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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Shallow Soil, by Knut Hamsun
+#3 in our series by Knut Hamsun
+
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+*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!*****
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+Title: Shallow Soil
+
+Author: Knut Hamsun
+
+Release Date: February, 2005 [EBook #7537]
+[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule]
+[This file was first posted on May 14, 2003]
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+Edition: 10
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-Latin-1
+
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SHALLOW SOIL ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Eric Eldred, Robert Connal
+and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.
+
+
+
+
+SHALLOW SOIL
+
+BY
+
+KNUT HAMSUN
+
+
+
+
+AUTHORISED TRANSLATION FROM THE NORWEGIAN BY
+
+CARL CHRISTIAN HYLLESTED
+
+
+
+
+TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE
+
+
+In the autumn of 1888 a Danish magazine published a few chapters of an
+autobiographical novel which instantly created the greatest stir in
+literary circles throughout Europe. At that time Ibsen, Björnson, Brandes,
+Strindberg, and other Scandinavian writers were at the height of their
+cosmopolitan fame, and it was only natural that the reading world should
+keep in close touch with the literary production of the North. But even
+the professional star-gazers, who maintained a vigilant watch on northern
+skies, had never come across the name of Knut Hamsun. He was unknown;
+whatever slight attention his earlier struggles for recognition may have
+attracted was long ago forgotten. And now he blazed forth overnight, with
+meteoric suddenness, with a strange, fantastic, intense brilliance which
+could only emanate from a star of the first magnitude.
+
+Sudden as was Hamsun's recognition, however, it has proved lasting. The
+story of his rise from obscurity to fame is one of absorbing interest.
+Behind that hour of triumph lay a long and bitter struggle, weary years of
+striving, of constant and courageous battle with a destiny that strewed
+his path with disappointments and defeats, overwhelming him with
+adversities that would have swamped a genius of less energy and real
+power.
+
+Knut Hamsun began life in one of the deep Norwegian valleys familiar to
+English readers through Björnson's earlier stories. He was born in August,
+1860. When he was four years old his poverty-stricken parents sent him to
+an uncle, a stern, unlovely man who made his home on one of the Lofoten
+Islands--that "Drama in Granite" which Norway's rugged coast-line flings
+far into the Arctic night. Here he grew up, a taciturn, peculiar lad,
+inured to hardship and danger, in close communion with nature; dreaming
+through the endless northern twilight, revelling through the brief intense
+summer, surrounded by influences and by an atmosphere which later were to
+give to his production its strange, mystical colouring, its
+pendulum-swings from extreme to extreme.
+
+At seventeen he was apprenticed to a cobbler, and while working at his
+trade he wrote and, at the cost of no one knows what sacrifices, saved
+enough money to have his first literary efforts printed and published.
+They consisted of a long, fantastic poem and a novel, "Björger"--the
+latter a grotesque conglomeration of intense self-analytical studies.
+These attracted far less attention than they really deserved. However, the
+cobbler's bench saw no more of Knut Hamsun.
+
+During the next twelve years he led the life of a rover, but a rover with
+a fixed purpose from which he never swerved. First he turned his face
+toward Christiania, the capital and the intellectual centre of the
+country; and in order to get there he worked at anything that offered
+itself. He was a longshoreman on Bodö's docks, a road-labourer, a
+lumberjack in the mountains; a private tutor and court messenger. Finally
+he reached the metropolis and enrolled as a student at the university. But
+the gaunt, raw-boned youth, unpractical and improvident, overbearing of
+manner, passionately independent in thought and conduct, failed utterly in
+his attempts to realise whatever ambitions he had cherished. So it was
+hardly strange that this the first chapter of his Odyssey should end in
+the steerage of an American-bound emigrant steamer.
+
+In America, where he landed penniless, he turned his strong and capable
+hands to whatever labour he could find. He had intended to become a
+Unitarian minister. Instead of doing so he had to work as a farm-hand on
+the prairie, street-car conductor in Chicago, dairyman in Dakota; and he
+varied these pursuits by giving a series of lectures on French literature
+in Minneapolis. By that time he probably imagined that he was equipped for
+a more successful attack on the literary strongholds of his own country,
+and returned to Christiania. Disappointments and privations followed more
+bitter than any he had ever known. He starved and studied and dreamed;
+vainly he made the most desperate attempts to gain recognition. In despair
+he once more abandoned the battle-field and fled to America again, with
+the avowed purpose of gaining a reputation on the lecture platform.
+
+Once more he failed; his countrymen resident in the Northwest would have
+none of him. Beaten back in every attempt, discouraged, perhaps feeling
+the need of solitude and the opportunities for introspective thought which
+he could not find in the larger cities, he exiled himself to that most
+desolate of existences, a life on a Newfoundland fishing-smack. Three long
+years he spent as one of a rude crew with whom he could have nothing in
+common save the daily death-struggle with the elements. But these years
+finished the preparatory stage of Hamsun's education. During the solitary
+watches he matured as an artist and as a man. In his very first effort
+upon his return to civilisation he proved that the days of aimless
+fumblings were over: in "Hunger" he stands suddenly revealed as a master
+of style and description, a bold and independent thinker, a penetrating,
+keen psychologist, a realist of marked virility.
+
+Since "Hunger" was written Hamsun has published over thirty large works--
+novels, dramas, travel descriptions, essays, and poems. Every one of them
+is of a high order. Each is unlike the rest; but through them all flash in
+vivid gleams a dazzling witchery of style, a bewildering originality, a
+passionate nature-worship, and an imagination which at times takes away
+the breath.
+
+"Shallow Soil," in some respects the most contained of Hamsun's works, is
+perhaps best suited as a medium for his introduction to Anglo-Saxon
+readers. In a very complete analysis of Hamsun's authorship the German
+literary critic, Professor Carl Morburger, thus refers to "Shallow Soil":
+
+"Not only is this book Knut Hamsun's most significant work, but it gives
+the very best description available of life in Christiania toward the
+close of the century. A book of exquisite lyric beauty, of masterly
+psychology, and finished artistic form, it is so rich in idea and life
+that one must refrain from touching on the contents in order to keep
+within the narrow limits of this essay. A most superbly delicate
+delineation of the feminine soul is here given in the drawing of Hanka and
+Aagot; nowhere else is woman's love in its dawn and growth described with
+such mastery, with a deftness and sureness of touch which reminds one of
+the very greatest passages in that Danish classic, 'Niels Lyhne.'"
+
+Hamsun is now in his fifty-fourth year. The expectations aroused by his
+first book have been more than fulfilled; the star that was born overnight
+still shines with undimmed brilliance--nay, with a purer, warmer, steadier
+flame. The volcanic violence of earlier days has been mellowed and
+subdued; the "red eruptions of flame-tongued, primeval power" have all but
+ceased. In one of his latest works Hamsun himself notes this change in
+saying: "When a wanderer reaches fifty years he plays with muted strings."
+But with or without the sordine Hamsun's production is equally seductive,
+equally entrancing and compelling. All over the continent of Europe he is
+known and his writings treasured; in Russia his popularity exceeds that of
+many of its own inimitable writers. It is to be expected that the
+English-speaking world will accord him that appreciation which is the
+natural tribute to genius, irrespective of language or clime.
+
+CARL CHR. HYLLESTED.
+
+NEW YORK, December, 1913.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+  PROLOGUE
+
+  GERMINATION
+
+  RIPENING
+
+  SIXTYFOLD
+
+  FINALE
+
+
+
+
+PROLOGUE
+
+
+
+
+I
+
+
+A faint, golden, metallic rim appears in the east where the sun is rising.
+The city is beginning to stir; already can be heard an occasional distant
+rumble of trucks rolling into the streets from the country, large
+farm-wagons heavily loaded with supplies for the markets--with hay and
+meat and cordwood. And these wagons make more noise than usual because the
+pavements are still brittle from nightly frosts. It is the latter part of
+March.
+
+Everything is quiet around the harbour. Here and there a sleepy sailor
+tumbles out of a forecastle; smoke is curling from the galleys. A skipper
+puts his head out of a companionway and sniffs toward the weather; the sea
+stretches in undisturbed calm; all the winches are at rest.
+
+The first wharf gate is thrown open. Through it one catches a glimpse of
+sacks and cases piled high, of cans and barrels; men with ropes and
+wheelbarrows are moving around, still half asleep, yawning openly with
+angular, bearded jaws. And barges are warped in alongside the docks;
+another army begins the hoisting and stowing of goods, the loading of
+wagons, and the moving of freight.
+
+In the streets one door after another is opened; blinds are raised,
+office-boys are sweeping floors and dusting counters. In the H. Henriksen
+office the son is sitting at a desk, all alone; he is sorting mail. A
+young gentleman is strolling, tired and sleepy, toward the railway square;
+he comes from a late party given in some comrade's den and is taking the
+morning air. At Fire Headquarters he runs across an acquaintance who has
+also been celebrating.
+
+"Abroad so early, Ojen?" asks the first stroller.
+
+"Yes--that is to say, I haven't been in bed yet!"
+
+"Neither have I," laughs the first. "Good night!"
+
+And he wanders on, smiling in amusement over that good night on a bright
+and sunny morning. He is a young and promising man; his name had suddenly
+become famous two years ago when he published a lyric drama. His name is
+Irgens; everybody knows him. He wears patent-leather shoes and is
+good-looking, with his curled moustache and his sleek, dark hair.
+
+He drifts from one market square to another; it amuses him, sleepy as he
+is, to watch the farmers who are invading the public squares with their
+trucks. The spring sun has browned their faces; they wear heavy mufflers
+around their necks, and their hands are sinewy and dirty. They are in such
+a hurry to sell their wares that they even hail him, a youth of
+twenty-four without a family, a lyric writer who is simply loitering at
+random in order to divert himself.
+
+The sun climbs higher. Now people begin to swarm in all directions; shrill
+whistles are heard, now from the factories in the city suburbs, now from
+the railway stations and docks; the traffic increases. Busy workers dart
+hither and thither--some munching their breakfast from newspaper parcels.
+A man pushes an enormous load of bundles on a push-cart, he is delivering
+groceries; he strains like a horse and reads addresses from a note-book as
+he hurries along. A child is distributing morning papers; she is a little
+girl who has Saint Vitus's dance; she jerks her angular body in all
+directions, twitches her shoulders, blinks, hustles from door to door,
+climbs the stairs in the high-storied houses, presses bells, and hurries
+on, leaving papers on every doorstep. A dog follows her and makes every
+trip with her.
+
+Traffic and noise increase and spread; beginning at the factories, the
+wharves, the shipyards, and the sawmills, they mingle with wagon rumblings
+and human voices; the air is rent by steam-whistles whose agonising wails
+rise skyward, meeting and blending above the large squares in a booming
+diapason, a deep-throated, throbbing roar that enwraps the entire city.
+Telegraph messengers dart hither and yon, scattering orders and quotations
+from distant markets. The powerful, vitalising chant of commerce booms
+through the air; the wheat in India, the coffee in Java promise well; the
+Spanish markets are crying for fish--enormous quantities of fish during
+Lent.
+
+It is eight o'clock; Irgens starts for home. He passes H. Henriksen's
+establishment and decides to drop in a moment. The son of the house, a
+young man in a business suit of cheviot, is still busy at his desk. His
+eyes are large and blue, although his complexion is rather dark otherwise;
+a stray wisp of hair sags untidily over his forehead. The tall, somewhat
+gaunt and taciturn fellow looks about thirty years old. His comrades value
+him highly because he helps them a good deal with money and articles of
+commerce from the firm's cellars.
+
+"Good morning!" calls Irgens.
+
+The other looks up in surprise.
+
+"What--you? Are you abroad so early?"
+
+"Yes. That is to say, I haven't been to bed yet."
+
+"Oh--that's different. I have been at my desk since five; I have cabled to
+three countries already."
+
+"Good Lord--you know I am not the least interested in your trading! There
+is only one thing I want to discuss with you, Ole Henriksen; have you got
+a drink of brandy?"
+
+The two men leave the office and pass through the store down into the
+cellar. Ole Henriksen pulls a cork hurriedly; his father is expected any
+moment, and for this reason he is in haste. The father is old, but that is
+no reason why he should be ignored.
+
+Irgens drinks and says: "Can I take the bottle along?" And Ole Henriksen
+nods.
+
+On their way back through the store he pulls out a drawer from the
+counter, and Irgens, who understands the hint, takes something from the
+drawer which he puts in his mouth. It is coffee, roasted coffee; good for
+the breath.
+
+
+
+
+II
+
+
+At two o'clock people swarm up and down the promenade. They chat and laugh
+in all manner of voices, greet each other, smile, nod, turn around, shout.
+Cigar smoke and ladies' veils flutter in the air; a kaleidoscopic
+confusion of light gloves and handkerchiefs, of bobbing hats and swinging
+canes, glides down the street along which carriages drive with ladies and
+gentlemen in stylish attire.
+
+Several young gentlemen have taken their accustomed stand at "The Corner."
+They form a circle of acquaintances--a couple of artists, a couple of
+authors, a business man, an undefinable--comrades all. They are dressed
+variously: some have already dispensed with their overcoats, others wear
+long ulsters with turned-up collars as in midwinter. Everybody knows "the
+clique."
+
+Some join it while others depart; there remain a young, corpulent artist
+by the name of Milde, and an actor with a snub nose and a creamy voice;
+also Irgens, and Attorney Grande of the prominent Grande family. The most
+important, however, is Paulsberg, Lars Paulsberg, the author of half a
+dozen novels and a scientific work on the Atonement. He is loudly referred
+to as the Poet, even though both Irgens and Ojen are present.
+
+The Actor buttons his ulster tightly and shivers.
+
+"No--spring-time is a little too chilly to suit me," he says.
+
+"The contrary here!" exclaims the Attorney. "I could shout all the time; I
+am neighing inwardly; my blood sings a hunting chorus!" And the little
+stooping youth straightens his shoulders and glances secretly at
+Paulsberg.
+
+
+"Listen to that!" says the Actor sarcastically. "A man is a man, as the
+eunuch said."
+
+"What does that remark signify?"
+
+"Nothing, God bless you! But you in your patent leathers and your silk hat
+hunting wolves--the idea appealed to my sense of humour."
+
+"Ha, ha! I note the fact that Norem has a sense of humour! Let us duly
+appreciate it."
+
+They spoke with practised ease about everything, had perfect control over
+their words, made quick sallies, and were skilled in repartee.
+
+A number of cadets were passing.
+
+"Did you ever see anything as flabby as these military youths!" said
+Irgens. "Look at them; they do not walk past like other mortals, they
+_stalk_ past!"
+
+Both Irgens and the Artist laughed at this, but the Attorney glanced
+quickly at Paulsberg, whose face remained immovable. Paulsberg made a few
+remarks about the Art Exhibition and was silent.
+
+The conversation drifted to yesterday's performance in Tivoli, and from
+there to political subjects. Of course, they could refuse to pass all
+financial bills, but--And perhaps there was not even a sufficient
+majority to defeat the government budget. It certainly looked dubious--
+rotten--They cited quotations from leading parliamentarians, they proposed
+to put the torch to the Castle and proclaim the republic without delay.
+The Artist threatened a general revolt of the labouring classes. "Do you
+know what the Speaker told me in confidence? That he never, _never_
+would agree to a compromise--rather let the Union sink or swim! 'Sink or
+swim,' these were his very words. And when one knows the Speaker--"
+
+Still Paulsberg did not say anything, and as the comrades were eager to
+hear his opinion, the Attorney finally ventured to address him:
+
+"And you, Paulsberg, you don't say a word?"
+
+Paulsberg very seldom spoke; he had kept to himself and to his studies and
+his literary tasks, and lacked the verbal facility of his comrades. He
+smiled good-naturedly and answered:
+
+"'Let your communication be Yea, yea, and Nay, nay,' you know!" At this
+they all laughed loudly. "But otherwise," he added, "apart from that I am
+seriously considering going home to my wife."
+
+And Paulsberg went. It was his wont to go when he said he would.
+
+But after Paulsberg's departure it seemed as if they might as well all go;
+there was no reason to remain now. The Actor saluted and disappeared; he
+hurried off in order to catch up with Paulsberg. The Painter threw his
+ulster around himself without buttoning it, drew up his shoulders, and
+said:
+
+"I feel rotten! If a fellow could only afford a little dinner!"
+
+"You must try and strike a huckster," said Irgens. "I struck one for a
+brandy this morning."
+
+"I am wondering what Paulsberg really meant by that remark," said the
+Attorney. "'Your communication shall be Yea, yea, and Nay, nay'; it is
+evident it had a deeper meaning."
+
+"Yes, very evident," said Milde. "Did you notice, he laughed when he said
+it; something must have amused him."
+
+Pause.
+
+A crowd of promenaders were sauntering continually up and down the street,
+back and forth, laughing and talking.
+
+Milde continued:
+
+"I have often wished that we had just one more head like Paulsberg's here
+in Norway."
+
+"And why, pray?" asked Irgens stiffly.
+
+Milde stared at him, stared at the Attorney, and burst into a surprised
+laugh.
+
+"Listen to that, Grande! He asks why we need another head like Paulsberg's
+in this country!"
+
+"I do," said Irgens.
+
+But Grande did not laugh either, and Milde was unable to understand why
+his words failed to provoke mirth. He decided to pass it off; he began to
+speak about other things.
+
+"You said you struck a huckster for brandy; you have got brandy, then?"
+
+"As for me, I place Paulsberg so high that I consider him _alone_
+able to do what is needed," said Irgens with thinly veiled sarcasm.
+
+This took Milde by surprise; he was not prepared to contradict Irgens; he
+nodded and said:
+
+"Certainly--exactly. I only thought it might accelerate matters to have a
+little assistance, so to speak--a brother in arms. But of course I agree
+with you."
+
+Outside the Grand Hotel they were fortunate enough to run across Tidemand,
+a huckster also, a wholesaler, a big business man, head of a large and
+well-known business house.
+
+"Have you dined?" called the Artist to him.
+
+"Lots of times!" countered Tidemand.
+
+"Now, no nonsense! Are you going to take me to dinner?"
+
+"May I be permitted to shake hands first?"
+
+It was finally arranged that they should take a run up to Irgens's rooms
+to sample the brandy, after which they were to return to the Grand for
+dinner. Tidemand and the Attorney walked ahead.
+
+"It is a good thing that we have these peddlers to fall back on," said
+Milde to Irgens. "They are useful after all."
+
+Irgens replied with a shrug of the shoulders which might mean anything.
+
+"And they never consider that they are being imposed upon," continued
+Milde. "On the contrary, they think they are highly favoured; it flatters
+them. Treat them familiarly, drink their health, that is sufficient. Ha,
+ha, ha! Isn't it true?"
+
+The Attorney had stopped; he was waiting.
+
+"While we remember it, we have got to make definite arrangements about
+that farewell celebration for Ojen," he said.
+
+Of course, they had almost forgotten about that. Certainly, Ojen was going
+away; something had to be done.
+
+The situation was this: Ojen had written two novels which had been
+translated into German; now his nerves were bothering him; he could not be
+allowed to kill himself with work--something had to be done to procure him
+a highly needed rest. He had applied for a government subsidy and had
+every expectation of receiving it; Paulsberg himself had recommended him,
+even if a little tepidly. The comrades had therefore united in an effort
+to get him to Torahus, to a little mountain resort where the air was
+splendid for neurasthenics. Ojen was to go in about a week; the money had
+been raised; both Ole Henriksen and Tidemand had been exceedingly
+generous. It now only remained to arrange a little celebration to speed
+the parting comrade.
+
+"But where shall we find a battle-ground?" asked Milde. "At your house,
+Grande? You have plenty of room?"
+
+Grande was not unwilling; it might be arranged; he would speak to his wife
+about it. For Grande was married to Mrs. Liberia, and Mrs. Liberia simply
+had to be consulted. It was agreed to invite Paulsberg and his wife; as
+contributors Mr. and Mrs. Tidemand and Ole Henriksen were coming as a
+matter of course. That was settled.
+
+"Ask whom you like, but I refuse to open my doors to that fellow Norem,"
+said the Attorney. "He always gets drunk and sentimental; he is an awful
+bore. My wife wouldn't stand for him."
+
+Then the affair could not be held at Grande's house. It would never do to
+slight Norem. In the perplexity Milde offered his studio.
+
+The friends considered. It was not a bad idea; a better place would be
+hard to find. The studio was big and roomy as a barn, with two cosy
+adjoining rooms. Milde's studio, then--settled.
+
+The affair was coming off in a few days.
+
+The four gentlemen stopped at Irgens's place, drank his brandy, and went
+out again. The Attorney was going home; this decision about the studio did
+not suit him; he felt slighted. He might decide to stay away altogether.
+At any rate, he said good-bye now and went his own way.
+
+"What about you, Irgens--I hope you will join us?"
+
+Irgens did not say no; he did not at all refuse this invitation. To tell
+the truth, he was not unduly eager to return to the Grand; this fat artist
+vexed him considerably with his familiar manners. However, he might be
+able to get away immediately after the dinner was over.
+
+In this desire Tidemand himself unconsciously assisted him; he left as
+soon as he had paid the check. He was going somewhere.
+
+
+
+
+III
+
+
+Tidemand made his way to H. Henriksen's large warehouse on the wharf where
+he knew that Ole could be found at this time.
+
+Tidemand had passed thirty and was already getting a little grey around
+the temples. He, too, was dark of hair and beard, but his eyes were brown
+and had a listless expression. When he was sitting still and silent,
+blinking slowly, these heavy lids of his would rise and sink almost as if
+they were exhausted by much watching. He was beginning to get a little bit
+stout. He was considered an exceedingly able business man.
+
+He was married and had two children; he had been married four years. His
+marriage had begun auspiciously and was still in force, although people
+were at a loss to understand how it could possibly last. Tidemand himself
+did not conceal his astonishment over the fact that his wife had managed
+to tolerate him so long. He had been a bachelor too long, had travelled
+too much, lived too much in hotels; he admitted it himself. He liked to
+ring whenever he wanted anything; he preferred his meals served at all
+hours, whenever he took a notion, no matter if it happened to be meal-time
+or not. And Tidemand went into details: he could not bear to have his wife
+serve him his soup, for instance--was it possible for a woman, even with
+the best intention in the world, to divine how much soup he might want?
+
+And, on the other side, there was Mrs. Hanka, an artistic nature, two and
+twenty, fond of life and audacious as a boy. Mrs. Hanka was greatly gifted
+and warmly interested in many things; she was a welcome guest wherever the
+youthful assembled, whether in homes or bachelor dens; nobody could resist
+her. No, she did not greatly care for home life or house drudgery. She
+could not help that; unfortunately she had not inherited these tastes. And
+this unbearable blessing, of a child every year two years running, drove
+her almost to distraction. Good Lord! she was only a child herself, full
+of life and frivolity; her youth was ahead of her. But pursuant to the
+arrangement the couple had made last year, Mrs. Hanka now found it
+unnecessary to place any restraint upon herself....
