handful with +quietness, than both the hands full, with travail and vexation of +spirit."--(Proverbs <span class="sc2">IV</span>. 6.)</p> + +<p style="text-indent:12%">Your old schoolmaster,</p> +<p style="text-indent:15%"><span class="sc">Baard Andersen Opdal</span>.</p> +<br> + +<p class="continue"><span class="sc">To Marit Knudsdatter Heidegaard</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thanks for your letter, which I have read, and burnt as you told me to +do. You write a great deal, but you don't say anything about that I +want you to, and I dare not write about a certain matter until I know +how you fare in every respect.</p> + +<p class="normal">The schoolmaster says nothing to be depended upon, he praises you, but +he calls you wavering. That you were before. Now I don't know what to +believe; you must write, for I shall feel uneasy until I have heard +from you. Just now I often think of that last evening when you came to +the ridge, and of what you then said.</p> + +<p class="normal">I will not write more this time, so good-bye.</p> + +<p style="text-indent:12%">With all respect,</p> +<p style="text-indent:15%"><span class="sc">Ovind Pladsen</span>.</p> +<br> + +<p class="continue"><span class="sc">To Ovind Thoresen Pladsen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">The schoolmaster has given me a fresh letter from you, which I have now +read, but I cannot understand it, which must be because I am not +learned. You want to know how I fare in every respect. I am quite well. +I have a good appetite and sleep at nights, and sometimes also in the +day. I have danced a great deal this Winter, for there have been many +delightful parties here. I go to church when there is not too much +snow, but it has been very thick. Now you must have heard everything, +but, if not, I don't know anything better than that you should write to +me again.</p> + +<p style="text-indent:15%"><span class="sc">Marit Knudsdatter</span>.</p> +<br> + +<p class="continue"><span class="sc">To Marit Knudsdatter Heidegaard</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I have received your letter, but you appear to wish me to remain as +wise as before. Perhaps this is an answer after all, I don't know. I +dare not venture to write that which I wish to, because I don't feel to +know you. Perhaps you don't know me any better. You must not think I am +any longer the soft fellow that you crushed the spirit out of, as I sat +and watched you dance; I have had many provings since then. Neither am +I, as I used to be, like those long-haired dogs that hang their ears +and shun people; but enough of this now.</p> + +<p class="normal">Your letter was humorous enough, but the joking was just where it +should not have been, for you understood me quite well, and you should +have known that I did not ask in joke, but because lately I have not +been able to think of anything else than that I asked you about. I +waited anxiously, and then there came nothing but foolery.</p> + +<p class="normal">Farewell, Marit Heidegaard. I shall take care not to look too much at +you as I did at that dance. Grant you may both eat well and sleep well, +and get your new web finished, and grant above all, that you may shovel +away the snow lying before the church door.</p> + +<p style="text-indent:12%">With all respect,</p> +<p style="text-indent:15%"><span class="sc">Ovind Thoresen Pladsen</span>.</p> +<br> + +<p class="continue"><span class="sc">To Ovind Thoresen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">In spite of my age and the weakness of my eyes, together with the pain +in my hip, I must yet give in to the entreaties of the young, for they +are glad to make use of the old people when they stick fast themselves. +They call and cry till they are let loose, and then they run away again +and will not hear us any more. This time it is Marit, who, with many +coaxing words, has begged me to write a letter to send with hers, as +she dare not trust herself to write alone. She had thought she had Jon +Hatlen or another fool to deal with, and not one that schoolmaster +Baard had brought up, but now the matter has come to a critical point. +Yet you have been a little too hard, for there are some women who joke +to keep from weeping. I am glad, however, that you look at serious +things seriously, otherwise you could not laugh at that which is +laughable. The position in which you stand to each other, is now +apparent from many things. I have often had my doubts about Marit, for +she is variable as the wind, but now I know she has refused Jon Hatlen, +and greatly enraged her grandfather thereby. She was pleased when she +received your letter, and it was not to repulse you that she wrote +jokingly. She has suffered much, and that in waiting for the one she +cared for, and now you will not have her but set her aside as a foolish +child.</p> + +<p class="normal">This was what I had to say to you, and if you take my advice you ought +to be at one with her, for you will find enough besides to trouble you. +I am like an old man who has seen three generations;--I know folly and +its reward.</p> + +<p class="normal">Your father and mother send their best love to you: they long to see +you back. I have always avoided speaking of this before, lest it should +make you home-sick. You do not know your father, and when you really +learn to know him, you will marvel. He has been depressed and silent in +respect of his affairs, but your mother made his mind easy, and now +things look brighter.</p> + +<p class="normal">Now my eyes grow dim, and my hand is unsteady, so I commend you to Him +whose eye is ever watchful and whose hand stayeth not.</p> + +<p style="text-indent:15%"><span class="sc">Baard Andersen Opdal</span>.</p> +<br> + +<p class="continue"><span class="sc">To Ovind Pladsen</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">I am grieved that you are vexed with me, for I didn't mean it as you +have taken it. I am aware I have not always acted rightly towards you, +and I wish to tell you so, but you must not show this to any one. Once +when I got what I liked I wasn't good, and now no one cares for me any +more, and I'm very unhappy. Jon Hatlen has written a song about me, and +all the lads sing it, so that I daren't go anywhere. Both the old +people know about it, and they are very cross. I am writing this alone, +and you mustn't show it to any one.</p> + +<p class="normal">I have often been down to see your parents. I have spoken with your +mother, and we understand each other now, but I cannot tell you more +for you wrote so strangely last time. The schoolmaster only makes game +of me, but he knows nothing about the song, for no one dare sing such +before him. I stand alone and feel to have no one to talk to. I often +think of the time when we were children, when I always rode on your +sledge, and you were so good to me. I could wish we were children +again.</p> + +<p class="normal">I dare not ask you to answer me any more, but if you will write just +this once I shall never forget it, Ovind.</p> + +<p style="text-indent:15%"><span class="sc">Marit Knudsdatter</span>.</p> + +<p class="normal">P.S.--I beg you burn this letter, I scarcely know if I dare send it.</p> +<br> + +<p class="continue"><span class="sc">Dear Marit</span>,</p> + +<p class="normal">It was a happy moment when you wrote that letter; and I thank you for +it.</p> + +<p class="normal">I feel as if I could scarcely stay here any longer Marit, I love you so +much, and if you love me as truly, then Jon Hatlen's song and others' +bitter words shall be like the chaff that the wind blows away. Since I +received your letter I am like another man,--I feel so much stronger, +and am not afraid of anything in the whole world. After I had sent my +last letter I regretted it so, that it made me almost ill, and now you +shall hear what this led to. The principal took me aside and asked me +what was the matter; he thought I read too much. Then he said to me +that when my year here was completed, he would allow me to stay a year +longer free of expense; I should assist him in several ways, and he +would give me a chance of learning more. Then I thought that work was +the only thing for me, and I was very grateful, and even now, though I +long so much to come to you, I do not regret it, for it will put me in +a better position for the future. How happy I am! I do the work of +three, and shall never be behind in anything. I will send you a book I +am reading, for there is a great deal about love, and I read it at +nights when the others are asleep; then I read your letter over too.</p> + +<p class="normal">Have you thought of the time when we shall meet again? I think about it +very often, and so must you, it is so delightful. I am glad I wrote so +much before, though it was so difficult, for now I can open my whole +heart to you. I shall send you several books to read, that you may see +what those who truly love each other have had to go through, choosing +rather to die of sorrow than to give each other up. And we should do so +too. Though it will be two years before we see each other, and longer +still before we really belong to each other, we must cheer our hearts +by thinking that each day as it goes brings us one day nearer.</p> + +<p class="normal">I have a great deal to write about, but I will leave it till next time, +as I have not got any more paper to night, and the others are all +asleep.</p> + +<p class="normal">Now I shall go to bed and think of you till I sleep.</p> + +<p style="text-indent:12%">Your friend,</p> +<p style="text-indent:15%"><span class="sc">Ovind Pladsen</span>.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>CHAP. IX.</h2> + +<h3><a name="div1_09" href="#div1Ref_09">OVIND THROWS HIS CAP IN THE AIR.</a></h3> + +<p class="normal">One Saturday, at Midsummer, Thore Pladsen rowed over the lake to meet +his son, who was coming that afternoon from the Agricultural School. +The mother had had a charwoman for two or three days, and everything +was made beautifully clean and tidy. Ovind's room had been ready some +time, and the stove was set in order. To-day his mother decorated it +with green, took the linen up, and made the bed, looking out between +times over the water, to see if there was not a boat. The table was +ready spread, and yet there was always something to be done,--flies to +chase away, or dust, constant dust.</p> + +<p class="normal">Still there was no boat. She seated herself in the window sill and +looked out; then she heard footsteps on the other side and turned to +see who was there; it was the schoolmaster, who came slowly along +leaning upon a stick for his hip was very bad. He stopped a minute to +rest, the expressive eyes moved quietly round; he nodded to her: "Not +come yet?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, I am expecting them every moment."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Good hay weather to-day."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But very hot for old people to be out."</p> + +<p class="normal">The schoolmaster smiled: "Has somebody else been out in the heat +to-day?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, but she's gone again."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh! well, may be they'll be meeting somewhere to-night."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I suppose so, but Thore says they shall not meet in his house till the +old people give their consent."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Quite right."</p> + +<p class="normal">"They are coming, I do believe!" the mother exclaimed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, that is them."</p> + +<p class="normal">The schoolmaster came in and rested a little, and then they went down +to the lake, while the boat plied quickly along, for both father and +son were rowing. When they came near, Ovind turned, rested his oars, +and called "Good morning, mother; good morning, schoolmaster!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"What a manly voice," said the mother, "but still the same light hair," +she added.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind sprang out, and shook hands; he laughed, and so unlike the +peasants' way, he at once began to tell them all about the examination, +the journey, the principal's testimonial, his prospects, &c.; then he +asked about the harvest, and about his friends, all except one. And so +they went home, Ovind laughing and talking; the mother smiling, not +knowing exactly what to say; the schoolmaster and the father listening. +Ovind was pleased with everything he saw,--first, that the house was +painted; then, that the mill was enlarged; then, that the lead windows +were taken out of the parlour, and white glass put instead of green.</p> + +<p class="normal">When they came in, everything looked so exceedingly small, so different +from what he had remembered it; but so cheerful, and all looked so +inviting.</p> + +<p class="normal">They seated themselves at the table, but there was not much eaten, for +Ovind was constantly talking. Once when he was telling them a long +story about one of his schoolfellows, and there came a moment's pause, +his father said, "I can scarcely understand a single word of what you +say, lad, you speak so exceedingly quick." They all laughed, and Ovind +not the least; he knew it was true, but he seemed as though he could +not help it.</p> + +<p class="normal">All that he had seen and heard during his long absence, had so +impressed and aroused him, that the powers which had hitherto lain +dormant were now awakened, and the brain was constantly at work.</p> + +<p class="normal">He was delighted with his little room; he thought he should like to +stay at home for a time, assisting with the hay harvest and reading; +where he should go after he could not tell, but it was all the same to +him. They were afraid lest he should have grown thoughtless, but on the +contrary he remembered everything; and it was he who thought of the +boat and unpacked the things. He had gained a quickness and power of +thought that was quite refreshing, and a liveliness in expressing his +feelings, which, during the whole year, had only been repressed.</p> + +<p class="normal">The schoolmaster looked ten years younger. "Now we have come so far +with him," said he, as he rose to go.</p> + +<p class="normal">The mother called Ovind aside, "Some one expects you at nine o'clock," +she whispered.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Where?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Up on the ridge."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind looked at the clock, it was nearly nine. He could not wait in the +house, but went out, clambered up the ridge, and looked round. The +house roof lay close below; the bushes on the roof were very much +larger, and all the small trees had grown; he could remember each one. +And there lay the road, grey and sombre, and the wood with its varied +foliage, and in the bay a vessel laden with planks, waiting for wind. +The lake was bright and calm; some sea-birds flew over, but did not cry +as it was late. He sat down waiting; the small trees prevented him from +seeing very far over, but he listened to the slightest noise. For some +time there were only birds that started up and deceived him; then +again, a squirrel springing from tree to tree. But at last he heard a +rustling, then it ceased; then it came again. He rose,--his heart beat +fast, the blood rushed into his head; there was a movement in the +bushes close to him, and a shaggy dog appeared; it was the dog from +Heidegaard, and close behind, it rustled again; the dog looked back and +wagged his tail; now comes Marit.</p> + +<p class="normal">A bush caught her dress, she turned to release it, and so she stood +when he first saw her; she had her hair plainly dressed, as was the +custom with the peasant girls on week days; she wore a strong plaided +dress without sleeves, and nothing on her neck except the linen collar. +She had stolen away from her work, and durst not stay to tidy herself. +She looked up and smiled, then she came forward, growing more and more +red at each step. He went to meet her, and took her hand in both of +his; she looked down, and so they stood.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Thanks for all your letters," was the first he said, and when she then +looked up a little and laughed, he felt that she was the most roguish +little elf he ever could meet in a wood; but he was caught, and she not +any the less.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How you have grown!" she said, but meant something quite different.</p> + +<p class="normal">They looked at each other but said nothing. Meanwhile the dog had +seated himself at the edge of the ridge, and looked down upon the farm, +and Thore observing his head from below, could not for his life think +what it could be.</p> + +<p class="normal">When, at last, the two began to talk, Ovind spoke so quickly that Marit +couldn't help laughing.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, you see, it's when I am glad, really glad, you see, and when we +came to understand each other it was as if a lock sprang open within +me, sprang open, you see."</p> + +<p class="normal">She laughed, then she said, "I know all the letters you sent me by +heart."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And I know yours too, but you always wrote such short letters."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Because you always wanted them so long."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And when I wanted you to write about one particular thing, you slipped +away, and I never heard how you got rid of Jon Hatlen."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I laughed."</p> + +<p class="normal">"How?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Laughed, don't you know what it is to laugh?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, I can laugh!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Let me see!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Did you ever hear such a thing! I must have something to laugh at +first."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I don't need it when I am happy."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Are you happy now, Marit?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do I laugh now, then?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, that you do!"</p> + +<p class="normal">He took both her hands, and clapped them together as he looked at her. +Here the dog began to growl, then his hair stood on end, and he barked, +and grew more and more angry till at last he seemed quite savage. Marit +sprang up in fear, but Ovind went forward and looked down. It was his +father the dog was barking at; he was standing close under the ridge, +with both his hands in his pockets.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What! are you there, too? Pray, whose is that savage dog?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"It's a dog from Heidegaard," replied Ovind, rather taken aback.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How in the world did it come there?"</p> + +<p class="normal">The mother hearing the noise, had come out to see what it was, and +understanding at once how things were, she laughed, and said: "The dog +comes here every day, so it's nothing wonderful."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But what a ferocious animal!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"He'll be quiet if he's spoken to," said Ovind, and patted him. The dog +ceased barking though he continued to growl. The father was satisfied +and went down again.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Safe this time!" said Marit, "but there's some one else to watch us."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your grandfather?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Exactly."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But that won't do any harm."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Not the slightest."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You promise me?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, I do Ovind."</p> + +<p class="normal">"How pretty you are, Marit!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"So said the fox to the raven, and got the cheese."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You may think I want the cheese too."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But you won't get it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I shall take it then."</p> + +<p class="normal">She turned her head, and he didn't take it.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I'll tell you something, Ovind," and she looked slily round.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Well."</p> + +<p class="normal">"How ugly you have grown."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You'll give me the cheese though."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, indeed I won't," and she turned away again.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Now, I must go, Ovind."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I'll go with you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But not out of the wood, or grandfather will see you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, not out of the wood,--dear, are you running?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"We cannot go side by side here."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But this isn't to go in company."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Catch me then," and on she ran.</p> + +<p class="normal">They stopped when they got to the end of the trees.</p> + +<p class="normal">"When shall we meet again?" she whispered.</p> + +<p class="normal">"To-morrow, to-morrow."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, to-morrow."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Good bye;" she ran.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Marit!" and she stopped.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How strange that we should meet first up on the ridge."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, it is;" she ran again.</p> + +<p class="normal">He looked long after her,--the dog ran before and barked, she after, +trying to silence him. Ovind took his cap, and tossed it again and +again; "Now, I believe, I really begin to be happy," said he, and sang +as he went home.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>CHAP. X.</h2> + +<h3><a name="div1_10" href="#div1Ref_10">TURN THE RIVER WHERE IT CAN FLOW.</a></h3> + +<p class="normal">When they were all making hay, one afternoon, in the summer, a little +bare-headed, bare-footed boy came running down the ridge over the field +to Ovind, and gave him a note.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are running fast," said Ovind.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, I am paid for it," answered the boy.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind was a little perplexed when he opened the note, it was so +carefully wrapped up and sealed; it ran as follows:--</p> +<br> + +<p class="normal">"He is on his way now, but he goes slowly. Go into the wood and hide.</p> + +<p style="text-indent:15%"><span class="sc">You Know Who From.</span>"</p> +<br> + +<p class="normal">"No, that I won't," thought Ovind, and looked defiantly up over the +hill.</p> + +<p class="normal">It was not long before an old man came into sight on the top of the +hill; resting, then going a little further, and resting again. The +father and the mother both left off working to look at him. Thore +smiled; but the mother, on the contrary, changed colour.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do you know him?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, there's no mistaking him."</p> + +<p class="normal">The old man came slowly nearer and nearer. He was somewhat tall and +burly, and being rather lame, he could only with difficulty walk by the +help of his staff. When he came close to, he stopped, took off his cap, +and wiped his forehead. His head was quite bald at the back; he had a +round tight-drawn face, small piercing eyes, bushy eyebrows, and a full +row of teeth. He spoke in a sharp shrill voice, hopping, as it were, +over gravel and stone, and every now and then resting with great +delight upon an inviting R. In his younger days he had been known as a +cheerful, but hot tempered, man; now, after many adversities, he had +grown peevish and distrustful.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thore and his son had many journeys backwards and forwards before old +Ole got up to them, but at last, as they came out from the hay loft, +they saw him standing in front of the kitchen door, as though doubtful +what to do; he held his cap and staff in one hand, and with the other +wiped his bald head with a handkerchief. Ovind stood behind his father +as he went up and accosted him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You must be tired, will you not come in?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Ole turned and looked sharply at him, at the same time adjusting his +cap, before he replied:</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, I can rest where I stand, I shall not be long."</p> + +<p class="normal">Since he had lost his hair his cap was far too big for him, it came +down over his eyes; so that to be able to see, he had to hold his head +right back.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is that your son standing there behind you?" he began in a harsh +voice.</p> + +<p class="normal">"They say so."</p> + +<p class="normal">"His name is Ovind, is it not?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, they call him Ovind."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He has been to one of those Agricultural Schools in the south, hasn't +he?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, something of that kind."</p> + +<p class="normal">"H'm, my girl, my granddaughter, Marit seems to have lost her senses in +these latter days."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That's a pity."</p> + +<p class="normal">"She will not marry."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"She won't have any of the fine young men who come to pay their +addresses to her."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Indeed?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"And it is his fault, his that stands there."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Indeed?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"He has completely turned her head, that son of yours, Ovind."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do you say so?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"See now, I don't like that any one should take my horses when I let +them go to the mountains; and neither do I like that any one should +take my daughters when I let them go to the dance, don't like it at +all."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, of course not."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I cannot go after them, I am old, I cannot take care of them."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No no, no no."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You see I wish to keep order, and when I say a thing must be done, it +must, and when I say to her, not him, but him, it must be him, and not +him!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Certainly!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"But it is not so; for three years she has said no, and for three years +there hasn't been a good understanding between us. That is not good, +and if it is he who is the cause of it, I will only say to him, so that +you hear it, you who are his father, that it is no use, he must give +up."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Well."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ole looked a minute at Thore, then said, "You give such short answers."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I can't make the sausage longer than it is."</p> + +<p class="normal">Here Ovind must laugh, though in sooth he was in no laughing mood; but +with some people laughter and fear go hand in hand.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What are you laughing at?" said Ole sharply.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Are you laughing at me?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Heavens preserve me!" but his own reply only made him worse.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ole saw this, and it infuriated him. They would turn the conversation, +and begged him to go in, but it was three years' pent up anger that now +sought liberty, and it was not to be stayed.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Don't think to make a fool of me," he began, "I seek my +granddaughter's happiness as I understand it, and your giggling +laughter shall not hinder me. One doesn't bring up a girl just to hand +her over to the first peasant that turns up, neither does one labor for +forty years to leave all to the first that fools her. My daughter went +on so, till at last she married a scamp; he ruined them both through +drink, and I had to take the child, and pay for the entertainment, but, +on my word, it shall not be so with my granddaughter, do you hear that? +I tell you that as true as I am Ole Nordistuen of Heidegaard, the +priest might as well think of publishing the banns for the trolls up in +the forest, as to give out such names from the pulpit as Marit's and +your's, you puppy dog! You sly fox, as if I didn't know what you think +of, you and she! You think old Ole must soon turn his nose up in the +church-yard, and then you'll trip away to the altar. No, no, I've lived +seventy years now, and you shall see, boy, that I shall not die till +you are both tired out! I tell you, you may watch for her, and not even +see her footprints, for I shall send her away somewhere where she will +be safe, and you may roam about like a fool, and keep company with the +wind and the rain! And now I shan't say any more to you, but you, who +are his father, know my will, and if you desire his happiness in this +respect, you will get him to turn the river where it can flow, for +through my territory it shall not pass." He turned, and hobbled away +with short quick steps, lifting the right foot higher than the left, +and grumbling to himself.</p> + +<p class="normal">An evil foreboding overshadowed those who remained; there was no more +joking and laughter and the house stood as though empty. They entered +without a word being said. The mother, who had overheard all from the +kitchen door, looked at Ovind sorrowfully, almost in tears, and would +not make matters harder for him by saying anything. The father sat down +in the window, and looked after Ole. Ovind watched for the slightest +change of expression on that grave and serious face, for on his first +word the destiny of the future might depend. If Thore should join Ole +in saying no, it would hardly be possible to overcome it. His +frightened thoughts bore him swiftly on from one obstruction to +another. He saw before him only poverty, opposition, and +misunderstanding, and each support that he had relied on seemed to give +way under the thought. It increased his anxiety that his mother stood +with her hand on the door-latch, uncertain whether to stay and see the +result or not, and that at last she quite lost courage and stole +quietly out. Thore was still staring out of the window, and Ovind dared +not speak to him, for he knew he must have his thought out. Just then, +his own thoughts having run their unhappy course, took courage again, +and, as he looked at his father's knitted brows, he thought: "None but +God can separate us in the end." Thore drew a long sigh, he rose, and +at the same time met his son's gaze. He stopped, and looked long at +him: "I should like it best if you could give her up, for one should +not either beg, or force oneself upon others; but if you cannot, you +must let me know, and perhaps I can help you." He went to his work, and +the son followed.