+
+Tidemand entered the warehouse. A cool and tart smell of tropical
+products, of coffee and oils and wines, filled the atmosphere. Tall piles
+of tea-boxes, bundles of cinnamon sewn in bast, fruits, rice, spices,
+mountains of flour-sacks--everything had its designated place, from floor
+to roof. In one of the corners a stairway led to the cellar, where
+venerable hogsheads of wine with copper bands could be glimpsed in the
+half-light and where enormous metal tanks rested in massive repose.
+
+Tidemand nodded to the busy warehousemen, walked across the floor, and
+peeped through the pane into the little office. Ole was there. He was
+revising an account on a slate.
+
+Ole put the slate down immediately and rose to meet his friend.
+
+These two men had known each other since childhood, had gone through the
+business college together, and shared with each other their happiest
+moments. Even now, when they were competitors, they continued to visit
+each other as often as their work would permit. They did not envy each
+other; the business spirit had made them broad-minded and generous; they
+toyed with ship-loads, dealt in large amounts, had daily before their eyes
+enormous successes or imposing ruin.
+
+Once Tidemand had expressed admiration for a little yacht which Ole
+Henriksen owned. It was two years ago, when it was known that the Tidemand
+firm had suffered heavy losses in a fish exportation. The yacht lay
+anchored just outside the Henriksen warehouse and attracted much attention
+because of its beautiful lines. The masthead was gilded.
+
+Tidemand said:
+
+"This is the most beautiful little dream I have ever seen, upon my word!"
+
+Ole Henriksen answered modestly:
+
+"I do not suppose I could get a thousand for her if I were to sell her."
+
+"I'll give you a thousand," offered Tidemand.
+
+Pause. Ole smiled.
+
+"Cash?" he asked.
+
+"Yes; I happen to have it with me."
+
+And Tidemand took out his pocketbook and paid over the money.
+
+This occurred in the warehouse. The clerks laughed, whispered, and
+wondered.
+
+A few days later Ole went over to Tidemand's office and said:
+
+"I don't suppose you would take two thousand for the yacht?"
+
+"Have you got the money with you?"
+
+"Yes; it just happens that I have."
+
+"All right," said Tidemand.
+
+And the yacht was Ole's once more....
+
+Tidemand had called on Ole now in order to pass away an hour or so. The
+two friends were no longer children; they treated each other with the
+greatest courtesy and were sincerely fond of each other.
+
+Ole got hold of Tidemand's hat and cane, which he put away, at the same
+time pointing his friend to a seat on the little sofa.
+
+"What may I offer you?" he asked.
+
+"Thanks--nothing," said Tidemand. "I have just had my dinner at the
+Grand."
+
+Ole placed the flat box with Havanas before him and asked again:
+
+"A little glass? An 1812?"
+
+"Well, thank you, yes. But never mind; it is too much trouble; you have to
+go down-stairs for it."
+
+"Nonsense; no trouble at all!"
+
+Ole brought the bottle from the cellar; it was impossible to tell what it
+was; the bottle appeared to be made of some coarse cloth, so deeply
+covered with dust was it. The wine was chilled and sparkling, it beaded in
+the glass, and Ole said:
+
+"Here you are; drink hearty, Andreas!"
+
+They drank. A pause ensued.
+
+"I have really come to congratulate you," said Tidemand. "I have never yet
+made a stroke like that last one of yours!"
+
+It was true that Ole had turned a trick lately. But he insisted that there
+really was nothing in it that entitled him to any credit; it was just a
+bit of luck. And if there was any credit to bestow, then it belonged to
+the firm, not to him. The operations in London had succeeded because of
+the cleverness of his agent.
+
+The affair was as follows:
+
+An English freight-steamer, the _Concordia_, had left Rio with half a
+cargo of coffee; she touched at Bathurst for a deck-load of hides, ran
+into the December gales on the north coast of Normandy, and sprung a leak;
+then she was towed into Plymouth. The cargo was water-soaked; half of it
+was coffee.
+
+This cargo of damaged coffee was washed out and brought to London; it was
+put on the market, but could not be sold; the combination of sea-water and
+hides had spoiled it. The owner tried all sorts of doctorings: he used
+colouring matter--indigo, kurkuma, chrome, copper vitriol--he had it
+rolled in hogsheads with leaden bullets. Nothing availed; he had to sell
+it at auction. Henriksen's agent bid it in for a song.
+
+Ole went to London; he made tests with this coffee, washed out the
+colouring matter, flushed it thoroughly, and dried it again. Finally he
+had the entire cargo roasted and packed in hermetically sealed zinc boxes.
+These boxes were brought to Norway after a month of storing; they were
+unloaded, taken to the warehouse, opened, and sold. The coffee was as good
+as ever. The firm made a barrel of money out of this enterprise.
+
+Tidemand said:
+
+"I only learned the particulars a couple of days ago; I must confess that
+I was proud of you!"
+
+"My part of the business was simply the idea of roasting the coffee--
+making it sweat out the damage, so to speak. But otherwise, really--"
+
+"I suppose you were a little anxious until you knew the result?"
+
+"Yes; I must admit I was a little anxious."
+
+"But what did your father say?"
+
+"Oh, he did not know anything until it was all over. I was afraid to tell
+him; he might have disinherited me, cast me off, you know. Ha, ha!"
+
+Tidemand looked at him.
+
+"Hm. This is all very well, Ole. But if you want to give your father, the
+firm, half the credit, then you should not at the same time tell me that
+your father knew nothing until it was all over. I have you there!"
+
+A clerk entered with another account on a slate; he bowed, placed the
+slate on the desk, and retired. The telephone rang.
+
+"One moment, Andreas; it is probably only an order. Hello!"
+
+Ole took down the order, rang for a clerk, and gave it to him..
+
+"I am detaining you," said Tidemand. "Let me take one of the slates; there
+is one for each now!"
+
+"Not much!" said Ole; "do you think I will let you work when you come to
+see me?"
+
+But Tidemand was already busy. He was thoroughly familiar with these
+strange marks and figures in the many columns, and made out the account on
+a sheet of paper. They stood at the desk opposite each other and worked,
+with an occasional bantering remark.
+
+"Don't let us forget the glasses altogether!"
+
+"No; you are right!"
+
+"This is the most enjoyable day I have had in a long time," said Ole.
+
+"Do you think so? I was just going to say the same. I have just left the
+Grand--By the way, I have an invitation for you; we are both going to the
+farewell celebration for Ojen--quite a number will be there."
+
+"Is that so? Where is it going to be?"
+
+"In Milde's studio. You are going, I hope?"
+
+"Yes; I will be there."
+
+They went back to their accounts.
+
+"Lord! do you remember the old times when we sat on the school bench
+together?" said Tidemand. "None of us sported a beard then. It seems as if
+it were only a couple of months ago, I remember it so distinctly."
+
+Ole put down his pen. The accounts were finished.
+
+"I should like to speak to you about something--you mustn't be offended,
+Andreas--No; take another glass, old fellow, do! I'll get another bottle;
+this wine is really not fit for company."
+
+And he hurried out; he looked quite confused.
+
+"What is the matter with him?" thought Tidemand.
+
+Ole returned with another bottle, downy as velvet, with trailing cobwebs;
+he pulled the cork.
+
+"I don't know how you'll like this," he said, and sniffed the glass. "Try
+it, anyhow; it is really--I am sure you'll like it; I have forgotten the
+vintage, but it is ancient."
+
+Tidemand sniffed, sipped, put down his glass, and looked at Ole.
+
+"It isn't half bad, is it?"
+
+"No," said Tidemand, "it is not. You should not have done this, Ole."
+
+"Ho! don't be silly--a bottle of wine!"
+
+Pause.
+
+"I thought you wanted to speak to me about something," asked Tidemand.
+
+"Yes, well--I don't know that I do, exactly." Ole went over and locked the
+door. "I thought that, as you cannot possibly know anything about it, I
+had perhaps better tell you that people are talking about you,
+calumniating you, blackening your reputation, so to speak. And you hear
+nothing, of course."
+
+"Are they blackening me? What are they saying?"
+
+"Oh, you can feel above anything they say. Never mind what they say. The
+gossip is that you neglect your wife; that you frequent restaurants
+although you have a home of your own; that you leave her to herself while
+you enjoy life single-handed. You are above such insinuations, of course.
+But, anyway, why do you eat away from home and live so much in
+restaurants? Not that I have any business to--Say, this wine is not half
+bad, believe me! Take another glass; do me the favour--"
+
+Tidemand's eyes had suddenly become clear and sharp. He got up, made a few
+turns across the floor, and went back to the sofa.
+
+"I am not at all surprised that people are talking," he said. "I myself
+have done what I could to start the gossip; I know that only too well. But
+I have ceased to care about anything any more." Tidemand shrugged his
+shoulders and got up again. Drifting back and forth across the floor,
+staring fixedly straight ahead, he murmured again that he had ceased to
+care about anything.
+
+"But listen, old friend, I told you you need not pay the slightest
+attention to such contemptible gossip," objected Ole.
+
+"It is not true that I neglect Hanka, as people think," said Tidemand;
+"the fact is that I don't want to bother her. You understand, she must be
+allowed to do as she pleases; it is an agreement, otherwise she will leave
+me." During the following sentences Tidemand got up and sat down again; he
+was in a state of deep emotion. "I want to tell you this, Ole; it is the
+first time I have ever mentioned it to anybody, and no one will ever hear
+me repeat it. But I want you to know that I do not go to restaurants
+because I like to. Where else can I go? Hanka is never at home; there is
+no dinner, not a soul in the whole house. We have had a friendly
+understanding; we have ceased to keep house. Do you understand now why I
+am often seen in restaurants? I am not wanted; I keep to my office and go
+to the Grand, I meet friends of whom she is one, we sit at a table and
+have a good time. What should I do at home? Hanka is more likely to be at
+the Grand; we sit at the same table, perhaps opposite each other; we hand
+each other a glass, a carafe. 'Andreas,' she says, 'please order a glass
+for Milde, too.' And, of course, I order a glass for Milde. I like to do
+it; don't believe anything else! 'I have hardly seen you to-day,' she
+sometimes says; 'you left very early this morning. Oh, he is a fine
+husband!' she tells the others and laughs. I am delighted that she is in
+good spirits; I help her along and say: 'Who in the world could wait until
+you have finished your toilet; I have business to attend to!' But the
+truth is that perhaps I haven't seen her for a couple of days. Do you
+understand why I go to restaurants? I go in order to meet her after not
+having seen her for a couple of days; I go to spend a few moments with her
+and with my friends, who all are exceedingly nice to me. But, of course,
+everything has been arranged in the friendliest manner possible; don't
+think otherwise. I am sure it is all for the best; I think the arrangement
+excellent. It is all a matter of habit."
+
+Ole Henriksen sat with open mouth. He said in surprise:
+
+"Is that how matters stand? I had no idea it was that way with you two--
+that it was that bad."
+
+"Why not? Do you find it strange that she prefers the clique? All of them
+are famous men, artists and poets, people who count for something. When
+you come to look at it they are not like you and me, Ole; we like to be
+with them ourselves. Bad, you say? No, understand me rightly, it is not at
+all bad. It is a good arrangement. I couldn't always get home on time from
+the office, and so I went to a restaurant, naturally. Hanka could not make
+herself ridiculous and preside at table in solitary state, and so she went
+to a restaurant. We do not go to the same place always; sometimes we miss
+each other. But that is all right."
+
+There was a pause. Tidemand leaned his head in his hands. Ole asked:
+
+"But who started this? Who proposed it?"
+
+"Ha, do you think for a moment it was I? Would I be likely to say to my
+wife: 'You will have to go to a restaurant, Hanka, so I can find the house
+empty when I get home to dinner!' Hardly. But all the same, things are not
+so bad as you might think--What would you say if I were to tell you
+that she does not even regard herself as being married? Of course, you
+cannot realise that. I reasoned with her, said this and that, a married
+woman, house and home, and she answered: 'Married, did you say? That is
+rather an exaggeration, don't you think?' How does _that_ strike you?
+For this reason I am careful not to say anything to her; she isn't
+married; that is her affair. She lives occasionally where I live, we visit
+the children, go in and out, and part again. It is all right as long as
+she is satisfied."
+
+"But this is ridiculous!" exclaimed Ole suddenly. "I can't imagine--Does
+she think you are an old glove she can throw away when she is through with
+it? Why haven't you put your foot down?"
+
+"Of course, I have said something like that. Then she wanted a divorce.
+Twice. What could I do then? I am not made so that I can tear everything
+up all at once; I need a little time; it will come later. She is right
+about the divorce; it is I who am against it; she is justified in blaming
+me for that. Why haven't I played the part of a man, showed her her place,
+made her behave? But, my dear man, she would have left me! She said so
+plainly; there was no misunderstanding possible; it has happened twice.
+What could I do?"
+
+The two men sat awhile in silence. Ole asked quietly:
+
+"But has your wife, then--I mean, do you think she is in love with
+somebody else?"
+
+"Of course," answered Tidemand. "Such things are bound to happen; not
+intentionally, of course, but--"
+
+"And you do not know who it is?"
+
+"Don't you think I know? That is, I don't know really; how could I know
+for sure? I am almost certain she is not really in love with anybody; it
+is hard to say. Do you think that I am jealous, perhaps? Don't for a
+moment imagine anything, Ole; I am glad to say that I have a little sense
+left; not much, perhaps, but a little. In short, she is not in love with
+anybody else, as people suspect; it is simply a whim, a fancy. In a little
+while she will probably come and propose that we shall begin housekeeping
+again and live together; it is not at all impossible, I tell you, for I
+know her thoroughly. She is, at any rate, very fond of the children; I
+have never seen anybody so fond of children as she has been lately. You
+ought to come and see us some time--Do you remember when we were married?"
+
+"I certainly do."
+
+"She was a somewhat passable bride, what? Not at all one to be ashamed of,
+don't you think? Ha, ha, ha, not at all, Ole! But you ought to see her
+now, I mean at home, now that she is so very fond of the children again. I
+cannot describe her. She wears a black velvet gown--Be sure and come over
+some time. Sometimes she is in red, a dark red velvet--This reminds me--
+perhaps she is at home now; I am going to drop in; I might be able to do
+something for her."
+
+The two friends emptied their glasses and stood facing each other.
+
+"I hope everything will come out all right," said Ole.
+
+"Oh, yes, it will," said Tidemand. "I am grateful to you, Ole; you have
+been a good friend to me. I haven't had such a pleasant hour as long as I
+can remember."
+
+"Listen!" Tidemand turned in the doorway and said: "What we have discussed
+here remains between us, eh? Not a hint on Thursday; everything is as it
+should be as far as we are concerned, what? We are no mopes, I hope!"
+
+And Tidemand departed.
+
+
+
+
+IV
+
+
+Evening falls over the town. Business rests, stores are closed, and lights
+are lowered. But old, grey-haired business men shut themselves in their
+offices, light their lamps, take out papers, open heavy ledgers, note some
+figures, a sum, and think. They hear the noise from the docks where
+steamers load and unload all night long.
+
+It gets to be ten, eleven; the cafés are crowded and the traffic is great.
+All sorts of people roam the streets in their best attire; they follow
+each other, whistle after girls, and dart in and out from gateways and
+basement stairs. Cabbies stand at attention on the squares, on the lookout
+for the least sign from the passers-by; they gossip between themselves
+about their horses and smoke idly their vile pipes.
+
+A woman hurries past--a child of night whom everybody knows; after her a
+sailor and a gentleman in silk hat, both eagerly stepping out to reach her
+first. Then two youths with cigars at an impertinent angle, hands in
+pockets, speaking loudly. Behind them another woman; finally, a couple of
+men hurrying to catch up with her.
+
+But now one tower-clock after another booms forth the twelve solemn
+strokes all over the city; the cafés empty themselves, and from the
+music-halls crowds of people swarm into the streets. The winches are still
+groaning along the docks; cabs roll through the streets. But inside the
+hidden offices one old business chief after another has finished his
+accounts and his planning; the grey-headed gentlemen close their ledgers,
+take their hats from the rack, put out the lights, and go home.
+
+And the last guests depart from the Grand, a crowd that has stuck to the
+end, young fellows, joyful souls. They saunter down the street with coats
+wide open, canes held jauntily under the arms, and hats slightly askew.
+They talk loudly, hum the latest popular air, call jestingly to a lonely,
+forgotten girl in a boa and white veil.
+
+The company wanders toward the university. The conversation is about
+literature and politics, and, although nobody contradicts them, they are
+loud and eager: Was Norway a sovereign state or not? Was Norway perhaps
+not entitled to the rights and privileges of a sovereign state? Just wait
+a moment, the Speaker had promised to attend to things; besides, there
+were the elections.... All were agreed, the elections would decide.
+
+Three of the gentlemen part from the group when the university is reached;
+the remaining two take another turn down the street, stop outside the
+Grand, and exchange opinions. It is Milde and Ojen. Milde is highly
+indignant.
+
+"I repeat: If Parliament yields this time, it is me for Australia. In that
+case it will be unbearable here."
+
+Ojen is young and nervous; his little, round, girlish face is pale and
+void of expression; he squints as if he were near-sighted, although his
+eyes are good, and his voice is soft and babyish.
+
+"I am unable to understand that all this can interest you so greatly. It
+is all one to me." And Ojen shrugs his shoulders; he is tired of politics.
+His shoulders slope effeminately.
+
+"Oh well, I won't detain you," says Milde. "By the way, have you written
+anything lately?"
+
+"A couple of prose poems," replies Ojen, brightening at once. "I am
+waiting to get off to Torahus so I can start in in earnest. You are right
+--this town is unbearable!"
+
+"Well--I had the whole country in mind, though--Say, don't forget next
+Thursday evening in my studio. By the way, old fellow, have you got a
+crown or so you could spare?"
+
+Ojen unbuttons his coat and finds the crown.
+
+"Thanks, old man. Thursday evening, then. Come early so that you can help
+me a little with the arrangements--Good Lord, silk lining! And I who asked
+you for a miserable crown! I hope I did not offend you."
+
+Ojen smiles and pooh-poohs the joke.
+
+"As if one sees anything nowadays but silk-lined clothes!"
+
+"By Jove! What do they soak you for a coat like that?" And Milde feels the
+goods appraisingly.
+
+"Oh, I don't remember; I never can remember figures; that is out of my
+line. I put all my tailor bills away; I come across them whenever I move."
+
+"Ha, ha, ha! that is certainly a rational system, most practical. For I do
+not suppose you ever pay them!"
+
+"In God's own time, as the Bible says--Of course, if I ever get rich,
+then--But I want you to go now. I must be alone."
+
+"All right, good night. But listen, seriously speaking: if you have
+another crown to spare--"
+
+And once more Ojen unbuttons his coat.
+
+"A thousand thanks! Oh, you poets, you poets! Where, for instance, may you
+be going now?"
+
+"I think I'll walk here awhile, and look at houses. I can't sleep, so I
+count the windows; it is not such a bad occupation at times. I take an
+exquisite pleasure in satiating my vision with squares and rectangles,
+with pure lines. Of course, you cannot understand such things."
+
+"I should say I did understand--no one better! But I prefer human beings.
+Don't you at times--flesh and blood, humans, eh--they have their
+attraction, don't you think?"
+
+"I am ashamed to say it, but people weary me. No; take for instance the
+sweep of a solitary, deserted street--have you never noticed the charm of
+such a view?"
+
+"Haven't I? I am not blind, not entirely. A desolate street, of course,
+has its own beauty, its own charm, in its kind the highest charm
+imaginable. But everything in its place--Well, I must not detain you!
+_Au revoir_--Thursday!"
+
+Milde saluted with his cane, turned, and strolled up the street. Ojen
+continued alone. He proved a few moments afterward that he had not lost
+all his interest in human beings; he had calumniated himself. To the very
+first hussy who hailed him he gave, absent-mindedly, every penny he had
+left, and continued his way in silence. He had not spoken a word; his
+slender, nervous figure disappeared in the darkness before the girl could
+even manage to thank him--
+
+And at last everything is still; the winches fall to rest along the
+wharves; the town has turned in. From afar, nobody knows from where, comes
+the sound of a single footfall; the gas flames flicker in the street
+lamps; two policemen talk to each other, occasionally stamping their feet
+to keep warm.
+
+Thus the night passes. Human footsteps here and there; now and then a
+policeman who stamps his feet to keep warm.
+
+
+
+
+V
+
+
+A barnlike room with blue walls and sliding windows, a sort of drying-loft
+with a stove in the middle, and with stovepipes hanging in wires along the
+ceiling. The walls are decorated with a number of sketches, painted fans,
+and palettes; several framed pictures lean against the wainscoting. Smell
+of paints and tobacco smoke; brushes, tubes, overcoats which the guests
+had thrown aside; an old rubber shoe filled with nails and junk; on the
+easel in the corner a large, half-finished portrait of Paulsberg.
+
+This was Milde's studio.
+
+When Ole Henriksen entered about nine o'clock all the guests were
+assembled, also Tidemand and his wife. There were altogether ten or twelve
+people. The three lamps were covered with opaque shades, and the heavy
+tobacco smoke did not make the room any lighter. This obscurity was
+evidently Mrs. Hanka's idea. A couple of very young gentlemen, beardless
+students with bachelor degrees, were of the party; they were poets who had
+put aside their studies last year. Their heads were so closely cropped as
+to be almost entirely naked. One of them carried a small compass on his
+watch-chain. They were Ojen's comrades, his admirers and pupils; both
+wrote verses.
+
+Besides these, one noticed a man from the _Gazette_, Journalist
+Gregersen, the literary member of the staff. He was a man who did his
+friends many a favour and published in his paper many an item concerning
+them. Paulsberg showed him the greatest deference, and conversed with him
+about his series, "New Literature," which he found admirable; and the
+Journalist was happy and proud because of this approbation. He had a
+peculiar habit of twisting words so that they sounded odd and absurd, and
+nobody could turn this trick as smartly as he.
+
+"It is rather difficult to write such a series within reasonable limits,"
+he says. "There are so many authors that have to be included--a veritable
+choas!"
+
+He makes Paulsberg smile over this "choas," and they talk on in the best
+of harmony.
+
+Attorney Grande and his wife were absent.
+
+"So the Attorney is not coming," says Mrs. Hanka Tidemand, without
+referring to his wife. Mrs. Liberia never came, anyway.
+
+"He sulks," said Milde, and drank with Norem, the Actor. "He did not want
+to come because Norem was invited."
+
+Nobody felt the least constraint; they chatted about everything, drank,
+and made plenty of noise. It was a splendid place, Milde's studio; as soon
+as one got inside the door one felt free to do or say anything one's
+inclination prompted.
+
+Mrs. Hanka is seated on the sofa; Ojen sits beside her. On the other side
+of the table sits Irgens; the light falls across his narrow chest. Mrs.
+Hanka hardly glances at him.
+
+She is in her red velvet gown; her eyes have a greenish sheen. Her upper
+lip is slightly raised. One glimpses her teeth and marvels at their
+whiteness. The face is fresh and the complexion clear. Her beautiful
+forehead is not hidden beneath her hair; she carries it sweetly and
+candidly, like a nun. A couple of rings flash on her fingers. She breathes
+deeply and says to Irgens, across the table:
+
+"How hot it is here, Irgens!"
+
+Irgens gets up and goes over to open a window, but a voice is raised in
+protest; it is Mrs. Paulsberg's. "For Heaven's sake, no open windows. Come
+away from the sofa; it is cooler further back!"
+
+And Mrs. Hanka gets up. Her movements are undulating. When she stands up
+she is like a young girl, with bold shoulders. She does not glance into
+the large, cracked mirror as she passes; she exhales no odours of
+perfumes; she takes, accidentally, her husband's arm and walks up and down
+with him while the conversation and the refreshments keep the other guests
+at the table.
+
+Tidemand is talking, with somewhat forced liveliness, about a cargo of
+grain, a certain Fürst in Riga, a raise in customs duties somewhere.
+Suddenly he says, bending toward her:
+
+"Yes; I am very happy to-day. But, pardon me, you are hardly interested in
+these things--Did you see Ida before you left? Wasn't she sweet in her
+white dress? We'll get her a carriage when spring comes!"
+
+"Yes; in the country! I am beginning to long for it already!" Mrs. Hanka
+herself is animated. "You must get the garden and the grove fixed up. It
+will be fine."
+
+And Tidemand, who already has arranged to have the country-house put in
+order, although it is not April yet, is delighted because of his wife's
+sudden interest. His sombre eyes brighten and he presses her arm.
+
+"I want you to know, Hanka, I am very happy to-day," he exclaims.
+"Everything will be all right soon, I am sure."
+
+"Are you--What will be all right, by the way?"
+
+"Oh, nothing," he says quickly. He turns the subject, looks down, and
+continues: "Business is booming; I have given Fürst orders to buy!"
+
+Fool that he was! There he had once more made a mistake and bothered his
+wife with his shop talk. But Mrs. Hanka was good enough to overlook it;
+nobody could have answered more patiently and sweetly than did she:
+
+"I am very glad to hear it!"
+
+These gentle words embolden him; he is grateful and wants to show it as
+best he can; he smiles with dewy eyes and says in a low voice:
+
+"I should like to give you a little present if you care--a sort of
+souvenir of this occasion. If there is anything you would like--"
+
+Mrs. Hanka glances at him.
+
+"No, my dear. What are you thinking of? Though, perhaps--you might let me
+have a couple of hundred crowns. Thanks, very much!" Suddenly she spies
+the old rubber shoe with nails and junk, and she cries, full of curiosity:
+"Whatever is this?" She lets go her husband's arm and brings the rubber
+over to the table. "Whatever have you got here, Milde?" She rummages in
+the rubbish with her white fingers, calls Irgens over, finds one strange
+thing after another, and asks questions concerning them. "Will somebody
+please tell me what this is good for?"
+
+She has fished out an umbrella-handle which she throws aside at once; then
+a lock of hair enclosed in paper. "Look--a lock of somebody's hair! Come
+and see!"
+
+Milde joined her.
+
+"Leave that alone!" he said and took his cigar out of his mouth. "However
+did that get in there? Did you ever--hair from my last love, so to speak!"
+
+This was sufficient to make everybody laugh. The Journalist shouted:
+
+"But have you seen Milde's collection of corsets? Out with the corsets,
+Milde!"
+
+And Milde did not refuse; he went into one of the side rooms and brought
+forth his package. There were both white and brown ones; the white ones
+were a little grey, and Mrs. Paulsberg asked in surprise:
+
+"But--have they been used?"
+
+"Of course; why do you think Milde collects them? Where would be their
+sentimental value otherwise?" And the Journalist laughed heartily, happy
+to be able to twist even this word around.
+
+But the corpulent Milde wrapped his corsets together and said:
+
+"This is a little specialty of mine, a talent--But what the dickens are
+you all gaping at? It is my own corsets; I have used them myself--don't
+you understand? I used them when I began to grow stout; I laced and
+thought it would help. But it helped like fun!"
+
+Paulsberg shook his head and said to Norem:
+
+"Your health, Norem! What nonsense is this I hear, that Grande objects to
+your company?"
+
+"God only knows," says Norem, already half drunk. "Can you imagine why? I
+have never offended him in my life!"
+
+"No; he is beginning to get a little chesty lately."
+
+Norem shouted happily:
+
+"You hear that? Paulsberg himself says that Grande is getting chesty
+lately."
+
+They all agreed. Paulsberg very seldom said that much; usually he sat,
+distant and unfathomable, and listened without speaking; he was respected
+by all. Only Irgens thought he could defy him; he was always ready with
+his objections.
+
+"I cannot see that this is something Paulsberg can decide," he said.
+
+They looked at him in surprise. Was that so? So Paulsberg could not decide
+that? He! he! so that was beyond him? But who, then, could decide it?
+
+"Irgens," answered Paulsberg caustically.
+
+Irgens looked at him; they gazed fixedly at each other. Mrs. Hanka stepped
+between them, sat down on a chair, and began to speak to Ojen.
+
+"Listen a moment!" she called after a while. "Ojen wants to read his
+latest--a prose poem."
+
+And they settled down to listen.
+
+Ojen brought forth his prose poem from an inside pocket; his hands
+trembled.
+
+"I must ask your indulgence," said he.
+
+But at this the two young students, the close-cropped poets, laughed
+loudly, and the one with the compass in his fob said admiringly:
+
+"And _you_ ask for _our_ indulgence? What about us, then?"
+
+"Quiet!"
+
+"The title of this is 'Sentenced to Death,'" said Ojen, and began:
+
+    For a long time I have wondered: What if my secret guilt were
+    known?...
+
+    Sh....
+
+    Yes, sh....
+
+    For then I should be sentenced to death.
+
+    And I would sit in my prison and know that I should be calm and
+    indifferent when the supreme moment should arrive.
+
+    I would ascend the steps of the scaffold, I would smile and humbly beg
+    permission to say a word.
+
+    And then I would speak. I would implore everybody to learn something
+    good from my death. A speech from my inmost heart, and my last
+    farewell should be like a breath of flame....
+
+    Now my secret guilt is known.
+
+    Yes!
+
+    And I am sentenced to death. And I have languished in prison so long
+    that my spirit is broken.
+
+    I ascend the steps to the scaffold; but to-day the sun is shining and
+    my eyes fill with tears.
+
+    For I have languished so long in prison that I am weak. And then the
+    sun is shining so--I haven't seen it for nine months, and I haven't
+    heard the birds sing for nine months--until to-day.
+
+    I smile in order to hide my tears and I ask humbly if my guards will
+    permit me to speak a word.
+
+    But they will not permit me.
+
+    Still I want to speak--not to show my courage, but really I want to
+    say a few words from my heart so as not to die mutely--innocent words
+    that will harm nobody, a couple of hurried sentences before they clap
+    their hands across my lips: Friends, see how God's sun is shining....
+
+    And I open my lips, but I cannot speak.
+
+    Am I afraid? Does my courage fail? Alas, no, I am not afraid. But I am
+    weak, that I am, and I cannot speak because I look upon God's sun and
+    the trees for the last time....
+
+    What now? A horseman with a white flag?
+
+    Peace, my heart, do not tremble so!
+
+    No, it is a woman with a white veil, a handsome woman of my own age.
+    Her neck is bare like my own.
+
+    And I do not understand it, but I weep because of this white veil,
+    too, because I am weak and the white veil flutters beautifully against
+    the green background of the forest. But in a little while I shall see
+    it no more....
+
+    Perhaps, though, after my head has fallen I may still be able to see
+    the blessed sky for a few moments with my eyes. It is not impossible,
+    if I only open my eyes widely when the axe falls. Then the sky will be
+    the last I see.
+
+    But don't they tie a bandage across my eyes? Or won't they blindfold
+    me because I am so weak and tearful? But then everything will be dark,
+    and I shall lie blindly, unable even to count the threads in the cloth
+    before my eyes.
+
+    How stupidly mistaken I was when I hoped to be able to turn my eyes
+    upward and behold the blessed vault of heaven. They will turn me over,
+    on my stomach, with my neck in a clamp. And I shall be able to see
+    nothing because of my bandaged eyes.
+
+    Probably there will be a small box suspended below me; and I cannot
+    even see the little box which I know will catch my severed head.
+
+    Only night--a seething darkness around me. I blink my eyes and believe
+    myself still alive--I have life in my fingers, even--I cling
+    stubbornly to life. If they would only take off the bandage so I could
+    see something--I might enjoy looking at the dust grains in the bottom
+    of the box and see how tiny they were....
+
+    Silence and Darkness. Mute exhalations from the crowds....
+
+    Merciful God! Grant me one supplication--take off the bandage!
+    Merciful God! I am _Thy_ creature--take off the bandage!
+
+Everybody was silent when he was through. Ojen drank; Milde was busy with
+a spot on his vest, and did not understand a word of what he had heard; he
+lifted his glass to the Journalist and whispered:
+
+"Your health!"
+
+Mrs. Hanka spoke first; she smiled to Ojen and said, out of the goodness
+of her heart:
+
+"Oh, you Ojen, you Ojen! How everything you write seems evanescent,
+ethereal! 'Mute exhalations from the crowds'--I can hear it; I can feel
+it! It is thrilling!"
+
+Everybody thought so, too, and Ojen was happy. Happiness was very becoming
+to his girlish face.
+
+"Oh, it is only a little thing, a mood," he said. He would have liked to
+hear Paulsberg's opinion, but Paulsberg remained sphinxlike and silent.
+
+"How _do_ you think of such things? These prose poems are really
+exquisite!"
+
+"It is my temperament, I suppose. I have no taste for fiction. In me
+everything turns to poetry, with or without rhymes; but verses always. I
+have entirely ceased to use rhymes lately."
+
+"But tell me--in what manner does your nervousness really affect you?"
+asked Mrs. Hanka in her gentle voice. "It is so very sad; you must really
+try to get well again."
+
+"Yes, I'll try. It is hard to explain; at times I will suddenly become
+excited without the slightest reason. I shudder; I simply tear myself to
+pieces. Then I cannot bear to walk on carpets; if I should lose anything I
+should never find it again. I should not hear it drop, and consequently I
+should never think of looking for it. Can you imagine anything more
+distracting than to have something you have lost lying there without your
+knowing it? It tortures me, therefore, to walk on carpets; I am in
+constant fear and I keep my hands over my pockets; I look at my vest
+buttons to be sure of them. I turn around again and again to make sure
+that I haven't by chance lost something or other--And there are other
+annoyances: I have the strangest ideas, the most peculiar hallucinations.
+I place a glass on the very edge of the table and imagine I have made a
+bet with some one--a bet involving enormous amounts. Then I blow on the
+glass; if it falls I lose--lose an amount large enough to ruin me for
+life; if it remains I have won and can build myself a castle on the
+Mediterranean. It is the same whenever I go up a strange stairway: should
+there be sixteen steps I win, but if there are eighteen I lose. Into this,
+though, there enter other intricate possibilities: Suppose there should be
+twenty steps, have I lost or won? I do not yield; I insist on my rights in
+the matter; I go to law and lose my case--Well, you mustn't laugh; it is
+really annoying. Of course these are only minor matters. I can give other
+examples: Let somebody sit in a room next to yours and sing a single verse
+of a certain song, sing it endlessly, without ceasing, sing it through and
+begin again; tell me--would this not drive you crazy? Where I live there
+is such a person, a tailor; he sits and sings and sews, and his singing is
+unceasing. You cannot stand it; you get up in a fury and go out. Then you
+run into another torture. You meet a man, an acquaintance, with whom you
+enter into a conversation. But during this conversation you suddenly
+happen to think of something pleasant, something good that is in store for
+you, perhaps--something you wish to return to later and thoroughly enjoy.
+But while you stand there talking you forget that pleasant thought, forget
+it cleanly and cannot recall it at any cost! Then comes the pain, the
+suffering; you are racked on the wheel because you have lost this
+exquisite, secret enjoyment to which you could have treated yourself at no
+cost or trouble."
+
+"It _must_ be strange! But you are going to the country, to the pine
+woods now; you will get well again," says Mrs. Hanka, and feels like a
+mother.
+
+Milde chimes in:
+
+"Of course you will. And think of us when you are in your kingdom."
+
+Ole Henriksen had remained quietly in his chair; he said little and smoked
+his cigar. He knew Torahus; he gave Ojen a hint about visiting the house
+of the county judge, which was a mile away. He had only to row across a
+lake; pine woods all around--the house looked like a little white marble
+palace in the green surroundings.
+
+"How do you know all this?" asked Irgens, quite surprised to hear Ole
+speak.
+
+"I went through there on a walking trip," answered Ole, embarrassed. "We
+were a couple of boys from the college. We stopped at the house and had a
+glass of milk."
+
+"Your health, Mr. College Man!" called the Journalist sarcastically.
+
+"Be sure and row over," said Ole. "County Judge Lynum's family is
+charming. There is even a young girl in the house if you care to fall in
+love," he added smilingly.
+
+"He, he! No; whatever else one can accuse Ojen of, the ladies he leaves
+severely alone!" said Norem, good-natured and tipsy.
+
+"Your health, Mr. College Man!" shouted Gregersen again.
+
+Ole Henriksen looked at him.
+
+"Do you mean me?" he asked.
+
+"Of course, I mean you, certainly I do! Haven't you attended college?
+Well, aren't you a college man, then?"
+
+The Journalist, too, was a little tipsy.
+
+"It was only a business college," said Ole quietly.
+
+"Of course, you are a peddler, yes. But there is no reason why you should
+be ashamed of that. Is there, Tidemand? I say there is no reason whatever!
+Does anybody feel called upon to object?"
+
+Tidemand did not answer. The Journalist kept obstinately to the question;
+he frowned and thought of nothing else, afraid to forget what he had asked
+about. He began to lose his temper; he demanded a reply in a loud voice.
+
+Mrs. Hanka said suddenly:
+
+"Silence, now. Ojen is going to read another poem."
+
+Both Paulsberg and Irgens made secretly a wry face, but they said nothing;
+on the contrary, Paulsberg nodded encouragingly. When the noise had
+subsided a little Ojen got up, stepped back, and said:
+
+"I know this by heart. It is called 'The Power of Love.'"
+
+    We rode in a railway carriage through a strange landscape--strange to
+    me, strange to her. We were also strangers to each other; we had never
+    met before. Why is she sitting so quietly? I wondered. And I bent
+    toward her and said, while my heart hammered:
+
+    "Are you grieving for somebody, madam? Have you left a friend where
+    you come from--a very dear friend?"
+
+    "Yes," she answered, "a very dear friend."
+
+    "And now you sit here unable to forget this friend?" I asked.
+
+    And she answered and shook her head sadly:
+
+    "No, no--I can never forget him."
+
+    She was silent. She had not looked at me while she spoke.
+
+    "May I lift your braid?" I asked her. "What a lovely braid--how very
+    beautiful it is!"
+
+    "My friend has kissed it," she said, and pushed back my hand.
+
+    "Forgive me," I said then, and my heart pounded more and more. "May I
+    not look at your ring--it shines so golden and is also so very
+    beautiful. I should like to look at it and admire it for your sake."
+
+    But to this she also said no and added:
+
+    "My friend has given it to me."
+
+    Then she moved still further away from me.
+
+    "Please forgive me," I said....
+
+    Time passes, the train rolls on, the journey is so long, so long and
+    wearisome, there is nothing we can do except listen to the rumbling of
+    the wheels. An engine flares past, it sounds like iron striking iron,
+    and I start, but she does not; she is probably entirely absorbed in
+    thoughts about her friend. And the train rolls on.
+
+    Then, for the first time, she glances at me, and her eyes are
+    strangely blue.
+
+    "It grows darker?" she says.
+
+    "We are approaching a tunnel," I answer.
+
+    And we rode through the tunnel.
+
+    Some time passes. She glances at me, a trifle impatiently, and says:
+
+    "It seems to me it grows dark again?"
+
+    "We are drawing near the second tunnel, there are three altogether," I
+    answer. "Here is a map--do you want to see?"
+
+    "It frightens me," she says and moves closer to me. I say nothing. She
+    asks me smilingly:
+
+    "Did you say three tunnels? Is there one more besides this one?"
+
+    "Yes--one more."
+
+    We enter the tunnel; I feel that she is very close to me, her hand
+    touches mine. Then it grows light again and we are once more in the
+    open.
+
+    We ride for a quarter of an hour. She is now so close to me that I
+    feel the warmth from her.
+
+    "You are welcome to lift my braid if you wish to," she says, "and if
+    you care to look at my ring--why, here it is!"
+
+    I held her braid and did not take her ring because her friend had
+    given it to her. She smiled and did not offer it to me again.
+
+    "Your eyes are so bright, and how white your teeth!" she said and grew
+    confused. "I am afraid of that last tunnel--please hold my hand when
+    we get to it. No--don't hold my hand; I didn't mean that, I was
+    jesting; but talk to me."
+
+    I promised to do what she asked me to.
+
+    A few moments later she laughed and said:
+
+    "I was not afraid of the other tunnels; only this one frightens me."
+
+    She glanced at my face to see how I might answer, and I said:
+
+    "This is the longest, too; it is exceedingly long."
+
+    Her confusion was now at its highest.
+
+    "But we are not near any tunnel," she cried. "You are deceiving me;
+    there is no tunnel!"
+
+    "Yes, there is, the last one--look!"
+
+    And I pointed to my map. But she would see nothing and listen to
+    nothing.
+
+    "No, no,--there is no tunnel, I tell you there is none! But speak to
+    me if there be one!" she added.
+
+    She leaned back against the cushions, and smiled through half-closed
+    lids.
+
+    The engine whistled; I looked out; we were approaching the black
+    opening. I remembered that I had promised to speak to her; I bent
+    towards her, and in the darkness I felt her arms around my neck.
+
+    "Speak to me, please do! I am so frightened!" she whispered with
+    beating heart. "Why don't you speak to me?"
+
+    I felt plainly how her heart was beating, and I placed my lips close
+    to her ears and whispered:
+
+    "But now you are forgetting your friend!"
+
+    She heard me, she trembled and let me go quickly; she pushed me away
+    with both hands, and threw herself down in the seat. I sat there
+    alone. I heard her sobs through the darkness.
+
+"This was The Power of Love," Ojen said.
+
+Everybody listened attentively; Milde sat with open mouth.
+
+"Well--what more?" he asked, evidently thinking there must be a climax yet
+to come. "Is that all? But Heaven preserve us, man, what is it all about?
+No; the so-called poetry you young writers are dishing out nowadays--I
+call it arrant rot!"
+
+They all laughed loudly. The effect was spoiled; the poet with the compass
+in his fob arose, pointed straight at Milde, and said furiously:
+
+"This gentleman evidently lacks all understanding of modern poetry."
+
+"Modern poetry! This sniffing at the moon and the sun, these filigree
+phrases and unintelligible fancies--There must, at least, be a point, a
+climax, to everything!"
+
+Ojen was pale and furious.
+
+"You have then not the slightest understanding of my new intentions," said
+the poor fellow, trembling with excitement. "But, then, you are a brute,
+Milde; one could not expect intelligent appreciation from you."
+
+Only now did the fat painter realise how much he had offended; he had
+hardly expected this when he spoke.
+
+"A brute?" he answered good-naturedly. "It seems we are beginning to
+express ourselves very plainly. I did not mean to insult you, anyway.
+Don't you think I enjoyed the poem? I did, I tell you; enjoyed it
+immensely. I only thought it a little disembodied, so to speak, somewhat
+ethereal. Understand me correctly: it is very beautiful, exceedingly
+artistic, one of the best things you have produced yet. Can't you take a
+joke any more?"
+
+But it was of no avail that Milde tried to smooth things over; the
+seriousness of the moment had gone, they laughed and shouted more than
+ever, and cut loose in earnest. Norem opened one of the windows and sang
+to the street below.
+
+To mend matters a little and make Ojen feel better, Mrs. Hanka placed her
+hand on his shoulder and promised to come and see him off when he started
+on his trip. Not she alone--they would all come. When was he going?
+
+She turned to Ole Henriksen: "You'll come, won't you, and see Ojen off
+when he goes?"
+
+Ole Henriksen then gave an unexpected reply which surprised even Mrs.
+Hanka: He would not only go with Ojen to the station, he would go with him
+all the way to Torahus. Yes, he had suddenly made up his mind, he would
+make this little trip; he had, in fact, a sort of reason for going--And
+he was so much in earnest that he buttonholed Ojen at once and arranged
+the day for the departure.
+
+The Journalist drank with Mrs. Paulsberg, who held her glass in a peculiar
+masculine fashion. They moved over to the sofa on account of the draught,
+and told each other amusing anecdotes. Mrs. Paulsberg knew a story
+concerning Grande and one of Pastor B.'s daughters. She had reached the
+climax when she paused.
+
+"Well--go on!" the Journalist exclaimed eagerly.
+
+"Wait a moment!" answered Mrs. Paulsberg smilingly, "you must at least
+give me time to blush a little!"
+
+And she recounted merrily the climax.
+
+Norem had retired to a corner and was fast asleep.
+
+"Does anybody know the time?" asked Mrs. Paulsberg.
+
+"Don't ask me," said Gregersen, and fumbled at his vest pocket. "It is
+many a day since I carried a watch!"
+
+It turned out that it was one o'clock.
+
+About half-past one Mrs. Hanka and Irgens had disappeared. Irgens had
+asked Milde for roasted coffee, and since then had not been seen. Nobody
+seemed to think it strange that the two had sneaked away, and no questions
+were asked; Tidemand was talking to Ole Henriksen about his trip to
+Torahus.
+
+"But have you time to run off like this?" he asked.
+
+"I'll take time," answered Ole. "By the way, I want to tell you something
+by and by."
+
+Around Paulsberg's table the political situation was being discussed.
+Milde once more threatened to banish himself to Australia. But, thank
+Heaven, it now looked as if Parliament would do something before it was
+dissolved, would refuse to yield.
+
+"It is a matter of indifference to me what it does," said Gregersen of the
+_Gazette_. "As things have been going, Norway has assumed the
+character of a beaten country. We are decidedly poverty-stricken, in every
+respect; we lack power, both in politics and in our civic life. How sad to
+contemplate the general decline! What miserable remnants are left of the
+intellectual life that once flamed up so brightly, that called loudly to
+Heaven in the seventies! The aged go the way of the flesh; who is there to
+take their places? I am sick of this decadence; I cannot thrive in low
+intellectual altitudes!"
+
+Everybody looked at the Journalist; what was the matter with the
+ever-merry chap? He was not so very drunk now; he spoke passably clearly,
+and did not twist any words. What did he mean? But when the witty dog
+reached the declaration that he could only thrive in a high spiritual
+altitude, then the guests broke into peals of merriment and understood
+that it was a capital hoax. The merry blade--hadn't he almost fooled them
+all! "Poor remnants of the intellectual life of the seventies!" Didn't we
+have Paulsberg and Irgens, and Ojen and Milde, and the two close-cropped
+poets, and an entire army of first-class, sprouting talents besides!
+
+The Journalist himself laughed and wiped his forehead and laughed again.
+It was generally believed that this fellow was possessed of a literary
+talent which had not entirely stagnated in his newspaper. A book might be
+expected from him some day, a remarkable work.
+
+Paulsberg forced a smile. In reality he was offended because nobody had
+alluded to his novels or to his work on the Atonement during the entire
+evening. When therefore the Journalist asked him his opinion concerning
+the intellectual life of the nation, his reply was brief:
+
+"It seems to me I have had occasion to express an opinion somewhere in my
+works."