</p> + +<p class="normal">In the evening Ovind had got his plan all ready. He would try to get to +be Agriculturist for the district, and would ask the principal and the +schoolmaster to help him. "If she will hold out, by God's help I shall +win her through my work."</p> + +<p class="normal">He waited in vain for Marit that evening, but whilst he waited he sang +the song he loved the best:--</p> +<div class="poem2"> +<p class="t0" style="text-indent:-6px">"Come lift your head up, my thoughtful lad,</p> +<p class="t1">If a hope from your heart be riven,</p> +<p class="t0">Another may brighten your tearful eye,</p> +<p class="t1">If you turn to the light of heaven!</p> +<p class="t0"> </p> +<p class="t0">Come lift your head up, and look around,</p> +<p class="t1">Voices are kindly calling,--</p> +<p class="t0">A thousand voices are bidding you come,</p> +<p class="t1">Softly their echoes are falling!</p> +<p class="t0"> </p> +<p class="t0">Come lift your head up, for deep within</p> +<p class="t1">Lieth a fountain of blessing,</p> +<p class="t0">Tones of music are flowing free,</p> +<p class="t1">Love on your heart impressing.</p> +<p class="t0"> </p> +<p class="t0">Come lift your head up, and gaily sing,</p> +<p class="t1">Nor fear for the coming morrow,--</p> +<p class="t0">As the buds of the Spring return again,</p> +<p class="t1">So joy will come after sorrow.</p> +<p class="t0"> </p> +<p class="t0">Then lift your head up, and courage take</p> +<p class="t1">In the hope around you springing,</p> +<p class="t0">From the blue above, to the green beneath,</p> +<p class="t1">To the world she ever is singing."</p> +</div> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>CHAPTER XI.</h2> + +<h3><a name="div1_11" href="#div1Ref_11">GATHERING BERRIES.</a></h3> + +<p class="normal">It was in the middle of the noonday's rest; the people at Heidegaard +were asleep, the hay lay scattered about the field, and the rakes were +all stuck in the ground. The hay sledges stood outside the granary, and +the horses were grazing a little distance off. Except these, and some +hens that had strayed in the corn field, there was not a living thing +to be seen.</p> + +<p class="normal">The road from the farm to the rich grass fields of the Heidegaard +Sœters,<a name="div2Ref_02" href="#div2_02"><sup>[2]</sup></a> lay through a mountain pass. Up in the pass a man stood +and looked down over the plain, as though expecting something. Behind +him lay a tarn, from which the beck flowed down, that had made the +cleft in the mountain. On both sides of the lake there were sheep walks +leading to the Sœters, which he could see far in the distance. The +barking of dogs and the tinkling of bells resounded among the rocks; +the cows were rushing madly to the water, while the poor herdsmen and +the dogs sought in vain to gather them. The cows appeared in the most +wonderful shapes, with their tails in the air, kicking and plunging, +roaring and bellowing; making straight for the lake, where, to their +delight, they stood quite still, up to their necks in water; their +bells tinkling with each move of the head. The dogs drank a little, but +kept back on the dry land; the herdsmen came after, and seated +themselves on the warm smooth mountain side. Here they took out their +provision, exchanged with each other; praised each others' dogs, oxen, +and people; finally undressed and sprang in the water. The dogs +wouldn't go in, but drawled lazily about, hanging their heads, with +their tongues out on one side. There was no bird to be seen, no sound +to be heard save the voices of the lads and the tinkling of the bells; +the ling was burnt up and withered; the sun scorched the whole mountain +side, and the heat was intense.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind sat a long time in the hot sun, close to the beck that flowed +from the lake; he waited and waited, but still there was no one to be +seen at Heidegaard, and he began to be a little anxious, when suddenly +a great dog came panting out from a door, followed by a young girl in +summer attire; she sprang over the fields up towards the mountain. +Ovind felt a strong desire to halloo but dare not; he kept a look out +to see if any one should accidentally come out from the farm and see +her, but she escaped unobserved. At last she got near, picking her way +by the side of the brook, and helping herself on by the small bushes, +the dog a little before her, snuffing in the air. Ovind ran to meet +her, the dog growled and was hushed down, and as soon as Marit saw him +come, she seated herself on the Great Stone, looking fiery red, and +quite overpowered by the heat. He sat down beside her.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I'm so glad you've come."</p> + +<p class="normal">"How fearfully hot! Have you been waiting long?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No.--As they watch us so in the evenings, we must take the mid-day; +but after this, I think we ought not to keep things so secret, and it +is just about this I wanted to speak to you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Not secret?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I know very well that it suits you best to keep everything secret, but +to shew courage suits you also. I have come to-day to talk a long time +with you, and now you must hear."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is it true that you mean to try to be District Agriculturist?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, and I hope to succeed too. I have a two-fold object in +view,--first, to gain position; and secondly, to do something that your +grandfather can both see and understand. It happens most fortunately +that most of the farmers about Heidegaard are young people who wish to +make improvements and require assistance; they have also means at +command. So I shall begin there. I shall improve everything from the +smallest things to the greatest. I shall give lectures, and also work; +and so to say, lay siege to the old man by good deeds."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Well done, Ovind! What more?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"The next concerns ourselves,--you must not go away."</p> + +<p class="normal">"When he commands it?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"And keep nothing secret respecting us two."</p> + +<p class="normal">"When he tortures me?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"But we gain more, and protect ourselves better by having everything +open. We shall be just so much observed by people, that they will talk +of how much we care for each other, and they will the sooner wish us +well. You must not leave. There is danger for those who are separated +lest slander should come in between them; they believe nothing the +first year, but they begin little by little to be influenced the +second. We two must meet when we can, and laugh away all the ill report +they will set between us. We shall be able to meet at a dance now and +then, and swing merrily round while they sit by who calumniate us. We +shall meet at church, and talk to each other in the face of those who +wish us a hundred miles away. If any one writes a ditty about us, we +will see if we cannot write one in reply. No one can harm us if we keep +together and let people see it. All the unhappiness in love belongs +either to those who are afraid, or to those who are weak, or to those +who are ill, or to those calculating people who watch for certain +opportunities, or to those cunning people who at last suffer for their +own devices, or to those matter-of-fact people who don't care so much +for each other, that state and position can disappear; they steal +quietly away, and send letters, and tremble at a single word, and at +last take that constant restlessness and uneasiness for love; they feel +unhappy and dissolve away like sugar. Pooh, pooh! if they really cared +for each other they would have no fear, they would be light hearted, +they would not care who saw them. I have read about it in books. I have +seen it myself also; that is a poor love that goes round about. True +love must begin in secrecy because it begins in reserve and modesty, +but it must live in openness because its existence is joy. It is as in +the spring time, when the leaves begin to shoot, all that is withered +and dry falls off from the tree as soon as the new life begins. He who +falls in love leaves the useless toys he has held to before, the new +life springs, and then can no one see it? Hey, Marit! they will be glad +through seeing us glad. Two betrothed, who are true to each other, are +a benefit to the public, for they read them a poem which the children +learn by heart, to the shame of their calculating parents. I have read +of many instances, and there are rumours of such even here in the +district, and it is just the children of those who once caused all the +misery, that now speak of it and are moved by it. Well, now let us join +hands, and promise to be true to each other and we shall succeed."</p> + +<p class="normal">He was about to embrace her but she turned her head away, and slipped +down from the stone. As he remained sitting, she came back again, and +with her arms resting on his knees she stood there, and talked to him +as she looked up.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Listen now, Ovind, when he says I must leave, what shall I say?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"You must say no, straight out."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh dear! will that do?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"He cannot take and carry you out to the carriage."</p> + +<p class="normal">"If he doesn't do just that, there are many other ways in which he can +force me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I do not think so. Obedience is certainly your duty so long as it is +not sin; but it is also your duty to let him know fully how hard it is +to you to obey in this case. I think when he hears that, he will +reconsider the matter; for at present, like most others, he believes it +to be only child's play. You must show him it is something more."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You may think he is not easy to do with; he watches me like a tethered +goat."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But you break the chain again and again in one day."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is not true."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, every time you secretly think of me, you break it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, that way, but are you certain that I think of you so often?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Were it else, you would not be here now."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh! but you sent me a message to come."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But you came because your thoughts drove you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Rather because it was a fine day."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You said just now it was too hot."</p> + +<p class="normal">"To go up the hill, yes; but down again?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then why did you come up?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"To be able to run down."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then why are you not going?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Because I wish to rest."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And talk to me about love?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I couldn't deny you that pleasure."</p> + +<p class="normal">"While the little birds sang,"--</p> + +<p class="normal">"And all were asleep;"</p> + +<p class="normal">"And the bells they rang,"--</p> + +<p class="normal">"O'er the green wood's steep."</p> + +<p class="normal">Here they both saw Marit's grandfather come limping out on the farm, +and go to the bell string to ring the people up. The people came slowly +down from the out-houses, drawled sleepily to the horses and rakes, +scattered themselves in various parts of the field, and soon all was +life and work again. The grandfather only went out of the one house and +into the other, and at last up on to the top of the hay loft and looked +all round. A little lad came bounding up to him, apparently he had +called him. The boy went down in the direction of Pladsen, and the +grandfather, in the meantime, went round about the farm, often looking +up to the mountain, but little suspecting that the dark spot on the +"great stone" was Marit and Ovind. But again Marit's dog brought +misfortune, for seeing a strange horse drive into Heidegaard, he seemed +to think it part of his business to bark at the top of his voice. They +tried to quiet him, but he had got roused, and would not give over; the +grandfather stood below and stared straight up. But matters grew still +worse, for the sheep dogs hearing the voice of a stranger, ran up, and +seeing a great wolf-like champion, these straight-haired Finnish dogs +all united against him, and so frightened Marit, that she ran away +without even saying good-bye; while Ovind, in the midst of the battle, +kicked and struck, but only succeeded in driving the dogs further away, +for they soon found themselves another battle field; he after them +again, and so on, till at last they were close to the edge of the beck; +here Ovind rushed on them again, and got them all into the water, just +where it was really deep; and they crawled out, looking quite ashamed, +and going each his own way; so ended the fray.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind went straight over till he reached the high road, but Marit met +her grandfather a little above the farm, and the dog was to blame for +this.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Where have you been?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Into the wood."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What have you been doing there?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Gathering berries."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is not true."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, it isn't."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What did you do then?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I was talking to some one."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Was it the peasant lad?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Listen now, Marit, you are going away tomorrow."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Well, Marit, I will only say one single thing, you SHALL go."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You can't lift me into the carriage."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No? Can't I?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, because you won't do it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Won't I? Listen, Marit, only for pleasure you see, only for pleasure, +I will give that raggamuffin a real good thrashing."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, you daren't do that."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Don't dare? Do you say I dare not? Who could do anything to me, who?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"The schoolmaster."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The schoo--school--schoolmaster? Do you think he cares for him?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, it was he who sent him to the Agricultural School."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The schoolmaster?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"The schoolmaster!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Listen now Marit, I will not have any more of this nonsense, you must +leave, you give me only sorrow and trouble, it was just the same with +your mother, only sorrow and trouble. I am an old man, and I wish to +see you well provided for, and I will not be talked about as a fool in +this matter; it is your own good that I have at heart, you may be sure +of that, Marit. I may soon be gone, and then you would stand there +alone; what would have become of your mother if it had not been for me? +Come now, Marit, be a good girl, and listen to what I say, I seek only +your own good."</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, you don't."</p> + +<p class="normal">"How? What do I seek then?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"To have your own way without any regard to mine."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have a will of your own, have you, you young sea-bird? You think +you know your own good, do you, little fool? I shall let you taste the +birch rod, so tall and big you are. Now listen Marit, let me speak a +little kindly with you. You are not so bad at the bottom, but you are +deluded. You must attend to what I say, I am old and experienced. I am +not so well off as people think, a poor cageless bird could soon fly +away with the little I have; your father dived hard into it. No, let us +take care of ourselves in this world, it is not better worth. It is all +very well for the schoolmaster to talk, for he has money himself, and +the priest too, they can afford to preach; but with us, who must work +for our living, it is quite a different thing. I am old, and have gone +through much; I can tell you, love is nice enough to talk about, and +may do very well for the clergy and such, but it won't do for the +peasantry, they must look at it in another light. First subsistence you +see, then religion, then a little schooling, then a little love if it +so falls in; but I tell you it is no use to begin with love and end +with victuals. What have you to say now Marit?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I don't know."</p> + +<p class="normal">"You don't know?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, but I do."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What then?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Must I say?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, of course you must."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am bound up in this love."</p> + +<p class="normal">He stood a moment amazed, then, remembering the many similar +conversations leading only to the same end, he shook his head, turned +his back and went.</p> + +<p class="normal">He vented his wrath on the men, abused the girls, beat the great dog, +and nearly frightened the life out of a little hen that had strayed in +the field, but to Marit he said nothing.</p> + +<p class="normal">That evening Marit was so happy when she went up stairs to bed, that +she opened her window, looked out, and sang. She had got a fine little +book from Ovind, and in it was a fine little love song,--this she +sang:--</p> +<div class="poem2"> +<p class="t2">Do you love me true,<br> +E'en as I love you,</p> +<p class="t0">All the livelong happy day;--</p> +<p class="t2">The summer quickly flies,</p> +<p class="t2">The leaf and blossom dies,</p> +<p class="t0">But to come again we say.</p> + +<p class="t0"> </p> +<p class="t2">What you said before,<br> +Comes to me o'er and o'er,</p> +<p class="t0">Like a small bird in a tree,--</p> +<p class="t2">Flutters his tiny wings,</p> +<p class="t2">Nestles himself and sings,</p> +<p class="t0">Merrily chirping, happy and free.</p> + +<p class="t0"> </p> +<p class="t2">Litli, litli, lu,<br> +Do you hear me, you,</p> +<p class="t0">Laddie from the birch hedge under?</p> +<p class="t2">Darkness falleth fast,</p> +<p class="t2">Daylight soon is past,</p> +<p class="t0">Who's to guide me home I wonder!</p> + +<p class="t0"> </p> +<p class="t2">Garry, garry, giss,<br> +Sang I of a kiss?</p> +<p class="t0">Nay, my love, that ne'er can be,--</p> +<p class="t2">Do you say you doubt it?</p> +<p class="t2">Think no more about it,</p> +<p class="t0">I shall slip away you see.</p> + +<p class="t0"> </p> +<p class="t2">Oh, goodnight, goodnight,<br> +Dreamland seems so bright,</p> +<p class="t0">Whispering of your blue eyes true,--</p> +<p class="t2">Of the little silent word,</p> +<p class="t2">Once, you know, I overheard,</p> +<p class="t0">Oh, it was so rash of you!</p> + +<p class="t0"> </p> +<p class="t2">See, I shut the door,<br> +Do you want me more?</p> +<p class="t0">Echoes falling on mine ear,</p> +<p class="t2">Ticing and laughing free,</p> +<p class="t2">Do you want more with me?</p> +<p class="t0">The night is so mild and clear.</p> +</div> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>CHAP. XII.</h2> + +<h3><a name="div1_12" href="#div1Ref_12">THE OLD MAN GETS HIS OWN WAY.</a></h3> + +<p class="normal">A few years have passed since the last scene. It is in the Autumn; the +schoolmaster is coming towards Heidegaard; he opens the outside door, +finds nobody at home, goes further in, still nobody there, till he +comes to the innermost room;--there sits Ole Nordistuen in front of his +bed, gazing at his hands.</p> + +<p class="normal">The schoolmaster salutes him, and is welcomed; takes a stool, and seats +himself in front of Ole.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You have sent for me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, I have."</p> + +<p class="normal">The schoolmaster looks round, takes a book that is lying on the sofa +and opens it.</p> + +<p class="normal">"What was it you wanted with me?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"I am just thinking it over."</p> + +<p class="normal">The schoolmaster takes his time, brings out his spectacles to read the +title of the book, dries them, and puts them on.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You are getting old now, Ole."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, it was just about that I wanted to see you; things go wrong, and +I shall soon be gone."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Then you should see that you are ready to go, Ole;" he shuts the book, +and sits looking at the binding.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It's a good book you have in your hand, there."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, that's true;--have you often got beyond the fly leaf, Ole?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Lately, yes--"</p> + +<p class="normal">The schoolmaster lays the book aside, and puts his spectacles by.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Things are not just as you would wish them now, Ole."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Nor have they been as far back as I can remember."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Well it was the same with me for a long time. I was not on good terms +with a friend of mine, I wanted him to come to me, and I was miserable; +at last I bethought me I would go to him, and since then I have been +happy."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ole looks up, but is silent.</p> + +<p class="normal">The schoolmaster: "How do you think the farm is doing, Ole?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is going backwards like myself."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Who will take it when you are gone?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is just this I don't know, and it troubles me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Your neighbours are doing well, Ole."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, they have the Agriculturist to help them."</p> + +<p class="normal">The schoolmaster turns towards the window, saying somewhat carelessly, +"You should have help too Ole, you can't walk much, and you know very +little of the new method."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh, there's no one who would help me!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Have you asked anyone?"</p> + +<p class="normal">But Ole makes no reply.</p> + +<p class="normal">The schoolmaster: "It was long thus between myself and God. 'Thou art +not good to me,' I said to Him. 'Hast thou asked me to be so?' He +replied. No, I had not, then I prayed, and all things went on well."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ole is still silent, and now the schoolmaster is silent too.</p> + +<p class="normal">At last Ole says, "I have a grandchild she knows what it would please +me to see before I am borne away, but she does not do it."</p> + +<p class="normal">The schoolmaster smiles: "Perhaps it would not please her? There are +many things that trouble you, but so far as I can see, all the +difficulties centre at last on the farm."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ole replies feelingly: "Yes, it has passed from one generation to +another, and the soil is good. All that father after father has got +together, has been laid out there, and now things don't grow. Neither +do I know, when I am taken away, who shall come in my stead. He cannot +be of our kindred."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But there is your granddaughter.--"</p> + +<p class="normal">"But he who takes her, how will he manage the farm? This I long to know +before I die. There is haste Baard, both for me and the farm."</p> + +<p class="normal">After a pause, the schoolmaster said, "Shall we go out a little and +look at the farm, this fine day?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, let us go, I have labourers up there; they gather the leaves, but +they don't work except they see me."</p> + +<p class="normal">He hobbled for his great cap and stick, saying as he went, "They don't +like working for me, I don't know how it is."</p> + +<p class="normal">On coming out and turning the corner, he exclaimed, "Here you see, no +order; the wood scattered all over, the axe not stuck in the log." He +bent over with difficulty, took it up and slashed it in.</p> + +<p class="normal">"There, do you see that sheep skin fallen down, but has any one hung it +up?" He did it himself.</p> + +<p class="normal">"And there is the ladder out of place." He put it right, and turning to +the schoolmaster, said, "The same thing day after day!"</p> + +<p class="normal">As they went further they heard a lively song from the fields.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Hark! they are singing at work," said the schoolmaster.</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, it is little Knut Ostistuen who is singing; he is gathering leaves +for his father. It is over there my people are working, they are not +singing."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is not one of the country songs, that?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, I hear it is not."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ovind Pladsen has been a great deal in Ostistuen; it must be one of +those he has introduced; where he is, there is sure to be song."</p> + +<p class="normal">No reply.</p> + +<p class="normal">The field they went over was not in good condition, it wanted +attention. The schoolmaster remarked it, whereupon Ole stopped.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I cannot do any more," he said, almost in tears; "but it is hard to go +over such a field, you may be sure."</p> + +<p class="normal">As they began to talk again about the size of the farm, and what most +required attention, they concluded to go up the hill side, where they +could overlook the whole. When they had reached the place, and could +see the farm laid out before them, the old man was quite moved.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I should not like to leave it as it is. We have worked hard there both +I and my parents before me; but now nothing is to be seen of our +labour."</p> + +<p class="normal">Just then, right above their heads, there burst out a song, with that +peculiar sharpness that a lad's voice has when it is changing. They +were not far from the tree where little Knut Ostistuen was sitting, +pulling leaves for his father, and they listened to the song:--</p> +<div class="poem2"> +<p class="t0">All along by copse and glade</p> +<p class="t1">Up the rocky mountain,</p> +<p class="t0">Thro' the pleasant birch wood's shade,</p> +<p class="t1">By the silver fountain.</p> +<p class="t0">Chase away each thought of care,</p> +<p class="t1">Gaily, gladly singing,</p> +<p class="t0">Through the pure and bracing air</p> +<p class="t1">Joyful echoes ringing.</p> +<p class="t0"> </p> +<p class="t0">The birds salute from every tree,</p> +<p class="t1">They form a charming choir,</p> +<p class="t0">The air grows pure, and light, and free,</p> +<p class="t1">Higher up and higher.</p> +<p class="t0">So the thought of childhood's hours</p> +<p class="t1">To the memory rushes,</p> +<p class="t0">Recollections from the flowers</p> +<p class="t1">Peep with rosy blushes.</p> +<p class="t0"> </p> +<p class="t0">Stay and listen;--it is good,</p> +<p class="t1">To thy heart appealing--</p> +<p class="t0">The grand deep song of solitude,</p> +<p class="t1">Speaks to every feeling.</p> +<p class="t0">But a streamlet gurgling on,</p> +<p class="t1">But a small stone rolling,</p> +<p class="t0">Calls up forgotten duties gone,</p> +<p class="t1">Like a death knell tolling.</p> +<p class="t0"> </p> +<p class="t0">Tremble, yes, but pray, poor soul</p> +<p class="t1">'Midst thy saddest thinking;--</p> +<p class="t0">Forward to the blesséd goal,--</p> +<p class="t1">Keep thy heart from sinking.</p> +<p class="t0">There is Christ as once of old,</p> +<p class="t1">Elias too, and Moses;</p> +<p class="t0">When their glory ye behold,</p> +<p class="t1">Faith in joy reposes.</p> +</div> + +<p class="normal">Ole had seated himself, and hid his head in his hands.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Let us talk together here," said the schoolmaster, and sat down by his +side.</p> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<p class="normal">Down at the little farm, Ovind had just returned from a long journey, +the chaise was still at the door, while the horses were resting.</p> + +<p class="normal">Although Ovind had now a good salary as District Agriculturist, he +still kept his little room, down at Pladsen, and assisted them in his +spare time. Pladsen was now under good cultivation from one end to the +other, but it was so small that Ovind called it "Mother's doll's play;" +for it was chiefly she who managed the farm.</p> + +<p class="normal">He had just dressed after his journey, and so had the father who had +come home white from the mill, and they were speaking of going out a +little before supper, when the mother came in looking quite pale:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do look out, pray see the strangers coming to the house!"