+
+Of course, of course; when they came to think of it they certainly
+remembered it. It was true; a speech somewhere or other. Mrs. Paulsberg
+quoted from book and page.
+
+But Paulsberg made up his mind to leave now.
+
+"I'll come and sit for you to-morrow," he said to Milde, with a glance at
+the easel. He got up, emptied his glass, and found his overcoat. His wife
+pressed everybody's hand vigorously. They met Mrs. Hanka and Irgens in the
+door.
+
+From now on the merriment knew no bounds; they drank like sponges; even
+the two young poets kept up as well as they could, and talked with
+bloodshot eyes about Baudelaire. Milde demanded to know why Irgens had
+asked him for coffee. Why did he need coffee? He hoped he had not been
+making preparations to kiss Mrs. Hanka? Damn him, he would hate to trust
+him.... Tidemand hears this and he laughs with the others, louder than the
+others, and he says: "You are right, he is not to be trusted, the sly
+dog!" Tidemand was sober as always.
+
+They did not restrain themselves; the conversation was free and they swore
+liberally. When all was said and done, it was prudery that was Norway's
+curse and Norway's bane; people preferred to let their young girls go to
+the dogs in ignorance rather than enlighten them while there was time.
+Prudery was the nourishing vice of the moment. So help me, there ought to
+be public men appointed for the sole purpose of shouting obscenity on the
+streets just to make young girls acquainted with certain things while
+there was still time. What, do you object, Tidemand?
+
+No, Tidemand did not object, and Ole Henriksen did not object. The idea
+was original, to say the least. Ha, ha!
+
+Milde got Tidemand over in a corner.
+
+"It is like this," he said, "I wonder if you have got a couple of crowns?"
+
+Yes; Tidemand was not entirely stripped. How much? A ten-spot?
+
+"Thanks, old man, I'll give it back to you shortly," said Milde in all
+seriousness. "Very soon, now. You are a brick! It is not more than a
+couple of days since I said that you hucksters were great fellows. That is
+exactly what I said. Here is my hand!"
+
+Mrs. Hanka got up at last; she wanted to leave. It was beginning to grow
+light outside.
+
+Her husband kept close by her.
+
+"Yes, Hanka, that is right--let us be going," he said. He was on the point
+of offering her his arm.
+
+"Thank you, my friend, but I have an escort," she said with an indifferent
+glance.
+
+It took him a moment to recover himself.
+
+"Oh, I see," he said with a forced smile. "It is all right; I only
+thought--"
+
+He walked over to the window and remained standing there.
+
+Mrs. Hanka said good night to everybody. When she came to Irgens she
+whispered eagerly, breathlessly: "To-morrow, then, at three." She kept
+Ojen's hand in hers and asked him when he was going. Had he remembered to
+make reservations at Torahus? No; she might have known it; these poets
+were always forgetting the most essential. He would have to telegraph at
+once. Good-bye! And get well soon.... She was maternal to the last.
+
+The Journalist accompanied her.
+
+
+
+
+VI
+
+
+"You said there was something you wanted to tell me," said Tidemand.
+
+"Yes; so there is--You were surprised that I wanted to go along to
+Torahus. Of course, I said that I had business there. That is not so; I
+just said that. I know nobody there except Lynums; that is all there is to
+it. I did really visit their house once. You never heard anything so
+ridiculous; we came there, two thirsty tourists, and they gave us milk;
+since then I have met the family when they came to town last fall and this
+winter. It is quite a family--seven altogether, including the tutor. The
+oldest daughter's name is Aagot. I'll tell you more about them later.
+Aagot was eighteen the 7th of December; ha, ha! she is in her nineteenth
+year; I happen to remember that she told me. In short, we are not exactly
+engaged; I don't mean to say that; we have only written to each other once
+in a while. But there is no telling what may happen--What do you say to
+that?"
+
+Tidemand was more than surprised; he stopped.
+
+"But I had not the slightest idea; you haven't said a word to me about
+it!"
+
+"No; I was hardly in a position to say anything yet. There is nothing
+definite; she is very young, you know. Suppose she had changed her mind?
+She may tell me she has other intentions when I get there. In that case
+nothing can be said against her; the execution will take place without
+witnesses; her reputation will have suffered nothing--I want you to see
+her, Andreas; I have a picture of her. I won't say that she gave it to me;
+I almost took it forcibly; but--"
+
+They stopped a moment and looked at the photograph.
+
+"Charming!" said Tidemand.
+
+"Isn't she? I am glad you think so. I am sure you will like her."
+
+They walked on.
+
+"I want to congratulate you!" said Tidemand and stopped again.
+
+"Thanks!" Ole added a moment afterward: "Yes, I thank you. I may as well
+tell you that it _is_ really decided, practically, that is. I am
+going up to bring her to town with me."
+
+They had almost reached the Railway Square when Tidemand suddenly stared
+straight ahead and whispered:
+
+"But isn't that my wife there ahead of us?"
+
+"Yes; so it is," whispered Ole. "I have noticed this lady ahead of us a
+long while; it is only now I see who it is."
+
+Mrs. Hanka walked home alone; the Journalist had not accompanied her at
+all.
+
+"Thank God!" exclaimed Tidemand involuntarily. "She told me she had an
+escort, and now she goes home all alone. Isn't she a darling? She is going
+straight home. But tell me--why did she say she had an escort?"
+
+"Oh, you mustn't take such things too literally," answered Ole. "She
+probably did not want anybody to go with her, neither you nor I nor
+anybody else. Couldn't she feel that way inclined, perhaps? Young ladies
+have their moods, just like you or me."
+
+"Of course, that is perfectly true." Tidemand accepted this explanation.
+He was happy because his wife was alone and was making straight for home.
+He said, nervously glad: "Do you know, to judge by a few words I had with
+her this evening it seems as if things were coming around more and more.
+She even asked about the business, about the Russian customs duty; honest,
+she wanted to know everything about Fürst. You should have seen how
+delighted she was because business is looking up again. We spoke about our
+summer vacation, our country house. Yes, it is getting a little better
+every day."
+
+"There you are--didn't I tell you? It certainly would be a pity
+otherwise."
+
+Pause.
+
+"There is something I am at a loss to explain, though," continued
+Tidemand, worried again. "Here lately she has been talking about what a
+woman like herself should do with her life. She must have a career,
+something to do and accomplish. I must confess it astonished me a little,
+a woman with two children and a large household--She has also begun to use
+her former name again, Hanka Lange Tidemand, just as if her name still
+were Lange."
+
+Mrs. Hanka had stopped outside her own entrance; she was evidently waiting
+for her husband. She called to him jestingly that he had better hurry--she
+was almost freezing to death. And she lifted her finger banteringly and
+asked:
+
+"What plots and conspiracies are you two wholesalers now hatching? Where
+is the price of wheat now, and what are you going to put it up to? God
+have mercy on you on the day of judgment!"
+
+Tidemand answered in kind: What in the world had she done with the
+Journalist? So she had not wanted company, not even her own husband's; she
+had been in a sentimental mood? But how could she be so cruel as to let
+this poor fellow Gregersen ramble home all alone, drunk as he was? It was
+simply heartless--
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+In about a week Ole Henriksen had returned from Torahus. Ojen had
+remained, but Ole had brought back a young lady, his fiancée, Aagot Lynum.
+With them had come a third person, a somewhat peculiar fellow.
+
+
+
+
+GERMINATION
+
+
+
+
+I
+
+
+Ole returned from Torahus the 5th of April. He introduced his fiancée at
+once to the clique, presented her to his friends, and spent all day in her
+company. He had not as yet introduced her to Irgens and Attorney Grande
+because he had failed to run across them.
+
+She was young and fair, with high bosom and a straight carriage. Her blond
+hair and her frequent laughter gave an impression of extreme youthfulness.
+She had a dimple in her left cheek and none in her right, and this
+solitary dimple made her peculiar, characteristic. Wasn't it strange to
+have one side of the face different from the other? She was of average
+height.
+
+She had been so carried away with everything she had seen in the city that
+she wandered around in a state of joyful excitement all day. The clique
+had capitulated to her charm and shown her much amiability; Mrs. Hanka had
+simply embraced her and kissed her the moment she saw her.
+
+She followed Ole around in the establishment, peeped into all the
+wonderful drawers and boxes in the store, tasted old, strong wines in the
+cellars, and opened in fun the heavy ledgers in the office. But she was
+especially fond of the warehouse, the little stall of an office down there
+that was filled with tart and peculiar odours from all kinds of tropical
+products. From the window she could see the docks, the harbour, the tugs
+that brought cargoes in and out and puffed stertorously, shaking the very
+air with their efforts. Just outside floated the little yacht with the
+golden masthead; it was hers; it had been conveyed to her and belonged to
+her legally. Ole had even been in _Veritas_ [Footnote: The Maritime
+Insurance and Registry Office in Christiania.] and had its name changed to
+_Aagot_. She had all the documents.
+
+And slate after slate is brought into the office; the accounts grow a
+little every day, they fill many columns, swell into larger and larger
+amounts; the spring season has commenced, the active period just before
+summer; all the pulses of trade the world over leap and quiver with
+passionate energy.
+
+While Ole counts and makes notes, Aagot busies herself with something or
+other on the other side of the desk. She was often unable to understand
+how Ole managed to keep all these accounts straight without getting the
+amounts mixed; she had tried it herself, but in vain. The only thing she
+can be trusted with is the entering of endless orders in the books, and
+this she does carefully and conscientiously.
+
+Ole looks at her and says suddenly:
+
+"Lord, what tiny hands you have, Aagot! He, he! they are next to nothing.
+I can't understand how you can get along with them."
+
+That is enough. Aagot throws down her pen and runs over to him. And they
+are happy and silly until the next slate arrives.
+
+"Little Mistress!" he says smilingly, and looks down into her eyes,
+"Little Mistress!"
+
+Time passes. At last the work is done, the accounts finished, and Ole
+says, while he slams the ledger shut:
+
+"Well, I have got to go and send some wires. Are you coming along?"
+
+"Yes, dear, if you'll let me!" she answers. And she trips along, greatly
+pleased.
+
+On the way Ole remembers that he has not as yet presented his sweetheart
+to Irgens. "You ought to meet this fellow Irgens," he says; "he is a great
+man, one of the deep talents; everybody says so." Suppose they went as far
+as the Grand; he might be there.
+
+They entered the Grand, passed by the tables where people sat drinking
+and smoking, and found Irgens far back in the room. Milde and Norem were
+with him.
+
+"So here you are!" called Ole.
+
+Irgens gave him his left hand and did not get up. He glanced through
+half-closed lids at Aagot.
+
+"This, Aagot, is the poet Irgens." Ole presented him, somewhat proud of
+his intimate acquaintance with the great man. "My fiancée, Miss Lynum."
+
+Irgens got up and bowed deeply. Once more he looked at Aagot, looked
+persistently, even, and she looked back at him; she was evidently
+surprised to find the poet different from what she had thought. It was
+over two years since she had read his book, the lyric drama which had
+brought him so much fame. She had thought the master to be an elderly man.
+
+"May I congratulate?" said Irgens finally, and gave Ole his hand.
+
+They all sat down; each got a seidel and began a conversation. The spirits
+around the little table rose; even Irgens grew communicative and joined
+in. He addressed Aagot across the table, asked if she had been in the city
+before, in the theatre, in Tivoli, read this book or that, visited the
+Exhibition of paintings? "But, Miss Lynum, you must really see the
+Exhibition! I should be delighted to show it to you if you cannot find a
+better guide--" They conversed for about ten minutes across the table, and
+Aagot replied rapidly to every question, sometimes laughing, now and then
+forgetting herself and asking questions with her head tilted sideways; her
+eyes were wide open and sparkling; she was not the least bit embarrassed.
+
+Ole called the waiter. He had to leave; he was going to the telegraph
+office. Aagot, too, got up.
+
+"But there is no reason why you should go, Miss Lynum," said Milde. "You
+can come back for Miss Lynum when you have telegraphed, Ole."
+
+"Yes, I am going," said Aagot.
+
+"But if you want to stay I'll call for you in a few moments," said Ole and
+took his hat.
+
+She looked at him and answered almost in a whisper:
+
+"Won't you let me come with you?"
+
+"Certainly, if you want to."
+
+Ole paid his check.
+
+"Say," said Milde, "be good enough to settle this check, too. None of us
+is very flush to-day." And he smiled and glanced at Aagot.
+
+Ole settled, said good-bye, and walked out with Aagot on his arm.
+
+The three gentlemen looked after her.
+
+"The devil!" murmured Irgens in sincere admiration. "Did you notice her."
+
+"Did we! How the dickens did that groceryman get hold of such a beauty?"
+
+Milde agreed with the Actor; it was simply incomprehensible. What in the
+world could she be thinking of!
+
+"Don't talk so loud; they have stopped over by the entrance," said Irgens.
+
+They had run across the Attorney. The same introduction followed; a little
+talk could not be avoided. They did not remove their hats and gloves and
+were ready to go at a moment's notice. At last they left.
+
+That very moment a man got up from one of the farthest tables and
+approached the entrance.... He was a man in the forties, with greyish
+beard and dark eyes; his clothes were a little shabby; he was partly bald.
+
+He walked straight over to the Attorney, bowed, and said:
+
+"Do you mind if I sit down here? I noticed that Mr. Henriksen spoke to
+you; you must know him, then. As for me, I am acquainted with Miss Lynum,
+who was introduced to you. I am the tutor in her home; my name is
+Coldevin."
+
+Something about the stranger appealed to the little Attorney's curiosity;
+he made room for him at once and even offered him a cigar. The waiter
+brought his glass over.
+
+"I visit the city only very seldom," said Coldevin. "I live in the
+country. During the last ten years I have hardly been anywhere with the
+exception of a trip to Copenhagen during the Exhibition. So I run around
+all day and look things over. There are many changes; the city grows
+bigger and bigger."
+
+"It is a pleasure to walk around down by the docks and watch the traffic."
+
+His voice was well modulated; he spoke simply and quietly, although his
+eyes at times glowed with a smouldering fire.
+
+The Attorney listened and answered cordially. Yes, one had to admit that
+the city was making progress; an electric car line was being built;
+several more streets were going to be asphalted; the last census showed an
+enormous increase.... Wasn't it strange to live in the country always? No?
+But in the winter--in the darkness and the snow?
+
+No; it was glorious! Dazzling snow everywhere; silent, wild woods,
+ptarmigan, hares, and foxes. White, glittering white snow! But summer, of
+course, was more beautiful. It would be high summer when he returned; his
+intention was to stay a couple of months, perhaps even longer. That ought
+to suffice to see and hear most of what went on. What was happening,
+anyway? What was the situation?
+
+"Well," answered the Attorney, "the situation is serious. But we place our
+faith in Parliament. Several of the leaders have given their ultimatum; if
+all signs do not fail, they surely will make short shrift this time."
+
+"Yes, if the signs do not fail--"
+
+"You appear to have your doubts?" asked the Attorney smilingly.
+
+"No; only there seems to be too much confidence placed in the leaders and
+in their promises. I come from the country; we have our suspicions; it is
+hard to get rid of them. The leaders might fail us now as heretofore.
+Indeed, they might."
+
+Coldevin drank from his glass.
+
+"I cannot say that I remember their failing us heretofore," said the
+Attorney. "Do you refer to any particular occasion when the leaders have
+betrayed us?"
+
+"Well, yes. Promises have been broken, promises have been interpreted,
+promises have been openly and dispassionately denied. We should not forget
+these things. One should not rely too much on the leaders; the country's
+youth should be our hope. No; a leader is apt to prove a broken reed. It
+is an old law that whenever a leader reaches a certain age he pauses--yes,
+he even turns right about face and pushes the other way. Then it is up to
+the young to march on, to drive him ahead or trample him down."
+
+The door opened and Lars Paulsberg entered. He nodded to the Attorney, who
+returned his greeting. The Attorney pointed to a chair at his table, but
+Paulsberg shook his head and said:
+
+"No, I am looking for Milde. He has not done a stroke on my picture
+to-day."
+
+"Milde is over in the corner," said the Attorney. And he turned to
+Coldevin and whispered: "This is one of the most prominent of our young
+men--their leader, so to speak, Lars Paulsberg. Do you know him? If only
+the rest were like him."
+
+Yes, Coldevin knew his name. So this was Paulsberg? He could plainly see
+that he was an important personality; people craned their necks, looked
+after him and whispered. Yes, indeed, we had quite a number of writers, it
+could not be denied--"There came to Torahus, for instance, one of them
+before I left; his name was Stefan Ojen. I have read two of his books. He
+was nervous, he told me; he spoke a good deal about a new school, a new
+intention within the realm of literature. His clothes were silk lined, but
+he did not put himself forward much. Of course, people were curious and
+wanted to see him, but he appeared very modest. I met him one evening; his
+entire shirt-front was covered with writing, with verses--long and short
+lines, a poem in prose. He said that he had waked up in the morning and
+found himself in the throes of an inspiration, and, as he had no paper
+handy, he simply wrote on his shirt-front. He asked us not to mind it; he
+had two more shirts with him, but as they were unlaundered he had to use
+that one for his verses. He read something for us, things full of
+sentiment. He gave us the impression that he was very clever."
+
+The Attorney did not know if this were irony or not, for Coldevin smiled
+one of his rare smiles. But he was probably serious.
+
+"Yes, Ojen is one of our most significant ones," he said. "He is beginning
+to create a school in Germany. There can be no doubt that his poetry is
+unique."
+
+"Exactly. I, too, got that impression. A little childish, perhaps; a
+little immature, but--He, he! as we were sitting there that evening he
+suddenly exclaimed: 'Do you know, gentlemen, why I use a capital R in
+God?' 'A capital R in God!' we wondered and looked at each other blankly;
+no; we did not know why. But Ojen burst into a peal of laughter and left--
+It was a good joke; it wasn't at all bad, he, he!"
+
+And Coldevin smiled.
+
+The Attorney laughed with him. "Oh, that fellow Ojen could surprise you
+with far better inventions; that was nothing for him. But his writing was
+euphonious, his diction pure--Do you know Irgens?"
+
+Yes, Coldevin knew his name. He hadn't written very much?
+
+"He does not write for the masses, no," answered the Attorney. "He writes
+for the chosen few. But his friends know that he has many beautiful things
+unpublished. Good God, what a master! It is impossible to place one's
+finger on a single thing he has done and say that it is below par. He is
+sitting in the corner now. Do you wish to meet him? I can arrange it for
+you. I know him well; no preliminaries are necessary."
+
+But Coldevin asked to be excused. Some other time; then he could meet
+Paulsberg and the others also--"So that is Paulsberg!" he repeated. "One
+could tell it when he passed by; people were whispering about him. Nobody
+whispered when Ole Henriksen passed by. By the way, I suppose Mr.
+Henriksen is going to get married now?"
+
+"I suppose so--Tell me--is it at all interesting to be a tutor? Isn't it
+a somewhat tedious occupation at times?"
+
+"Oh, no," answered Coldevin smilingly. "Of course, it depends a good deal
+on both parents and children. It is all right if one happens to get among
+good people. It is, of course, only a poor and modest situation, but--I
+would not change even if I could."
+
+"Are you a college man?"
+
+"Theology, yes. Unfortunately, a rather antiquated student now." And
+Coldevin smiled once more.
+
+They continued the conversation for some time, told a couple of anecdotes
+about a university professor, and drifted back to the situation. Finally
+they discussed the grain prices. It looked bad; there was some talk of
+crop failures in Russia.
+
+Coldevin was absolutely normal in his talk; he evidently was well informed
+and spoke quietly and thoughtfully. When he got up to leave he asked
+casually:
+
+"By the way, do you happen to know where Mr. Henriksen went?"
+
+"To the telegraph office. He told me he had some wires to send."
+
+"Thank you. I trust you will pardon me for descending upon you so
+informally. It is kind of you to allow me to make your acquaintance."
+
+"If you are going to stay awhile I trust we shall meet again," said the
+Attorney amiably. Coldevin took his leave.
+
+He walked straight to the telegraph office. He remained outside awhile;
+then he ascended the stairs and peeped through the glass doors. Then he
+turned, went back to the street, and made for the harbour. He sauntered
+back and forth outside the Henriksen warehouse and glanced furtively
+toward the little office window. He did not take his eyes from the window
+for a long time. One would have thought he was anxious to find Ole
+Henriksen but did not know whether he was in the warehouse or not.
+
+
+
+
+II
+
+
+Irgens was sitting in his room, Thranes Road, No. 5. He was in fine
+spirits. The elegant man whom nobody suspected of doing anything sat there
+in all secret and corrected proofs and slaved like a farmer. Who would
+have believed it? He was the one in the clique who talked least about his
+work; nobody could understand how he managed to live. It was more than two
+years since his drama had been published, and he had apparently not done a
+stroke of work since. Of course, he might be working quietly, but nobody
+knew anything about it, nothing definitely. He owed a lot of money.
+
+Irgens had locked his door so as not to be disturbed; he was very
+secretive. When he had finished his proof-reading he got up and looked out
+of the window. The weather was bright and sunny, a glorious day. He was
+going to take Miss Lynum to the Art Exhibition at three. He looked forward
+to this pleasure; it was really enjoyable to listen to this
+unsophisticated girl's chatter. She had burst upon him like a revelation;
+she reminded him of the first bird notes in spring.
+
+There was a knock at the door. His first thought was to throw the proofs
+beneath the table-cloth, but he refrained. He opened. He knew this knock;
+it was Mrs. Hanka's finger which knocked twice so resolutely. She entered,
+closed the door, and glided over to him. She smiled, bent toward him, and
+looked into his eyes.
+
+"It isn't me at all!" she said, and laughed quietly. "I want you to know
+that!" She could not hide her embarrassment entirely and flushed deeply.
+
+She wore a grey woollen gown, and looked very young with her low lace
+collar and her bare neck.
+
+He said:
+
+"So it isn't you? Well, it doesn't matter who you are--you are equally
+lovely! And what glorious weather you are bringing!"
+
+They sat down. He placed before her the proof-sheet, and she clapped her
+hands and cried: "Didn't I tell you? I knew it! No; but you are
+wonderful!" And she did not get tired of marvelling at him--that he was
+that far already! Oh, but wouldn't it come like a thunderclap; not a soul
+suspected anything! They all went around thinking that he did not work any
+more. Oh, Heavens! but nobody in the wide world was half as happy as she.
+She smuggled an envelope with something in it under the proof-sheet and
+pulled him away from the table. She talked all the time.
+
+They sat down on the sofa. Her happiness, her violent joy, communicated
+itself to him, carried him away, and made him tender with gratitude. How
+she loved him, how she sacrificed herself for him and did for him what she
+could! He embraced her passionately, kissed her time and again, and held
+her close to his breast.
+
+"I am so happy," she whispered. "I knew something was going to make me
+glad; as I walked upstairs it seemed as if I were going into an embrace!
+Dearest boy, no--the door--!"
+
+The sun rose higher, the thrushes twittered passionately outside. The
+first bird notes of spring, he thought again, how unsophisticated these
+little creatures were in their chatter!