</p> + +<p class="normal">They both went to the window, and Ovind was the first to exclaim,--</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is the schoolmaster, and,----yes, I do believe it is,----yes, it is +him!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, it is old Ole Nordistuen," said Thore, as he turned from the +window to avoid being seen, for they were close at hand.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind got a glance from the schoolmaster, as he retreated from the +window; Baard smiled and looked back at old Ole, who was labouring +along with his stick, and the small short steps, the one leg always +lifted higher than the other. From inside they could hear the +schoolmaster saying, "He has only just come home;" and Ole to repeat +twice, "Hm-hm."</p> + +<p class="normal">They waited a long time in the passage, the mother had gone to the +pantry where the milk stood, Ovind had his old place, his back leaning +against the great table, his face to the door, and the father sat by +his side. At last there came a knock, and in walked the schoolmaster, +and took his hat off, then old Ole, and took his cap off, but back he +turned to shut the door, and stood a long time, manifestly at a loss. +Thore rose, and bade them be seated; they sat side by side on the +window sill. Thore sat down again.</p> + +<p class="normal">Now thus was the matter settled.</p> + +<p class="normal">The schoolmaster: "We have had beautiful weather this Autumn."</p> + +<p class="normal">Thore: "Yes, it has taken up of late."</p> + +<p class="normal">"It will be sure to last so long as the wind remains in the same +quarter."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Are you ready with the harvest up there?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"No, indeed, Ole Nordistuen here, as perhaps you know, would like to +have your help, Ovind, if there's nothing in the way?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind: "When I am requested, I shall be glad to do what I can."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, but it wasn't only just for the present, he meant. He sees the +farm is not doing well, and he thinks it is the right method and +oversight that are wanting."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind: "I am so little at home."</p> + +<p class="normal">The schoolmaster looks at Ole, who feels that it is his turn to speak +now, he moves uneasily a few times, and then begins quickly and +abruptly: "It was, it is,--yes,--I thought you might stay,--that is, +you might live with us up there, be there, when you were not away on +your journeys."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I thank you very much for the offer, but I should prefer to stay where +I am."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ole looks at the schoolmaster, who explains:</p> + +<p class="normal">"Things seem in a muddle for Ole to-day; you see he was here once +before, and the recollection of it makes it rather awkward."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ole, quickly: "Yes, that's it, I went on like a fool, I was striving so +long with the girl, that the edge of the axe grew blunt. But byegones +shall be byegones. Rain brooks soon dry up. May snow does not last +long. It is not thunder that kills people."</p> + +<p class="normal">They all laughed, and the schoolmaster said, "Ole means that you must +forget the past, and you also, Thore."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ole looks, and does not know whether he dare begin again.</p> + +<p class="normal">Then Thore says, "A sharp cut mends sooner than a tear, and you will +find no scar upon me."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ole: "I did not know the lad that time. Now I see that things prosper +under his hand; Autumn answers to Spring; he has money at his finger +ends, and I should like to get hold of him."</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind looks at his father, and he at the mother, she from them to the +schoolmaster, and at last all eyes were fixed upon him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ole means that he has a large farm--"</p> + +<p class="normal">Ole interrupts: "A large farm but ill cultivated;--I cannot do more, I +am old, and my feet refuse to obey my commands, but it would repay +anyone to have a pull up there."</p> + +<p class="normal">"The largest farm in the district, and no mistake!" says the +schoolmaster.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The largest farm in the district; that is just the misfortune, for +great shoes won't keep on; it is all right to have a good gun, but you +must be able to lift it." (With a quick glance at Ovind,) "You could +perhaps give me a lift could you?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"To manage the farm?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Just so; you should have the farm."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Should I GET the farm?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Just so; and so you would have the charge of it."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But?--"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Will you not?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, of course."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes yes, yes yes, then it is settled, said the hen, when she flew on +to the water."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But?----"</p> + +<p class="normal">Ole looks inquiringly at the schoolmaster.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Ovind wants to know if he is to have Marit?"</p> + +<p class="normal">Ole quickly, "Marit into the bargain, Marit into the bargain!"</p> + +<p class="normal">Ovind jumped up and laughed for joy, rubbed his hands, and ran about, +repeating continuously, "Marit into the bargain! Marit into the +bargain!"</p> + +<p class="normal">Thore laughed in deep chuckles; the mother sat up in the corner, with +eyes constantly fixed on her son, till the tears came.</p> + +<p class="normal">Ole, very eagerly: "What do you think of the farm?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"It's excellent soil!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Excellent, isn't it?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"And matchless pastures!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Matchless pastures! Will it carry through?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"It shall be the best farm in the district!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"The best farm in the district? Do you think so? Do you mean it?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"As true as I stand here."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Just as I said!"</p> + +<p class="normal">They both of them spoke equally quickly, and corresponded to each other +like a pair of wheels.</p> + +<p class="normal">"But the money, you see, the money? I have no money."</p> + +<p class="normal">"We shall get on slowly without money, but still we shall get on!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"We shall get on! To be sure we shall get on! But things would improve +much quicker if we HAD money you say?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"A very great deal quicker."</p> + +<p class="normal">"A great deal? We should have had money; yes, yes; but one can chew +without all one's teeth; he who drives only with oxen still gets on."</p> + +<p class="normal">The mother stood and winked at Thore, who often glanced up quickly at +her as he sat and rocked himself backwards and forwards, stroking his +hands down over his knees; the schoolmaster blinked at him.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thore cleared his throat a little, and tried to begin, but Ole and +Ovind were talking so incessantly, laughing and making such a noise, +that it was impossible for any one else to be heard.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Could you be quiet a little, Thore has something to say," breaks in +the schoolmaster, at which they stop and look at Thore.</p> + +<p class="normal">At last he begins in a low tone, "It has happened that at this place we +have had a mill, and of late years it has happened we have had two. +From year to year we have always had a penny or two from these mills; +but neither my father nor I have touched the money, excepting that time +Ovind was away. The schoolmaster had it in charge, and he says it has +prospered,--but now it is best that Ovind should get it for +Nordistuen."</p> + +<p class="normal">The mother stood in the corner, making herself quite little, as with a +face glowing with pleasure she gazed at Thore, who, on his part, sat +immoveable, and looking almost stupid; Ole Nordistuen sat in front of +him with gaping mouth; Ovind was the first to recover himself from the +surprise, and breaking out: "Good luck attends me!" went across the +room to his father, clapped him on the shoulder. "Oh father!" said he, +rubbed his hands, and went back again.</p> + +<p class="normal">"How much money will it be?" Ole asked at last, speaking in a low tone +to the schoolmaster.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Oh, not so very little."</p> + +<p class="normal">"A few hundred?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"More than that."</p> + +<p class="normal">"More than that? Ovind, more than that! Good gracious, what a farm it +will be!" He rose up and laughed aloud.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I must go up with you to see Marit," said Ovind, "we'll take the +chaise that is standing outside, and be quick there."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, quick, quick! Do you, then, want everything quick?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, quick and rash."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Quick and rash! Exactly as when I was young, exactly!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Here is your cap and stick, and now I'm going to turn you out!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"You turn me out, ha, ha, ha! But you are coming with me, really, are +you not? The others must come too; we must sit together tonight so long +as there is a spark in the embers, come along!"</p> + +<p class="normal">They promised. Ovind helped him up into the carriage, and they were off +to Nordistuen. The great dog was not the only one up there that was +astonished when Ole Nordistuen drove into the farmstead with Ovind +Pladsen. Whilst Ovind was helping him out of the carriage, and the +servants and laborers were staring with open mouths, Marit came out +into the passage to see what it was the dog was so incessantly barking +at; but when she saw, she stopped as though she were glued to the spot, +then grew desperately red, and ran in again. When old Ole got into the +room, however, he called out so terrifically to her, that she could do +no other than come forth again.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Go and get ready, child, here is the one that shall have the farm!"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is it possible?" she exclaims almost without knowing it, and so loud +that it rang again.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, it is possible!" answers Ovind, clapping his hands; thereupon she +swings round on one foot, tosses that she has in her hand far away, and +runs out; Ovind follows.</p> + +<p class="normal">The schoolmaster soon came with Thore and his wife; the old man had got +a lamp on the table, which was decked with a white cloth; he called for +wine and beer, and he, himself, went busily round and round, lifting +his legs even further up than usual, and still the right foot higher +than the left.</p> + +<hr class="W10"> + +<p class="normal">Before this little story is concluded, it may be told that five weeks +after, Ovind and Marit were married in Sognet's church. The +schoolmaster himself led the song that day, as the sexton was ill. His +voice was broken, for he was old, but Ovind thought it did him good to +hear him. And when he had given Marit his hand and led her up to the +altar, the schoolmaster nodded to him from the choir, just like Ovind +had pictured it, as he sat so depressed at that dance; he nodded back +again, while the tears would run down.</p> + +<p class="normal">Those tears at the dance were the forerunners of these here, and +between them lay his faith and his work.</p> + +<p class="normal">Here ends the story of Ovind.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> +<br> +<p class="hang1"><a name="div2_01" href="#div2Ref_01">Footnote 1</a>: The "Spring dance" and "Halling" are the national dances +of the country.</p> +<br> +<p class="hang1"><a name="div2_02" href="#div2Ref_02">Footnote 2</a>: To those of our readers who have travelled in the +mountainous districts of Norway, the idea of the "Sœters" is sure to +convey a romantic and pleasing impression, and though to others we fear +we cannot give a just representation of these strongholds of the +brownies, we may at least explain the meaning of the word.</p> + +<p class="hang2">In the prospect of the long winter before them, the farmers are anxious +to cultivate as meadow every available spot of grass land in the +valley, and therefore during the summer months the cattle are sent to +graze up in the forests and on the mountain sides, where each farm has +its Sœter usually several miles away from the farm itself. A part of +the family take up their residence in the small wooden house prepared +in the simplest way for their accommodation; a few plain wooden chairs +and a table may be all the furniture, but everything is scrupulously +clean, and here many a young girl may gain her first experience in +housekeeping and the superintendence of the dairy.</p> + +<p class="hang2">Early in the morning, when the dewy freshness of the air gives life and +vigour to all around, the milkmaid will arise, and in clear beautiful +tones sing a song of the country, and gather the cattle around her, +giving to each a handful of salt, and calling them all by name. The +mountains rise on all sides, and her song is re-echoed from cliff to +cliff. Far in the distance amid the towering peaks, peep here and there +the deep crevasses filled with everlasting snow; the icy surface gives +a glacier-like appearance, and there you may see grand images of the +sun reflected like gigantic stars.</p> + +<p class="hang2">The herdsmen up in the Sœters play skilfully upon a curious wooden +instrument, peculiar to the country. This can be heard for miles, and +should any of the cattle have strayed from the rest, they are guided +back by the sweet sounds of the "Luur."</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2>THE EAGLE'S NEST.</h2> +<br> +<br> +<h2>THE FATHER.</h2> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><a name="div1_13" href="#div1Ref_13">THE EAGLE'S NEST.</a></h2> + + +<p class="normal">Endregaarden was the name of a small solitary hamlet, surrounded by +high mountains, from which flowed a broad river that divided the flat +and fertile valley in two.</p> + +<p class="normal">The river ran into a lake that lay close to the hamlet, and from this +spot there was a beautiful prospect. Once there came a man rowing over +Endre Water; his name was Endre, and it was he who had first settled in +the valley, and his kindred who now lived there. Some said he had +decamped hither for murder's sake, and it was therefore his descendants +were so dark; others said it was due to the mountains, that shut out +the sun at five o'clock on midsummer day.</p> + +<p class="normal">Over this hamlet there hung an eagle's nest from the projecting cliffs +up in the mountain, and though all could see when the eagle was +sitting, the nest was quite out of reach. The male bird sailed over the +hamlet, pouncing now on a lamb, now on a kid, once he had also taken a +little child and borne away; therefore there was no security so long as +the eagle had her nest in this mountain fastness.</p> + +<p class="normal">There was a tradition among the people, that in the olden time, two +brothers had climbed up and destroyed the nest; but now there was no +one who could do it.</p> + +<p class="normal">When two met in Endregaarden, they would speak of the eagle's nest, and +look up. Every one knew what time in the new year the eagles had come +back, where they had pounced down and done mischief, and who had last +attempted to climb up.</p> + +<p class="normal">In the hope of one day being able to achieve the feat of the two +brothers, the lads, from quite small boys, would practise themselves in +climbing trees and cliffs, wrestling, &c.</p> + +<p class="normal">At the time of which we now speak, the first lad in Endregaarden was +not of the Endre kin; his name was Leif, he had curly hair, and small +eyes, was clever in all play, and fond of the gentler sex. He said very +early of himself, that one day he would reach the eagle's nest, but +people intimated he had better not have said it aloud.</p> + +<p class="normal">This tickled him, and before he was of full age, he went aloft. It was +a clear Sunday morning in the early summer; the young birds would +scarcely be hatched. The people gathered in a crowd under the mountain +to see; old and young alike advising him against the attempt.</p> + +<p class="normal">But he listened only to the voice of his own strong will, and waiting +till the eagle left her nest, he made one spring and hung in a tree +several yards from the ground. It grew in a cleft, and up this cleft he +began to climb. Small stones loosened from under his feet, and the soil +and gravel came tumbling down, otherwise it was quite still, save the +sound of the river from behind with its subdued and ceaseless sough.</p> + +<p class="normal">He soon reached that part where the mountain began to project, and here +he hung by one hand, groping with his foot for a hold; he could not +see. Many, especially women, turned away, saying he would not have done +this if his parents had been living. At last he found a footing, sought +again, first with the hand, then with the foot; he missed, slipped, +then hung fast again. They who stood below could hear each other +breathing.</p> + +<p class="normal">Then a tall young girl, who sat upon a stone apart from the rest, rose +up; they said she had promised herself to him from a child, although he +was not of the Endre kin, and her parents would never give their +consent. She stretched out her arms and called aloud, "Leif, Leif, why +do you do this!" Every one turned towards her; the father stood close +by and gave her a severe look, but she did not heed him. "Come down +again, Leif," she cried: "I, I love you, and there's nothing to be +gained up there!"</p> + +<p class="normal">One could see that he was considering, he waited a moment or two, and +then went further up. He found a firm footing, and for a time he got on +well; then he seemed to grow tired, for he often stopped.</p> + +<p class="normal">A small stone came rolling down, as though it were a forerunner, and +all who stood there must watch its course to the bottom. Some could not +bear it longer, and went away. The girl still standing high upon the +stone, wrung her hands and gazed up. Leif took hold again with one +hand; it slipped, she saw it distinctly; he made a grasp with the +other, it slipped also; "Leif!" she cried, so that it rang in the +mountain, and all the others joined in. "He's slipping!" they cried, +and stretched out their hands towards him, men and women. He continued +to slip with the sand, stone, and soil; slip, slip, faster, faster. The +people turned away, and then they heard a rustling and rattling on the +mountain behind them, and something heavy fall down like a great piece +of wet earth. When they looked round again, there he lay, torn and +disfigured. The girl lay on the stone; the father took her up and +carried her away. The lads, who had the most excited Leif to climb, +dared not now go near to help him, some could not even look at him; so +the old people had to come forward. The eldest of them said, as he took +him up, "Alas! alas! but,--" he added, "it is well there is something +hangs so high that every one cannot reach it."</p> +<br> +<br> +<h3>FINIS.</h3> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<br> +<h2><a name="div1_14" href="#div1Ref_14">THE FATHER.</a></h2> + + +<p class="normal">Thord Overaas, of whom we are about to speak, was the wealthiest man in +the parish.</p> + +<p class="normal">His tall figure stood one day in the pastor's study: "I have got a +son," he said eagerly, "and I wish to have him baptised."</p> + +<p class="normal">"What shall he be called?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Finn, after my father."</p> + +<p class="normal">"And his god parents?"</p> + +<p class="normal">They were named, being relatives of Thord, and the best men and women +in the district.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is there anything else?" asked the pastor, and looked up.</p> + +<p class="normal">The farmer stood a minute;</p> + +<p class="normal">"I should like to have him baptised by himself," he said.</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is to say on a week day?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Next Saturday, at twelve o'clock."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is there anything else?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Nothing else."</p> + +<p class="normal">The farmer took his hat, and moved to go.</p> + +<p class="normal">Then the pastor rose; "There is still this," he said, and going up to +Thord, he took his hand, and looked him in the face: "God grant that +the child may be a blessing to you!"</p> + +<p class="normal">Sixteen years after that day, Thord stood again in the pastor's study.</p> + +<p class="normal">"You look exceedingly well, Thord," said the pastor; he saw no change +in him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have no trouble," replied Thord.</p> + +<p class="normal">The pastor was silent, but a moment after: "What is your errand +to-night?" he asked.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have come to-night about my son, who is to be confirmed to-morrow."</p> + +<p class="normal">"He is a clever lad."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I did not wish to pay the pastor, before I heard what number he would +get."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I hear that,--and here are ten dollars for the pastor."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Is there anything else?" asked the pastor, he looked at Thord.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Nothing else." Thord went.</p> + +<p class="normal">Eight years more passed by, and so one day the pastor heard a noise +without his door, for many men were there, and Thord first among them. +The pastor looked up and recognised him: "You come with a powerful +escort to-night."</p> + +<p class="normal">"I have come to request that the banns may be published for my son; he +is to be married to Karen Storliden, daughter of Gudmund, who is here +with me."</p> + +<p class="normal">"That is to say, to the richest girl in the parish."</p> + +<p class="normal">"They say so," replied the farmer, he stroked his hair up with one hand.</p> + +<p class="normal">The pastor sat a minute as in thought, he said nothing, but entered the +names in his books, and the men wrote under.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thord laid three dollars on the table.</p> + +<p class="normal">"I should have only one," said the pastor.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Know that perfectly, but he is my only child; will do the thing well."</p> + +<p class="normal">The pastor took up the money: "This is the third time now, Thord, that +you stand here on your son's account."</p> + +<p class="normal">"But now I am done with him," said Thord, took up his pocket book, said +good night, and went. The men slowly followed.</p> + +<p class="normal">Just a fortnight after this, the father and son were rowing over the +lake in still weather to Storliden, to arrange about the wedding.</p> + +<p class="normal">"The cushion is not straight," said the son, he rose up to put it +right. At the same moment his foot slipped; he stretched out his arms, +and with a cry fell into the water.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Catch hold of the oar!" called the father, he stood up and stuck it +out. But when the son had made a few attempts, he became stiff.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Wait a minute!" cried the father, and began to row. Then the son +turned backwards over, gazed earnestly at his father, and sank.</p> + +<p class="normal">Thord could scarcely believe it to be true; he kept the boat still, and +stared at the spot where his son had sunk, as though he would come up +again. A few bubbles rose up, a few more, then one great one, it +burst--and the sea again lay bright as a mirror.</p> + +<p class="normal">For three days and three nights the father was seen to row round and +round the spot without either food or sleep; he was seeking for his +son. On the morning of the third day he found him, and carried him up +over the hills to his farm.</p> + +<p class="normal">It would be about a year after that day, when the pastor, one autumn +evening, heard something rustling outside the door in the passage, and +fumbling about the lock. The door opened, and in walked a tall thin +man, with bent figure and white hair. The pastor looked long at him +before he recognised him; it was Thord.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Do you come so late?" asked the pastor and stood still before him.</p> + +<p class="normal">"Why yes, I do come late," said Thore, he seated himself. The pastor +sat down also, as though waiting; there was a long silence.</p> + +<p class="normal">Then said Thord, "I have something with me that I wish to give to the +poor,"--he rose, laid some money on the table, and sat down again.</p> + +<p class="normal">The pastor counted it: "It is a great deal of money," he said.</p> + +<p class="normal">"It is the half of my farm, which I have sold to-day."</p> + +<p class="normal">The pastor remained long sitting in silence; at last he asked, but +gently: "What do you intend to do now?"</p> + +<p class="normal">"Something better."</p> + +<p class="normal">They sat there awhile, Thord with downcast eyes, the pastor with his +raised to Thord. Then the pastor said slowly, and in a low tone: "I +think at last your son has really become a blessing to you."</p> + +<p class="normal">"Yes, I think so myself also," said Thord, he looked up, and two tears +coursed slowly down his face.</p> +<br> +<br> +<br> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Ovind, by Björnstjerne Björnson + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OVIND *** + +***** This file should be named 37727-h.htm or 37727-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/7/7/2/37727/ + +Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by Google Books + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Ovind + A Story of Country Life in Norway + +Author: Bjoernstjerne Bjoernson + +Translator: Silvert Hjerleid + Elizabeth Hjerleid + +Release Date: October 11, 2011 [EBook #37727] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OVIND *** + + + + +Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by Google Books + + + + + + +Transcriber's Notes: + + 1. Page scan source: + http://books.google.com/books?id=f8QFAAAAQAAJ + + 2. The diphthong oe is represented by [oe]. + + 3. This volume includes three stories: "Ovind," "The Eagle's Nest," + and "The Father." + + + + + + OVIND: + + A Story of Country Life in Norway, + + + BY + BJOeRNSTJERNE BJOeRNSON. + + + + TRANSLATED FROM THE NORWEGIAN + "EN GLAD GUT," + + + BY + SIVERT AND ELIZABETH HJERLEID. + + + + LONDON: SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, AND CO. + MIDDLESBROUGH: BURNETT AND HOOD. + * * * + 1869. + + + + + TRANSLATORS' PREFACE. + + +In offering to the public our Translation of Ovind, we wish to say that +the work was commenced simply for the pleasure of it, and without any +view to publication; but having completed it, we have decided to follow +the advice of many of our friends who have read the book, and who think +it a pity to keep in manuscript the translation of a work so original +as this. It is therefore offered to the English reader, in the hope +that it will meet with the same success in this country that it has +done in others; for Bjoernstjerne Bjoernson, that singular man who seemed +so long destined to be distinguished for naught but foolish pranks as a +boy, and inaptitude at school and college, has won for himself high +literary honors, not only in his native land but throughout Northern +Europe. A restless nature, wandering in a wilderness of unfixed +purpose, he has repeatedly been on the point of giving himself up as +good for naught, until at last the sequestered valley, and the lowly +and quiet life of his home, broke upon his wondering eye, in forms he +had been seeking in that dreamy half-conscious instinct, which has so +often been the harbinger of greatness. + +The "Bonde," that sturdy aristocrat of a northern settlement, a man of +noble descent, a lord of his ground, and the mainstay of his country, +covering under the rugged garb of his matter-of-fact life, a heart that +beats warm with attachment to his fellow man, and an inborn pride, +nurtured by Saga memories and family traditions,--is Bjoernson's text, +and a text he handles well. His romances are true to nature, and the +sombre grandeur of his land inspires him with ideas which we meet with +only in his writings, and which are completely his own. There is a +weird light over his whole mind, reflected in his works, which does not +repel, but allures. In short, Bjoernson, of all men living, seems to +have entered most entirely into the life of his nation as it is in its +reality, the life which exists on the national traditions, customs, +thought, handed down from generation to generation. + +The story, which it has been our endeavour to translate as literally as +possible, is one of the author's earliest works. In the original the +chapters are without headings, but we have added them as more consonant +with English taste and custom. As the Norwegian title, "En glad Gut," +scarcely bears translation, we have given the name of the hero of the +story to the book. Thinking it would be acceptable to our readers, we +have added two of Bjoernson's shorter pieces, "The Eagle's Nest," and +"The Father." + +We should not feel to be doing Herr Bjoernson justice, if we spoke only +of his romances, and omitted to mention his success as a poet and +dramatist. In the drama he has mostly chosen for his subjects, scenes +in old Norwegian history, but his play entitled, "Mary Stuart," and +another of more general interest, "The newly-married couple," would +perhaps be better suited to the English reader. + +North Ormesby, + +Middlesbrough, October, 1869. + + + + + CONTENTS + + + OVIND. + + CHAP. I. + The Lost Goat. + + CHAP. II. + At School. + + CHAP. III. + The Schoolmaster's Story. + + CHAP. IV. + Two Bright Buttons and One Black. + + CHAP. V. + A New Aim in Life. + + CHAP. VI. + Not Quite Fair. + + CHAP. VII. + A Voice from the Ridge. + + CHAP. VIII. + Be Sure that You Burn It. + + CHAP. IX. + Ovind Throws his Cap in the Air. + + CHAP. X. + Turn the River Where it can Flow. + + Chap. XI. + Gathering Berries. + + Chap. XII. + The Old Man gets his Own Way. + + * * * + + THE EAGLE'S NEST. + + * * * + + THE FATHER. + + + + + CHAP. I. + + THE LOST GOAT. + + +They called him Ovind, and he cried when he was born. But when he could +sit upon his mother's lap he smiled, and when they lit the candle in +the dusk, he laughed and laughed again, but cried when he couldn't come +to it. + +"This child will be something rare," said the mother. + +There, where he was born, the wild rocks overhung. From the top of the +ridge, the firs and birch looked down upon the cottage; the bird cherry +strewed its flowers on the roof. And up on the roof grazed Ovind's +little goat; they kept him there that he mightn't stray, and Ovind +gathered leaves and grass for him. One fine morning the goat leapt +down, and skipped among the rocks, away where he had never been before. +When Ovind came out in the afternoon, the goat was gone. He thought at +once of a fox, and grew hot and listened--"Billy, Billy, Billy, Bil-ly +goat!" "Ba-a-a!" he answered up from the ridge, laid his head to one +side, and looked down. + +By the side of the goat sat a little girl. "Is the goat yours?" said +she. + +Ovind stood with open eyes and mouth, and stuck both his hands in his +pocket. "Who are you?" said he. + +"I am Marit, my mother's pet, my father's darling, the fairy in the +house, granddaughter to Ole Nordistuen at Heidegaard, four years old in +Autumn, two days after the frosty nights!" + +"Oh! are you that!" said he, as he drew a long breath, for he had not +stirred while she spoke. + +"Is the goat yours?" said the little girl again. + +"Why, yes," said he, and looked up. + +"I have taken such a fancy to this goat;--you won't give it to me?" + +"No, that I won't." + +She twisted herself, looked down upon him, and said: "But if I give you +a butter biscuit, can I get the goat?" + +Ovind was of poor folk, he had only eaten butter biscuit once in his +life, that was when his grandfather came, and the like he had never +tasted before or since. "Let me first see the biscuit," said he. + +She held up a large one--"Here it is!"--and tossed it down. + +"Oh! it's broken!" said the boy, and he carefully gathered up every +crumb;--the smallest bit he must taste, and it was so good that he must +take just another, and another, till before he knew it, the whole +biscuit was gone. + +"Now the goat is mine," said the little girl. + +The boy stopped with the last bit in his mouth. The girl sat and +smiled, the goat standing by her side, with his white breast and dark +brown shaggy hair. + +"Couldn't you wait for a while?" begged the boy, and his heart began to +beat. + +Then the little girl laughed the more, and rose up on her knees. +"No--the goat is mine," said she, and threw her arm round his neck, +untied her garter, and bound it round. + +Ovind looked on. She rose and began to pull at the goat, but he +wouldn't go, and stretched his neck over towards Ovind. "Baa-a," said +he. She took hold of him by the hair with one hand, and drawing the +cord in with the other, said coaxingly,--"Come now, goaty, come, you +shall come to the kitchen and I'll give you nice milk and bread,"--then +she sang: + + + "Come calf from my mother, + Come goat from the lad, + Come pussy mew kitty, + Oh! I am so glad! + Come ducklings so yellow, + Go each with your fellow, + Come chickens and run, + Haste to join in the fun, + Come little doves cooing, + Your feathers are fine-- + The grass may be wet, + But the sun will still shine, + Early, early, early, in the summer sky, + Calling unto autumn that her days are nigh!" + + +There stood the boy. He had tended the goat since winter when he was +born, and the idea of losing him had never entered his mind, but now he +was gone all in a minute, and he should never see him more. + +The mother came singing up from the well. She saw the boy sitting in +the grass crying, and went over to him. "What are you crying for?" + +"Oh! the goat,--the goat." + +"Yes, where is the goat?" said the mother, as she looked up to the +roof. + +"He won't come any more!" said the boy. + +"Dear, how can that be?" + +Ovind wouldn't tell about it. + +"Has the fox taken it?" + +"Oh! I wish it was the fox!" + +"Now what have you been doing?" said the mother. "Where is the goat?" + +"Oh! oh! oh!... I ... I ... sold the goat for a biscuit!" + +Just as he said the words, he felt what it was to sell the goat for a +biscuit, he had not thought about it before. The mother said, "And what +do you say now the little goat thinks of you, that you could sell him +for a biscuit?" + +Now the boy fully understood it, and he felt sure he could never more +be happy here,--not even with God, he thought again. + +He felt so grieved, that he made an agreement with himself that he +would never do wrong any more,--he wouldn't cut the spinning thread, +and he wouldn't lose the sheep, nor go down to the sea alone. And as he +lay, he fell asleep, and dreamt that the goat had gone to heaven; the +Lord sat there with a great beard as in the catechism, and the goat +stood and nibbled the leaves from a shining tree, but Ovind sat alone +upon the roof and couldn't come up. + +Suddenly he felt something wet against his ear, and started up. +"Ba-a-a!" it said. It was the goat come back again. + +"Oh, are you come again!" He sprang up, took both the goat's forelegs, +and danced with him as a brother; he pulled him by the beard, and was +just going in with him when he heard something behind, and turning, he +saw the little girl sitting on the greensward. Now he understood it, +and let the goat loose. "Is it you who have brought him back?" + +She sat and pulled the grass up. "They wouldn't let me keep him. My +grandfather's up there waiting." + +Just then they heard a shrill voice calling,--"Now!" Then she +remembered what she had to do. She rose and went to Ovind, put one hand +in his, looked down, and said: "Forgive me." But then her courage +failed her; she cast herself over the goat, and wept. + +"You shall keep the little goat," said Ovind, and turned away. + +"Be quick!" said the grandfather up from the hill. + +Marit rose and walked slowly on. + +"You've forgotten your garter," cried Ovind. + +She turned herself, looked first on the garter and then on him, and at +last mumbled--"You can keep that." + +He went and took her by the hand,--"Thank you!" he said. + +"Oh, nothing to thank me for," she replied, heaved a deep sigh, and +went away. + +But Ovind wasn't so happy with the goat as he had been before. + + + + + CHAP. II. + + AT SCHOOL. + + +By the cottage side the goat was tethered, but Ovind was looking up +towards the hill. His mother came and sat by him; he wished to hear +stories about things far away, for the goat could no longer satisfy +him. So he was told how once all things could speak,--the mountain +spoke to the brook, and the brook to the river, and the river to the +sea, and the sea to the sky; but then he asked if the sky spoke to +nothing,--yes, the sky spoke to the clouds, and the clouds to the +trees, and the trees to the grass, and the grass to the flies, and the +flies to the animals, and the animals to children, and children to old +people, and so it went again and again, and round and round, and no one +knew who began. Ovind looked on the mountain, the trees, the sea, and +the sky, and had in reality never seen them before. The cat came out +and laid herself on the doorstep in the sun. "What does pussy say?" +said Ovind, and pointed. The mother sang: + + + "Softly the sun sheds his evening rays, + Idly the cat on the doorstep lays. + 'Two little wee mice, + Some cream from a cup, + And a dainty fish slice + Have I eaten up,-- + And I feel too lazy to stir, + I can only sit here and purr,' + Says the cat." + + +The cock with all his hens passed by. "What does the cock say?" asked +Ovind, and clapped his hands. The mother sang: + + + "Kindly the hen-mother spreads out her wings, + Proudly the cock stands on one leg and sings,-- + 'Up in the air with plumage grey, + The wild goose swiftly his course may steer, + But, in intellect tell me I pray + Can he ever match with Sir Chanticleer! + Come, come my hens, to rest, to rest-- + Soon will the sun sink down in the west,' + Says the cock." + + +Two little birds sat and sang up on the roof. "What do the little birds +say?" asked Ovind, and laughed. + + + "'Oh! how pleasant and sweet is life + Free from the turmoil of constant strife,' + Say the little birds." + + +And so he got to hear what all things said, even down to the ant that +crept through the moss, and the worm that bored in the bark. + +The same summer his mother began to teach him to read. He had often +wondered how it would be when the books began to talk, and now all the +letters were animals, birds, or anything else he thought of; but soon +they began to go together two and two; A stood and leaned against a +tree, and called to B, then E came and did the same, but now there were +three or four together, and it seemed as if they disagreed,--the +further he went the more he forgot what they were. He could remember A +the longest, for he liked it the best, it was a little black lamb and +was friends with everybody; but soon he forgot A too. The book had no +stories, but was simply lessons. + +One day his mother came in, and said to him "To-morrow the school +begins again, and I shall take you there to the farm." Ovind had heard +that the school was a place where little boys played together, and he +had nothing to say against it. He was delighted, and ran on before his +mother up the hill, full of glee and expectation. They reached the +school-house, and a busy hum greeted their ears, like the sound of the +water mill at home. He asked what it was. "It is the children reading," +she said: then he was pleased, for he had read that way himself before +he knew his letters. When he came in there were as many children +sitting round the table as he had ever seen at church. Others sat on +their dinner tins round the room, and some stood in small groups before +a black board. The schoolmaster, an old grey-headed man, sat on a stool +by the fire filling his pipe. When Ovind and his mother entered, they +all looked up, and the murmur ceased, as if the mill stream were +suddenly dammed. The mother said "Good morning," and shook hands with +the schoolmaster. + +"Here I come with a little boy who will learn to read," said the +mother. + +"What's the bairn's name?" said the schoolmaster, as he delved in his +pouch for the tobacco. + +"Ovind," said the mother; "he knows his letters and a few short words." + +"Oh! indeed!" said the schoolmaster. "Come here you little white head!" + +Ovind went to him, the schoolmaster lifted him on to his knee, and took +off his cap. "Here's a nice little lad!" said he, and stroked his hair. + +Ovind looked up in his face and smiled. + +"Is it me you're laughing at?" and he frowned. + +"Yes, that it is," replied Ovind, and laughed aloud. Then the +schoolmaster laughed also, and the mother, so the children saw they +might join, and they all laughed together. + +This was the way in which Ovind entered the school. + +When he had to take his seat each one wanted to make room for him, but +he stood looking round and round, from side to side, with his cap in +his hand and his book under his arm, while they whispered and pointed. + +"What then?" said the schoolmaster, and he took his pipe again. + +As the boy turned round to the schoolmaster he caught sight of Marit +with the many names, sitting on a little red painted box in the chimney +corner: she hid her face in both her hands and sat and peeped at him. + +"I'll sit here!" said Ovind quickly, hopped across the room, and set +himself down by her side. Now she lifted her arm and looked at him from +under her elbows; then he did the same. This went on till they all +laughed again. + +"Be quiet, you naughty, troublesome, giggling gewgaws!--Come be good +little children now!" + +It was the voice of the schoolmaster, who, if he stormed, was sure to +be calm before he finished. + +The children were soon quiet again, until each began to con his lesson +aloud. Then the treble voices sounded high, while the bass drummed +louder and louder to overpower them, and one and another chimed in +between, till Ovind thought he had never had such fun in all his days. + +"Is it always like this?" he whispered to Marit. + +"Yes, it's always like this," she said. + +By and bye they had to go up to the schoolmaster to read, then a little +boy was set to hear them, and they soon found a chance to slip back to +their corner again. + +"I've got a little goat now, too," said Marit. + +"Have you?" + +"Yes, but it's not so nice as yours." + +"Why haven't you come up oftener to the ridge?" + +"Grandfather was afraid lest I should fall down." + +"But it isn't so high." + +"Grandfather won't let me come though." + +"My mother knows so many songs," said Ovind. + +"Oh! so does grandfather." + +"Yes, but not the same as mother sings." + +"Grandfather knows a dancing song!--Will you hear it?" + +"Oh yes!" + +"Then come further away so that the schoolmaster shan't see us." + +He came quite close to her, and she said the song over and over again, +till he knew it by heart, and this was the first that he learnt at the +school,-- + + + "Dance! cried the fiddle + In tuning the strings, + Then suddenly upsprings + A youth and cries 'Ho!' + + 'Hey!' said Erasmus, + Embracing fair Randi, + 'Come hasten to give me + The kiss that you owe!' + + 'Nay,' answered Randi, + But slipped away shyly, + And nodding, said slyly, + 'From that you may know!'" + + +"Up youngsters," cried the schoolmaster, "this is the first day +at school, and you may go early, but now we must have prayers +and singing." Up rushed the children, laughing and talking and +scampering over the floor. "Silence! you little good-for-nothing +chatter-boxes,--be good and walk nicely over the floor my children!" +said the schoolmaster, whereupon they quietly took their places, the +schoolmaster went in front and said a short prayer, and then they sang. +He led in a deep bass voice, and all the children stood with folded +hands. Ovind and Marit stood near the door--they also folded their +hands, but they could not sing. So ended the first day at school. + + + + + CHAP. III. + + THE SCHOOLMASTER'S STORY. + + +Ovind grew, and became a promising lad. At school he was always among +the first, and at home he was industrious, for at home he loved his +mother and at school the schoolmaster. He did not see much of his +father, who was either away fishing or else attending to the mill. + +That which at this time had the most influence over his mind, was the +history of the schoolmaster, which his mother told him one night as +they sat over the log fire. It entered his books, it peeped out of +every word the schoolmaster said, and crept stealthily round the +school-room when all was still. It made him obedient and respectful, +and, as it were, enlarged the powers of his mind. The story ran +thus:--The schoolmaster's name was Baard, and he had one only brother +called Anders. They were much attached to each other, they enlisted +together, served in the same company, were together in the war, and +were both made corporals; and, when after the war they returned home, +they were looked upon by everybody as two brave fellows. + +Soon after this their father died, leaving a good deal of property not +easy to divide. To overcome the difficulty, they resolved to have an +auction sale, when they could share the profits, and each could buy +those things he liked best. Now the father had left a large gold watch, +known through all the country side, for it was the only gold watch the +people there had ever seen. When this watch was put up at the sale +there were many bids, until both the brothers began, and then others +ceased. Now Baard expected that Anders would let him have the watch, +and Anders thought the same of Baard. When the watch had come up to +twenty dollars, Baard thought it wasn't nice of his younger brother, +and he bid again until it was near thirty, but Anders would not give +in. Then Baard said forty dollars at one bid, and looked no longer at +his brother. There was a deep silence in the room, broken only by the +auctioneer quietly naming the last bid. Anders thought that if Baard +could afford to pay forty dollars, he could do it equally as well, and +if Baard would not let him have the watch, he should pay dearly for it, +so he bid higher. Then Baard laughed--"A hundred dollars and my +brotherhood into the bargain," he said, and went out. A moment after, +as he saddled his horse, one came out and said to him, "The watch is +yours; Anders gave in." As he heard this, a deep pang shot through +him,--he thought of his brother and not of the watch. The horse was +saddled, but he seemed uncertain whether to ride or not. Just then many +of the people came out, and Anders among them, who, seeing Baard with +his horse ready saddled and little dreaming of his real thoughts, +called out aloud,-- + +"Thank you, Baard, you shall never see the day when I come in your way +again!" + +"Nor you the day when I set foot on this farm," retorted Baard, pale as +death, as he swung himself into the saddle. + +Neither of them ever trod again upon the threshold of their father's +house. + +Soon after this Anders got married, but Baard was not invited to the +wedding. + +During the same year, Anders' only cow was found dead close to his +house, and no one could tell how it happened. One misfortune followed +another, and everything seemed to go wrong; at last, in the middle of +the Winter, his hay loft and everything in it was burnt to the ground, +and it could not be found out how the fire originated. "Some one who +wishes me evil has done this," said Anders, and he wept. He was now +reduced to poverty, and all his energy for work was gone. + +The next evening Baard appeared at his brother's house; Anders was +lying down, but sprang up at the unexpected sight. + +"What do you want here?" said he, then stood fixedly gazing at him. + +Baard waited a little before he answered, "I came to help you, Anders; +you are in trouble." + +"Things have gone with me as you would have them, Baard! Go, or I +cannot restrain myself." + +"You are mistaken, Anders, I regret ..." + +"Go Baard, or we are both victims!" + +Baard retreated a few steps, then in a trembling voice he said,--"If +you would like the watch you shall have it." + +"Go, Baard!" screeched the other, and Baard went. + +Now with Baard things had been thus:--Finding his brother fared so ill, +his heart was softened, but pride held him back. He felt a desire to go +to church, and there he made good resolutions, but failed in carrying +them out. He often went so near that he could see the house, but either +some one came out at the door, or there was a stranger, or Anders stood +and chopped wood,--there was always something in the way. But one +Sunday in the Winter, he again went to church, and Anders was there +too. Baard saw him, he looked very pale and thin, and he wore the same +clothes he had done when they lived together, but now they were old and +worn. During the sermon he looked up at the pastor, and Baard thought +he seemed good and kind, and he remembered their childhood's years and +what a good lad he had been. + +Baard himself went up to the altar that day, and he made the solemn +promise before God, that he would be reconciled to his brother cost him +what it might. + +This resolution took hold of him in the same moment as he drank of the +wine, and when he rose he meant to go and sit by his brother, but some +one was in the way, and Anders did not look up. After service there +were also hindering things,--there were so many people,--his wife +walked beside him, and Baard did not know her; he thought it would be +best to go home to him alone, and talk openly with him. + +When evening came, he went. As he reached the room door, he listened, +and heard his own name mentioned; it was by the wife. + +"He came up to the altar to-day," said she, "he was certainly thinking +of you." + +"No, he never thought of me," said Anders, "I know him; he thought only +of himself." + +Then there was a long pause; Baard felt the sweat upon his brow, +although the night was cold. He heard the wife busy with the kettle; +the fire blazed and crackled, a little baby cried now and then, and +Anders rocked the cradle. + +Then she said these few words,--"I believe you both think of each other +without admitting it." + +"Let us talk of something else," said Anders. + +Soon after, he rose and went towards the door; Baard hid himself in the +stick house, but just there Anders came to get wood. Baard crouched in +the corner, and could see him distinctly; he had doffed the poor +clothes he wore at church, and had taken instead the uniform he had +brought home from the war, the same as Baard's, and which they had +promised each other never to use, but to descend as heirlooms in the +family. Anders' was now all patched and torn. His strong well-built +body seemed enveloped in a bundle of rags, and at the same moment Baard +heard the gold watch ticking in his own pocket. Anders went to the spot +where the wood lay, but instead of taking it he stood and leaned +against the pile, and gazing up into the heavens, where the stars shone +bright and clear, he gave a sigh and said, "Yes,--yes,--yes,--my God! +my God!" + +So long as Baard lived these words sounded in his ears. He stepped +forward towards him, but just then his brother coughed, and it felt so +hard that he stopped. Anders took the bundle of wood, and passed so +close to Baard that the branches touched his face. There he stood, +without moving, till a cold shudder ran through him. This aroused him; +he went out, and confessed to himself that he was too weak to face his +brother, and he therefore resolved upon another plan. In the corner of +the stick-house he found a few pieces of charcoal; then he selected a +piece of fir wood for a torch, went up to the hay-loft, and struck +fire. When he had got the torch lighted, he sought for the nail where +Anders would hang his lamp when he came in the morning to thrash. On +this nail Baard hung the gold watch, blew out the light, and went +down;--he felt so light-hearted that he sprang over the snow like a +young lad. + +The day after, he heard that the hay-loft had been burnt down the same +night. Undoubtedly a spark must have fallen from his torch while he +turned to hang up the watch. + +This overpowered him so that he sat all day as though he were ill; then +he took the psalm book out and sang, so that the people in the house +could not think what was the matter. But in the evening he went out. It +was bright moonlight; he made his way to the ruins of the hay-loft, and +groped among the ashes. There, sure enough, he found a little lump of +gold;--it was the watch. + +It was with this in his hand, he went to his brother that evening as +before related, and sought for a reconciliation. + +A little girl had seen him groping among the ashes. He had also been +observed going towards the farm the foregoing Sunday evening; the +people in the house told how strangely he had behaved on Monday; +everybody knew that he and his brother were not on good terms, and he +was reported and brought up for trial. Nothing could be proved against +him, but suspicion rested on him, and now more than ever it seemed +impossible to approach his brother. + +Though Anders had said nothing, he had thought of Baard when the +hay-loft was burnt, and when the evening after, he saw him enter the +room looking so pale and strange, he at once concluded that now remorse +had struck him, but for such an offence, and against his own brother, +there was no pardon. On hearing the circumstantial evidence against +him, though nothing had been proved at the trial, he firmly believed +that Baard was guilty. They met each other at the trial, Baard in his +good clothes, and Anders in threadbare. Baard looked up as he went in, +with so imploring a glance that Anders felt it deeply. "He does not +want me to say anything," thought Anders, and when he was asked if he +believed his brother guilty, he answered clearly and decidedly, "No." + +From that day Anders took to drinking, and matters grew worse and worse +with him. With Baard it was little better, although he never drank; he +was not like himself. + +Late one evening a poor woman entered the little room where Baard +lived, and begged him to go with her. He knew her: it was his brother's +wife. He understood the errand she had come upon, turned deadly pale, +and followed without a word. There was a flickering light from the +window of Anders' room that served to guide them, for there was no +pathway over the snow. They reached the house and went in. On entering, +Baard felt at once that here reigned poverty; the room was close; a +little child sat on the hearth eating a piece of charcoal: its face was +black all over, but it looked up with its white teeth and grinned. +There on the bed, with all sorts of clothes to cover him, lay Anders, +thin and worn, with his clear high forehead, looking mildly upon him. +Baard trembled in all his limbs, he sat down on the bed foot, and burst +into tears. The sick man continued silently looking at him. At last he +told his wife to withdraw, but Baard signed to her to remain, and the +two brothers began to speak together. They related each his history, +from the day when they bid on the watch to the time they now met +together, and it was clearly shown that during all these years they had +never been happy for a single day. Baard finished by taking out the +little lump of gold, which he always carried about with him. + +Anders was not able to talk much, but as long as he was ill, Baard +continued to watch by his bedside. "Now I am perfectly well," said +Anders, one morning when he awoke,--"Now, my brother, we will always +live together as in the olden time!" But that day he died. + +Baard took the wife and the child to live with him, and they were well +cared for from that time. That which the brothers had said to each +other was soon known through the village, and Baard became the most +esteemed man among them. Everybody met him as one who had known great +sorrow and again found joy, or as one who had been long absent. Baard +felt strengthened by all this friendliness around him, he loved God +more, and felt a desire to be useful; so the old corporal became a +schoolmaster. That which he impressed first and last upon his pupils, +was love, and this precept was so exemplified in himself, that the +children were attached to him as to a play-fellow and father at the +same time. + +This was the story told of the old schoolmaster that had such effect +upon Ovind, that it became to him both religion and education. + +He looked upon the schoolmaster as a being almost supernatural, +although he sat there so familiarly and corrected them. Not to know his +lessons was impossible, and if, after saying them well, he got a smile +or a stroke of the head, he was glad and happy for the whole day. It +always made a strong impression upon the children when, before singing, +the schoolmaster would sometimes speak a little to them, and, at least +once a week, read aloud a few verses about loving your neighbour. As he +read the first of these verses his voice trembled, although he had now +continually read it for twenty or thirty years. It ran thus:-- + + + "Be kind to thy neighbour and scorn him not, + Though virtue and beauty be all forgot, + And no light is seen from above;-- + Remember he too has a soul to save, + He must live again when beyond the grave, + Then forget not the power of love!" + + +But when the whole of the piece was said, and he had stood still a +little while, he looked at them and blinked with his eyes,--"Up +children, and go nicely and quietly home,--go nicely, that I may hear +nothing but good of you, bairns!" Then, while they hastened to find +each his own things, he called out through the noise,--"Come again +to-morrow, come in good time, little girls and little boys, that we may +be industrious." + + + + + CHAP. IV. + + TWO BRIGHT BUTTONS AND ONE BLACK. + + +Of his life, till one year before confirmation, there is not much to +relate. He read in the mornings, worked in the afternoons, and played +in the evenings. + +As he was very lively the children of the neighbourhood sought his +company during play hours. Close to the farm lay a great hill, as +before mentioned, where, on a fine day, they assembled to drive their +sledges on the snow. Ovind was always master in the field: he had two +sledges, "Quick Trotter," and "Superior." The last he lent out, and the +first he used himself, taking Marit with him. + +The first thing Ovind did when he awoke in the morning, was to look out +and see if it was fine weather; if it was thick and misty, or he heard +it dripping from the roof, he dressed as slowly as if there was nothing +to be done that day. But on the contrary, and especially on holidays, +if it was sharp, cold, and clear weather,--his best clothes and no +work, the whole of the afternoon and evening free,--hey! he bounded out +of bed, was dressed like lightning, and could scarcely eat anything for +excitement. When afternoon came he sprang over the hill to the sledge +ground, and joined the party with a long shout that echoed from cliff +to cliff, and the sound died far away. Then he looked for Marit, and +when he found her there, he did not take much more notice of her. + +Now one Christmas the boy and the girl were both about sixteen or +seventeen years of age, and they were both to be confirmed in the +Spring. In Christmas week there was to be a grand party at Heidegaard, +where Marit's grand-parents lived, who had brought her up and educated +her. They had promised her this fete for three years, and now at last +they were obliged to fulfil their word. To this party Ovind was +invited. + +It was a dull evening, not a single star to be seen; it would probably +rain next day. There were great drifts of snow along the mountain side, +with here and there bare places, and again the groups of birch trees +standing isolated and conspicuous against the white back ground. The +farmstead lay in the middle of the fields on the mountain side, and in +the darkness the houses looked like black clumps from which the light +streamed first from one window then from another. It seemed as though +they were busy inside. Old and young flocked thither from different +directions. No one liked to go in first; so when they reached the farm, +instead of going direct to the house, they loitered about the +outbuildings. Some hid behind the cattle shed, a few under the granary, +some stood beside the hay-loft and imitated foxes, while others replied +in the distance as cats; one stood behind the bakehouse and howled +like an angry old dog, until there was a general chase. The girls came +by-and-bye in great numbers, accompanied by their younger brothers, who +would fain conduct themselves as grown-up men. The girls were very shy, +and when the older youths already assembled came out to meet them, they +ran away in all directions, and had to be brought in one by one. A few +there were who would not be persuaded to enter, till Marit came herself +and bade them. Now and then there also came a few who had certainly not +been invited, and whose intention had been simply to look on from +outside, but who, seeing the dancing, at last ventured in just for one +single turn. Marit invited those she liked best into the private +sitting room where her grandparents sat, and they fared exceedingly +well. Now Ovind was not of the number, and this he thought very +strange. + +The grand fiddler of the neighbourhood could not come until late, so +they had to content themselves with the old gardener, known by the name +of "Grey Knut." He could play four dances,--two Spring dances, a +halling,[1] and a waltz. When they tired of these, they made him vary +the hailing to suit a quadrille, and a Spring dance in the same way to +the mazurka polka. + +The party being at her grandfather's house, Marit was dancing nearly +all the time, and this the more drew Ovind's attention to her. He +wished to dance with her himself, and therefore he sat during one round +in order to spring to her side the moment the dance was done; and this +he succeeded in doing, but a tall, dark-looking fellow with black hair, +stepped suddenly forward;--"Away, child!" he cried, and pushed Ovind +that he nearly fell over Marit. Never before had he known such +behaviour,--never had any one been so unkind to him, and never had he +been called "Child!" in that contemptuous way. He blushed crimson, but +said nothing, and turned back to where the new fiddler, who had just +entered, had seated himself, and now tuned up. Every one stood still, +waiting to hear the first strong tones of "Himself;" they waited long +while he tuned the fiddle, but at last he began with a "Spring;"--the +lads stepped out, and, pair by pair, they quickly joined in the dance. +Ovind looked at Marit as she danced with the dark-haired man; he saw +her smiling face over the man's shoulder, and for the first time in his +life he felt a strange pang at his heart. + +He looked more and more earnestly at her, and it came forcibly before +him that Marit was now quite grown up. "And yet it cannot be," thought +he, "for she is still playing with us in the sledges." But grown she +certainly was, and the dark-haired man drew her to him at the end of +the dance; she loosened herself from his clasp but continued to sit by +his side. + +Ovind looked at the man: he wore a fine blue cloth suit, and fancy +shirt, and carried a silk pocket handkerchief; he had a small face, +deep blue eyes, laughing defying mouth; he was good looking. Ovind +looked long at him, and at last he looked at himself. He had got new +trousers for Christmas, which had much pleased him, but now he saw they +were only of gray homespun; his jacket was of the same material but old +and dark; his vest of common plaided cloth, also old, and with two +bright buttons and one black. He looked round and thought very few were +so poorly clad as he. Marit wore a black bodice of fine stuff, a brooch +in her necktie, and had a folded silk pocket handkerchief in her hand. +She had a little black head-dress fastened under the chin with broad +striped silk ribbons; she was red and white; she smiled, and the man +talked to her and laughed; the fiddler tuned up, and the dance must +begin again. + +One of his companions came and sat by him. + +"Why don't you dance, Ovind?" he said kindly. + +"Oh! no!" said Ovind, "I don't look like dancing." + +"Don't look like dancing!" said his companion; but before he could get +further, Ovind interrupted him,-- + +"Who is that in the blue cloth suit, dancing with Marit?" + +"That is Jon Hatlen; he has been at the Agricultural School, and is now +to take the farm." + +At the same moment Jon and Marit seated themselves. + +"Who is that light-haired lad sitting there by the fiddler and staring +at me?" said Jon. + +Then Marit laughed and said, "Oh! that's the peasant's son at the +little farm." + +Ovind had always known that he was a peasant's son, but until now he +had never felt it. He felt now so insignificant, that in order to keep +himself up, he tried to think of everything that had ever made him feel +proud, from the sledge playing to the smallest word of commendation. +But when he thought of his father and mother sitting at home, and +picturing him happy and glad, he could scarcely refrain from tears. All +about him were laughing and joking; the fiddler thrummed close under +his ear; it seemed to darken before his eyes; then he remembered the +school with all his companions, and the schoolmaster who was so kind to +him, and the pastor, who, at the last examination, had given him a book +and said he was a clever lad; his father even, who sat by, hearing it +had given him a smile. "Be a good boy, Ovind," he could fancy he heard +the schoolmaster say, taking him on his knee as though he were still a +child. "Dear me, it is so small a matter, and in reality they are all +kind, it only looks as though they were not,--we two shall get on +Ovind, as well as Jon Hatlen, we shall get good clothes, and dance with +Marit, a fine room, a hundred people, smile and talk together, go to +church together, chiming bells, a bride and bridegroom, the pastor and +I in the vestry, all with gladsome faces, and mother at home, a large +farm, twenty cows, three horses, and Marit good and kind as at +school...." + +The dance over, Ovind saw Marit opposite to him, and Jon sat by her +side, his face close to hers; he felt again the sharp pain at his +heart, and it was as if he said to himself,--"Yes, I am not well." + +At the same moment Marit rose and came direct over to him. She bent +down to speak to him,--"You must not sit and stare at me in that way," +she said, "the people will notice it; now go and dance with some one." + +He did not answer, but looked at her, and the tears came into his eyes. +She had already turned to go, but observing it she stopped. She blushed +crimson, turned and went to her place, then turned again and took +another seat. Jon quickly followed her. + +Ovind rose and went out; he passed through the house, and sat down on +the steps of the adjacent porch, but did not know what he did it for. +He got up, but sat down again, for he would not go home, and thought he +might as well be there as anywhere else. He could not realise anything +of what had happened, and he would not think about it, neither would he +think of the future, it seemed so void. + +"But what is it that I am thinking of?" he asked himself half aloud, +and when he heard his own voice, he thought, "I can still speak; can I +laugh?" And he tried: yes, he could laugh, and he laughed louder and +louder, and then it seemed so curious to be sitting there quite alone +and laughing, that at last he laughed at himself. + +Now Hans his companion, who had been sitting by him in the +dancing-room, had come out after him,--"Bless me, Ovind, what are you +laughing at!" he exclaimed, and stopped in front of the porch. + +Then Ovind ceased. Hans remained standing, as if waiting to see what +would happen next. Ovind got up, looked carefully round, and then said +in a low tone,--"Now I will tell you, Hans, why I have been so happy +hitherto; it is because I have not really cared for anybody; from the +day we care for any one we are no longer glad;" and he burst into +tears. + +"Ovind!" a voice whispered out in the garden; "Ovind!" He stood still +and listened; "Ovind!" it said again a little louder. It must be, he +thought. + +"Yes," he answered also in a whisper, dried his eyes quickly, and +stepped forth. Then he saw a woman's figure slowly approaching,-- + +"Are you there?" said she. + +"Yes," he answered, and stopped. + +"Who is with you?" + +"Hans." + +Hans would go; but Ovind said "No! no!" + +She now came slowly up to them; it was Marit. + +"You went so soon away," she said to Ovind. + +He did not know what to reply. This made her feel embarrassed, and they +were all three silent. Then Hans gradually withdrew. The two now stood +alone, but they neither looked at each other nor moved. Then Marit said +in a whisper, "I have gone the whole evening with this Christmas fare +in my pocket for you, Ovind, but I have not been able to give it you +before." She then drew out some apples, a slice of yule cake, and a +little bottle of home-made wine, which she pushed to him and said he +could keep. + +Ovind took it. "Thank you," he said, and held out his hand; her's was +warm; he let it go quickly as if he had burnt himself. + +"You have danced a great deal this evening." + +"I have so," she replied; then added, "but you have not danced much!" + +"No, I have not!" + +"Why have you not?" + +"Oh!" + +"Ovind!" + +"Yes." + +"Why did you sit and look at me so?" + +"Oh!" + +"Marit!" + +"Yes." + +"Why did you not like me to look at you?" + +"There were so many people." + +"You have danced a great deal with Jon Hatlen this evening!" + +"Oh! yes." + +"He dances well." + +"Do you think so?" + +"Don't you?" + +"Why yes!" + +"I don't know how it is, but this evening I cannot bear to see you +dance with him, Marit!" + +He turned away; it had cost him much to say it. + +"I don't understand you, Ovind." + +"I don't understand it myself; it is stupid of me. Goodbye, Marit, now +I must go." + +He went a step without looking round; then she called after him,--"It +is a mistake that which you have seen, Ovind!" + +He stopped,--"That you are grown up is at least no mistake," said he. + +He did not say what she had expected, and therefore she was silent; but +at this moment she saw the light of a pipe before her; it was her +grandfather who had just turned the corner and now passed by. He stood +still. "Are you there, Marit?" + +"Yes." + +"Who are you talking with?" + +"Ovind." + +"Who did you say?" + +"Ovind Pladsen." + +"Oh J the peasant lad at the little farm!--Come in directly!" + + + + + CHAP. V. + + A NEW AIM IN LIFE. + + +When Ovind awoke the next morning it was from a long refreshing sleep, +and happy dreams. Marit had been on the mountain and tossed grass down +upon him; he had gathered it up and thrown it back again; it went up +and down in a thousand shapes and colours, the sun stood high in the +heavens, and the whole mountain looked dazzling in its brightness. On +awaking, he looked round to see it all again; but then he remembered +the events of the day before, and the same acute stinging pain at his +heart returned. This will never leave me, he thought, and a feeling of +helplessness came over him, as though the whole future were lost to +him. + +"You have slept long," said his mother, as she sat by his side and +spun,--"Come now, and get your breakfast, your father is already in the +forest, hewing wood." + +It was as if the voice helped him; he got up with a little more +courage. It may be the mother remembered her own dancing time, for she +sat and hummed at her wheel whilst he took breakfast. This he could not +bear; he rose from the table and went to the window; the same heaviness +and indifference possessed him, but he sought to overcome it by +thinking of his work. The weather had changed, it was colder, and that +which yesterday threatened for rain fell to-day in wet sleet. He put on +his sailor's jacket and mittens, his gaiters, and a skin cap, then said +"Good morning," and took his axe on his shoulder. + +The snow fell slowly in great white flakes; he trudged laboriously over +the sledge hill to enter the forest from the left. Never before, either +Winter or Summer, had he passed over the sledge hills without some +joyful remembrance or happy thought. Now it was a lifeless, weary way; +he dragged through the wet snow, his knees were stiff, either from +dancing the day before or from lack of energy. He felt that the sledge +play was at an end for this year, and, therefore, for ever. Something +else he longed for, as he threaded his way among the trees where the +snow fell noiselessly; a frightened ptarmigan screamed and fluttered a +few yards off, and everything seemed to stand as though waiting for a +word that never was said. But what it was that he longed for he could +not exactly tell, only it was not to be at home, nor was it to be +anywhere else; it was not pleasure, nor work, it was something high +above or far away. Shortly after, it shaped itself into a definite +wish; it was to be confirmed in the Spring, and there to be number one. +His heart beat as he thought of it, and before he could hear the sound +of his father's axe among the branches, this desire had stronger hold +of him than any he had ever known since he was born. + +As usual his father did not speak many words to him; they both hewed, +and threw the wood together in heaps. Now and then they came into close +contact, and once Ovind let slip the unhappy words,--"A poor peasant +has much to endure!" + +"As much as others," said the father, spat on his hands, and took the +axe again. + +When the tree was felled, and the father dragged it to the heap, Ovind +remarked,--"If you were a rich farmer you wouldn't have to slave so." + +"Oh, well there'd be other things to trouble me then," he replied, and +worked away. + +The mother came up with their dinner, and they seated themselves. The +mother seemed in good spirits, she sat and hummed, and beat her feet +together to the time. + +"What will you be when you grow up, Ovind?" she said suddenly. + +"Oh! for a peasant lad there isn't much to choose," said he. + +"The schoolmaster says you must go to the training school." + +"Can one go there free?" asked Ovind. + +"The school fund pays," answered the father whilst he was eating. + +"Would you like it?" asked the mother. + +"I should like to learn something, but not to be schoolmaster." + +They were all three silent awhile, she hummed again, and looked round. +Ovind went away and sat by himself. + +"We don't need to take from the school fund," said she, when the lad +was gone. + +Her husband looked at her: "Poor people like us!" + +"I don't like, Thore, that you should always give yourself out for poor +when you are not so." + +They both of them peeped to see whether the lad could hear them where +he sat. + +Then the father looked sharply at her. "Nonsense! you don't understand +things." + +She laughed, then said seriously, "It seems like not thanking God that +we have got on well." + +"He can be thanked without wearing silver buttons," observed the +father. + +"Yes, but to let Ovind go as he went yesterday to the dance is not to +thank Him." + +"Ovind is a peasant lad." + +"Yet he may dress decently when we can afford it." + +"Say it so that he can hear it!" + +"He can't hear, or else I should have a good mind to do it," she said, +looking naively at her husband, as he glumly put his spoon away and +took out his pipe. + +"Such a poor farm we have," said he. + +"I can't help laughing at you, you always talk of the farm and never +speak of the mills!" + +"Oh dear! you and the mills; I don't think you care whether they go or +not." + +"Yes, thank God, if they'd only go both night and day." + +"But now they've been standing ever since before Christmas." + +"No one grinds at Christmas time." + +"They grind when there's water; but since they got the mill up at +Nystrommen, there's nothing to be done." + +"The schoolmaster didn't say so to-day." + +"H'm-- I shall let a more discreet man than the schoolmaster manage our +affairs." + +"Yes, last of all he should talk with your own wife." + +Thore did not reply to this, but lighting his pipe, he rose and leaned +against the wood pile, looking first at his wife and then at his son, +and finally fixing his gaze on an old crow's nest that hung deserted up +in a pine tree. + +Ovind sat by himself, with the future spread before him, like a long +blank sheet of ice, along which, for the first time, he rushed +restlessly from one side to the other. He saw clearly that poverty +hemmed him in on every side, but this made him only the more determined +to overcome it. From Marit it had certainly separated him for ever; he +half regarded her as engaged to Jon Hatlen; but he resolved that with +all his might he would strive to keep pace with them through life. Not +to be any more humiliated as he had been yesterday, he would keep away, +till, by God's help, he could become something more than he was at +present, and he did not feel a doubt in his own mind but that he should +succeed. He had a sort of feeling that he would do best to study, but +what further that should lead to he must leave to the future. + +There was capital sledge driving in the evenings; the children all came +to the hill, but not Ovind. Ovind sat by the fire and read, he had not +a moment to spare. The children waited long for him; at last they +became impatient, and one and another came and peeped in and called to +him, but he pretended not to hear. Evening after evening they came and +waited outside in wonderment, but he turned his back to them and read, +paying no heed to their entreaties. + +Later he heard that Marit had not been to the sledge playing either. He +read with such diligence that even his father thought it went too far. +He grew thoughtful; his face, which had been so round and mild, became +thinner and sharper, his eyes deeper; he seldom sang and never played, +it was as if time were too short. When the desire to join his old +companions came over him, it was as if something whispered, "Not yet, +not yet,"--and continually, "not yet." The children played, shouted, +and laughed awhile as before, but when they saw they could not by any +means induce him to come, they gradually disappeared; they found other +grounds and soon the sledge hill was quite vacated. + +The schoolmaster soon observed that he was not the same Ovind who used +to read because it fell out so, and play because it was necessary. He +often talked with him, and sought to find the cause, for the lad's +heart was not light as in former days. He spoke also with the parents, +and by agreement he came one Sunday evening late in the Winter, and +after sitting awhile, he said,--"Come, Ovind, let us go out, I want to +talk with you a little." + +Ovind got up and went with him. They took the path towards Heidegaard. +The conversation did not flag, but they spoke of nothing important; +when they came near the farms, the schoolmaster took the direction of +the middle one, and as they got nearer they heard the sound of laughter +and merriment. + +"What is up here?" said Ovind. + +"They are dancing," said the schoolmaster, "shall we not go in?" + +"No." + +"Will you not go to a dance, lad!" + +"No, not yet." + +"Not yet? When then?" + +He did not answer. + +"What do you mean,--not yet?" + +As he did not reply, the schoolmaster said,--"Come now, no such talk!" + +"No, I won't go." + +He was very positive and seemed agitated. + +"That your own schoolmaster should stand here and have to ask you twice +to go to dance!" + +There was a long silence. + +"Is there any one you are afraid of meeting?" + +"I cannot tell who there may be there." + +"But could there be any one?" + +No answer. + +Then the schoolmaster went close up to him, and laid his hand on his +shoulder,--"Are you afraid of meeting Marit?" + +Ovind looked down, and breathed heavily and quickly. + +"Tell me, Ovind." + +Still no answer. + +"You perhaps feel ashamed to confess it before you are confirmed, but +tell me anyhow, and you will never regret it." + +Ovind looked up but he could not say a word, and his eyes fell again. + +"You are not light-hearted as you were; does she care for any one more +than you?" + +Ovind was still silent, the schoolmaster felt a little hurt, and turned +away; then they went back. + +When they had gone some distance, the schoolmaster waited till Ovind +got up to him,--"You wish very much, that you were confirmed," said he. + +"Yes." + +"What do you then intend to do?" + +"I should like to go to the Training School." + +"And to be schoolmaster?" + +"No." + +"You think it isn't good enough?" + +Ovind was silent. + +"Then what would you be?" + +"I haven't thought much about it." + +"If you had money I suppose you'd buy a farm?" + +"Yes, but keep the mills." + +"Then it would be better to go to the Agricultural School." + +"Do they learn as much there as at the Training School?" + +"No; but they learn that which will afterwards be of use." + +"Do they get numbers there?" + +"Why do you ask that?" + +"I should like to be amongst the first." + +"You can be that without numbers." + +They were silent again till they came in sight of the little farm; they +could see a light shining from the room; the overhanging mountains +looked black in the Winter evening, the lake below was one blank sheet +of ice, and the moon reflected the shadow of the pine trees. + +"It is a beautiful place!" said the schoolmaster. + +Ovind could sometimes see it with the same eyes as when his mother told +him stories, and as when they played with the sledges; this he did +now,--all looked pleasing and bright. + +"Yes, it is beautiful," said he, but sighed. + +"Your father has found it sufficient; perhaps you might do so too." + +The happy aspect of the place vanished at once. The schoolmaster stood +as if waiting a reply, but getting none he shook his head and went in. +He sat awhile with them, but was more silent than talkative. When he +said good night, the parents both rose and followed him out, as if +expecting that he had something to say. They stood waiting, and looked +out upon the night. + +"It has grown so quiet," said the mother at last, "since the children +left off playing here." + +"You have no longer a child in the house," said the schoolmaster. + +The mother understood him,--"Ovind has not been happy of late," said +she. + +"No, he who is ambitious is not happy," and he looked up calmly into +the quiet heavens. + + + + + CHAP. VI. + + NOT QUITE FAIR. + + +Half a year after, in the Autumn, the confirmation being deferred till +then, the candidates were all assembled in the school-room for +examination, and among them Ovind Pladsen and Marit Heidegaard. Marit +had just come down from the pastor, who had given her a book and much +praise, and she laughed and talked with her friends on all sides. Marit +was now quite grown up, free and easy in her manners, and the boys as +well as the girls knew that Jon Hatlen, the first young man in the +district was paying attention to her. She might well be glad they +thought as she sat there. + +Close by the door there stood a group of girls and boys who had failed +in their examination, and these were crying, while Marit and her +friends were laughing. Among them was a little boy in his father's +boots and with his mother's church handkerchief,--"Dear, oh dear!" he +sobbed, "I daren't go home again." + +And those who had not yet been called up, were so affected by the power +of fellow feeling that it caused a general silence. Fear seized them in +the throat and eyes; they could not see clearly, neither could they +swallow, though feeling a constant desire to do so. + +One sat and reckoned up how much he knew, and although a few hours +before he had found he knew everything required, he now saw with equal +certainty that he knew nothing; he could not even read. Another called +to mind all his wrong-doings from the earliest time he could remember, +till now when he sat there, and he though it wouldn't be strange of God +if He didn't let him pass. A third sat and took signs from everything +around him. If the clock, which was on the point of striking, should +not sound till he counted twenty, he would pass; if the footstep he +heard in the passage was that of the farm-boy Lars, he would pass; if +the great raindrop that ran down the window pane should get to the +bottom, he would pass. The last and final proof should be, if he could +get the one foot twisted right round the other, but this he always +found to be impossible. A fourth felt sure that if they would ask him +only about Joseph in the Bible history, and about baptism in the +Catechism, or about Saul, or the Commandments, or about Jesus, or----he +sat and was still proving himself, when he was called. A fifth had a +strong partiality for the Sermon on the Mount, he had dreamt about the +Sermon on the Mount, he was certain to be heard in the Sermon on the +Mount; he said it over to himself, and he thought to go out and read it +over again, when just then he was called up to be questioned on the +Prophets. The sixth thought about the pastor, who was such a good man +and knew his father so well, and of the schoolmaster, who had so +friendly a face, and of God, who was so really good, and had helped so +many before both Jacob and Joseph, and then he thought that his mother +and sisters at home would be praying for him, and that would certainly +help. The seventh sat and gave up in despair all the things he had +thought he would be when he grew up. Once he had thought of being a +general or a pastor, and once he had even dreamt of being king, but now +that time was gone by. Up to the present he had thought of going to +sea, and of becoming captain, perhaps a pirate, and thereby to attain +great riches; now gave up first the riches, then the pirate, then the +captain, and the mate, and he stopped at the common sailor, or, at the +most, the boatswain, if ever he got to sea at all, but probably he must +just take a place on his father's farm. + +The eighth was more confident of himself, but yet not sure; the +cleverest even was not sure. He thought of the clothes he was to be +confirmed in, and what they could be used for if he did not pass; but +if he passed he should go to town and get cloth clothes, and come home +again at Christmas time and dance, to the envy of the youths and the +astonishment of the girls. The ninth reckoned differently;--he made up +a small account book between himself and God. On the one side he wrote, +"Debit; He shall let me pass," and on the other side, "Credit; so shall +I never lie any more, nor tell tales; always go to church, leave the +girls to themselves, and never swear any more." The tenth thought that +if Ole Hansen had passed last year, it would be more than injustice if +he, who had always got on better at school, and besides was of better +family, should not pass this year. By his side sat the eleventh, who +revolved in his mind the most fearful plans of revenge in case he +should fail, either to burn the school down, or else to leave the +village and come again as the thundering judge of the pastor and the +whole of the school commissioners, but proudly to let mercy go before +justice. To begin with, he would take a place with the pastor in the +neighbouring district, and there be number one next year, giving +answers so as to astonish the whole church. + +The twelfth sat by himself under the clock, with both his hands in his +pockets, looking over the assembly with a dejected and sorrowful air. +No one here knew what was his responsibility. One at home knew it; he +was betrothed. A great daddy long-legs came crawling along the floor +near to his feet; he used to tread upon the odious insect, but to-day +he kindly lifted his foot to let it go in peace whithersoever it would. +His voice was mild as a Collect; his eyes said continually that all men +were good; his hands slowly moved out of his pocket and up to his hair, +to smooth it down. If only he could squeeze himself through this +dangerous needle eye, he would recover himself again at the other side, +smoke tobacco, and make his engagement public. + +Down on a low stool, with his legs crouched up together under him, sat +the uneasy thirteenth; his small sparkling eyes looked round the whole +room three times in a second, and through his strong rough head rushed +all the thoughts of the twelve in broken disorder, from the brightest +hope to the most despairing doubt, from the humblest promises to the +most mighty plans of revenge; and, meanwhile, having bitten his poor +thumb so that he could bite no longer, he began with his nails, and +sent great pieces to all parts of the floor. + +Ovind sat by the window, having been up and given correct answers to +everything he had been asked; but neither the pastor nor the +schoolmaster had commended him, though for a whole half-year he had +been thinking what they both would say when they got to know how hard +he had worked, and he felt very much disappointed as well as hurt. +There sat Marit, who, for far less labour and knowledge, had received +both encouragement and reward. It was just to be great in her eyes +he had studied, and now she had reached laughing, the point he had +toiled so hard to attain. Her laughter and joking touched him to the +quick,--the easiness with which she moved wounded him. He had carefully +avoided speaking to her since that evening; years should pass first he +thought, but the sight of her now, so bright and lively, pressed him +down, and all his proud resolutions hung as wet leaves. + +He sought little by little to shake it off; much, however, depended on +his being Number One to-day, and to know this he waited anxiously. The +schoolmaster used to remain a little while with the pastor to consider +the order in which the children should stand, and then he would come +down and tell them the result; it was certainly not the final decision, +but it was what they agreed upon together. + +The conversation in the room became more and more lively as one after +another was examined and passed; but now the ambitious began to +separate themselves from those who were merely light-hearted. The +latter either went at once to tell their parents and friends of their +success, or they waited for their companions who had not yet been +called up; the former, on the contrary, became more and more silent, +their eyes directed constantly towards the door. + +At last the young people were all ready, the last had come down, and +the schoolmaster was consulting with the pastor. Ovind looked at Marit; +she was one of those who had remained, but whether for her own sake or +for others he knew not. How beautiful Marit had grown; exquisitely fine +was her complexion, he had never seen its equal; her nose was well +formed, her mouth smiling. Her eyes were dreamy when she was not +directly looking at any one, but therefore her glance came with +unexpected power when it did come; and she half smiled in the same, as +if to say that she meant nothing by it. Her hair was more dark than +light, it was wavy, and she wore long curls, which, together with the +dreamy eyes, gave a depth and charm that captivated. One could not be +certain who it was that she looked for, as she sat there among them +all, nor what she really thought when she turned to any one to speak, +for that which she gave she took as quickly back again. Under all this, +Jon Hatlen is certainly hidden, thought Ovind, but yet he continued to +look at her. + +Then the schoolmaster came. They all with one accord rushed up to him. + +"What number am I?" "And I?" "And I, I?" + +"Silence! uproarious children,---no noise here; be quiet, and then I +will tell you." + +He looked slowly round him. "You are Number 2," he said to a lad with +blue eyes looking beseechingly at him, and the lad danced out of the +circle. "You are Number 3,"--he touched a red-haired quick little boy +who stood and pulled at his coat; "You are Number 5;" "You Number 8," +&c. He caught sight of Marit,--"You are Number One of the girls." She +blushed crimson over her face and neck, but tried to smile. "You, +Number 12, have been lazy, you idle worthless scamp;" "Number 11, you +couldn't expect to stand higher, my lad;" "You, Number 13, must read +diligently before the confirmation or else you won't succeed!" + +Ovind could not bear it any longer. Number One had certainly not been +named, and yet he had stood the whole time so that the schoolmaster +could see him. "Schoolmaster?" He did not hear. "Schoolmaster!" Three +times he had to call before he was heard. + +At