+
+"How bright it is here!" she said; "it is much brighter here than
+elsewhere."
+
+"Do you think so?" he answered smilingly. He walked over to the window and
+began to pluck from his clothes the fine, grey woolly fuzz her dress had
+left there. She sat still on the sofa, her eyes on the floor, blushing,
+arranging her hair a little. A ring flashed on each of her hands.
+
+He could not remain there at the window so indifferently. She was
+beginning to notice it; she looked up; and besides, she was remarkably
+beautiful as she sat there fixing her hair. He stepped over to her and
+kissed her as warmly as he could.
+
+"Don't kiss me, darling," she said; "be careful! Look here--it is the
+spring air."
+
+She showed him a little red spot on her under lip. He asked her if it
+hurt, and she answered that it was not that, but she was afraid he might
+catch it from her. Suddenly she asked:
+
+"Listen, can you come to Tivoli to-night? There is an operatic
+performance. Couldn't we meet there? Otherwise I'll die of loneliness."
+
+He remembered that he was going to the Art Exhibition. What might happen
+afterward was hard to tell; he had better not promise anything. No, he
+said, he was afraid it would be impossible; he had made certain
+arrangements with Ole Henriksen.
+
+"Oh, please--do come! I would be so proud and grateful!"
+
+"But why in the world do you want to go to Tivoli?"
+
+"But there is opera to-night!"
+
+"Well, what of it? That means nothing to me. Well, if you like--"
+
+"No, not if I like," she said sadly. "You seem so indifferent, Irgens!
+Yes, I admit I should like to go to the opera, but--Where are you going
+this evening? I am just like a compass-needle now: I oscillate, I may even
+swing all the way round, but I hark constantly back to one point--I point
+continually in one direction. It is you I am thinking of always."
+
+Her little bewildered heart trembled. He looked at her. He knew it only
+too well--there was nothing he could reproach her with; she had been more
+than good to him. However, all he could promise was that he would come if
+at all possible.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Mrs. Hanka had left. Irgens was ready to go out; he put his proof-sheets
+in his pocket and took his hat. Had he forgotten anything? He had the
+proofs; that was the most important thing at present--the beginning of a
+book which was to startle the community with the suddenness of an
+explosion. He was going to see if his quiet industry would be denied
+appreciation. He, too, was going to send in an application for the
+government subsidy; he would delay until the very last day in order to
+avoid having his name paraded in the daily press alongside all those
+nonentities who already were licking their chops in anticipation of this
+modest emolument. His application should be brief and to the point,
+without recommendations, simply accompanied by his book. He would tell
+nobody, not even Mrs. Hanka. They should not be able to say that he had
+moved heaven and earth in order to secure this well-earned encouragement.
+But he was curious to see if they would ignore him. He knew all his fellow
+applicants, from Milde to Ojen; he did not fear any of them. He would have
+preferred to stand back and yield his right to this charity, but he could
+not afford it; he was obliged to accept it.
+
+He brushed his clothes carefully all the way down the street; a little of
+the grey wool still clung to him--what a provoking dress! He dropped into
+a printing-office with his proofs. The foreman called his attention to a
+letter, an envelope with something enclosed, which he found between the
+sheets. Irgens turned in the door. A letter? Oh, yes; he had forgotten it.
+He knew this envelope and he opened it at once. When he had seen what was
+in it he lifted his brows, greatly pleased. The envelope he put in his
+pocket without further ado.
+
+Ole and Aagot were in the warehouse. She was sewing on some red plush
+cushions for the cabin of the _Aagot_--doll cushions, one would
+almost think, they were so small. Irgens put his cheek to one of them,
+closed his eyes, and said, "Good night, good night."
+
+"So you are going to the Art Exhibition!" said Ole smilingly. "Aagot has
+hardly spoken about anything else all day."
+
+"Couldn't you come, too?" she asked.
+
+But Ole had no time; just now he was very busy. "Be off--don't disturb me
+any more; out with you! Have a good time!"
+
+It was the promenade-hour. Irgens proposed that they take the way through
+the park; they could then hear a little music at the same time. Did she
+like music?
+
+Aagot was in a dark suit and wore a cape with red silk lining. The
+snug-fitting garment clung to her body without a wrinkle; around her neck
+she simply wore a bit of lace. The cape fluttered at times with scarlet
+silken flashes. She was sorry to say that she was not very musical. She
+liked to hear music, of course, but she lacked a thorough understanding of
+it.
+
+"Exactly like myself," answered Irgens. "That is funny; are you like that,
+too? To tell the truth, I understand music unpardonably poorly, but I show
+up in the park every day; it would never do to stay away." Much depended
+upon that; if one did not show oneself and keep abreast of the procession,
+one would soon be lost, submerged, forgotten.
+
+"Can one be forgotten so easily?" she asked. "But that does not apply to
+you, surely."
+
+"Oh, yes, to me as well as to the rest," he replied. "Why shouldn't I be
+forgotten?"
+
+She answered quite simply:
+
+"I thought you were too well known."
+
+"Known? Oh, as to that, Lord help us! I may not be so entirely unknown, of
+course, but--You must not think it is an easy matter to keep one's head
+above water here; one friend is envious, another hateful and malicious, a
+third simply despicable. No; as far as _that_ is concerned--"
+
+"It seems to me, however, that you are known, and well known, too," she
+said. "We cannot walk two steps that somebody isn't whispering about you;
+I have noticed it all along." She stopped.
+
+"No, it is unbearable; I just heard another remark! Rather let us go up to
+the Exhibition at once!"
+
+He laughed heartily, greatly flattered. How charming she was in her naive
+and unspoiled way! He said: Never mind; keep on! Pay no attention
+whatever. One got used to this whispering; if it amused people, what of
+it? He himself never noticed it any more; honestly, it did not affect him
+in the least. Besides, he wanted to let her know that to-day _he_ was
+not the only subject of conversation--what about her? She could believe
+him or not; she was being thoroughly discussed. One could not come to a
+city like this one and look as she did without attracting attention; she
+could be very sure of that.
+
+It was not his intention to flatter her; he was sincere in what he said.
+Still she did not seem to believe him.
+
+They walked toward the park, where the band thundered Cherubini's
+"Overture to the Water-Carrier" across the place.
+
+"It seems to me this is an altogether unnecessary noise," he said
+smilingly.
+
+She laughed; she laughed often and heartily over his remarks. This
+laughter from her fresh lips, the dimple in her left cheek, her many cute
+and childlike ways, drove his spirits still higher; even her nose, which
+was somewhat irregular in profile and a little too large, made him almost
+feel as if he were in love. Greek or Roman noses were not always the most
+beautiful--not at all; it depended on the rest of the face. There was no
+such a thing as an authorised standard for noses.
+
+He chatted about one thing after another and made time fly; he proved
+himself the poet who could interest those he addressed himself to, the
+highly cultured man, the genius of scintillating words. Aagot listened
+attentively; he tried to amuse her and came back to the subject of music
+again, to operatic music, which he simply abominated. He had, for
+instance, never been to the opera that he didn't happen to get a seat
+right behind a lady with a sharply bulging corset line, and he was
+condemned to stare at this ghastly back during three, four long
+intermissions. Then there was the performance itself, the brass
+instruments close to the ear, and then the singers who tried with all
+their might to drown their blatant blare in a roar of noise. At first one
+would appear who made strange contortions and meanwhile produced song;
+then another would stalk forth who did not want to take a back seat
+either, and who likewise did his utmost; then a third, a fourth, men and
+women, long processions, an army; and all sang their questions and sang
+their answers and beat their arms in the air and rolled their eyes,
+exercising their vocal chords without a moment's pause. Wasn't it true?
+They wept to music, sobbed to music, gritted teeth, sneezed, and fainted
+to music, and the conductor urged them on frantically with an ivory
+hammer-handle. She might laugh, but it was just that way. Then all of a
+sudden the conductor appears to become terror-stricken because of that
+infernal noise he has inspired; he swings his hammer-handle as a sign that
+there must be a change. Now the chorus starts in. This is not so bad; the
+chorus can pass muster; at least, it does not use such heartrending
+gestures. But in the midst of the singing another person strides forth,
+and he spoils the whole thing again; ah! it is the Prince; he has a solo--
+and when a prince has a solo of course everybody else has to keep still.
+But imagine this more or less corpulent masculine person standing there,
+bellowing, with legs wide apart! One gets furious; one experiences a
+well-nigh irrepressible desire to yell to this fellow to get out, to stop
+spoiling the evening for those who wanted to hear some music--hear the
+chorus sing!
+
+Irgens was not displeased with himself--he attained his object. Aagot
+laughed incessantly and was hugely amused. How he did make things
+interesting and give life and colour to the most commonplace!
+
+They finally got to the Exhibition, looked at what there was to see, and
+talked about the pictures as they went along. Aagot's questions were fully
+answered; Irgens knew everything and even told her anecdotes about the
+exhibiting painters. Here, too, they met curious people, who put their
+heads together and looked after them when they passed; but Irgens hardly
+glanced to the left or right; he seemed entirely indifferent to the
+attention accorded him. He only bowed a couple of times.
+
+When, after an hour or so, they started to leave, they did not notice in
+an obscure corner a greyish-bearded, somewhat bald person, nor did they
+perceive two fathomless, burning eyes that followed them as they departed.
+
+On the street Irgens said:
+
+"I wonder--You are not going home at once, I hope?"
+
+"Yes," she said, "I am going right back."
+
+He asked her several times to stay a little longer, but Aagot thanked him
+and said that she wanted to get home. There was nothing to be done; she
+could not be persuaded, and he had to let her have her way. But they could
+make up for it some other time? There were both museums and galleries she
+ought to see; he would gladly act as her guide. She smiled and thanked
+him.
+
+"I am admiring your walk," he said. "It is the most perfect walk I have
+ever seen."
+
+She flushed and looked at him quickly.
+
+"You cannot mean that," she said. "I who have lived in the backwoods all
+my life."
+
+"Well, you may believe me or not, just as you please--You are altogether
+unusual, Miss Lynum, gloriously uncommon; in vain I seek words that would
+describe you. Do you know what you remind me of? I have carried this
+impression around all day. You remind me of the first bird note, the
+earliest warm spring tones--you know what I mean--that surge through the
+heart when the snow is gone and the sun and the birds of passage are here!
+But that isn't all about you. God help me, I cannot find the words I want,
+poet though I am supposed to be!"
+
+"But I have never heard anything like it!" she cried, and laughed
+vivaciously. "I am supposed to be like all that? I should like to be, that
+much is certain. If only it were true!"
+
+"You have come in here from the blue mountains; you are full of smiles,"
+he said. "For this reason the description should call to mind the wild
+things--should have a flavour of venison, so to speak. I am not sure,
+though."
+
+They were at the warehouse. They stopped and shook hands.
+
+"I am ever so much obliged," she said. "Aren't you coming up? Ole must be
+in the office now."
+
+"No, thanks--But listen, Miss Lynum, I would like to come soon and drag
+you with me to some museum; may I?"
+
+"Yes," she answered hesitatingly. "That is very kind of you. I'll see--But
+I thank you for your company to-day."
+
+She went in.
+
+
+
+
+III
+
+
+Irgens walked up the street. Where should he go now? He might go to
+Tivoli; there was plenty of time; in fact, it was much too early; he would
+have to kill an hour or so first. He felt in his pocket for the envelope;
+he had money; he might as well go to the Grand.
+
+As he entered the door he was hailed by Journalist Gregersen, the literary
+member of the _Gazette_ staff. Irgens did not like this fellow; he
+did not care to cultivate his friendship in order to get an item published
+in the paper now and then. Paulsberg had now two days running had a
+paragraph concerning his excursion to Honefos: the first day about his
+going, the second about his return; Gregersen had in his usual
+accommodating manner concocted two very excellent little items about this
+excursion. That such a man could descend to such coarse work! It was said
+that the fellow was capable of greater things; he would surely blossom
+forth some day; all right, time enough then. Irgens did not care for him
+very much nowadays.
+
+Unwillingly, he walked over to the Journalist's table. Milde was there,
+also the Attorney and Coldevin, the grey tutor from the country. They were
+waiting for Paulsberg. They had been discussing the situation again; it
+commenced to look a little dubious now when several of the leading
+parliamentarians had shown symptoms of vacillation. "Just as I have told
+you," said Milde, "it is beginning to be unbearable here!"
+
+Mrs. Grande was not present. Mrs. Liberia stayed at home.
+
+The Journalist reported that the talk about crop failures in Russia
+evidently had something in it. It could not be concealed much longer in
+spite of the fact that the correspondent of the London _Times_ had
+been sharply contradicted by the Russian press.
+
+"I had a letter from Ojen," said Milde. "It looks as if he were coming
+back soon; he does not appear to enjoy himself out in the woods."
+
+All these matters did not interest Irgens in the least. He made up his
+mind to get away as soon as he could. Coldevin said nothing, but glanced
+from one to another with his sombre eyes. When he had been presented to
+Irgens he had murmured a few words, sat down again and remained silent.
+Irgens looked at him languidly and was silent too. When he had finished
+his seidel he got up to go.
+
+"Are you leaving us so soon?"
+
+"Yes; I have got to go home and dress. I am going to Tivoli. See you
+later."
+
+Irgens left.
+
+"There you see the famous Irgens," said the Attorney to Coldevin.
+
+"Yes, indeed," answered Coldevin with a smile. "I see so much greatness
+here that I am getting altogether bewildered. I saw the Art Exhibition
+to-day--It seems to me that our poets are beginning to pay considerable
+attention to their personal appearance; I have seen a couple of them; they
+are so groomed and patent-leathered--one can hardly say they come
+thundering along with foam-flecked bridles."
+
+"Why should they? The fashions have changed, you know."
+
+"I suppose so."
+
+Coldevin was again silent.
+
+"The fire-and-sword period has passed by, my good man," said the
+Journalist patronisingly, yawning across the table. "What the devil can be
+keeping Paulsberg?"
+
+When Paulsberg at last showed up they made room for him with alacrity; the
+Journalist sat close by him and wanted to hear his opinion concerning the
+situation. What did these events portend--what could be done now?
+
+Paulsberg, reserved and taciturn as always, gave a half reply, a
+fragmentary opinion: What could be done? Oh, one had to try to live even
+if a couple of parliamentarians were to fail the cause. All the same, he
+was going to publish an article soon; it would be worth while observing
+what effect that would have. He was going to give it to the traitors good
+and proper.
+
+Goodness! Was he going to publish an article? That certainly would put
+matters right. "Not too gentle, now, Paulsberg; don't show them any
+consideration."
+
+"I imagine Paulsberg knows exactly how gentle he is going to be," said
+Milde reprovingly. "You can safely leave that to him."
+
+"Of course," answered the Journalist, "that goes without saying. I had no
+idea of offering any suggestions."
+
+He was a little offended, but Paulsberg smoothed matters over by saying:
+
+"I thank you for the two notices, Gregersen. It is fortunate for us that
+you keep an eye on us; otherwise people would entirely forget that we
+writers existed."
+
+The Attorney ordered another round.
+
+"I am waiting for my wife," said Paulsberg.
+
+"She stopped in to borrow a hundred from Ole Henriksen. I see there is
+talk about famine in Russia--Well, I can't say that I have starved as
+yet."
+
+Milde turned to Coldevin and remarked pompously:
+
+"That is something it wouldn't hurt you to know out in the country: so
+shabbily does Norway treat her great men!"
+
+Coldevin glanced from one to another.
+
+"Indeed," he said, "it is sad." A moment later he added: "Well, one cannot
+say things are much better out in the country. The struggle to live is
+bitter there, too."
+
+"But, so help me, there is a difference between poets and peasants, I
+should think!"
+
+"In the country people adjust themselves to the law that the weak must
+perish," said Coldevin quietly. "For instance, people who cannot support a
+wife do not marry. If they do, and if they later on have to rely on others
+to discharge their obligations, then they are disgraced, branded with
+shame."
+
+Everybody looked at the bald fellow; even Paulsberg snatched his glasses
+that were hanging on a cord across his breast, looked at him a moment, and
+asked in a stage whisper:
+
+"What in the world--what kind of a phenomenon is that?"
+
+This happy word made the friends smile; Paulsberg was asking what kind of
+a phenomenon this was, a phenomenon--he, he! It was not often Paulsberg
+said that much. Coldevin looked unconcerned; he did not smile. A pause
+ensued.
+
+Paulsberg looked out of the window, shivered a little, and murmured:
+
+"Drat it, I cannot get anything accomplished these days; this eternal
+sunshine has played me the scurvy trick of paralysing my imagination. I am
+in the middle of a descriptive passage about a rainy season, a raw and
+chilly milieu, and I cannot get anywhere with it." He mumbled maledictions
+about the weather.
+
+The Attorney was incautious enough to remark:
+
+"Why don't you write about the sunshine, then?"
+
+It was not many days since Paulsberg himself, in Milde's studio, had
+bluntly expressed an opinion to the effect that Attorney Grande had showed
+symptoms of a certain arrogance lately. He was right, the Attorney was
+becoming a little impertinent; it might be well to put him in his place
+once and for all.
+
+"You talk according to your lights!" said the Journalist oracularly.
+
+This reproach was received in silence; but shortly afterward Grande got up
+and buttoned his coat.
+
+"I don't suppose any of you are going my way?" he asked in order not to
+show any ill feeling. And as nobody answered he paid his check, said
+goodbye and left.
+
+More drinks were ordered. Mrs. Paulsberg arrived in the company of Ole and
+his fiancée. Coldevin moved as far back as he could until he found himself
+almost at another table.
+
+"We had to accompany Mrs. Paulsberg," said Ole good-naturedly; "we
+couldn't let her go alone." And he slapped Paulsberg on the shoulder.
+
+Miss Aagot had let a joyous exclamation escape her and had walked straight
+over to Coldevin, to whom she gave her hand. But what in the world had
+become of him? Hadn't she kept a continuous lookout for him on the streets
+and asked Ole about him every day? She was at a loss to understand why she
+saw him so rarely. She had had another letter from home, and everybody
+sent him their kindest regards. Why did he keep so entirely to himself?
+
+Coldevin stuttered many brief replies: there was no end of things to see
+and do, exhibitions and museums, Tivoli and Parliament; there were
+newspapers to read, lectures to attend; he also had to look up a few old
+friends. Furthermore, it was best not to disturb a newly engaged couple
+too much.
+
+Coldevin smiled archly; his lips trembled a little and he spoke with bowed
+head.
+
+Ole came over, overwhelmed him with the same reproaches, and received the
+same excuses. Coldevin was going to call on them to-morrow, though, they
+could rely on it; he had made up his mind before he met them. Provided he
+would not disturb them, of course.
+
+Disturb? He? What was he thinking of?
+
+Beer was served and everybody talked. Mrs. Paulsberg crossed her legs and
+gripped the glass in her masculine fashion. The Journalist monopolised her
+immediately. Ole continued his conversation with Coldevin.
+
+"I hope you are enjoying yourself here? Interesting people, these! There
+is Lars Paulsberg; have you met him?"
+
+"Yes, I have met him. He is the third one of our authors I have met. No
+doubt it is my fault; but, to tell the truth, none of them have made an
+overwhelming impression on me."
+
+"No? That is because you do not know them well enough."
+
+"But I know what they have written. It seems to me they do not exactly
+soar to the solitary heights. It is probably my own fault, though--Lars
+Paulsberg uses perfumes."
+
+"Does he? A little peculiarity. One must pardon such men a few oddities."
+
+"But I notice that they treat each other with the greatest respect,"
+Coldevin continued. "They talk about everything; they make excellent
+speeches on every subject imaginable."
+
+"Don't they, though? It is wonderful to listen to them, I must say."
+
+"But how are you getting on--in the business, I mean?"
+
+"Oh, we take one day at a time. We have just turned a little trick in
+Brazil which I hope will prove satisfactory. I remember, you are
+interested in business matters. When you come down tomorrow I will take
+you around and show you how we do it. We will all go--you and Aagot and
+myself--we three old friends."
+
+"I thought I heard my name?" said Aagot merrily and joined them. "Yes, I
+did; don't try to fool me, Ole. It seems to me it is my turn to speak a
+little with Coldevin; you have had him to yourself long enough, Ole."
+
+And she took Ole's chair and sat down.
+
+"The letters from home are full of questions about you. Mamma asked me to
+see that you were comfortable at your hotel."
+
+Coldevin's lips quivered again, and he said, with his eyes on the floor:
+
+"How can you bother with such things now? Don't worry about me; I am very
+comfortable. I hope you are enjoying yourself? Though I hardly need to ask
+you that."
+
+"But, do you know, there are times when I am longing for home, too. Can
+you understand that?"
+
+"That is only the first few days--It will be a little hard never to see
+you again, Miss Aagot--I mean a little--that is--"
+
+"You talk so strangely to-night," she said. "You almost make me want to
+cry; honestly you do."
+
+"But, dear Miss Aagot--"
+
+"To get married isn't the same as to die, I'm sure."
+
+Coldevin's manner instantly changed; he became jocular.
+
+"Die! Well, I like that! But you are right in saying that I have been
+sitting here and depressing you with my talk. It was mostly your mother I
+was thinking of. It was nobody else--Tell me, have you finished the
+cushions for the yacht?"
+
+"Yes," answered Aagot absently.
+
+"But you have not been in Parliament yet? I imagine you have hardly had
+time for that as yet. I have been there every day; but then I haven't
+anything else to do."
+
+"Listen," she said suddenly; "I may not have an opportunity to bid you
+good night later, so I will do it now." She gave him her hand. "And
+remember, you have promised to call to-morrow! I--You will make me very
+happy if you come."
+
+She dropped his hand and got up.
+
+He sat there a moment as in a trance. He heard somebody say: "What can
+Miss Aagot and Coldevin be so deeply absorbed in?" He heard that Aagot
+was on the point of answering, and he exclaimed hurriedly:
+
+"I shake hands with Miss Aagot on a promise to call on her to-morrow."
+
+"Be sure and keep your promise, now," he heard Ole say. "Well, Aagot, I
+suppose we ought to be getting home."
+
+Ole put his hand in his pocket to pay the waiter; the Journalist did the
+same, but Milde seized his arm and said:
+
+"Leave that to Ole Henriksen. Kindly pay for us, too, Ole."
+
+"With pleasure."
+
+At the door Lars Paulsberg caught up with him and said:
+
+"Don't go away without giving me the opportunity of shaking hands with
+you. I hear you could lend me these rotten crowns."
+
+Ole and Aagot went. A little later Coldevin got up, too; he bowed to each
+of the clique and departed. He heard laughter behind his back and the word
+"phenomenon" several times. He hurried into the first gateway he passed
+and took out from his pocketbook a little silken bow, in the Norwegian
+colours, carefully wrapped in paper. He kissed the bow, looked at it a
+long time, and kissed it again, trembling in the grip of a silent, deep
+emotion.