last the schoolmaster looked at him--"Number 9 or 10, can't say +exactly which," said he, and turned quickly to another. + +"Who is Number One then?" asked Hans, who was Ovind's best friend. + +"Not you, you curly head!" and tapped him on the hand with a paper +roll. + +"Who is it then?" asked many. "Who is it?" "Yes, who is it?" + +"He will get to know it himself!" said the schoolmaster decidedly. He +would not have more questions. + +"Now go nicely home children, thank God, and make your parents happy! +Thank your old schoolmaster too, if it had not been for him you would +not have been good for much!" + +They thanked him and laughed, then went joyously home. One only was +left, who could not quickly find his books, and when he found them, sat +down as if to read again. + +The schoolmaster went up to him, "Well Ovind, are you not going with +the others?" + +He did not answer. + +"Why are you opening your books again?" + +"I want to see what it is that I've answered wrong." + +"You have not answered anything wrong." + +Ovind looked at him, and the tears gathered in his eyes, he turned his +head away while one after another rolled slowly down, but he did not +speak a word. + +The schoolmaster went in front of him,--"Are you not pleased that you +have passed?" + +His lips quivered, but he did not answer. + +"Your father and mother will be very pleased," said the schoolmaster, +and looked at him. + +Ovind struggled some time to get a word out; at last he asked in slow +broken sentences,--"Is it--because I--am a peasant lad--that I am +Number 9 or 10?" + +"Surely it must be so," said the schoolmaster. + +"Then it is no use for me to work," said he hopelessly, and all his +grand dreams vanished. Suddenly he lifted his head, raised his right +hand, struck it on the table with all his might, cast himself down on +his face, and burst into a violent fit of tears. + +The schoolmaster left him to lay there and cry it out; he waited long, +till at last his grief became more childlike. Then he rose took Ovind's +head in both his hands, lifted it up, and looked into the tearful face. + +"Do you think God has been with you?" said he, as he looked kindly at +him. + +Ovind sobbed still, but not so violently, the tears ran more quietly, +but he dare not look at him who spoke, nor reply. + +"This, Ovind, has been a deserved reward; you have not read from love +to religion, nor your parents, but you have read from vanity." + +There was silence in the room between each time of the schoolmaster's +speaking, and Ovind felt his glance to be resting upon him, and grew +softened and humbled under it. + +"With such angry feelings in your heart, you could not have stood forth +to have made a compact with your God, could you Ovind?" + +"No," he stammered, as well as he could. + +"And if you stood there conceitedly flattering yourself that you were +Number One, would it not be wrong?" + +"Yes," he whispered, and his mouth quivered. + +"You are still attached to me, Ovind?" + +"Yes." He looked up for the first time. + +"Then I must tell you it was I who had your number placed low down; +because I care for you so much, Ovind." + +The old schoolmaster looked at him, blinked a few times, and the tears +ran quickly down. + +"You have not anything against me for it?" + +"No." He looked up brightly though his voice trembled. + +"My dear child, I will watch over you as long as I live." + +He waited for him till he had gathered his books together, and then +said he would go home with him. They went slowly along: at first Ovind +was silent, battling with himself, but by degrees he overcame. He was +convinced that that which had come to pass was the best that could have +happened, and, before he reached home, this belief was so strong, that +he thanked God, and told the schoolmaster so. + +"Yes, now we shall hope to attain to something in life," said the +schoolmaster, "better than running after blind men and numbers. What do +you say to the Training School?" + +"Yes, I should like to go there." + +"You mean the Agricultural School?" + +"Yes." + +"That is certainly the best; it gives other prospects than those of a +schoolmaster." + +"But how can I get there? I do so wish it, but I have no means." + +"Be industrious and good, and the means will be found." + +Ovind was quite overwhelmed with gratitude. He felt the kindling in the +eye, the lightheartedness, the endless fire of love, that comes when we +experience the unexpected kindness of our fellow-men. The whole future +presents itself for a moment, with that sort of feeling one has when +walking in fresh mountain air, of being borne along rather than of +walking. + +When they came home, both the parents were in the sitting-room, quietly +waiting there, though it was the busy time of the day. The schoolmaster +entered first; Ovind after; both were smiling. + +"Now?" said the father, laying aside a prayer-book, where he had just +been reading a catechumen's prayer. + +The mother was standing by the fire-place; she smiled, but did not say +anything; her hands trembled, and she evidently expected good news +though she did not wish to betray herself. + +"I thought I must just come to give you the good news, that he has +answered every question correctly, and that the pastor said, after +Ovind was gone, that he had not examined a more promising candidate. + +"Oh no!" said the mother, and was much moved. + +"Well done!" said the father, and turned restlessly round. + +After a long silence, the mother asked in a low voice, "What number is +he?" + +"Number 9 or 10," said the schoolmaster quietly. + +The mother looked at the father, who looked first at her and then at +Ovind,--"A peasant lad cannot expect more," said he. + +Ovind looked at him in return; it was as if something would stick in +his throat, but he forced it back by quickly thinking of one cheering +thing after another. + +"Now I must leave," said the schoolmaster, nodded, and turned to go. + +As usual both parents followed him out; then the schoolmaster taking a +quid, said smiling, "He will be Number One after all, but it is better +not to tell him till the day comes." + +"No, no," said the father, and nodded. "No, no," said the mother, and +nodded too; then taking the schoolmaster's hand,--"Thank you for all +you have done," said she. "Yes, thank you," said the father, and the +schoolmaster went, but they stood long and looked after him. + + + + + CHAP. VII. + + A VOICE FROM THE RIDGE. + + +The schoolmaster had judged well when he asked the pastor to prove +whether Ovind could bear to stand Number One. In the three weeks +intervening between this time and the confirmation he was with the lad +every day. It is one thing for a pure young heart to yield to an +impression, and another to hold fast the good qualities he possesses. +Many dark hours came to the lad before he learnt to build his future on +better things than vanity and pride. When sitting at his work he would +suddenly leave it, saying hopelessly,--"What is the use? What do I +gain?" But then a minute after, he would remember the kind words and +goodness of the schoolmaster, and so each time he lost sight of his +higher duties, he was enabled, by these human means, to bring them into +view again. + +At the little farm they were preparing at the same time, for his +examination, and for his journey to the Agricultural School,--as the +day after the confirmation he was to set off. The tailor and the +shoemaker sat at work in the loft, the mother was baking in the +kitchen, and the father was busy with a trunk. They were querying as to +how much it would cost them in two years, and whether he could come +home the first Christmas, perhaps he could not even come the second, +and how hard it would be to be so long separated. They spoke also of +the love he should bear to his parents, when they strove so hard to put +their child forward. Ovind sat as one, who in his first trial at sea, +had upset the boat, and been picked up by kindly sailors. + +Such a feeling brings humility, and with it many other things. As the +great day drew near, he felt himself to be fully prepared for it, and +looked hopefully to the future. Every time the image of Marit presented +itself to his mind, he strove carefully to put it aside, though it +always gave him pain to do it. By practice in it he sought to +strengthen himself, but instead he felt only a deeper pain. Therefore +he felt weary the last evening, when, after a long self-proving, he +prayed to God that in this matter He would not try him. + +The schoolmaster came in in the evening. They all sat together, after +having prepared themselves as it is customary to do, the evening before +taking the Sacrament. The mother was much moved, and the father was +unusually silent; separation lay behind the festival of the morning, +and it was uncertain when they could all meet again. The schoolmaster +took the Psalm-book, they had a little service and sang, and then he +prayed from the heart as words came to him. + +These four sat there until late in the evening; they gradually grew +silent, each occupied with his own thoughts; then they separated with +best wishes for the coming day, and the influence it would have. + +Ovind thought when he went to rest that night that he had never been so +happy before, and he gave his own special interpretation to it; never +before, thought he, have I laid down so desirous of fulfilling God's +will and so trustful in it. Marit's face soon presented itself again, +and the last he remembered was, that he lay and proved himself:--not +quite happy, not quite;--and that he replied:--yes, quite;--but +again:--not quite;--yes, quite;--no; not quite. + +When he awoke, he at once remembered what day it was; he prayed, and +felt refreshed, as one does in a morning. He rose in good time and +carefully tried on his new clothes, for he had never had such fine ones +before. There was a round jacket especially that seemed strange to him; +it was made of fine cloth, and he felt it again and again before he got +used to it. When he had put his collar on, and for the fourth time +tried on the jacket, he got hold of a little looking-glass, and, +catching sight of the beautiful hair encircling his own self-satisfied +face, it suddenly struck him that this again was vanity. Yes; but +people may surely be well-dressed and clean, he argued, as he turned +away from the glass as though it were sin to look in it. Well, but not +to think so much of themselves for it. No, certainly, but the Lord must +like that one should care to be tidy. That may be, but would He not +like better that you should look well without thinking so much about +it. Yes, but it's only because everything is so new. Well then, +by-and-bye you will forget it. Then he began in the same way to prove +himself first upon one point and then upon another, he felt so afraid +lest any sin should blot that day. + +When he came down his parents were all ready and waiting breakfast for +him. He went up to them and thanked them for his new clothes; they +wished him the customary, "Health to wear them and strength to tear +them;" then they seated themselves at the table, said grace, and began +the meal. When they had finished, the mother cleared the table and +brought in the lunch basket for the journey to church. The father put +on his jacket, and the mother her shawl, they took the Psalm-books, +locked up the house and set off. On reaching the main road they met +with a great many going to church, some driving and some on foot, +a few of the candidates for confirmation among them, and now and then +white-haired grand-parents, who tried to get to church just this once +again. + +It was an Autumn day without sunshine as, if the weather were about to +break. The clouds, met and parted again; great masses broke into small +patches, chasing each other far away and bearing with them orders for +rain; down on the earth it was still quiet, the leaves hung dead and +motionless, the air was a little oppressive; the people carried cloaks +but did not require to use them. A large concourse of people had +gathered round the solitary church; but the confirmation candidates all +went straight in, to be placed before the service began. Then the +schoolmaster in his blue dress coat and knickerbockers, high boots, +stiff neck-cloth, and pipe sticking out of his pocket, walked about, +nodding and smiling, patting one on the shoulder, and telling another +to answer clearly and distinctly, until he reached the lower end where +Ovind stood talking to his friend Hans, and answering all his questions +about the journey. "Good morning, Ovind, you look very well to-day." He +took hold of him by the coat saying confidentially, "I think a great +deal of you; I have been talking to the pastor, and you are to have +your right place as Number One; go up and take it and answer well." + +Ovind looked up astonished at him; the schoolmaster nodded; the lad +went a few steps forward, then stopped, then a few more steps, then +stopped again; yes, it's true--he has spoken to the pastor for me,--and +the lad went straight on. + +"You are Number One after all," whispered one. + +"Yes," said Ovind in a low tone, but scarcely knew yet whether he dare +say it. + +The placing being accomplished, and the pastor having come, the bell +rung and the people streamed into the church. Ovind looked up and saw +Marit Heidegaard standing straight opposite him. She also saw him, but +they both of them felt so awed by the sacredness of the place that they +dared not greet each other. He saw only that she was bright and +beautiful, and that she wore nothing on her head. Ovind, who for +half-a-year had had so many pleasant dreams of standing opposite to +her, now that it was really come to pass, forgot both the place and +her. + +When all was over, his relations and friends came to offer their +congratulations; then his companions having heard that he was to travel +next day came to say good-bye; and many of the younger ones, whom he +had driven in the sledges, and whom he had assisted at school, cried a +little at the thought of his departure. At last Ovind and his parents +left for home accompanied by the schoolmaster. On the way there were +several more came to offer him their good wishes and to take leave; +otherwise they did not speak much till they sat again in the quiet room +at home. + +The schoolmaster tried to help them to keep their courage up, but now +that it was come to the point, they all three, never before having been +parted for a single day, dreaded the separation for two whole years, +but none of them wished to shew their feelings. As the time passed on +Ovind grew worse and worse, and at last he went out of doors to quiet +himself. + +It was growing dark, he stood upon the steps and looked up listening to +the gentle sighing of the wind. Then he heard his own name called down +from the ridge, quite softly, yet there was no mistaking it, it was +repeated twice. He looked up, and could just discern a woman's figure +looking down from among the trees. + +"Who is that?" he asked. + +"I hear you are going away," she said in a low tone, "so I thought I +would come and say good-bye to you, seeing you hadn't come to me." + +"Dear, is that you, Marit! I'll come up to you." + +"No, don't, I've been here so long, and then I should have to stay +still longer, and no one knows where I am, so I must be quick home." + +"It was kind of you to come," said he. + +"I couldn't bear that you should leave in that way Ovind; we have known +each other since we were children." + +"Yes, we have." + +"And now we haven't spoken to each other for half-a-year." + +"No we haven't." + +"We were separated so strangely that time too." + +"Yes, I think I must come up to you." + +"Oh no, don't! but tell me, I hope you are not grieved with me?" + +"Dear, how could you think so?" + +"Good-bye then Ovind, and thank you for all the pleasant times we have +had together!" + +"Marit!" + +"Yes, but now I must go, they will miss me. + +"Marit,--Marit!" + +"No, I daren't stay longer, Ovind; farewell!" + +"Farewell!" + +The rest of the evening he was, as it were, in a dream, answering +absently when they spoke to him. They attributed this to the thought of +his coming departure, which was quite a natural thing, and which +certainly did occupy his attention at the moment when the schoolmaster +took his leave, and slipped something into his hand, which he +afterwards found to be a five dollar piece. Soon, however, it passed +out of his mind, and he thought only of the words that had come down +from the ridge and gone up again. + + + + + CHAP. VIII. + + BE SURE THAT YOU BURN IT. + + +Dear Parents,--We have a great deal more to read now, but as I am much +more up to the others, it is not such hard work. When I come home I +shall make great changes in father's farm, for there is a great deal +that is very bad, and it is a wonder that things have hung together as +they have. But I shall put all to rights, for I have learnt many things +here. I should like to be in a place where I can have things as I now +know they should be; so when I am ready I must seek for a good +situation. All here say that Jon Hatlen is not so clever as they think +at home, but he has his own farm, so that is no matter. Many who come +from here get a very high salary, and they are so well paid because +this is the best agricultural school in the country. Some say that +there is a better in the next county, but that is not true. + +There are two words here, the one is called Theory, and the other +Practice; one is nothing without the other, but it is well to know them +both; the last, however, is the best. Theory is to know the reason why +a thing should be done, and practice is to be able to do it. Here we +learn both. The Principal is so clever that nobody can come up to him. +At the last General Agricultural Meeting he brought forward two +subjects for discussion, while the principals from the other schools +had none of them more than one, and in the discussions they found he +was always right. But the last meeting, when he wasn't there, ended in +nothing but talk. The lieutenant, who teaches us surveying, was engaged +only because he is so very clever; the other schools have no +lieutenant. + +The schoolmaster asks if I go to church; yes, certainly I go to church, +for now the pastor has got a curate who preaches so that everybody is +terrified, and it is a pleasure to hear him. He comes from the college +in Christiania, and people think he is too strict, but it is good for +them. + +At present we are reading history that we have never read before, and +it is wonderful to see all that has happened in the world, especially +in our country, for we have constantly conquered except when we have +lost, and that has been only when we haven't been equal. Now we have +more liberty than any other country except America, but there they are +not happy; and our liberty we must prize above all things. + +Now I must conclude for this time, for I have written a great deal. The +schoolmaster will read this letter, and when he answers for you, ask +him to tell me some news about one or another, for this he doesn't do. + With best love, + Your attached son, + Ovind Thoresen Pladsen. + + +Dear Parents, + +I must now tell you that we have had an examination, and I stand very +high in many things. I am high in writing, and land measuring, but not +so good in composition. The principal says this is because I have not +read enough, and he has given me some books by Ole Vig, which are very +easy to understand. + +Everything here is so small to what it is in other countries; we +understand next to nothing, we learn everything from the Scotch and +Swiss, but gardening most from Holland. + +I have now been here nearly a year, and I thought I had learnt a great +deal; but when I saw what those who left at the last examination knew, +and thought that not even they knew anything in comparison to the +foreigners, I felt quite disheartened. I am now in the first class, and +must stay here another year before I am ready. But most of my +companions are gone, and I long for home. It seems as if I stood alone, +though I certainly do not, but it feels so strange when one has been +long away. + +What am I to do when I leave here? I shall naturally come home first, +and then I must seek for some situation, but it must not be far away. + +Good-bye dear parents. Remember me kindly to those who ask after me, +and say I am well, but I long to come home. + + Your attached son, + Ovind Thoresen Pladsen. + + +Dear Schoolmaster, + +This is to ask you if you will be so good as to send the enclosed +letter, but be sure and say nothing about it to anybody. If you will +not, then it must be burnt. + + Ovind Thoresen Pladsen. + + +To Marit Knudsdatter Heidegaard. + +You will very likely be surprised to receive a letter from me, but you +need not be, for I will only ask how you fare, and this you must let me +know as soon as possible and in every respect. + +Respecting myself, I have only to say that I shall be ready to leave +here in one year. + + Respectfully, + Ovind Pladsen. + + +To Ovind Pladsen, + +At the Agricultural School. + +I duly received your letter from the schoolmaster, and will answer it +as you ask me, though I am rather afraid, because you are now so +learned; I have a letter book but it doesn't suit. However, I will do +my best, and you must take the will for the deed; but you musn't show +it, or else you are not what I think you are; and you musn't hide it +because any one might easily get hold of it, but you must burn it, that +you must promise me. There are a great many things that I wanted to +write about, but I dare not. We have had a good Autumn; potatoes are +high, and here at Heidegaard we have plenty of them. But the bears have +made sad havoc among the stock this Summer; they killed two of Ole +Nedregaard's cows, and injured one of our tenant's calves so that it +was obliged to be killed. + +I am weaving a very large web like the Scotch plaid, and it is very +difficult. And now I must tell you that I am still at home, though +there are some who would have it otherwise. + +I have nothing more to say this time, and so good-bye. + + Marit Knudsdatter. + +You must be sure to burn this letter. + + +To Ovind Thoresen Pladsen. + +I have said to you Ovind, that he who walks with God shall have a good +inheritance. And now listen to my advice: look not to the world with +too much longing and anxiety, but trust in God and let not your heart +be discouraged. + +Your father and mother are both well, but I suffer a good deal, for now +I feel the effects of the hardships I endured in the war. That which +you sow in your young days you reap in your old, both in body and soul, +and this is now my experience. But the aged should not complain, for +sorrow teacheth wisdom, and affliction worketh patience, and +strengthens for the last journey. + +There are many reasons why I take the pen to write to you to-day, but +first and foremost on Marit's account, for she has grown a good girl, +though she is light of foot as a reindeer and is changeable. She would +wish to keep to one, but it is not in her nature. I have often observed +that with such tender hearts the Lord is merciful and lenient, and does +not suffer them to be tempted above that they are able to bear. + +I duly gave her the letter and she hid it from all but her own heart. +If the Lord will further this matter I have nothing against it. That +she finds approbation in the eyes of the young men can easily be seen, +and she has abundance of this world's goods and also of the heavenly, +but with the latter there is much unsettledness; the fear of God with +her is like water in a shallow dam, it is there when it rains but away +when the sun shines. + +Now my eyes will not bear any more, for though I can see pretty well at +a distance, they begin to water when I look closely at anything. +Finally, let me remind you, Ovind, whatsoever you aspire to, take +counsel of God, as it is written:--"Better is an handful with +quietness, than both the hands full, with travail and vexation of +spirit."--(Proverbs IV. 6.) + + Your old schoolmaster, + Baard Andersen Opdal. + + +To Marit Knudsdatter Heidegaard. + +Thanks for your letter, which I have read, and burnt as you told me to +do. You write a great deal, but you don't say anything about that I +want you to, and I dare not write about a certain matter until I know +how you fare in every respect. + +The schoolmaster says nothing to be depended upon, he praises you, but +he calls you wavering. That you were before. Now I don't know what to +believe; you must write, for I shall feel uneasy until I have heard +from you. Just now I often think of that last evening when you came to +the ridge, and of what you then said. + +I will not write more this time, so good-bye. + + With all respect, + Ovind Pladsen. + + +To Ovind Thoresen Pladsen. + +The schoolmaster has given me a fresh letter from you, which I have now +read, but I cannot understand it, which must be because I am not +learned. You want to know how I fare in every respect. I am quite well. +I have a good appetite and sleep at nights, and sometimes also in the +day. I have danced a great deal this Winter, for there have been many +delightful parties here. I go to church when there is not too much +snow, but it has been very thick. Now you must have heard everything, +but, if not, I don't know anything better than that you should write to +me again. + + Marit Knudsdatter. + + +To Marit Knudsdatter Heidegaard. + +I have received your letter, but you appear to wish me to remain as +wise as before. Perhaps this is an answer after all, I don't know. I +dare not venture to write that which I wish to, because I don't feel to +know you. Perhaps you don't know me any better. You must not think I am +any longer the soft fellow that you crushed the spirit out of, as I sat +and watched you dance; I have had many provings since then. Neither am +I, as I used to be, like those long-haired dogs that hang their ears +and shun people; but enough of this now. + +Your letter was humorous enough, but the joking was just where it +should not have been, for you understood me quite well, and you should +have known that I did not ask in joke, but because lately I have not +been able to think of anything else than that I asked you about. I +waited anxiously, and then there came nothing but foolery. + +Farewell, Marit Heidegaard. I shall take care not to look too much at +you as I did at that dance. Grant you may both eat well and sleep well, +and get your new web finished, and grant above all, that you may shovel +away the snow lying before the church door. + + With all respect, + Ovind Thoresen Pladsen. + + +To Ovind Thoresen. + +In spite of my age and the weakness of my eyes, together with the pain +in my hip, I must yet give in to the entreaties of the young, for they +are glad to make use of the old people when they stick fast themselves. +They call and cry till they are let loose, and then they run away again +and will not hear us any more. This time it is Marit, who, with many +coaxing words, has begged me to write a letter to send with hers, as +she dare not trust herself to write alone. She had thought she had Jon +Hatlen or another fool to deal with, and not one that schoolmaster +Baard had brought up, but now the matter has come to a critical point. +Yet you have been a little too hard, for there are some women who joke +to keep from weeping. I am glad, however, that you look at serious +things seriously, otherwise you could not laugh at that which is +laughable. The position in which you stand to each other, is now +apparent from many things. I have often had my doubts about Marit, for +she is variable as the wind, but now I know she has refused Jon Hatlen, +and greatly enraged her grandfather thereby. She was pleased when she +received your letter, and it was not to repulse you that she wrote +jokingly. She has suffered much, and that in waiting for the one she +cared for, and now you will not have her but set her aside as a foolish +child. + +This was what I had to say to you, and if you take my advice you ought +to be at one with her, for you will find enough besides to trouble you. +I am like an old man who has seen three generations;--I know folly and +its reward. + +Your father and mother send their best love to you: they long to see +you back. I have always avoided speaking of this before, lest it should +make you home-sick. You do not know your father, and when you really +learn to know him, you will marvel. He has been depressed and silent in +respect of his affairs, but your mother made his mind easy, and now +things look brighter. + +Now my eyes grow dim, and my hand is unsteady, so I commend you to Him +whose eye is ever watchful and whose hand stayeth not. + + Baard Andersen Opdal. + + +To Ovind Pladsen. + +I am grieved that you are vexed with me, for I didn't mean it as you +have taken it. I am aware I have not always acted rightly towards you, +and I wish to tell you so, but you must not show this to any one. Once +when I got what I liked I wasn't good, and now no one cares for me any +more, and I'm very unhappy. Jon Hatlen has written a song about me, and +all the lads sing it, so that I daren't go anywhere. Both the old +people know about it, and they are very cross. I am writing this alone, +and you mustn't show it to any one. + +I have often been down to see your parents. I have spoken with your +mother, and we understand each other now, but I cannot tell you more +for you wrote so strangely last time. The schoolmaster only makes game +of me, but he knows nothing about the song, for no one dare sing such +before him. I stand alone and feel to have no one to talk to. I often +think of the time when we were children, when I always rode on your +sledge, and you were so good to me. I could wish we were children +again. + +I dare not ask you to answer me any more, but if you will write just +this once I shall never forget it, Ovind. + + Marit Knudsdatter. + +P.S.--I beg you burn this letter, I scarcely know if I dare send it. + + +Dear Marit, + +It was a happy moment when you wrote that letter; and I thank you for +it. + +I feel as if I could scarcely stay here any longer Marit, I love you so +much, and if you love me as truly, then Jon Hatlen's song and others' +bitter words shall be like the chaff that the wind blows away. Since I +received your letter I am like another man,--I feel so much stronger, +and am not afraid of anything in the whole world. After I had sent my +last letter I regretted it so, that it made me almost ill, and now you +shall hear what this led to. The principal took me aside and asked me +what was the matter; he thought I read too much. Then he said to me +that when my year here was completed, he would allow me to stay a year +longer free of expense; I should assist him in several ways, and he +would give me a chance of learning more. Then I thought that work was +the only thing for me, and I was very grateful, and even now, though I +long so much to come to you, I do not regret it, for it will put me in +a better position for the future. How happy I am! I do the work of +three, and shall never be behind in anything. I will send you a book I +am reading, for there is a great deal about love, and I read it at +nights when the others are asleep; then I read your letter over too. + +Have you thought of the time when we shall meet again? I think about it +very often, and so must you, it is so delightful. I am glad I wrote so +much before, though it was so difficult, for now I can open my whole +heart to you. I shall send you several books to read, that you may see +what those who truly love each other have had to go through, choosing +rather to die of sorrow than to give each other up. And we should do so +too. Though it will be two years before we see each other, and longer +still before we really belong to each other, we must cheer our hearts +by thinking that each day as it goes brings us one day nearer. + +I have a great deal to write about, but I will leave it till next time, +as I have not got any more paper to night, and the others are all +asleep. + +Now I shall go to bed and think of you till I sleep. + + Your friend, + Ovind Pladsen. + + + + + CHAP. IX. + + OVIND THROWS HIS CAP IN THE AIR. + + +One Saturday, at Midsummer, Thore Pladsen rowed over the lake to meet +his son, who was coming that afternoon from the Agricultural School. +The mother had had a charwoman for two or three days, and everything +was made beautifully clean and tidy. Ovind's room had been ready some +time, and the stove was set in order. To-day his mother decorated it +with green, took the linen up, and made the bed, looking out between +times over the water, to see if there was not a boat. The table was +ready spread, and yet there was always something to be done,--flies to +chase away, or dust, constant dust. + +Still there was no boat. She seated herself in the window sill and +looked out; then she heard footsteps on the other side and turned to +see who was there; it was the schoolmaster, who came slowly along +leaning upon a stick for his hip was very bad. He stopped a minute to +rest, the expressive eyes moved quietly round; he nodded to her: "Not +come yet?" + +"No, I am expecting them every moment." + +"Good hay weather to-day." + +"But very hot for old people to be out." + +The schoolmaster smiled: "Has somebody else been out in the heat +to-day?" + +"Yes, but she's gone again." + +"Oh! well, may be they'll be meeting somewhere to-night." + +"I suppose so, but Thore says they shall not meet in his house till the +old people give their consent." + +"Quite right." + +"They are coming, I do believe!" the mother exclaimed. + +"Yes, that is them." + +The schoolmaster came in and rested a little, and then they went down +to the lake, while the boat plied quickly along, for both father and +son were rowing. When they came near, Ovind turned, rested his oars, +and called "Good morning, mother; good morning, schoolmaster!" + +"What a manly voice," said the mother, "but still the same light hair," +she added. + +Ovind sprang out, and shook hands; he laughed, and so unlike the +peasants' way, he at once began to tell them all about the examination, +the journey, the principal's testimonial, his prospects, &c.; then he +asked about the harvest, and about his friends, all except one. And so +they went home, Ovind laughing and talking; the mother smiling, not +knowing exactly what to say; the schoolmaster and the father listening. +Ovind was pleased with everything he saw,--first, that the house was +painted; then, that the mill was enlarged; then, that the lead windows +were taken out of the parlour, and white glass put instead of green. + +When they came in, everything looked so exceedingly small, so different +from what he had remembered it; but so cheerful, and all looked so +inviting. + +They seated themselves at the table, but there was not much eaten, for +Ovind was constantly talking. Once when he was telling them a long +story about one of his schoolfellows, and there came a moment's pause, +his father said, "I can scarcely understand a single word of what you +say, lad, you speak so exceedingly quick." They all laughed, and Ovind +not the least; he knew it was true, but he seemed as though he could +not help it. + +All that he had seen and heard during his long absence, had so +impressed and aroused him, that the powers which had hitherto lain +dormant were now awakened, and the brain was constantly at work. + +He was delighted with his little room; he thought he should like to +stay at home for a time, assisting with the hay harvest and reading; +where he should go after he could not tell, but it was all the same to +him. They were afraid lest he should have grown thoughtless, but on the +contrary he remembered everything; and it was he who thought of the +boat and unpacked the things. He had gained a quickness and power of +thought that was quite refreshing, and a liveliness in expressing his +feelings, which, during the whole year, had only been repressed. + +The schoolmaster looked ten years younger. "Now we have come so far +with him," said he, as he rose to go. + +The mother called Ovind aside, "Some one expects you at nine o'clock," +she whispered. + +"Where?" + +"Up on the ridge." + +Ovind looked at the clock, it was nearly nine. He could not wait in the +house, but went out, clambered up the ridge, and looked round. The +house roof lay close below; the bushes on the roof were very much +larger, and all the small trees had grown; he could remember each one. +And there lay the road, grey and sombre, and the wood with its varied +foliage, and in the bay a vessel laden with planks, waiting for wind. +The lake was bright and calm; some sea-birds flew over, but did not cry +as it was late. He sat down waiting; the small trees prevented him from +seeing very far over, but he listened to the slightest noise. For some +time there were only birds that started up and deceived him; then +again, a squirrel springing from tree to tree. But at last he heard a +rustling, then it ceased; then it came again. He rose,--his heart beat +fast, the blood rushed into his head; there was a movement in the +bushes close to him, and a shaggy dog appeared; it was the dog from +Heidegaard, and close behind, it rustled again; the dog looked back and +wagged his tail; now comes Marit. + +A bush caught her dress, she turned to release it, and so she stood +when he first saw her; she had her hair plainly dressed, as was the +custom with the peasant girls on week days; she wore a strong plaided +dress without sleeves, and nothing on her neck except the linen collar. +She had stolen away from her work, and durst not stay to tidy herself. +She looked up and smiled, then she came forward, growing more and more +red at each step. He went to meet her, and took her hand in both of +his; she looked down, and so they stood. + +"Thanks for all your letters," was the first he said, and when she then +looked up a little and laughed, he felt that she was the most roguish +little elf he ever could meet in a wood; but he was caught, and she not +any the less. + +"How you have grown!" she said, but meant something quite different. + +They looked at each other but said nothing. Meanwhile the dog had +seated himself at the edge of the ridge, and looked down upon the farm, +and Thore observing his head from below, could not for his life think +what it could be. + +When, at last, the two began to talk, Ovind spoke so quickly that Marit +couldn't help laughing. + +"Yes, you see, it's when I am glad, really glad, you see, and when we +came to understand each other it was as if a lock sprang open within +me, sprang open, you see." + +She laughed, then she said, "I know all the letters you sent me by +heart." + +"And I know yours too, but you always wrote such short letters." + +"Because you always wanted them so long." + +"And when I wanted you to write about one particular thing, you slipped +away, and I never heard how you got rid of Jon Hatlen." + +"I laughed." + +"How?" + +"Laughed, don't you know what it is to laugh?" + +"Yes, I can laugh!" + +"Let me see!" + +"Did you ever hear such a thing! I must have something to laugh at +first." + +"I don't need it when I am happy." + +"Are you happy now, Marit?" + +"Do I laugh now, then?" + +"Yes, that you do!" + +He took both her hands, and clapped them together as he looked at her. +Here the dog began to growl, then his hair stood on end, and he barked, +and grew more and more angry till at last he seemed quite savage. Marit +sprang up in fear, but Ovind went forward and looked down. It was his +father the dog was barking at; he was standing close under the ridge, +with both his hands in his pockets. + +"What! are you there, too? Pray, whose is that savage dog?" + +"It's a dog from Heidegaard," replied Ovind, rather taken aback. + +"How in the world did it come there?" + +The mother hearing the noise, had come out to see what it was, and +understanding at once how things were, she laughed, and said: "The dog +comes here every day, so it's nothing wonderful." + +"But what a ferocious animal!" + +"He'll be quiet if he's spoken to," said Ovind, and patted him. The dog +ceased barking though he continued to growl. The father was satisfied +and went down again. + +"Safe this time!" said Marit, "but there's some one else to watch us." + +"Your grandfather?" + +"Exactly." + +"But that won't do any harm." + +"Not the slightest." + +"You promise me?" + +"Yes, I do Ovind." + +"How pretty you are, Marit!" + +"So said the fox to the raven, and got the cheese." + +"You may think I want the cheese too." + +"But you won't get it." + +"I shall take it then." + +She turned her head, and he didn't take it. + +"I'll tell you something, Ovind," and she looked slily round. + +"Well." + +"How ugly you have grown." + +"You'll give me the cheese though." + +"No, indeed I won't," and she turned away again. + +"Now, I must go, Ovind." + +"I'll go with you." + +"But not out of the wood, or grandfather will see you." + +"No, not out of the wood,--dear, are you running?" + +"We cannot go side by side here." + +"But this isn't to go in company." + +"Catch me then," and on she ran. + +They stopped when they got to the end of the trees. + +"When shall we meet again?" she whispered. + +"To-morrow, to-morrow." + +"Yes, to-morrow." + +"Good bye;" she ran. + +"Marit!" and she stopped. + +"How strange that we should meet first up on the ridge." + +"Yes, it is;" she ran again. + +He looked long after her,--the dog ran before and barked, she after, +trying to silence him. Ovind took his cap, and tossed it again and +again; "Now, I believe, I really begin to be happy," said he, and sang +as he went home. + + + + + CHAP. X. + + TURN THE RIVER WHERE IT CAN FLOW. + + +When they were all making hay, one afternoon, in the summer, a little +bare-headed, bare-footed boy came running down the ridge over the field +to Ovind, and gave him a note. + +"You are running fast," said Ovind. + +"Yes, I am paid for it," answered the boy. + +Ovind was a little perplexed when he opened the note, it was so +carefully wrapped up and sealed; it ran as follows:-- + + +"He is on his way now, but he goes slowly. Go into the wood and hide. + + You Know Who From." + + +"No, that I won't," thought Ovind, and looked defiantly up over the +hill. + +It was not long before an old man came into sight on the top of the +hill; resting, then going a little further, and resting again. The +father and the mother both left off working to look at him. Thore +smiled; but the mother, on the contrary, changed colour. + +"Do you know him?" + +"Yes, there's no mistaking him." + +The old man came slowly nearer and nearer. He was somewhat tall and +burly, and being rather lame, he could only with difficulty walk by the +help of his staff. When he came close to, he stopped, took off his cap, +and wiped his forehead. His head was quite bald at the back; he had a +round tight-drawn face, small piercing eyes, bushy eyebrows, and a full +row of teeth. He spoke in a sharp shrill voice, hopping, as it were, +over gravel and stone, and every now and then resting with great +delight upon an inviting R. In his younger days he had been known as a +cheerful, but hot tempered, man; now, after many adversities, he had +grown peevish and distrustful. + +Thore and his son had many journeys backwards and forwards before old +Ole got up to them, but at last, as they came out from the hay loft, +they saw him standing in front of the kitchen door, as though doubtful +what to do; he held his cap and staff in one hand, and with the other +wiped his bald head with a handkerchief. Ovind stood behind his father +as he went up and accosted him. + +"You must be tired, will you not come in?" + +Ole turned and looked sharply at him, at the same time adjusting his +cap, before he replied: + +"No, I can rest where I stand, I shall not be long." + +Since he had lost his hair his cap was far too big for him, it came +down over his eyes; so that to be able to see, he had to hold his head +right back. + +"Is that your son standing there behind you?" he began in a harsh +voice. + +"They say so." + +"His name is Ovind, is it not?" + +"Yes, they call him Ovind." + +"He has been to one of those Agricultural Schools in the south, hasn't +he?" + +"Yes, something of that kind." + +"H'm, my girl, my granddaughter, Marit seems to have lost her senses in +these latter days." + +"That's a pity." + +"She will not marry." + +"What?" + +"She won't have any of the fine young men who come to pay their +addresses to her." + +"Indeed?" + +"And it is his fault, his that stands there." + +"Indeed?" + +"He has completely turned her head, that son of yours, Ovind." + +"Do you say so?" + +"See now, I don't like that any one should take my horses when I let +them go to the mountains; and neither do I like that any one should +take my daughters when I let them go to the dance, don't like it at +all." + +"No, of course not." + +"I cannot go after them, I am old, I cannot take care of them." + +"No no, no no." + +"You see I wish to keep order, and when I say a thing must be done, it +must, and when I say to her, not him, but him, it must be him, and not +him!" + +"Certainly!" + +"But it is not so; for three years she has said no, and for three years +there hasn't been a good understanding between us. That is not good, +and if it is he who is the cause of it, I will only say to him, so that +you hear it, you who are his father, that it is no use, he must give +up." + +"Well." + +Ole looked a minute at Thore, then said, "You give such short answers." + +"I can't make the sausage longer than it is." + +Here Ovind must laugh, though in sooth he was in no laughing mood; but +with some people laughter and fear go hand in hand. + +"What are you laughing at?" said Ole sharply. + +"I?" + +"Are you laughing at me?" + +"Heavens preserve me!" but his own reply only made him worse. + +Ole saw this, and it infuriated him. They would turn the conversation, +and begged him to go in, but it was three years' pent up anger that now +sought liberty, and it was not to be stayed. + +"Don't think to make a fool of me," he began, "I seek my +granddaughter's happiness as I understand it, and your giggling +laughter shall not hinder me. One doesn't bring up a girl just to hand +her over to the first peasant that turns up, neither does one labor for +forty years to leave all to the first that fools her. My daughter went +on so, till at last she married a scamp; he ruined them both through +drink, and I had to take the child, and pay for the entertainment, but, +on my word, it shall not be so with my granddaughter, do you hear that? +I tell you that as true as I am Ole Nordistuen of Heidegaard, the +priest might as well think of publishing the banns for the trolls up in +the forest, as to give out such names from the pulpit as Marit's and +your's, you puppy dog! You sly fox, as if I didn't know what you think +of, you and she! You think old Ole must soon turn his nose up in the +church-yard, and then you'll trip away to the altar. No, no, I've lived +seventy years now, and you shall see, boy, that I shall not die till +you are both tired out! I tell you, you may watch for her, and not even +see her footprints, for I shall send her away somewhere where she will +be safe, and you may roam about like a fool, and keep company with the +wind and the rain! And now I shan't say any more to you, but you, who +are his father, know my will, and if you desire his happiness in this +respect, you will get him to turn the river where it can flow, for +through my territory it shall not pass." He turned, and hobbled away +with short quick steps, lifting the right foot higher than the left, +and grumbling to himself. + +An evil foreboding overshadowed those who remained; there was no more +joking and laughter and the house stood as though empty. They entered +without a word being said. The mother, who had overheard all from the +kitchen door, looked at Ovind sorrowfully, almost in tears, and would +not make matters harder for him by saying anything. The father sat down +in the window, and looked after Ole. Ovind watched for the slightest +change of expression on that grave and serious face, for on his first +word the destiny of the future might depend. If Thore should join Ole +in saying no, it would hardly be possible to overcome it. His +frightened thoughts bore him swiftly on from one obstruction to +another. He saw before him only poverty, opposition, and +misunderstanding, and each support that he had relied on seemed to give +way under the thought. It increased his anxiety that his mother stood +with her hand on the door-latch, uncertain whether to stay and see the +result or not, and that at last she quite lost courage and stole +quietly out. Thore was still staring out of the window, and Ovind dared +not speak to him, for he knew he must have his thought out. Just then, +his own thoughts having run their unhappy course, took courage again, +and, as he looked at his father's knitted brows, he thought: "None but +God can separate us in the end." Thore drew a long sigh, he rose, and +at the same time met his son's gaze. He stopped, and looked long at +him: "I should like it best if you could give her up, for one should +not either beg, or force oneself upon others; but if you cannot, you +must let me know, and perhaps I can help you." He went to his work, and +the son followed. + +In the evening Ovind had got his plan all ready. He would try to get to +be Agriculturist for the district, and would ask the principal and the +schoolmaster to help him. "If she will hold out, by God's help I shall +win her through my work." + +He waited in vain for Marit that evening, but whilst he waited he sang +the song he loved the best:-- + + + "Come lift your head up, my thoughtful lad, + If a hope from your heart be riven, + Another may brighten your tearful eye, + If you turn to the light of heaven! + + Come lift your head up, and look around, + Voices are kindly calling,-- + A thousand voices are bidding you come, + Softly their echoes are falling! + + Come lift your head up, for deep within + Lieth a fountain of blessing, + Tones of music are flowing free, + Love on your heart impressing. + + Come lift your head up, and gaily sing, + Nor fear for the coming morrow,-- + As the buds of the Spring return again, + So joy will come after sorrow. + + Then lift your head up, and courage take + In the hope around you springing, + From the blue above, to the green beneath, + To the world she ever is singing." + + + + + CHAPTER XI. + + GATHERING BERRIES. + + +It was in the middle of the noonday's rest; the people at Heidegaard +were asleep, the hay lay scattered about the field, and the rakes were +all stuck in the ground. The hay sledges stood outside the granary, and +the horses were grazing a little distance off. Except these, and some +hens that had strayed in the corn field, there was not a living thing +to be seen. + +The road from the farm to the rich grass fields of the Heidegaard +S[oe]ters,[2] lay through a mountain pass. Up in the pass a man stood +and looked down over the plain, as though expecting something. Behind +him lay a tarn, from which the beck flowed down, that had made the +cleft in the mountain. On both sides of the lake there were sheep walks +leading to the S[oe]ters, which he could see far in the distance. The +barking of dogs and the tinkling of bells resounded among the rocks; +the cows were rushing madly to the water, while the poor herdsmen and +the dogs sought in vain to gather them. The cows appeared in the most +wonderful shapes, with their tails in the air, kicking and plunging, +roaring and bellowing; making straight for the lake, where, to their +delight, they stood quite still, up to their necks in water; their +bells tinkling with each move of the head. The dogs drank a little, but +kept back on the dry land; the herdsmen came after, and seated +themselves on the warm smooth mountain side. Here they took out their +provision, exchanged with each other; praised each others' dogs, oxen, +and people; finally undressed and sprang in the water. The dogs +wouldn't go in, but drawled lazily about, hanging their heads, with +their tongues out on one side. There was no bird to be seen, no sound +to be heard save the voices of the lads and the tinkling of the bells; +the ling was burnt up and withered; the sun scorched the whole mountain +side, and the heat was intense. + +Ovind sat a long time in the hot sun, close to the beck that flowed +from the lake; he waited and waited, but still there was no one to be +seen at Heidegaard, and he began to be a little anxious, when suddenly +a great dog came panting out from a door, followed by a young girl in +summer attire; she sprang over the fields up towards the mountain. +Ovind felt a strong desire to halloo but dare not; he kept a look out +to see if any one should accidentally come out from the farm and see +her, but she escaped unobserved. At last she got near, picking her way +by the side of the brook, and helping herself on by the small bushes, +the dog a little before her, snuffing in the air. Ovind ran to meet +her, the dog growled and was hushed down, and as soon as Marit saw him +come, she seated herself on the Great Stone, looking fiery red, and +quite overpowered by the heat. He sat down beside her. + +"I'm so glad you've come." + +"How fearfully hot! Have you been waiting long?" + +"No.--As they watch us so in the evenings, we must take the mid-day; +but after this, I think we ought not to keep things so secret, and it +is just about this I wanted to speak to you." + +"Not secret?" + +"I know very well that it suits you best to keep everything secret, but +to shew courage suits you also. I have come to-day to talk a long time +with you, and now you must hear." + +"Is it true that you mean to try to be District Agriculturist?" + +"Yes, and I hope to succeed too. I have a two-fold object in +view,--first, to gain position; and secondly, to do something that your +grandfather can both see and understand. It happens most fortunately +that most of the farmers about Heidegaard are young people who wish to +make improvements and require assistance; they have also means at +command. So I shall begin there. I shall improve everything from the +smallest things to the greatest. I shall give lectures, and also work; +and so to say, lay siege to the old man by good deeds." + +"Well done, Ovind! What more?" + +"The next concerns ourselves,--you must not go away." + +"When he commands it?" + +"And keep nothing secret respecting us two." + +"When he tortures me?" + +"But we gain more, and protect ourselves better by having everything +open. We shall be just so much observed by people, that they will talk +of how much we care for each other, and they will the sooner wish us +well. You must not leave. There is danger for those who are separated +lest slander should come in between them; they believe nothing the +first year, but they begin little by little to be influenced the +second. We two must meet when we can, and laugh away all the ill report +they will set between us. We shall be able to meet at a dance now and +then, and swing merrily round while they sit by who calumniate us. We +shall meet at church, and talk to each other in the face of those who +wish us a hundred miles away. If any one writes a ditty about us, we +will see if we cannot write one in reply. No one can harm us if we keep +together and let people see it. All the unhappiness in love belongs +either to those who are afraid, or to those who are weak, or to those +who are ill, or to those calculating people who watch for certain +opportunities, or to those cunning people who at last suffer for their +own devices, or to those matter-of-fact people who don't care so much +for each other, that state and position can disappear; they steal +quietly away, and send letters, and tremble at a single word, and at +last take that constant restlessness and uneasiness for love; they feel +unhappy and dissolve away like sugar. Pooh, pooh! if they really cared +for each other they would have no fear, they would be light hearted, +they would not care who saw them. I have read about it in books. I have +seen it myself also; that is a poor love that goes round about. True +love must begin in secrecy because it begins in reserve and modesty, +but it must live in openness because its existence is joy. It is as in +the spring time, when the leaves begin to shoot, all that is withered +and dry falls off from the tree as soon as the new life begins. He who +falls in love leaves the useless toys he has held to before, the new +life springs, and then can no one see it? Hey, Marit! they will be glad +through seeing us glad. Two betrothed, who are true to each other, are +a benefit to the public, for they read them a poem which the children +learn by heart, to the shame of their calculating parents. I have read +of many instances, and there are rumours of such even here in the +district, and it is just the children of those who once caused all the +misery, that now speak of it and are moved by it. Well, now let us join +hands, and promise to be true to each other and we shall succeed." + +He was about to embrace her but she turned her head away, and slipped +down from the stone. As he remained sitting, she came back again, and +with her arms resting on his knees she stood there, and talked to him +as she looked up. + +"Listen now, Ovind, when he says I must leave, what shall I say?" + +"You must say no, straight out." + +"Oh dear! will that do?" + +"He cannot take and carry you out to the carriage." + +"If he doesn't do just that, there are many other ways in which he can +force me." + +"I do not think so. Obedience is certainly your duty so long as it is +not sin; but it is also your duty to let him know fully how hard it is +to you to obey in this case. I think when he hears that, he will +reconsider the matter; for at present, like most others, he believes it +to be only child's play. You must show him it is something more." + +"You may think he is not easy to do with; he watches me like a tethered +goat." + +"But you break the chain again and again in one day." + +"That is not true." + +"Yes, every time you secretly think of me, you break it." + +"Yes, that way, but are you certain that I think of you so often?" + +"Were it else, you would not be here now." + +"Oh! but you sent me a message to come." + +"But you came because your thoughts drove you." + +"Rather because it was a fine day." + +"You said just now it was too hot." + +"To go up the hill, yes; but down again?" + +"Then why did you come up?" + +"To be able to run down." + +"Then why are you not going?" + +"Because I wish to rest." + +"And talk to me about love?" + +"I couldn't deny you that pleasure." + +"While the little birds sang,"-- + +"And all were asleep;" + +"And the bells they rang,"-- + +"O'er the green wood's steep." + +Here they both saw Marit's grandfather come limping out on the farm, +and go to the bell string to ring the people up. The people came slowly +down from the out-houses, drawled sleepily to the horses and rakes, +scattered themselves in various parts of the field, and soon all was +life and work again. The grandfather only went out of the one house and +into the other, and at last up on to the top of the hay loft and looked +all round. A little lad came bounding up to him, apparently he had +called him. The boy went down in the direction of Pladsen, and the +grandfather, in the meantime, went round about the farm, often looking +up to the mountain, but little suspecting that the dark spot on the +"great stone" was Marit and Ovind. But again Marit's dog brought +misfortune, for seeing a strange horse drive into Heidegaard, he seemed +to think it part of his business to bark at the top of his voice. They +tried to quiet him, but he had got roused, and would not give over; the +grandfather stood below and stared straight up. But matters grew still +worse, for the sheep dogs hearing the voice of a stranger, ran up, and +seeing a great wolf-like champion, these straight-haired Finnish dogs +all united against him, and so frightened Marit, that she ran away +without even saying good-bye; while Ovind, in the midst of the battle, +kicked and struck, but only succeeded in driving the dogs further away, +for they soon found themselves another battle field; he after them +again, and so on, till at last they were close to the edge of the beck; +here Ovind rushed on them again, and got them all into the water, just +where it was really deep; and they crawled out, looking quite ashamed, +and going each his own way; so ended the fray. + +Ovind went straight over till he reached the high road, but Marit met +her grandfather a little above the farm, and the dog was to blame for +this. + +"Where have you been?" + +"Into the wood." + +"What have you been doing there?" + +"Gathering berries." + +"That is not true." + +"No, it isn't." + +"What did you do then?" + +"I was talking to some one." + +"Was it the peasant lad?" + +"Yes." + +"Listen now, Marit, you are going away tomorrow." + +"No." + +"Well, Marit, I will only say one single thing, you SHALL go." + +"You can't lift me into the carriage." + +"No? Can't I?" + +"No, because you won't do it." + +"Won't I? Listen, Marit, only for pleasure you see, only for pleasure, +I will give that raggamuffin a real good thrashing." + +"No, you daren't do that." + +"Don't dare? Do you say I dare not? Who could do anything to me, who?" + +"The schoolmaster." + +"The schoo--school--schoolmaster? Do you think he cares for him?" + +"Yes, it was he who sent him to the Agricultural School." + +"The schoolmaster?" + +"The schoolmaster!" + +"Listen now Marit, I will not have any more of this nonsense, you must +leave, you give me only sorrow and trouble, it was just the same with +your mother, only sorrow and trouble. I am an old man, and I wish to +see you well provided for, and I will not be talked about as a fool in +this matter; it is your own good that I have at heart, you may be sure +of that, Marit. I may soon be gone, and then you would stand there +alone; what would have become of your mother if it had not been for me? +Come now, Marit, be a good girl, and listen to what I say, I seek only +your own good." + +"No, you don't." + +"How? What do I seek then?" + +"To have your own way without any regard to mine." + +"You have a will of your own, have you, you young sea-bird? You think +you know your own good, do you, little fool? I shall let you taste the +birch rod, so tall and big you are. Now listen Marit, let me speak a +little kindly with you. You are not so bad at the bottom, but you are +deluded. You must attend to what I say, I am old and experienced. I am +not so well off as people think, a poor cageless bird could soon fly +away with the little I have; your father dived hard into it. No, let us +take care of ourselves in this world, it is not better worth. It is all +very well for the schoolmaster to talk, for he has money himself, and +the priest too, they can afford to preach; but with us, who must work +for our living, it is quite a different thing. I am old, and have gone +through much; I can tell you, love is nice enough to talk about, and +may do very well for the clergy and such, but it won't do for the +peasantry, they must look at it in another light. First subsistence you +see, then religion, then a little schooling, then a little love if it +so falls in; but I tell you it is no use to begin with love and end +with victuals. What have you to say now Marit?" + +"I don't know." + +"You don't know?" + +"Yes, but I do." + +"What then?" + +"Must I say?" + +"Yes, of course you must." + +"I am bound up in this love." + +He stood a moment amazed, then, remembering the many similar +conversations leading only to the same end, he shook his head, turned +his back and went. + +He vented his wrath on the men, abused the girls, beat the great dog, +and nearly frightened the life out of a little hen that had strayed in +the field, but to Marit he said nothing. + +That evening Marit was so happy when she went up stairs to bed, that +she opened her window, looked out, and sang. She had got a fine little +book from Ovind, and in it was a fine little love song,--this she +sang:-- + + + Do you love me true, + E'en as I love you, + All the livelong happy day;-- + The summer quickly flies, + The leaf and blossom dies, + But to come again we say. + + What you said before, + Comes to me o'er and o'er, + Like a small bird in a tree,-- + Flutters his tiny wings, + Nestles himself and sings, + Merrily chirping, happy and free. + + Litli, litli, lu, + Do you hear me, you, + Laddie from the birch hedge under? + Darkness falleth fast, + Daylight soon is past, + Who's to guide me home I wonder! + + Garry, garry, giss, + Sang I of a kiss? + Nay, my love, that ne'er can be,-- + Do you say you doubt it? + Think no more about it, + I shall slip away you see. + + Oh, goodnight, goodnight, + Dreamland seems so bright, + Whispering of your blue eyes true,-- + Of the little silent word, + Once, you know, I overheard, + Oh, it was so rash of you! + + See, I shut the door, + Do you want me more? + Echoes falling on mine ear, + Ticing and laughing free, + Do you want more with me? + The night is so mild and clear. + + + + + + CHAP. XII. + + THE OLD MAN GETS HIS OWN WAY. + + +A few years have passed since the last scene. It is in the Autumn; the +schoolmaster is coming towards Heidegaard; he opens the outside door, +finds nobody at home, goes further in, still nobody there, till he +comes to the innermost room;--there sits Ole Nordistuen in front of his +bed, gazing at his hands. + +The schoolmaster salutes him, and is welcomed; takes a stool, and seats +himself in front of Ole. + +"You have sent for me." + +"Yes, I have." + +The schoolmaster looks round, takes a book that is lying on the sofa +and opens it. + +"What was it you wanted with me?" + +"I am just thinking it over." + +The schoolmaster takes his time, brings out his spectacles to read the +title of the book, dries them, and puts them on. + +"You are getting old now, Ole." + +"Yes, it was just about that I wanted to see you; things go wrong, and +I shall soon be gone." + +"Then you should see that you are ready to go, Ole;" he shuts the book, +and sits looking at the binding. + +"It's a good book you have in your hand, there." + +"Yes, that's true;--have you often got beyond the fly leaf, Ole?" + +"Lately, yes--" + +The schoolmaster lays the book aside, and puts his spectacles by. + +"Things are not just as you would wish them now, Ole." + +"Nor have they been as far back as I can remember." + +"Well it was the same with me for a long time. I was not on good terms +with a friend of mine, I wanted him to come to me, and I was miserable; +at last I bethought me I would go to him, and since then I have been +happy." + +Ole looks up, but is silent. + +The schoolmaster: "How do you think the farm is doing, Ole?" + +"It is going backwards like myself." + +"Who will take it when you are gone?" + +"It is just this I don't know, and it troubles me." + +"Your neighbours are doing well, Ole." + +"Yes, they have the Agriculturist to help them." + +The schoolmaster turns towards the window, saying somewhat carelessly, +"You should have help too Ole, you can't walk much, and you know very +little of the new method." + +"Oh, there's no one who would help me!" + +"Have you asked anyone?" + +But Ole makes no reply. + +The schoolmaster: "It was long thus between myself and God. 