+
+
+
+
+IV
+
+
+It was Ole Henriksen's habit to make his rounds through the business
+establishment immediately after his early morning coffee. He was an early
+riser and had usually accomplished a great deal before breakfast,
+inspected store and cellars, read and answered mail, telegraphed, given
+instructions to his clerks; everything devolved upon him. Aagot kept him
+company nowadays; she insisted on getting up as early as he, and her
+little hands lightened many a task for him. Ole Henriksen worked more
+enthusiastically than ever. The old man did nothing nowadays but make out
+an occasional bill and balance up the cash-book; he kept to himself
+up-stairs most of the time, and spent many an hour in the company of some
+old crony, some visiting ship's captain or business acquaintance. But
+before retiring old Henriksen always lit a lamp, shambled down-stairs to
+the office, and took a last survey of the books. He took his time; and
+when he came up about midnight he retired immediately.
+
+Ole did the work for both of them; it was like play to him to direct all
+these threads which he knew from the days of childhood. Aagot did not
+disturb him much; it was only down in the little warehouse office that she
+was apt to delay him at times. Her youth and gaiety filled the little
+room, glorified everything, and brightened the world.
+
+She was so cheerful that she carried away even the phlegmatic Ole. He was
+lost in her; he played little tricks on her and trembled with the
+tenderest affection for this hoydenish girl who wasn't even full grown.
+When in the company of others he appeared vastly superior--she was his
+little sweetheart; she was so young, much younger than he, it was up to
+him to display his knowledge and experience. But when they were alone,
+alas! then he could not keep up this pretence; he lost his seriousness and
+was a child with her. He stole many a glance from his books and papers,
+gazed at her secretly, lost in contemplation of her radiant figure and
+worshipping to distraction her dimpling smile. How she could make his
+heart pound when she would glance archly at him and then come over to him
+and whisper: "So you are _my_ boy, are you?" She had so many adorable
+ways. At times she could sit and gaze at the floor, gaze fixedly at
+something which made her eyes dewy--memories, perhaps--some old memory--
+
+Ole asked her at last when she thought they ought to get married, and when
+he saw her blush deeply, even to her neck, he regretted that he had been
+too abrupt. There was no hurry; she must decide that herself; no need to
+answer now, not at all.
+
+But she answered:
+
+"I am ready when you are."
+
+There was a knock at the door and Irgens entered. He came in order to
+propose a visit to the sculpture-gallery. Ole said jestingly:
+
+"I see! You have chosen this hour because you knew I couldn't come along!"
+
+"What nonsense! We have to go when the galleries are open, naturally."
+
+Ole laughed loudly.
+
+"Look, he is getting mad, furious, ha, ha, ha! I fooled you that time,
+Irgens!"
+
+Aagot got her hat and coat and went with Irgens. Ole called after her:
+
+"Don't stay too late, Aagot! Remember, we have promised to go with
+Tidemand to Tivoli."
+
+On the street Irgens glanced at his watch and said:
+
+"I see it is a little too early yet. If you have no objections we might
+take a walk up toward the Castle."
+
+And they walked toward the Castle. The band played; people strolled up and
+down. Irgens talked again interestingly and facetiously about different
+matters, and Aagot replied and laughed, listening curiously to his words;
+at times she would make some admiring little exclamation when he made a
+specially striking remark. She could not refrain from looking at his
+face--a handsome face, rich, curly moustache, a somewhat broad, voluptuous
+mouth. He was in an entirely new suit to-day; she noticed it was bluish
+like her own. He wore a silk shirt and grey gloves.
+
+As they passed Our Saviour's Church he asked her if she liked to go to
+church. She said yes--didn't he?
+
+"Oh, no, not very often."
+
+That was not nice of him.
+
+He bowed smilingly. If she said so, of course. The fact of the matter was
+that he had received a rude shock once; it sounded silly, it was only a
+bagatelle, but it proved of far-reaching effect. He was sitting in this
+very church on an occasion; a high mass was being celebrated. The minister
+was all right; he was doing splendidly. He was even eloquent; he spoke
+convincingly, with feeling and pathos. But in the middle of a most
+stirring peroration in which he, carried away in an outburst of spiritual
+fervour, had meant to shout: "Jews and Gentiles!" his tongue had tripped
+and he had said: "Gents and Jewtiles! _Gents and Jewtiles!_--Imagine
+these silly words hurled over the heads of the congregation in a loud,
+sonorous voice! And the poor fellow stood there in full daylight and could
+not get away from his miserable blunder. I assure you, it shocked me like
+a cold shower!"
+
+It sounded genuine as he spoke, not at all like an episode invented for
+the occasion. Was it not possible that a particularly sensitive soul could
+be seriously shaken by such a grotesque and silly mishap? Aagot could very
+well understand it; and at the same time she had to laugh over that
+miserable "Gents and Jewtiles," which she repeated over and over.
+
+When they passed the Parliament buildings, Irgens pointed to the greystone
+colossus and said:
+
+"There we have Parliament; have you been there yet?"
+
+"No, not yet."
+
+Well, it wasn't a very cheerful place just now--wavering and treason all
+along the line! The doughty parliamentarians lolled in their chairs and
+chewed tobacco and grew fat and lazy; they used sonorous phrases and
+challenged Sweden to a fight with bare knuckles, but when time for action
+came--where were they then? She had no idea how he and others were boiling
+with indignation over this display of loathsome cowardice. And what was
+the mighty adversary like? Sweden! That invincible world power full of
+doddering senility! He must compare Sweden to an octogenarian who sat,
+dead drunk and feeble, and boasted of his warlike temper: "I'll never
+yield--never!" And when Parliament heard that quavering voice it grew
+palsied with fear. No, he, Irgens, should have been in Parliament!
+
+How manly and proudly he spoke! She looked at him and said: "How zealous
+you are now!"
+
+"You must pardon me; I always grow impatient when our sovereignty is
+discussed," he replied. "I trust I haven't unwittingly offended you by
+trespassing on your personal opinions? I am glad to hear that."
+
+They reached the Castle, turned aside, and entered the park; they forgot
+that time was passing. He had started in to tell her a story from the
+day's news, a scene from one of the courts: A man was being tried for
+murder and had confessed. The question of mitigating circumstances arose,
+and it was decided that there were mitigating circumstances. All right;
+penitentiary for life. "Next case!" Suddenly a voice is heard from among
+the spectators; it is the murderer's sweetheart, who shouts: "His
+confession is untrue; he has not committed murder! How could he possibly
+have done it; no one who knows him will believe it! And there are
+mitigating circumstances; you cannot sentence him, for it wasn't
+premeditated murder! No, Henry is innocent! Won't any of you who know him
+say that he is innocent? Why are you all silent?" And the lady was led out
+of the courtroom. That was love!
+
+Aagot, the little goose, was moved. How beautiful--sad and beautiful! And
+they carried her out? What a tragedy!
+
+"Well, probably the story is a little exaggerated," he said. "Love as
+strong as that does not grow on the bushes nowadays."
+
+"But it does exist!"
+
+"Perhaps, somewhere--on the Isle of the Blest--" But this expression awoke
+the poet in him, and he rhapsodised. "And the place was called Evenrest,
+because it was green and silent when the two arrived. A boy and a girl;
+she fair, bright, shining like a white pinion against him who was dark--
+two souls who gazed smilingly into each other, who voicelessly implored
+each other, who closed rapturously around each other. And blue mountains
+looked at them--"
+
+He paused abruptly.
+
+"I am making myself ridiculous," he said. "Let us sit down awhile."
+
+They sat down. The sun sank, sank deeper; a tower-clock in the city
+somewhere boomed forth the hour. Irgens continued to speak, impressively,
+dreamily, warmly. He might go into the solitudes this summer, he said;
+settle down in a cabin by the water and row around at night. Imagine,
+wonderful nights in a rowboat!... But he had a feeling now that Aagot was
+beginning to be uneasy because of the lateness of the hour, and in order
+to keep her mind occupied he said:
+
+"You must not believe, Miss Lynum, that I go around and prate about blue
+mountains always; if I do it now it is only because of you. You impress me
+deeply; you enrapture me when you are near me. I know what I am saying. It
+is the loveliness and brightness of your face, and when you tilt your head
+sideways--Of course, this is meant aesthetically, impersonally!"
+
+Aagot had given him a quick glance, and this made him add the last words.
+She did not understand him, perhaps; the reason for this last remark was
+not quite clear to her, and she was on the point of saying something when
+he resumed laughingly:
+
+"I sincerely trust I haven't bored you too much with my nonsense? If I
+have I'll go right down to the harbour and drown myself. Yes, you laugh,
+but--I want to tell you, though, that your displeasure was charmingly
+becoming to you, really. I saw that you were provoked. If I may be allowed
+to express myself aesthetically once more, I would say that for a moment
+you looked as the slender, wild fawn must look when she lifts her head and
+snorts."
+
+"But now I want to tell _you_ something," she said and got up. "What
+time is it? But you must be crazy! Let us be off at once! If it is my
+fault that you have talked too much, it is certainly yours that I have
+listened to you and forgotten the time entirely. This is awful!"
+
+And they hurried away down the park slope.
+
+As they were going to turn toward the museum he wondered if there would be
+time for a visit to-day. Perhaps they had better wait until some other
+time? What did she think?
+
+She stopped and reflected a moment; then she laughed merrily and
+exclaimed:
+
+"But we will have to go, if only for a moment! We must be able to say that
+we have been there. No, this is simply terrible!"
+
+And they hurried along.
+
+The fact that she was conspiring with him to hide this peccadillo, that
+from now on they would have a sort of secret together, filled him with a
+warm pleasure. He wanted to keep on talking, to continue to keep her
+interested; but she did not listen; she hurried along in order to get to
+the museum before it should close. She skipped quickly up the many stairs,
+ran past people going out, glanced quickly right and left in order to
+identify the chief works of art, and asked breathlessly: "Where is the
+Laocoön Group? Quick! I must see that!" They ran off in a wild search for
+the Laocoön Group. It turned out that they had at least ten minutes before
+closing time, and they took things a little easier.
+
+Suddenly she imagined seeing Coldevin's dark eyes peering out from a
+corner; but as she took a step forward to look closer the eyes disappeared
+and she forgot all about it.
+
+"What a pity we are in such a hurry!" she said several times.
+
+When they had rushed through the first floor their time was up and they
+had to leave. She talked with Irgens on the way back and seemed as pleased
+as before; she gave him her hand at the door and thanked him, thanked him
+twice. He begged her forgiveness because he had been responsible for her
+failure to view the sculptures thoroughly, and she smiled amiably and said
+that she had had a good time.
+
+"I shall see you later at Tivoli," said Irgens.
+
+"Are you going there?" she asked in surprise.
+
+"I have been asked to come; I am going with some friends."
+
+Aagot did not know that Irgens had received a pressing invitation from
+Mrs. Hanka; she said all right, nodded, and went in.
+
+Ole was waiting for her; she threw herself on his neck and cried eagerly:
+
+"It was glorious--the Laocoön Group--everything! We did not have time to
+see everything, that is, to see everything carefully; but you will take me
+there some time, won't you? Promise! For I want you to take me."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+When later on Ole and Aagot were going to Tidemand's house on their way to
+Tivoli, Aagot remarked casually:
+
+"It is a pity that you are not a poet, Ole."
+
+He looked at her in surprise. "Do you think so?" he asked.
+
+Then suddenly it dawned on her what a tactless thing she had said. As a
+matter of fact, she had not meant it at all; it was just a thoughtless
+word, a thoughtless, thoughtless word. She repented it bitterly and would
+have given anything to have it unsaid. She stopped, threw her arms around
+Ole's neck right in the middle of the street, and said in agitation:
+
+"And you believe it? It is easy to fool you, Ole! Listen--you don't for a
+moment think--I swear I didn't mean it, Ole. It was so stupid of me to say
+it, but I didn't for a moment think you would take it seriously. I want to
+know if you think I meant it; tell me if you do?"
+
+"Of course I don't," he said and patted her cheek; "not at all, dearest.
+That you can make so much of a little thing like that, you foolish child!
+He, he!"
+
+They continued their interrupted walk. She was so grateful to him because
+he had taken it so nicely. Oh, he was so good and considerate, she loved
+him; Heavens! how she adored him....
+
+But this little scene had its influence over her conduct all during the
+evening.
+
+
+
+
+V
+
+
+When the performance was over they all gathered in the restaurant. The
+entire clique was there, even Mr. and Mrs. Paulsberg; later on Attorney
+Grande appeared, dragging with him Coldevin, who followed unwillingly and
+protestingly; he wanted to be excused. The Attorney had met him outside
+and had thought it would be fun to bring him along.
+
+Everything under the sun had been discussed: literature and art, man and
+God; they had settled the suffrage question, taken a fall out of Malthus,
+strayed onto the political preserves. It had unfortunately turned out that
+Paulsberg's article in the _Gazette_ failed to have the desired
+effect on Parliament. With sixty-five votes to forty-four it had decided
+to postpone matters indefinitely; five representatives had suddenly been
+taken ill and could not participate in the voting. Milde declared that he
+was going to Australia.
+
+"But you are painting Paulsberg?" objected Norem, the Actor.
+
+"Well, what of it? I can finish that picture in a couple of days."
+
+It was, however, a secret arrangement that the picture was not to be
+finished until after the close of the Exhibition. Paulsberg had expressly
+demanded it. He did not want to be exhibited in mixed company; he desired
+solitude, veneration, a large window all to himself on the promenade. This
+was just like Paulsberg.
+
+When, therefore, Milde said that he could finish the picture in a couple
+of days, Paulsberg answered curtly:
+
+"I shall be unable to sit for you at present; I am working."
+
+That settled it.
+
+Mrs. Hanka had placed Aagot next to her. She had called to her: "Come
+here, you with the dimple, here by me!" And she had turned to Irgens and
+whispered: "Isn't she sweet?"
+
+Mrs. Hanka was again in her grey woollen dress with low lace collar; her
+neck was bare. Spring seemed to affect her; she looked a little played
+out. Her lips were cracked, and when she laughed her features were
+distorted into wry grimaces because of these cracked lips.
+
+She told Aagot that they were going to the country shortly and hoped to
+see her there. They were going to eat currants and rake hay and loll in
+the grass. Suddenly she turned to her husband across the table and said:
+
+"While I remember it, can you let me have a hundred?"
+
+"I wish you hadn't remembered it," said Tidemand good-naturedly. He
+winked, jested happily, and was delighted. "Don't marry, my friends; it is
+an expensive luxury! Another hundred!"
+
+And he handed the bill to his wife, who thanked him.
+
+"But what is it for?" he asked her banteringly.
+
+"I refuse to tell you," she said, and turned to Aagot in order to avoid
+further references to the matter.
+
+Attorney Grande and Coldevin entered just then.
+
+"Of course you are coming," said the Attorney. "I never heard anything
+like it! I want you to join me in a little drink. Come and help me, you
+fellows; I can't get the man inside!"
+
+But when Coldevin saw who were present he wrenched himself free quickly
+and disappeared.
+
+He had visited Ole Henriksen one morning according to his promise, but he
+had vanished since then and nobody had seen him until now.
+
+The Attorney said:
+
+"I discovered him outside; I had pity on the poor man, he seemed so
+altogether alone, and I--"
+
+Aagot had jumped up quickly and hurried outside; she caught up with
+Coldevin on the stairs. They talked together a few moments; finally they
+both returned.
+
+"I beg your pardon," he said. "Attorney Grande was kind enough to ask me
+to come with him, but I did not know that there were others here--that
+there was a party here," he corrected himself.
+
+The Attorney laughed.
+
+"Sit down, drink, and be merry," he said.
+
+And Coldevin made himself at home. This tutor from the country, bald and
+grey, generally taciturn and restrained, talked now with and like the
+rest. He seemed somewhat changed since his arrival; he answered boldly
+when he was addressed, and was not backward in expressing his opinions.
+Journalist Gregersen spoke again about the political situation. He had not
+heard Paulsberg say anything about it. What was going to happen? What were
+they going to do?
+
+"What can one do about an accomplished fact?" asked Paulsberg. "Simply
+take it like men; that is all I can say."
+
+The Attorney now asked Coldevin:
+
+"I suppose you have been in Parliament to-day, also?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"You know, then, what took place. What do you think of it?"
+
+"That is not easy to say on the spur of the moment."
+
+"Perhaps you haven't followed matters very closely; you have just arrived,
+I understand," said Mrs. Paulsberg amiably.
+
+"Followed matters closely! I should say he has; don't you worry about
+that!" cried the Attorney. "I have talked with him before."
+
+The discussion grew violent. Milde and the Journalist simultaneously
+demanded the dismissal of the cabinet; others expressed their opinion
+about the Swedish opera they had just attended; it appeared that not one
+among them understood music in the least, and they strayed back to
+politics.
+
+"So you were not seriously shaken by what occurred to-day, Mr. Coldevin?"
+asked Paulsberg in order to be friendly, too. "I am ashamed to confess
+that I have sat at home and cursed all afternoon!"
+
+"Indeed!" answered Coldevin.
+
+"Don't you hear that Paulsberg asked if you were shaken?" said the
+Journalist sharply across the table.
+
+Coldevin murmured:
+
+"Shaken? One can, of course, not avoid feeling disappointed when such
+things happen. But the climax to-day was hardly unexpected by me. As I see
+it, it was only a last rite."
+
+"Oh, you are a pessimist."
+
+"Indeed, no, you are mistaken. I am not that."
+
+Beer and sandwiches were served, afterward coffee. Coldevin glanced at
+those present; he met Aagot's eyes looking at him very gently, and this
+agitated him so that he suddenly spoke out loudly what was on his mind:
+
+"Did this decision to-day surprise you so very much, then?" And when he
+received a qualified affirmation he continued, in order to make himself
+understood: "To me it appears to be entirely in harmony with conditions
+otherwise prevailing.--People are saying to themselves: 'We have our
+liberty; the constitution guarantees it, and now we want to enjoy it for a
+while!' Behold--the sons of Norway have become freemen and the peers of
+anybody."
+
+Everybody agreed with him. Paulsberg nodded; this phenomenon from the
+country might not be entirely impossible, after all. But he would say no
+more; he preserved an obstinate silence. At last the Attorney got him
+started again; he asked:
+
+"When I met you at the Grand recently you insisted that it was wrong ever
+to forget, ever to forgive. Is that a principle, or how--"
+
+"Yes, you who are young should remember, should always remember, the
+disappointment you have suffered to-day. You have put your faith in a man,
+and the man has betrayed your confidence; this you should never forget.
+One should never forgive, never; such wrongs should be avenged. Once I saw
+two truck-horses maltreated; it was in a Catholic country, in France. The
+driver sat high in his seat and swung his enormous whip; it was of no use,
+the horses slipped and could not budge the heavy load, even though they,
+so to speak, dug their hoofs into the asphalt. The driver got down; he
+turned his whip around and used the handle; he beat the horses across
+their backs; they tried again, stumbled and fell, got up and made another
+effort. The driver became more and more enraged as people gathered around
+and witnessed his dilemma; he went forward and beat the horses across the
+eyes; he went back and struck them on the tender spots beneath the flanks,
+and the horses squirmed and stumbled, and fell to their knees again, as if
+they begged for mercy--Three times I tried to get at that brute, and every
+time I was pushed back by the railing mob who wanted no interference. I
+had no gun; I was helpless; I stood there with a penknife in my hands and
+cursed and swore to high Heaven at that barbaric beast. Then somebody next
+to me--a woman, a nun who carried on her breast the cross of Christ--said
+mildly and reproachfully: 'You are committing an awful sin, sir; the Lord
+is good; he forgives everything!' I turned to that unspeakably brutal
+creature and said nothing, but glared at her and happened to spit in her
+face--"
+
+This delighted the clique.
+
+"In the face? How did it turn out? The devil you say! Did you get away
+with it?"
+
+"No; I was arrested--But what I wanted to say is this: Never forgive; it
+is brutal; it turns justice into a farce. A kind act should be repaid with
+a still kinder act, but a wicked wrong should be avenged. If one is struck
+on one cheek and turns the other in forgiveness and submission, then
+goodness and justice lose all value. I wish to point out that the
+result in Parliament to-day is not altogether an illogical consequence
+of the conditions that have developed among us. We forgive and forget
+treason in our leaders and excuse their vacillation and weakness in every
+crisis. Now the youthful element should step forward, the young Norway,
+invincible in its indignation and irresistible in its strength. But the
+young Norway does not step forward; indeed no, we have mollycoddled it
+with hymns and rot about peace eternal; we have taught it to admire
+gentleness and submissiveness; above all, to emulate those who have
+reached the highest degree of neutral toothlessness. Behold the country's
+youth, strapping and full-grown, six foot tall, sucking its bottle and
+growing fat and harmless. If some one smites it on one cheek it turns the
+other accommodatingly, and keeps its fists in its pockets with admirable
+self-control."
+
+Coldevin's speech attracted not a little attention; they all looked
+closely at him. He sat there as usual and spoke quietly, without
+excitement. But his eyes blazed, and his hands trembled as he awkwardly
+bent back his fingers until they cracked. He did not lift his voice above
+the normal. Otherwise he did not look well; he wore a loose shirt-front,
+and this had become disarranged and hung lopsidedly so that one could
+glimpse a blue cotton shirt beneath. His beard straggled down his breast.
+
+The Journalist nodded and remarked to his neighbour:
+
+"Not at all bad! He is almost one of us."
+
+Lars Paulsberg said jestingly, and still amiably:
+
+"As I said before, I have done nothing but curse all day, so I guess I
+have contributed considerably to the indignation of our youth."
+
+Attorney Grande, who enjoyed himself immensely, was quite proud over his
+idea of getting Coldevin to come. He told Milde once more how it had
+happened: "I thought it would not be very lively here, and just then I ran
+across this fellow outside, standing there all by himself looking in. It
+kind of moved me, you know--"
+
+Milde spoke up.
+
+"You mentioned the conditions now prevailing. If by that you mean that we
+are entirely surrounded by weakness and submissiveness, let me inform you
+that you are much mistaken--"
+
+"In that case I do not mean it, of course."
+
+"But what do you mean, then? You cannot say that youth like ours, teeming
+with talent and genius, is weak and of no account. Good God, man! there
+never was a time when our youth was as rich in talent as at present."
+
+"If there was, then I never heard of it," said even Norem, who had been
+sitting quietly at a corner of the table emptying glass upon glass.
+
+"Talent? Now that is an entirely different question, you know," said
+Coldevin quietly. "But do you really think that the talents within our
+youth are so sweepingly great?"
+
+"He--he asks if--So our talents at present do not amount to so very much,
+Mr. Coldevin?" Milde laughed contemptuously and turned to Irgens, who had
+kept aloof from the conversation. "It looks bad for us, Irgens; the
+phenomenon does not approve of us."
+
+Mrs. Hanka now spoke; she wanted to smooth matters over. It could only be
+a misunderstanding; Mr. Coldevin would surely explain himself
+satisfactorily. Couldn't they listen to a man without losing their temper?
+"You ought to be ashamed of yourself, Milde--"
+
+"You are not much impressed with us who are supposed to have a little
+talent, then?" asked Paulsberg, still indulgent.
+
+"Impressed? I must admit that in my humble opinion things are a little on
+the down grade with us," answered Coldevin. "I confess that that is my
+opinion. And it is especially the country's youth I am thinking of. We
+have begun a slow retrogression; in plain words, we are lowering our
+standards, we are tapering down to a general zero. The young do not demand
+much from themselves or from others any more; they accept the diminutive
+and call it great; there is not much, not very much, needed to create a
+stir nowadays. That is what I meant when I referred to the general
+conditions."