'Thou art +not good to me,' I said to Him. 'Hast thou asked me to be so?' He +replied. No, I had not, then I prayed, and all things went on well." + +Ole is still silent, and now the schoolmaster is silent too. + +At last Ole says, "I have a grandchild she knows what it would please +me to see before I am borne away, but she does not do it." + +The schoolmaster smiles: "Perhaps it would not please her? There are +many things that trouble you, but so far as I can see, all the +difficulties centre at last on the farm." + +Ole replies feelingly: "Yes, it has passed from one generation to +another, and the soil is good. All that father after father has got +together, has been laid out there, and now things don't grow. Neither +do I know, when I am taken away, who shall come in my stead. He cannot +be of our kindred." + +"But there is your granddaughter.--" + +"But he who takes her, how will he manage the farm? This I long to know +before I die. There is haste Baard, both for me and the farm." + +After a pause, the schoolmaster said, "Shall we go out a little and +look at the farm, this fine day?" + +"Yes, let us go, I have labourers up there; they gather the leaves, but +they don't work except they see me." + +He hobbled for his great cap and stick, saying as he went, "They don't +like working for me, I don't know how it is." + +On coming out and turning the corner, he exclaimed, "Here you see, no +order; the wood scattered all over, the axe not stuck in the log." He +bent over with difficulty, took it up and slashed it in. + +"There, do you see that sheep skin fallen down, but has any one hung it +up?" He did it himself. + +"And there is the ladder out of place." He put it right, and turning to +the schoolmaster, said, "The same thing day after day!" + +As they went further they heard a lively song from the fields. + +"Hark! they are singing at work," said the schoolmaster. + +"No, it is little Knut Ostistuen who is singing; he is gathering leaves +for his father. It is over there my people are working, they are not +singing." + +"It is not one of the country songs, that?" + +"No, I hear it is not." + +"Ovind Pladsen has been a great deal in Ostistuen; it must be one of +those he has introduced; where he is, there is sure to be song." + +No reply. + +The field they went over was not in good condition, it wanted +attention. The schoolmaster remarked it, whereupon Ole stopped. + +"I cannot do any more," he said, almost in tears; "but it is hard to go +over such a field, you may be sure." + +As they began to talk again about the size of the farm, and what most +required attention, they concluded to go up the hill side, where they +could overlook the whole. When they had reached the place, and could +see the farm laid out before them, the old man was quite moved. + +"I should not like to leave it as it is. We have worked hard there both +I and my parents before me; but now nothing is to be seen of our +labour." + +Just then, right above their heads, there burst out a song, with that +peculiar sharpness that a lad's voice has when it is changing. They +were not far from the tree where little Knut Ostistuen was sitting, +pulling leaves for his father, and they listened to the song:-- + + + All along by copse and glade + Up the rocky mountain, + Thro' the pleasant birch wood's shade, + By the silver fountain. + Chase away each thought of care, + Gaily, gladly singing, + Through the pure and bracing air + Joyful echoes ringing. + + The birds salute from every tree, + They form a charming choir, + The air grows pure, and light, and free, + Higher up and higher. + So the thought of childhood's hours + To the memory rushes, + Recollections from the flowers + Peep with rosy blushes. + + Stay and listen;--it is good, + To thy heart appealing-- + The grand deep song of solitude, + Speaks to every feeling. + But a streamlet gurgling on, + But a small stone rolling, + Calls up forgotten duties gone, + Like a death knell tolling. + + Tremble, yes, but pray, poor soul + 'Midst thy saddest thinking;-- + Forward to the blessed goal,-- + Keep thy heart from sinking. + There is Christ as once of old, + Elias too, and Moses; + When their glory ye behold, + Faith in joy reposes. + + +Ole had seated himself, and hid his head in his hands. + +"Let us talk together here," said the schoolmaster, and sat down by his +side. + + * * * + +Down at the little farm, Ovind had just returned from a long journey, +the chaise was still at the door, while the horses were resting. + +Although Ovind had now a good salary as District Agriculturist, he +still kept his little room, down at Pladsen, and assisted them in his +spare time. Pladsen was now under good cultivation from one end to the +other, but it was so small that Ovind called it "Mother's doll's play;" +for it was chiefly she who managed the farm. + +He had just dressed after his journey, and so had the father who had +come home white from the mill, and they were speaking of going out a +little before supper, when the mother came in looking quite pale: + +"Do look out, pray see the strangers coming to the house!" + +They both went to the window, and Ovind was the first to exclaim,-- + +"It is the schoolmaster, and,----yes, I do believe it is,----yes, it is +him!" + +"Yes, it is old Ole Nordistuen," said Thore, as he turned from the +window to avoid being seen, for they were close at hand. + +Ovind got a glance from the schoolmaster, as he retreated from the +window; Baard smiled and looked back at old Ole, who was labouring +along with his stick, and the small short steps, the one leg always +lifted higher than the other. From inside they could hear the +schoolmaster saying, "He has only just come home;" and Ole to repeat +twice, "Hm-hm." + +They waited a long time in the passage, the mother had gone to the +pantry where the milk stood, Ovind had his old place, his back leaning +against the great table, his face to the door, and the father sat by +his side. At last there came a knock, and in walked the schoolmaster, +and took his hat off, then old Ole, and took his cap off, but back he +turned to shut the door, and stood a long time, manifestly at a loss. +Thore rose, and bade them be seated; they sat side by side on the +window sill. Thore sat down again. + +Now thus was the matter settled. + +The schoolmaster: "We have had beautiful weather this Autumn." + +Thore: "Yes, it has taken up of late." + +"It will be sure to last so long as the wind remains in the same +quarter." + +"Are you ready with the harvest up there?" + +"No, indeed, Ole Nordistuen here, as perhaps you know, would like to +have your help, Ovind, if there's nothing in the way?" + +Ovind: "When I am requested, I shall be glad to do what I can." + +"Yes, but it wasn't only just for the present, he meant. He sees the +farm is not doing well, and he thinks it is the right method and +oversight that are wanting." + +Ovind: "I am so little at home." + +The schoolmaster looks at Ole, who feels that it is his turn to speak +now, he moves uneasily a few times, and then begins quickly and +abruptly: "It was, it is,--yes,--I thought you might stay,--that is, +you might live with us up there, be there, when you were not away on +your journeys." + +"I thank you very much for the offer, but I should prefer to stay where +I am." + +Ole looks at the schoolmaster, who explains: + +"Things seem in a muddle for Ole to-day; you see he was here once +before, and the recollection of it makes it rather awkward." + +Ole, quickly: "Yes, that's it, I went on like a fool, I was striving so +long with the girl, that the edge of the axe grew blunt. But byegones +shall be byegones. Rain brooks soon dry up. May snow does not last +long. It is not thunder that kills people." + +They all laughed, and the schoolmaster said, "Ole means that you must +forget the past, and you also, Thore." + +Ole looks, and does not know whether he dare begin again. + +Then Thore says, "A sharp cut mends sooner than a tear, and you will +find no scar upon me." + +Ole: "I did not know the lad that time. Now I see that things prosper +under his hand; Autumn answers to Spring; he has money at his finger +ends, and I should like to get hold of him." + +Ovind looks at his father, and he at the mother, she from them to the +schoolmaster, and at last all eyes were fixed upon him. + +"Ole means that he has a large farm--" + +Ole interrupts: "A large farm but ill cultivated;--I cannot do more, I +am old, and my feet refuse to obey my commands, but it would repay +anyone to have a pull up there." + +"The largest farm in the district, and no mistake!" says the +schoolmaster. + +"The largest farm in the district; that is just the misfortune, for +great shoes won't keep on; it is all right to have a good gun, but you +must be able to lift it." (With a quick glance at Ovind,) "You could +perhaps give me a lift could you?" + +"To manage the farm?" + +"Just so; you should have the farm." + +"Should I GET the farm?" + +"Just so; and so you would have the charge of it." + +"But?--" + +"Will you not?" + +"Yes, of course." + +"Yes yes, yes yes, then it is settled, said the hen, when she flew on +to the water." + +"But?----" + +Ole looks inquiringly at the schoolmaster. + +"Ovind wants to know if he is to have Marit?" + +Ole quickly, "Marit into the bargain, Marit into the bargain!" + +Ovind jumped up and laughed for joy, rubbed his hands, and ran about, +repeating continuously, "Marit into the bargain! Marit into the +bargain!" + +Thore laughed in deep chuckles; the mother sat up in the corner, with +eyes constantly fixed on her son, till the tears came. + +Ole, very eagerly: "What do you think of the farm?" + +"It's excellent soil!" + +"Excellent, isn't it?" + +"And matchless pastures!" + +"Matchless pastures! Will it carry through?" + +"It shall be the best farm in the district!" + +"The best farm in the district? Do you think so? Do you mean it?" + +"As true as I stand here." + +"Just as I said!" + +They both of them spoke equally quickly, and corresponded to each other +like a pair of wheels. + +"But the money, you see, the money? I have no money." + +"We shall get on slowly without money, but still we shall get on!" + +"We shall get on! To be sure we shall get on! But things would improve +much quicker if we HAD money you say?" + +"A very great deal quicker." + +"A great deal? We should have had money; yes, yes; but one can chew +without all one's teeth; he who drives only with oxen still gets on." + +The mother stood and winked at Thore, who often glanced up quickly at +her as he sat and rocked himself backwards and forwards, stroking his +hands down over his knees; the schoolmaster blinked at him. + +Thore cleared his throat a little, and tried to begin, but Ole and +Ovind were talking so incessantly, laughing and making such a noise, +that it was impossible for any one else to be heard. + +"Could you be quiet a little, Thore has something to say," breaks in +the schoolmaster, at which they stop and look at Thore. + +At last he begins in a low tone, "It has happened that at this place we +have had a mill, and of late years it has happened we have had two. +From year to year we have always had a penny or two from these mills; +but neither my father nor I have touched the money, excepting that time +Ovind was away. The schoolmaster had it in charge, and he says it has +prospered,--but now it is best that Ovind should get it for +Nordistuen." + +The mother stood in the corner, making herself quite little, as with a +face glowing with pleasure she gazed at Thore, who, on his part, sat +immoveable, and looking almost stupid; Ole Nordistuen sat in front of +him with gaping mouth; Ovind was the first to recover himself from the +surprise, and breaking out: "Good luck attends me!" went across the +room to his father, clapped him on the shoulder. "Oh father!" said he, +rubbed his hands, and went back again. + +"How much money will it be?" Ole asked at last, speaking in a low tone +to the schoolmaster. + +"Oh, not so very little." + +"A few hundred?" + +"More than that." + +"More than that? Ovind, more than that! Good gracious, what a farm it +will be!" He rose up and laughed aloud. + +"I must go up with you to see Marit," said Ovind, "we'll take the +chaise that is standing outside, and be quick there." + +"Yes, quick, quick! Do you, then, want everything quick?" + +"Yes, quick and rash." + +"Quick and rash! Exactly as when I was young, exactly!" + +"Here is your cap and stick, and now I'm going to turn you out!" + +"You turn me out, ha, ha, ha! But you are coming with me, really, are +you not? The others must come too; we must sit together tonight so long +as there is a spark in the embers, come along!" + +They promised. Ovind helped him up into the carriage, and they were off +to Nordistuen. The great dog was not the only one up there that was +astonished when Ole Nordistuen drove into the farmstead with Ovind +Pladsen. Whilst Ovind was helping him out of the carriage, and the +servants and laborers were staring with open mouths, Marit came out +into the passage to see what it was the dog was so incessantly barking +at; but when she saw, she stopped as though she were glued to the spot, +then grew desperately red, and ran in again. When old Ole got into the +room, however, he called out so terrifically to her, that she could do +no other than come forth again. + +"Go and get ready, child, here is the one that shall have the farm!" + +"Is it possible?" she exclaims almost without knowing it, and so loud +that it rang again. + +"Yes, it is possible!" answers Ovind, clapping his hands; thereupon she +swings round on one foot, tosses that she has in her hand far away, and +runs out; Ovind follows. + +The schoolmaster soon came with Thore and his wife; the old man had got +a lamp on the table, which was decked with a white cloth; he called for +wine and beer, and he, himself, went busily round and round, lifting +his legs even further up than usual, and still the right foot higher +than the left. + + * * * + +Before this little story is concluded, it may be told that five weeks +after, Ovind and Marit were married in Sognet's church. The +schoolmaster himself led the song that day, as the sexton was ill. His +voice was broken, for he was old, but Ovind thought it did him good to +hear him. And when he had given Marit his hand and led her up to the +altar, the schoolmaster nodded to him from the choir, just like Ovind +had pictured it, as he sat so depressed at that dance; he nodded back +again, while the tears would run down. + +Those tears at the dance were the forerunners of these here, and +between them lay his faith and his work. + +Here ends the story of Ovind. + + + + + + FOOTNOTES: + +[Footnote 1: The "Spring dance" and "Halling" are the national dances +of the country.] + +[Footnote 2: To those of our readers who have travelled in the +mountainous districts of Norway, the idea of the "S[oe]ters" is sure to +convey a romantic and pleasing impression, and though to others we fear +we cannot give a just representation of these strongholds of the +brownies, we may at least explain the meaning of the word. + +In the prospect of the long winter before them, the farmers are anxious +to cultivate as meadow every available spot of grass land in the +valley, and therefore during the summer months the cattle are sent to +graze up in the forests and on the mountain sides, where each farm has +its S[oe]ter usually several miles away from the farm itself. A part of +the family take up their residence in the small wooden house prepared +in the simplest way for their accommodation; a few plain wooden chairs +and a table may be all the furniture, but everything is scrupulously +clean, and here many a young girl may gain her first experience in +housekeeping and the superintendence of the dairy. + +Early in the morning, when the dewy freshness of the air gives life and +vigour to all around, the milkmaid will arise, and in clear beautiful +tones sing a song of the country, and gather the cattle around her, +giving to each a handful of salt, and calling them all by name. The +mountains rise on all sides, and her song is re-echoed from cliff to +cliff. Far in the distance amid the towering peaks, peep here and there +the deep crevasses filled with everlasting snow; the icy surface gives +a glacier-like appearance, and there you may see grand images of the +sun reflected like gigantic stars. + +The herdsmen up in the S[oe]ters play skilfully upon a curious wooden +instrument, peculiar to the country. This can be heard for miles, and +should any of the cattle have strayed from the rest, they are guided +back by the sweet sounds of the "Luur."] + + + + + + THE EAGLE'S NEST. + + + THE FATHER. + + + + + THE EAGLE'S NEST. + + +Endregaarden was the name of a small solitary hamlet, surrounded by +high mountains, from which flowed a broad river that divided the flat +and fertile valley in two. + +The river ran into a lake that lay close to the hamlet, and from this +spot there was a beautiful prospect. Once there came a man rowing over +Endre Water; his name was Endre, and it was he who had first settled in +the valley, and his kindred who now lived there. Some said he had +decamped hither for murder's sake, and it was therefore his descendants +were so dark; others said it was due to the mountains, that shut out +the sun at five o'clock on midsummer day. + +Over this hamlet there hung an eagle's nest from the projecting cliffs +up in the mountain, and though all could see when the eagle was +sitting, the nest was quite out of reach. The male bird sailed over the +hamlet, pouncing now on a lamb, now on a kid, once he had also taken a +little child and borne away; therefore there was no security so long as +the eagle had her nest in this mountain fastness. + +There was a tradition among the people, that in the olden time, two +brothers had climbed up and destroyed the nest; but now there was no +one who could do it. + +When two met in Endregaarden, they would speak of the eagle's nest, and +look up. Every one knew what time in the new year the eagles had come +back, where they had pounced down and done mischief, and who had last +attempted to climb up. + +In the hope of one day being able to achieve the feat of the two +brothers, the lads, from quite small boys, would practise themselves in +climbing trees and cliffs, wrestling, &c. + +At the time of which we now speak, the first lad in Endregaarden was +not of the Endre kin; his name was Leif, he had curly hair, and small +eyes, was clever in all play, and fond of the gentler sex. He said very +early of himself, that one day he would reach the eagle's nest, but +people intimated he had better not have said it aloud. + +This tickled him, and before he was of full age, he went aloft. It was +a clear Sunday morning in the early summer; the young birds would +scarcely be hatched. The people gathered in a crowd under the mountain +to see; old and young alike advising him against the attempt. + +But he listened only to the voice of his own strong will, and waiting +till the eagle left her nest, he made one spring and hung in a tree +several yards from the ground. It grew in a cleft, and up this cleft he +began to climb. Small stones loosened from under his feet, and the soil +and gravel came tumbling down, otherwise it was quite still, save the +sound of the river from behind with its subdued and ceaseless sough. + +He soon reached that part where the mountain began to project, and here +he hung by one hand, groping with his foot for a hold; he could not +see. Many, especially women, turned away, saying he would not have done +this if his parents had been living. At last he found a footing, sought +again, first with the hand, then with the foot; he missed, slipped, +then hung fast again. They who stood below could hear each other +breathing. + +Then a tall young girl, who sat upon a stone apart from the rest, rose +up; they said she had promised herself to him from a child, although he +was not of the Endre kin, and her parents would never give their +consent. She stretched out her arms and called aloud, "Leif, Leif, why +do you do this!" Every one turned towards her; the father stood close +by and gave her a severe look, but she did not heed him. "Come down +again, Leif," she cried: "I, I love you, and there's nothing to be +gained up there!" + +One could see that he was considering, he waited a moment or two, and +then went further up. He found a firm footing, and for a time he got on +well; then he seemed to grow tired, for he often stopped. + +A small stone came rolling down, as though it were a forerunner, and +all who stood there must watch its course to the bottom. Some could not +bear it longer, and went away. The girl still standing high upon the +stone, wrung her hands and gazed up. Leif took hold again with one +hand; it slipped, she saw it distinctly; he made a grasp with the +other, it slipped also; "Leif!" she cried, so that it rang in the +mountain, and all the others joined in. "He's slipping!" they cried, +and stretched out their hands towards him, men and women. He continued +to slip with the sand, stone, and soil; slip, slip, faster, faster. The +people turned away, and then they heard a rustling and rattling on the +mountain behind them, and something heavy fall down like a great piece +of wet earth. When they looked round again, there he lay, torn and +disfigured. The girl lay on the stone; the father took her up and +carried her away. The lads, who had the most excited Leif to climb, +dared not now go near to help him, some could not even look at him; so +the old people had to come forward. The eldest of them said, as he took +him up, "Alas! alas! but,--" he added, "it is well there is something +hangs so high that every one cannot reach it." + + + FINIS. + + + + + THE FATHER. + + +Thord Overaas, of whom we are about to speak, was the wealthiest man in +the parish. + +His tall figure stood one day in the pastor's study: "I have got a +son," he said eagerly, "and I wish to have him baptised." + +"What shall he be called?" + +"Finn, after my father." + +"And his god parents?" + +They were named, being relatives of Thord, and the best men and women +in the district. + +"Is there anything else?" asked the pastor, and looked up. + +The farmer stood a minute; + +"I should like to have him baptised by himself," he said. + +"That is to say on a week day?" + +"Next Saturday, at twelve o'clock." + +"Is there anything else?" + +"Nothing else." + +The farmer took his hat, and moved to go. + +Then the pastor rose; "There is still this," he said, and going up to +Thord, he took his hand, and looked him in the face: "God grant that +the child may be a blessing to you!" + +Sixteen years after that day, Thord stood again in the pastor's study. + +"You look exceedingly well, Thord," said the pastor; he saw no change +in him. + +"I have no trouble," replied Thord. + +The pastor was silent, but a moment after: "What is your errand +to-night?" he asked. + +"I have come to-night about my son, who is to be confirmed to-morrow." + +"He is a clever lad." + +"I did not wish to pay the pastor, before I heard what number he would +get." + +"I hear that,--and here are ten dollars for the pastor." + +"Is there anything else?" asked the pastor, he looked at Thord. + +"Nothing else." Thord went. + +Eight years more passed by, and so one day the pastor heard a noise +without his door, for many men were there, and Thord first among them. +The pastor looked up and recognised him: "You come with a powerful +escort to-night." + +"I have come to request that the banns may be published for my son; he +is to be married to Karen Storliden, daughter of Gudmund, who is here +with me." + +"That is to say, to the richest girl in the parish." + +"They say so," replied the farmer, he stroked his hair up with one hand. + +The pastor sat a minute as in thought, he said nothing, but entered the +names in his books, and the men wrote under. + +Thord laid three dollars on the table. + +"I should have only one," said the pastor. + +"Know that perfectly, but he is my only child; will do the thing well." + +The pastor took up the money: "This is the third time now, Thord, that +you stand here on your son's account." + +"But now I am done with him," said Thord, took up his pocket book, said +good night, and went. The men slowly followed. + +Just a fortnight after this, the father and son were rowing over the +lake in still weather to Storliden, to arrange about the wedding. + +"The cushion is not straight," said the son, he rose up to put it +right. At the same moment his foot slipped; he stretched out his arms, +and with a cry fell into the water. + +"Catch hold of the oar!" called the father, he stood up and stuck it +out. But when the son had made a few attempts, he became stiff. + +"Wait a minute!" cried the father, and began to row. Then the son +turned backwards over, gazed earnestly at his father, and sank. + +Thord could scarcely believe it to be true; he kept the boat still, and +stared at the spot where his son had sunk, as though he would come up +again. A few bubbles rose up, a few more, then one great one, it +burst--and the sea again lay bright as a mirror. + +For three days and three nights the father was seen to row round and +round the spot without either food or sleep; he was seeking for his +son. On the morning of the third day he found him, and carried him up +over the hills to his farm. + +It would be about a year after that day, when the pastor, one autumn +evening, heard something rustling outside the door in the passage, and +fumbling about the lock. The door opened, and in walked a tall thin +man, with bent figure and white hair. The pastor looked long at him +before he recognised him; it was Thord. + +"Do you come so late?" asked the pastor and stood still before him. + +"Why yes, I do come late," said Thore, he seated himself. The pastor +sat down also, as though waiting; there was a long silence. + +Then said Thord, "I have something with me that I wish to give to the +poor,"--he rose, laid some money on the table, and sat down again. + +The pastor counted it: "It is a great deal of money," he said. + +"It is the half of my farm, which I have sold to-day." + +The pastor remained long sitting in silence; at last he asked, but +gently: "What do you intend to do now?" + +"Something better." + +They sat there awhile, Thord with downcast eyes, the pastor with his +raised to Thord. Then the pastor said slowly, and in a low tone: "I +think at last your son has really become a blessing to you." + +"Yes, I think so myself also," said Thord, he looked up, and two tears +coursed slowly down his face. + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Ovind, by Bjoernstjerne Bjoernson + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OVIND *** + +***** This file should be named 37727.txt or 37727.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/7/7/2/37727/ + +Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by Google Books + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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