+
+"But, good Lord! what do you think of our younger writers, then?" cried
+Journalist Gregersen, flushed and angry. "Our poets, yes! Have you read
+any of them? Have you, for instance, ever come across the name of
+Paulsberg, the name of Irgens?"
+
+Aagot could not refrain from observing her old tutor. She was surprised to
+note that this man, who invariably used to yield when he was contradicted,
+now sat there with a ready reply to every remark and did not look very
+timid either.
+
+"You must not take offence at what I say," he begged. "I admit that I have
+no business to express such opinions here; I ought to leave that to others
+who understand these matters better than I; but if you want to know what I
+think, then I must say that, according to my lights, our younger writers
+do not seem to improve the conditions greatly. Of course, there can be no
+fixed standard; everything depends on the point of view, and yours is not
+mine; we are bound to differ. But, anyway, our younger writers do not lift
+the level greatly; hardly, according to my understanding. It would seem
+they lack the ability. Of course, that is no fault of theirs; but then
+they have no right to pose as being greater than they are. It is a pity
+that we lose sight of the greater and make mediocrity take its place. Look
+at our youth; look at our authors; they are very clever, but--Yes, they
+are both clever and industrious; they labour and toil, _but they lack
+the spark_. Good God, how far they are from squandering their
+treasures! They are saving and calculating and prudent. They write a few
+verses and they print these few verses. They squeeze out a book now and
+then; they delve into their inmost recesses and conscientiously scrape the
+bottom until they arrive at a satisfactory result. They do not scatter
+values broadcast; no, they do not fling gold along the highways. In former
+days our poets could afford to be extravagant; there was wealth untold;
+they towered rich and care-free and squandered their treasures with
+glorious unconcern. Why not? There was plenty left. Oh, no, our
+present-day authors are clever and sensible; they do not show us, as did
+the old, a flood, a tempest, a red eruption of flame-tongued, primeval
+power!"
+
+Aagot's eyes were on him; he caught her glance of rapt attention, and she
+made him understand with a warm smile that she had listened to his every
+word. She wanted to show Ole how little she had meant her thoughtless
+regret that he was no poet. She nodded to Coldevin and wished the poets
+all they got. Coldevin was grateful for her smile; she was the only one
+who smiled at him, and he did not mind the violent interruptions, the
+shouts and rude questions: What kind of a phenomenon was he who could
+assume this superior pose? What world-subduing exploits had he performed?
+He should not remain incognito any longer; what was his real name? They
+wanted to acclaim him!
+
+Irgens was least affected of them all; he twirled his moustache and looked
+at his watch to make everybody understand how this bored him. Glancing at
+Coldevin, he whispered to Mrs. Hanka with an expression of disgust:
+
+"It seems to me that this man is a little too untidy. Look at his collar,
+or bib, or whatever one may call it. I noticed that he put his
+cigar-holder in his vest-pocket a moment ago without first putting it in a
+case. Who knows, there might be an old comb in the same pocket."
+
+But with his air of undisturbed serenity, with his eyes fixed on a point
+in the table, quietly indifferent, Coldevin listened to the exclamations
+from the gentlemen of the party. The Journalist asked him pointblank if he
+were not ashamed of himself.
+
+"Leave him alone!" said Paulsberg. "I don't see why you want to annoy
+him."
+
+"It certainly looks bad for our poor country!" sneered the Journalist. "No
+talents, no youth, nothing only a 'general condition.' He, he! God only
+knows how it will all end! And we who have innocently assumed that a
+people should honour and respect its young writers!"
+
+Coldevin seized on this.
+
+"Yes, but that is exactly what people are doing; nobody can justly
+complain on that score! People respect most highly a man who has written a
+book or two; he is admired far more, for instance, than the ablest
+business man or the most talented professional! To our people an author
+means a great deal; he is the essence of all that is distinguished and
+admirable. There are probably very few countries in which the intellectual
+life is dominated by authors to the degree it is here. As you probably
+will admit, we have no statesmen; but our authors direct our politics, and
+they do it well. It may have struck you that there are barren spots in our
+scientific attainments; however, with true intuition, our authors are not
+afraid to assume the burden and pose as scientists. It has surely not
+escaped your attention that in all our history we have never produced a
+thinker; never mind, our authors dabble in philosophy, and everybody
+thinks they do it splendidly. It seems highly unjust to complain because
+of a lack of appreciation of and admiration for our authors."
+
+Paulsberg, who in his works had repeatedly proven himself a thinker and
+philosopher of rank, sat and toyed with his eye-glass and smiled
+superciliously. But when Coldevin added a few words and ended up with
+saying that he had the greatest hope and faith in the country's practical
+youth, in its young commercial talents, then a loud laugh greeted him, and
+both the Journalist and Paulsberg shouted simultaneously that this was
+great, by all the saints the best ever, so help me! Commercial talents--
+whatever could that be? Talents for trading--what? Glory be!
+
+"In my opinion you will find really great talents within the ranks of our
+business youth," Coldevin continued undisturbed. "And I would advise you
+to pay a little attention to them. They are building ships, opening new
+markets, carrying on involved business enterprises on a hitherto undreamed
+of scale--"
+
+Coldevin could not be heard; they laughed and shouted, although out of
+respect for their good friends the business men present they endeavoured
+to change the subject. Ole Henriksen and Tidemand had listened in silence;
+they were embarrassed and did not know how to take it, but began to speak
+together in low voices. Suddenly Tidemand whispered:
+
+"Can I come over and see you to-morrow about a business matter? I would
+like to come early, about ten, if you have time then? All right; thanks!"
+
+At Milde's corner of the table the discussion had swung to wines--old
+wines, Johannisberger, Cabinet, Musigny. Milde understood the subject
+thoroughly and contradicted the Attorney violently, although Grande, of
+the well-known Grande family, was supposed to have drunk such wines since
+he was a child.
+
+"There is no end to your assertiveness lately," said Milde.
+
+The Attorney glanced at him and muttered:
+
+"Such a bit of an oil-painter will also presume to understand wines!"
+
+Conversation strayed to the government art subsidies. Irgens listened
+without changing a feature when Milde asserted that Ojen was the worthiest
+applicant. It was exceedingly generous in Milde to express such views; he
+himself had applied and needed the money as much as anybody. Irgens could
+hardly understand it.
+
+Interest in the preposterous tutor had entirely waned. Nobody spoke to him
+any more; he had got hold of his hat, which he sat and twirled. Mrs. Hanka
+addressed a couple of questions to him in order to be polite, but after
+answering them he was entirely silent. It was strange that the man did not
+notice how his shirt-front sagged; the slightest movement would correct
+it. But he did not adjust it.
+
+Paulsberg got up to take his leave. Before he went he manoeuvred the
+Journalist into a corner and whispered:
+
+"You might do me the favour to mention that I have about half completed my
+new book. It might interest people to know I am at it."
+
+Milde and the Attorney got up next; they awoke Norem, who was dozing after
+all the many glasses he had emptied, and they got him on his legs with
+difficulty. He began to speak; he had not quite heard the last, the very
+last of the discussion; how had the poets fared? Oh, there was Mrs. Hanka;
+so pleased to see her. But why had she arrived so late?
+
+He was finally led outside.
+
+"This means a general departure, I suppose?" asked Irgens, displeased. He
+had tried to approach Miss Lynum once during the evening but without
+success. She had plainly avoided him. He had noticed later on that
+Coldevin's foolish remarks about the poets and the youth of the country
+had amused her inordinately; what could that mean? Altogether it had been
+an unpleasant evening. Mrs. Hanka had sat there with her cracked lips
+unable to smile decently, and Mrs. Paulsberg was impossible. The evening
+was simply wasted. And now the company was breaking up; no prospects for
+livening up one's spirits with a little intimate half-hour.
+
+Irgens promised to take his revenge on the clique because of the
+indifference it seemed to show him. Perhaps next week....
+
+Outside Tivoli the company parted. Mrs. Hanka and Aagot walked together
+down the street.
+
+
+
+
+VI
+
+
+Tidemand came to H. Henriksen's office at ten the next morning. Ole was
+standing at his desk.
+
+Tidemand's errand was, as he had said, a matter of business only; he spoke
+in a low voice and placed before Ole a telegram couched in mysterious
+words. Where it said "Rising One," it really meant "Ten," and where it
+said "Baisse U. S.," it meant an exportation prohibition on the Black Sea
+and along the Danube, and a rise in America. The telegram was from
+Tidemand's agent in Archangel.
+
+Ole Henriksen immediately grasped the situation: on account of the Russian
+crop failure, in connection with the already low supplies, Russia was
+preparing to prohibit all grain exports. Hard times were coming. Norway,
+too, would feel the pressure, and grain would soar to incredible prices.
+It was necessary to get hold of as much as possible at no matter what
+figure. In spite of official Russian denials of the rumours in English
+newspapers, it seemed as if America already had scented the danger, for
+American wheat was rising daily. From eighty-seven and eighty-eight it had
+risen until it now fluctuated between one hundred and ten and one hundred
+and fifteen. Nobody could predict to what heights it would climb.
+
+Tidemand's business with Ole was a proposition that the two friends and
+colleagues join in a speculation in American rye while there still was
+time. They were to join forces and import a mass of rye that should
+materially assist in keeping the country fed during the coming year. But
+it was a matter of urgency; rye, too, was soaring; in Russia it was almost
+unpurchasable.
+
+Ole left his desk and began to walk up and down. His mind was working; he
+had intended to offer Tidemand some refreshment, but forgot it entirely.
+He was greatly tempted, but he was up to his neck in other pressing
+engagements--that Brazilian affair had almost paralysed him for the
+moment, and he did not expect to be able to take his profits until early
+summer.
+
+"There ought to be money in it," said Tidemand.
+
+No doubt; that was not why Ole hesitated. But he simply was not able to do
+it. He explained his circumstances and added that he was afraid to tackle
+anything more at present. The speculation appealed to him, notwithstanding
+his inability to participate; his eyes gleamed, and he inquired eagerly
+into all the details. He took a piece of paper, made estimates, and
+studied the telegram afresh with a thoughtful air. Finally he declared
+that he could do nothing.
+
+"Of course I can operate alone," said Tidemand. "I will do it on a smaller
+scale, that is all. But I should have liked you to be in on this; I would
+have felt safer. I realise that you cannot go further. However, I'll
+telegraph myself; have you got a blank?"
+
+Tidemand wrote out his telegram and handed it to Ole.
+
+"I guess that is clear enough?"
+
+Ole stepped back a pace.
+
+"So much?" he exclaimed. "This is a big order, Andreas."
+
+"It is big. But I hope the results will justify it," answered Tidemand
+quietly. And unable to control a feeling that overwhelmed him at the
+moment, he looked toward the wall and whispered as if to himself: "I don't
+care how it turns out or about anything any more."
+
+Ole looked at him and asked:
+
+"Any news?"
+
+"No--"
+
+"Well, we'll see how it turns out."
+
+Tidemand put the telegram in his pocket.
+
+"I should have liked us both to be in this enterprise, Ole. I must confess
+that I am in deep elsewhere, too, but--I have my ice to realise on. When
+the warm weather comes I'll make money on that, don't you think?"
+
+"Decidedly! As good as ready money, ice is."
+
+"So I am not altogether on my knees. And may the Lord keep that sad fate
+from me, both for my own sake and for the sake of mine!"
+
+"But could you not as a matter of safety--Wait a moment. Pardon me for not
+offering you a cigar; I know how you like to smoke while talking; I
+forgot. Sit down a moment; I'll be back directly."
+
+Tidemand knew that Ole was on his way to the cellar for the usual bottle
+of wine, and tried to call him back, but Ole did not hear and returned in
+a moment with the old, fuzzy bottle. They sat on the sofa as usual and
+drank to each other.
+
+"I simply wanted to ask," continued Ole, "are you sure you have considered
+everything in connection with this American affair? I do not flatter
+myself that I can teach you anything, you know, but--"
+
+"Yes, I fancy I have calculated all contingencies," answered Tidemand.
+"You notice I am using the term 'Delivery within three days.' Success
+depends on quick action. I haven't even forgotten to consider the effect
+of a possible presidential change in America."
+
+"But wouldn't it be safer to place your limit a little closer? Perhaps you
+ought not to buy over twelve."
+
+"No; that would not be well. For you understand that if Russia closes,
+then fifteen, or even twenty, is not too much. On the other hand, if she
+does not close, then a hundred, yes, ninety, is far too much. In that case
+I am done for."
+
+They both reflected.
+
+"I believe this enterprise is going to be lucky," said Tidemand suddenly.
+"Really, I feel it. You know what it means when we traders have a
+premonition of this kind."
+
+"How are things otherwise?" asked Ole.
+
+"Well," Tidemand answered hurriedly, "it does not look so bad just now,
+not at all. Things are very much as usual at home."
+
+"No change, then?"
+
+"Well, no--I must get back now."
+
+Tidemand got up. Ole followed him to the door and said:
+
+"It wasn't you who didn't care how matters turn out, was it? Well, I am
+glad you came, anyway."
+
+The awkward fellow! This was Ole Henriksen's way of stiffening a comrade's
+backbone.
+
+But Tidemand did not go at once; he stood there with his hand on the
+door-knob and shifted his eyes nervously from place to place.
+
+"It can hardly be thought strange if I get a little downhearted once in a
+while," he said. "Things do not look very bright for me; I do my best to
+fix everything up, but I do not make much headway, not very much, no.
+Well, we'll have to wait and see how matters shape themselves. I think it
+is getting a little better, thank God."
+
+"Does your wife keep at home more now? It seems to me that--"
+
+"Hanka has been a good mother to the children lately. I have been very
+happy because of that; it has brought us closer together, as it were. She
+is busy fitting the children out for the country. It is wonderful the
+things she gets together; I have never seen anything like it--blue and
+white and red dresses! They are lying home; I look at them whenever I am
+home. Perhaps I shouldn't place too much faith in it. She does not
+consider herself married yet, she continues to call herself Lange. That
+may be only a whim. She calls herself Tidemand, too; she does not forget
+that. You yourself heard last night in Tivoli how she asked me for a
+hundred. I am glad she does that; I don't mind, and shouldn't have
+mentioned it if you hadn't heard it yourself. But it happened to be the
+third hundred crowns she had got from me in two days. Don't misunderstand
+me! But why does she ask me for money before people? Isn't that as if she
+wanted to give out the impression that that is the only way to take me,
+otherwise she wouldn't get any? She uses a good deal of money; I hardly
+think she uses it for herself; I am sure she doesn't, for Hanka was never
+extravagant. She must be giving it away; it is her affair if she helps
+somebody. She gets quite a lot of money from me in a week's time;
+sometimes she gets it when she goes out, and she has nothing left when she
+returns, although she has bought nothing. Well, that does not matter. As
+long as I have anything it belongs to her as well as to me; that is only
+right and natural. I asked her jokingly once if she wanted to ruin me--
+make a beggar out of me. It was only a joke, and I laughed heartily myself
+as I said it. But I shouldn't have said it; she offered to leave the house
+whenever I wanted her to--in short, divorce. She has told me that often
+enough, but this time simply because of a joke. I said that I was sorry,
+and I asked her pardon; I had never for a moment thought of such a thing
+as that she might ruin me. 'Dear Andreas,' she asked me, 'can we never get
+free from each other?' I do not know what I answered; I guess there was
+not much sense to it, for she asked immediately for my key, as she had
+lost her own. I gave it to her, and then she smiled. 'Smile again,' I
+said, and she did it for my sake, and said smilingly that I was a big
+baby. Yesterday morning I didn't see her before I got home from the
+office. She was still working with the children's summer outfit and showed
+me everything. She took out her handkerchief, and as she pulled it out
+from her dress a tie fell out, a gentleman's red tie. I made out that I
+did not see it; but I knew very well that the tie did not belong to me. I
+knew it only too well. That is--understand me correctly--I did not see it
+well enough to be sure whom it might belong to. It might even have been
+one of my own ties, some old rag I have ceased to use. It is a peculiarity
+of mine never to remember my own ties; I notice them so little, I
+imagine--So things are coming around, as I said. And if my big trade now
+succeeds, perhaps that will bring luck for us all. It would be fun to show
+her that I am not such a dunce, ha, ha!"
+
+The two friends talked a little further, after which Tidemand went to the
+telegraph office. He was full of hope. His great idea was to discount the
+crisis, to hold enormous supplies of grain when nobody else should have
+any. He would succeed! He walked with a springy step, like a youth, and
+avoided meeting anybody who might detain him.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A telegram to the foreign office announced five days later that the
+Russian government, owing to the shortage of grain and the dark outlook
+for the coming harvests, had been obliged to prohibit all exports of rye,
+wheat, corn, and grist from the harbours of Russia and Finland.
+
+Tidemand's calculations had proven correct.
+
+
+
+
+RIPENING
+
+
+
+
+I
+
+
+Irgens had published his book. This superior soul, who never took anybody
+into his confidence, had, to the great surprise of everybody, put out a
+charming volume of poems just when spring was in full blow. Was that not a
+surprise? True, it was two years since his drama had appeared; but it was
+now proven that he had not been idle; he had conceived one poem after
+another, and quietly put them away, and when the heap had grown big enough
+he had given it to the printer. It was thus a proud man should act; nobody
+exceeded Irgens in strong and warm discretion.
+
+His book was exhibited in the bookstore windows; people discussed it and
+predicted it would attract much attention; the ladies were enraptured with
+the gently glowing love stanzas scattered through it. There were also many
+bold and courageous words, full of manliness and will: poems to Justice,
+to Liberty, to the Kings--God knows he did not spare the kings. But Irgens
+noticed no more than ever that people admired him when he strolled down
+the promenade. Gracious! if they enjoyed looking at him, that was their
+affair. He was frigidly indifferent, as ever.
+
+"I must admit you are a foxy fellow!" exclaimed even Norem, the Actor,
+when he ran across him on the street. "Here you go along quietly and say
+nothing, and all of a sudden you set off a rocket right under our very
+noses. You are unique!"
+
+The Attorney, however, could not help giving him a little dig; he laughed
+and said: "But you have enemies, Irgens. I was talking to a man today who
+refused to see anything gigantic in the publishing of a small volume after
+a lapse of nearly two years and a half!"
+
+Then Irgens flung back the haughty reply: "I take a pride in a limited
+production. The quantity does not matter."
+
+Later on, however, he inquired concerning the identity of this detractor.
+He was not tortured by curiosity; people knew fortunately that he was
+quite indifferent to public opinion. But anyhow--was it Paulsberg?
+
+No, it was not Paulsberg.
+
+Irgens made a few more questions and guesses, but the pretentious Attorney
+refused to betray his critic. He made a secret out of it, and irritated
+Irgens as much as he could. "It seems you are not so altogether
+indifferent," he teased and chuckled gleefully.
+
+Irgens murmured contemptuously: "Nonsense!" But he was evidently
+considerably bothered by this defamer, this jealous fellow who had
+criticised him, and tried to belittle his exploit. If not Paulsberg, who
+then? Who among them had done better during the last two and a half years?
+Irgens knew nobody; among the younger writers he was absolutely paramount.
+Suddenly something struck him, and he said indifferently:
+
+"Of course, it is a matter of absolute indifference to me who the person
+is; but if it is that lout Coldevin--Lord, man! do you really pay any
+attention to what such a freak says? A man who carries a cigar-holder and
+a dirty comb in the same pocket! Well, I must be going; so long!"
+
+Irgens walked off. If the enemy was this barbarian from the backwoods,
+well and good! His mind was again relieved; he nodded to acquaintances and
+looked quite cheerful. He had for a moment felt aggrieved that anybody
+should be grumbling behind his back, but that was now forgotten; it would
+be foolish to take offence at this old bushwhacker.
+
+Irgens intended to take a walk around the harbour so as to be left in
+peace; this more or less stupid talk about his book had really got on his
+nerves. Were people now beginning to prate about working hours and
+quantity in connection with poetry? In that case his book would be found
+wanting; it was not so very ponderous; it did not outweigh one of
+Paulsberg's novels, thank God!
+
+When he reached the harbour he suddenly caught a glimpse of Coldevin's
+head behind a pile of packing-cases. Irgens noticed the direction of his
+glance, but this told him nothing; the old imbecile was evidently lost in
+some crazy meditation or other. It was amusing to see him so altogether
+unconscious of his surroundings, standing there agape with his nose in the
+air. His eyes were almost in a direct line with the little office window
+at the end of Henriksen's warehouse; he stared unblinkingly and apparently
+unseeingly at that particular spot. Irgens was on the point of going over
+in order to inquire if he perhaps wanted to see Ole Henriksen; he would
+then be able to turn the conversation to his book and get the old man to
+express an opinion. It would be quite entertaining; the oaf would be
+forced to admit that he valued poetry according to weight. But was it
+worth while? It was really of no account whatever what this person might
+think. Irgens made a turn across the docks; he looked up--Coldevin had not
+moved. Irgens sauntered past, crossed the street on his way up-town.
+Suddenly Ole Henriksen and Aagot came out of the warehouse and caught
+sight of him.
+
+"Good day, good day, Irgens!" called Ole with outstretched hand. "Glad to
+see you. I want to thank you for the book you sent us. You are a wonder;
+you surprise your very best friends even--poet, master!"
+
+Ole talked on, pleased and happy over his friend's accomplishment,
+admiring now one stanza, now another, and thanking Irgens over and over.
+
+"Aagot and I have read it with beating hearts!" he said. "I really believe
+Aagot wept a little now and then--Yes; you did; no use denying it, Aagot.
+You need not feel ashamed of that--What I wanted to say--come along to
+the telegraph office, Irgens; then we'll drop in at Sara's afterward, if
+you like. I have a little surprise for you."
+
+Aagot said nothing.
+
+"You can walk up and down a little while I telegraph," said Ole. "But
+don't get impatient if it takes some time. I have got to catch a ship
+before it leaves Arendal!"
+
+And Ole ran up the stairs and disappeared; Irgens looked after him.
+
+"Listen--I want to thank you for your book!" said Aagot quickly in a low
+voice. "You will never know how I have enjoyed it."
+
+"Really? Truly? It is good to hear you say that," he replied, full of
+gratitude. That she should have waited until Ole had left in order to
+thank him was a charming and delicate tribute; she had done it now much
+more genuinely and warmly; her words meant so much more now. She told him
+what had especially stirred her; it was that wonderful "Song to Life";
+never had she read anything so beautiful. Then, as if she feared she had
+spoken too warmly and laid herself open to misunderstanding, she added in
+an ordinary tone of voice that Ole had been just as enchanted as she; he
+had read most of it aloud to her.
+
+Irgens made a wry face. Did she care to have things read to her? Really?
+
+It was intentionally that Aagot had mixed Ole's name into the
+conversation. This afternoon he had once more asked her about the wedding,
+and she had left everything to him; there was no reason for delay. It had
+been decided to have the wedding after Ole had returned from London this
+coming fall. Ole was as good as the day was long; he never grew impatient
+with her and was almost absurdly fond of her. He had said that perhaps she
+had better spend a little time in the house occasionally. She had flushed;
+she could not help it; it was disgraceful not to have stirred a finger to
+make herself a little useful instead of hanging around the office early
+and late. Suppose she began to think a little about their house, said Ole;
+she might make up her mind about things they wanted, furniture and such.
+Of course, she should have all the help she needed, but--Yes, it was only
+too true; she had not given her new home a thought; she had simply hung
+about the office with him. She had begun to cry, and had told him how
+silly and useless she really was; she was a goose, a stupid little goose.
+But Ole had taken her in his arms and had sat down with her on the sofa
+and told her that she was only a child, a charming, wonderful child, but
+she was getting older and more sensible right along; time and life were
+before them. How he loved her! His eyes, too, were wet; he looked like a
+child himself. Above all, there was no hurry; she had free hands to decide
+and arrange, just as she pleased. Yes; they were fully agreed....
+
+"I must confess I feared you had lost interest in us poets," said Irgens.
+"I was afraid we had forfeited your good-will in some way."
+
+She woke up and looked at him.
+
+"Why do you say that?"
+
+"I had come to that conclusion. You remember that evening at Tivoli when
+your old tutor was quite severe on us poor scribblers? You looked as if
+you heartily approved of everything he said."
+
+"No, you are mistaken."
+
+Pause.
+
+"I am very glad that I have met you, anyway," said Irgens as indifferently
+as he could. "Only to see you is enough to put me in good spirits. It must
+be wonderful to be able to bring happiness to others simply by appearing."
+
+She had not the heart to show displeasure over that; perhaps he really
+meant it, strange though it sounded, and she answered smilingly:
+
+"It would be hard on you if you depended on me to bring you good spirits."
+God knows she had not meant to pain him; she had said it in all innocence,
+without any veiled thought or ulterior motive; but when Irgens's head
+drooped and he said quietly, "Yes, I understand!" it occurred to her that
+several interpretations might be placed upon this sentence, and she added
+hurriedly: "For you do not see me very often. By the way, I am going to
+the country this summer; I shall probably be away until fall."
+
+He stopped.
+
+"Are you going to the country?"
+
+"Yes. I am going with Mrs. Tidemand. I shall be with her until fall."
+
+Irgens was silent and thoughtful a few moments.
+
+"Has it been decided that Tidemands are going to the country, then?" he
+asked. "I understood it was not settled yet."
+
+Aagot nodded and said that it had been decided.
+
+"That pleasure has been denied me," he said with a wistful smile. "No
+country joys for me."
+
+"Why not?"
+
+She regretted her question immediately; of course, he could not afford it.
+She was always so indelicate and awkward! She added a few meaningless
+words to save him the humiliation of a reply.
+
+"When I want to go to the country I hire a boat and row over to the
+island," he said with his sad smile. "Anyway, it is better than nothing."
+
+The island? She grew 'attentive. "Of course, the island! I haven't been
+there yet. Is it pretty?"
+
+"Beautiful! There are some wonderful places. I know them all. If I only
+dared I would ask you to let me row you over some time?"
+
+This was not said in simple courtesy; it was a request. She understood it
+perfectly. But she said, all the same, that she was not sure she had time;
+it would be interesting, but--
+
+Pause.
+
+"I wrote many of my poems there," continued Irgens. "I should like to show
+you the place."
+
+Aagot was silent.
+
+"Come, please!" he exclaimed suddenly, and wanted to take her hand.
+
+Just then Ole Henriksen appeared on the stairs and came toward them.
+Irgens remained in his pleading attitude; he said with outstretched hand:
+
+"Do, please!"
+
+She glanced at him hurriedly.
+
+"Yes," she whispered.
+
+Ole joined them; he had not been able to get hold of Arendal at once; he
+could not get a reply until to-morrow. Off to Sara now! He really had a
+surprise for them--he carried in his pocket Ojen's latest work. They just
+ought to hear it!
+
+
+
+
+II
+
+
+Quite a number of the clique were ensconced at Sara's, drinking and
+gossiping. Tidemand was there, happy and contented with everything. He had
+been all smiles since his success with that enormous enterprise in rye.
+The grain had begun to arrive and was being stored in his warehouses,
+thousands upon thousands of sacks. They grew into mountains; there was no
+room for anything else; even Ole Henriksen had been obliged to let him
+have space for storing. Tidemand walked around and viewed this wealth with
+pride; even he had accomplished something above the ordinary. Never for an
+instant did he regret that he had given such unlimited orders.
+
+Journalist Gregersen offered Ole one finger and said: "You have something
+on your conscience, Ole?"
+
+"Oh, nothing sensational, exactly," said Ole. "I had a letter from Ojen;
+he sends me his latest poem. Do you want to hear it?"
+
+"Does he send you his--Has he sent you a manuscript?" exclaimed Milde in
+astonishment. "I have never heard anything like it!"
+
+"Now, no personalities!" warned the Journalist.
+
+"Yes, but excuse me--why in the world did he send it to _you_, Ole?"
+asks Milde again and does not give in.
+
+Irgens glanced at Aagot. She did not appear to be listening, but was
+talking eagerly with Mrs. Hanka. Irgens turned to Milde and told him
+curtly that there were certain impertinences which even friends were not
+supposed to submit to--was that clear enough?
+
+Milde burst out laughing. He had never heard anything funnier. Did they
+get offended? He had not meant anything of a harmful nature, nothing
+offensive, mentally or physically! The idea simply had tickled his sense
+of humour. But if it wasn't funny, all right....
+
+Ole took out his manuscript.
+
+"It is something out of the ordinary," he said. "Ojen calls it
+'Memories.'"
+
+"Let me read it," said Norem quickly. "I am, at any rate, supposed to know
+a little about reading."
+
+Ole handed him the manuscript.
+
+"Jehovah is very busy--" began Norem. "Ojen has expressly stated in a
+marginal note that it is not to be Jahve; now you know it!"
+
+    Jehovah is very busy; Jehovah has much to attend to. He was with me
+    one night when I wandered in the forest; He descended to me while I
+    lay on my face in prayer.
+
+    I lay there praying in the night, and the forest was silent.
+
+    The night oppressed me like an unbending, disjointed absurdity, and
+    the night was like a silence in which something breathing and mute was
+    abroad.
+
+    Then Jehovah descended to me.
+
+    When Jehovah came the air rushed away from Him like a wake; birds were
+    blown away like chaff, and I clung to the sod and the trees and the
+    rocks.
+
+    "You are calling me?" said Jehovah.
+
+    "I call out in my distress!" I answered.
+
+    And Jehovah spoke: "You want to know what to choose in life, Beauty or
+    Love or Truth?" And Jehovah said: "You want to know?"
+
+    And when He said: "You want to learn that?" I did not answer, but was
+    silent; for He knew my thoughts.
+
+    Then Jehovah touched my eyes, and I beheld:
+
+    I saw a tall woman against the skies. She wore no garments, and when
+    she moved her body shimmered like white silk, and she wore no
+    garments; for her body quivered toward me in rapture.
+
+    And she stood against the skies in a sunrise, yes, in a crimson dawn;
+    and the sun shone upon her, and a scarlet light streamed up through
+    the skies, yes, a light of blood surrounded her.
+
+    And she was tall and white, and her eyes were like two blue flowers
+    which brushed my soul when she looked at me; and when she spoke to me
+    she entreated me and urged me toward her, and her voice was like a
+    sweet phosphorescence with a taste of the sea.
+
+    I rose from the earth and stretched forth my arms toward her, and when
+    I stretched both my arms toward her she again implored me, and her
+    body was odorous with rapture. And I was gloriously stirred in my
+    inmost being, and I rose and gave her my lips in the morning glow,
+    and my eyes fell.
+
+    When I looked up again the woman was old. And the woman was old and
+    hoary with years, and her body had shrunk with age, and she had very
+    little life left. But when I looked up the sky was darkling toward
+    night, yes dark like night, and the woman was without hair. I looked
+    to her and knew her not and knew not the sky, and when I looked toward
+    the woman she was gone.
+
+    "This was Beauty!" said Jehovah. "Beauty wanes. I am Jehovah!"
+
+    And Jehovah touched my eyes again, and I beheld:
+
+    I saw a terrace, high, beneath a castle. There were two people there,
+    and the two people on the terrace were young and full of joy. And the
+    sun shone on the castle, and on the terrace, and the sun shone on the
+    two people and on the gravel deep, deep down the abyss, on the hard
+    driveway. And the people were two, a man and a woman in the springtide
+    of youth, and both were speaking honeyed words, and both were tender
+    toward each other with desire.
+
+    "See the flower on my breast!" he said; "can you hear what it is
+    saying?" And he leaned backward toward the railing on the terrace
+    and said: "This flower which you gave me stands here and murmurs
+    and whispers toward you, and it murmurs: 'Beloved, Queen, Alvilde,
+    Alvilde!' Do you hear it?"
+
+    And she smiled and looked down, and she took his hand and placed his
+    hand against her heart and answered: "But do you hear what my heart
+    says to you? My heart throbs toward you and it blushes with emotion
+    for your sake. And my heart babbles in joyful confusion and says:
+    'Beloved, I pause before you and almost perish when you look at me,
+    Beloved!'"
+
+    He leaned toward the terrace-railing and gloriously his breast heaved
+    with love. And deep, deep below was the abyss and the hard driveway.
+    And he pointed his finger down the depths and said: "Throw down your
+    fan, and I will follow it!" And when he had spoken his breast rose and
+    sank, and he placed his hands on the railing and made ready for the
+    leap.
+
+    Then I cried out and closed my eyes....
+
+    But when I looked up I saw again the two people, and they were both
+    older and both in their prime. And the two did not speak to each
+    other, but were silent with their thoughts. And when I looked up the
+    sky was grey, and the two walked up the white castle-stairway, and she
+    was full of indifference, yes full of hate in her steely eyes, and
+    when I looked for the third time I saw also anger and hate in his
+    glance, and his hair was grey like the grey skies.
+
+    And as they ascended the stairs she dropped her fan, one step down it
+    dropped, and she said with quivering lips and pointed downward: "I
+    dropped my fan--there it lies on the lower step--please hand it to me,
+    dear!"
+
+    And he did not answer, but walked on and called a servant to pick up
+    the fan.
+
+    "This was Love," said Jehovah. "Love perishes. I am Jehovah!"
+
+    And Jehovah touched my eyes for the last time, and I beheld:
+
+    I saw a town and a public square, and I saw a scaffold. And when I
+    listened I heard a seething sound of voices, and when I looked I saw
+    many people who talked and gritted their teeth with joy. And I saw a
+    man who was being bound, a malefactor who was being bound with leather
+    thongs, and the malefactor's countenance was haughty and proud, and
+    his eyes shone like stars. But his garment was torn and his feet stood
+    naked on the ground, and his clothes were almost gone, yes his cloak
+    was worn to almost nothing.
+
+    And I listened and heard a voice, and when I looked I saw that the
+    malefactor was speaking, and the malefactor spoke proudly and
+    gloriously. And they bade him be silent, but he spoke, he testified,
+    he shouted, and when they bade him be silent he did not cease with
+    fear. And when the malefactor spoke the mob ran up and silenced his
+    lips, and when he mutely pointed to the sky and to the sun, and when
+    he pointed to his heart which still beat warmly, the mob ran up and
+    struck him. And when the mob struck him the malefactor fell to his
+    knees, and he knelt and clasped his hands and testified mutely,
+    without words, in spite of the cruel blows.
+
+    And I looked at the malefactor and saw his eyes like stars, and I saw
+    the mob throw him down and hold him on the scaffold with their hands.
+    And when once more I looked I saw an axe-blade write in the air, and
+    when I listened I heard the stroke of the axe against the scaffolding
+    and the people joyfully shouting. And while I listened a
+    single-throated cry rose toward heaven from people groaning with
+    ecstasy.
+
+    But the malefactor's head rolled in the dirt and the mob ran up and
+    seized it and lifted it high by the hair. And the malefactor's head
+    still spoke, and it testified with unquenchable voice and spoke loudly
+    all the words it uttered. And the malefactor's head was not silent
+    even in death.
+
+    But the mob ran up and took hold of the malefactor's head by the
+    tongue and lifted it high by the tongue. And the vanquished tongue was
+    mute, and the tongue spoke no more. But the eyes were like stars, yes,
+    like gleaming stars to be seen by everybody....
+
+    Then Jehovah said: "This was Truth. And Truth speaks even after its
+    head is severed. And with its tongue bound its eyes shine like stars.
+    I am Jehovah!"
+
+    When Jehovah had spoken I fell on my face and spoke not, but was
+    silent with much thought. And I thought that Beauty was lovely ere
+    it waned and Love was sweet ere it perished, and I thought that Truth
+    endured like stars everlasting. And tremblingly I thought of Truth.
+
+    And Jehovah said: "You wanted to know what to choose in life?" And
+    Jehovah said then: "Have you chosen?"
+
+    I lay on my face and answered, full of many thoughts:
+
+    "Beauty was lovely and Love was very sweet; and if I choose Truth,
+    it is like the stars, eternal."
+
+    And Jehovah spake once more and asked me:
+
+    "Have you chosen?"
+
+    And my thoughts were many, my thoughts warred mightily within me, and
+    I answered:
+
+    "Beauty was like a morning glow." And when I had said this I whispered
+    and said: "Love was also sweet and glorious like a little star in my
+    soul."
+
+    But then I felt Jehovah's eye on me, and Jehovah's eye read my
+    thoughts. And for the third time Jehovah asked and said:
+
+    "Have you chosen?"
+
+    And when He said for the third time: "Have you chosen?" my eyes stared
+    with terror, yes, all my strength had left me. And when He said for
+    the last time: "Have you chosen?" I remembered Beauty and Love and
+    remembered them both, and I answered Jehovah:
+
+    "I choose Truth!"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    But I still remember....
+
+"Well, that's all," concluded Norem.
+
+Everybody was silent for a moment; then the Journalist said:
+
+"I refrain from expressing an opinion; I notice Milde is going to say
+something."
+
+And Milde did not refrain; far from it; on the contrary, he had a remark
+to make. Could anybody tell him what it was all about? He admired Ojen as
+much as anybody, but was there any sense to all this "Jehovah said" and
+"Jehovah said"? He wanted to be enlightened.
+
+"But why are you always so unkind to Ojen?" asked Mrs. Hanka. "Memories--
+can't you understand? To me it seemed beautiful and full of feeling; don't
+spoil it for me now." And she turned to Aagot and said: "Didn't you find
+it so, too?"
+
+"But, dear Mrs. Hanka," exclaimed Milde, "don't say that I am always
+unkind to Ojen! Do I not wish him success with his application for the
+subsidy, contrary to my own interests? But this blessed new 'intention' is
+beyond me. Memories--all right. But where, in Heaven's name, is the point?
+Jehovah has never visited him; it is an invention. And, furthermore, why
+didn't he choose both Youth and Beauty, and Truth as well? That is what I
+should have done. The point, I say!"
+
+"But that is just it--there is no definite point," replied Ole Henriksen.
+"So Ojen says in a letter to me. Its effect lies in its euphony, he says."
+
+"He does? No, that fellow is the same wherever he goes. That is the
+trouble. Not even the mountains can do anything for him. Goats' milk and
+pine woods and peasant girls have not the slightest effect on him, as it
+were--I am still at a loss to understand why he sent _you_ his
+manuscript, Ole; but if it is an offence to ask, of course, then--"
+
+"I really don't know why he sent it to me," said Ole quietly. "He tells me
+that he wanted me to see that he was doing something and not wasting his
+time altogether. He is anxious to get back, though; he cannot stand
+Torahus any longer."
+
+Milde whistled.
+
+"I understand! He asked you for carfare!"
+
+"I do not suppose he has much money left. That could hardly be expected,"
+answered Ole, and put the manuscript in his pocket. "As for me, I think it
+is a remarkable poem, irrespective of your opinion."
+
+"Surely, old fellow; but please don't talk about poetry," interrupted
+Milde. And as it dawned on him that he had been a little too rude to the
+poor peddler in Aagot's presence, he added hurriedly: "I mean--Isn't it
+too much of a bore to talk about poetry and poetry all the time? Give us,
+for a change, a little fishery talk, a little railway politics--Isn't it a
+fierce lot of rye you are storing, Tidemand?"
+
+As Tidemand saw many eyes upon him, he could not entirely ignore the
+Artist's question, and he answered:
+
+"Yes, I have tried to strike a modest blow; I cannot deny it. It all
+depends now on how things turn out in Russia. If, in spite of everything
+that had been forecasted, the crops should prove even middling, it does
+not look any too bright for me and my rye. Rains in Russia now would
+mean--"
+
+"Rains are falling now," said Gregersen. "The English papers have been
+informed of a sufficient rainfall in the larger provinces. Are you selling
+your rye already?"
+
+Of course, Tidemand had bought to sell if he could get his price.
+
+Milde had moved over to Paulsberg, and spoke to him in a low whisper.
+Ojen's prose poem had caused him some anxiety. Perhaps, after all, there
+was something to this fellow, this competitor in the matter of the
+subsidy. What was Paulsberg's opinion?
+
+"You know I don't care to speak for or against in such a matter," said
+Paulsberg. "But I have called at the ministry a few times and expressed my
+preference. I hope it may carry some weight."
+
+"Of course, of course, I didn't mean--Well, the Exhibition closes
+to-morrow. We ought to get busy and finish that picture of yours. Can you
+sit tomorrow?"
+
+Paulsberg nodded and turned away.
+
+Irgens had gradually lost his good spirits; it irritated him that no one
+had mentioned his book. It was the latest event; why wasn't it even
+referred to? Everybody was only too familiar with Ojen's filigree fancies.
+Irgens shrugged his shoulders. Paulsberg had not indicated approval of his
+book by a single word. Perhaps he was waiting to be asked? But Irgens
+could get along without Paulsberg's opinion.
+
+Irgens rose.
+
+"Are you going?" asked Mrs. Hanka.
+
+Irgens said good night to her and to Miss Aagot, nodded to the others, and
+left Sara's.
+
+He had only gone a few steps when he heard somebody call him. Mrs. Hanka
+was hurrying after him; she had left her wraps in the cafe and had
+followed in order to say good night properly. Wasn't that nice of her? She
+smiled and was very happy.
+
+"I have hardly seen you since I got your book. How I have enjoyed every
+word!" she exclaimed, and put her hand in his coat pocket in order to be
+close to him. He felt that she left an envelope in his pocket. "Oh, your
+verses, your verses!" she said again and again.
+
+He could not remain impassive in the presence of this warm admiration. He
+wanted to return it, to show her how fond he was of her, and while in this
+mood he confided to her that he, too, had applied for the subsidy. What
+did she think of that? He had really applied, briefly and without
+enclosing any recommendations, simply sending his book. That ought to be
+sufficient.
+
+Mrs. Hanka did not answer at once.
+
+"You have suffered, then," she said; "you have lacked--I mean, you have
+had to apply like the others--"
+
+"Well, good Lord," he answered, and laughed, "what are the subsidies for,
+anyway? I have not suffered want; but why not apply when one can do it
+without loss of prestige? And I did not humble myself; be sure of that. 'I
+hereby apply for the subsidy and enclose my last book'--that was all.
+There was no kowtowing whatever. And when I survey my fellow applicants I
+hardly think I shall be entirely eclipsed. What is your opinion?"
+
+She smiled and said:
+
+"No, you will not be eclipsed."
+
+He put his arm around her and said:
+
+"Now, Hanka, you must go back--I can endure it all as long as you are in
+town, but when you go away it will look very dark for me! I shan't know
+what to do with myself then."
+
+"I am only going to the country," she said.
+
+"Isn't that enough? We shall be separated just the same, for you know I
+cannot leave the city. When are you going?"
+
+"I imagine in about a week."
+
+"I wish you wouldn't go away, Hanka!" he exclaimed, and stood still.
+
+Mrs. Hanka reflected.
+
+"Would it really please you so much if I stayed?" she asked. "All right;
+then I'll stay. Yes, I will. It will be hard on the children, but--Anyway,
+it is enough for me that I make you glad."
+
+They had reached Sara's once more.
+
+"Good night," he said happily. "Thank you, Hanka! When shall I see you
+again? I am longing--"
+
+
+
+
+III
+
+
+Three days later Irgens received a note from Mrs. Hanka.
+
+He was down-town; he had met a few acquaintances; he did not say much, but
+was in a satisfied frame of mind. He had taken a look at Paulsberg's great
+portrait which was now exhibited in the Arrow, in the large window which
+everybody had to pass; people crowded in front of it continually. The
+painting was elegant and obtrusive; Paulsberg's well-groomed form looked
+very distinguished in the plain cane-bottomed chair, and people wondered
+if that was the chair in which he had written his books. All the
+newspapers had mentioned the picture in flattering terms.
+
+Irgens had a glass of wine in front of him and listened abstractedly to
+the conversation. Tidemand was still optimistic; that bit of rain in
+Russia had not depressed his hopes. The prices were not soaring as yet,
+but they surely would. Suddenly Irgens pricked up his ears: Tidemand was
+talking about their summer plans.
+
+"We are not going to the country after all," he said; "Hanka thought--In
+fact, I told her plainly that if she wanted to go she would have to go
+alone; I was too busy to think of getting off. Hanka was very nice about
+it; she agreed to stay in the city."
+
+The door opened and Milde entered. The corpulent chap beamed happily and
+shouted, full of the great sensation he was going to spring:
+
+"Congratulate me, good people, I have won the prize! Imagine, in its
+inscrutable wisdom the ministry has chosen to bestow the subsidy upon me!"
+
+"Have _you_ received the subsidy?" asked Irgens slowly.
+
+"Yes, can you understand it? How it happened I am at a loss to know. I got
+it from under your very noses! I hear that you, too, applied, Irgens?"
+
+Silence fell upon the crowd at the table. Nobody had expected that, and
+they were all wondering what influence had been brought to bear. Milde had
+got the subsidy--what next?
+
+"Well, I congratulate you!" said Tidemand, and gave Milde his hand.
+
+"Thank you," Milde replied. "I want you to lend me some money now, so that
+I can celebrate properly; you'll get it back when I cash in."
+
+Irgens looked at his watch as if he suddenly remembered something and got
+up.
+
+"I, too, congratulate you," he said. "I am sorry to have to leave at once;
+I have to--No; my object in applying was an entirely different one; I'll
+tell you about it later," he added in order to hide his disappointment.
+
+Irgens went home. So Milde had been chosen! That was the way Norway
+rewarded her talents. Here he had hurled his inspired lyric in their
+faces, and they did not even know what it was! _Whom_ had they
+preferred? None other than oil-painter Milde, collector of ladies'
+corsets!
+
+Of course, he knew how it had happened; Paulsberg was behind it. Paulsberg
+had supported Milde's application, and Milde had painted Paulsberg's
+picture. A simon-pure advertising conspiracy! And when Irgens passed the
+Arrow and saw the painting he spat contemptuously on the pavement. He had
+seen through this hypocritical scurviness. However, he would find means to
+make himself felt.
+
+But why in the world should Lars Paulsberg be allowed to dispose of these
+subsidies? True, he had never let slip an opportunity to ingratiate
+himself with the newspapers; he had his press-agents; he took good care
+that his name shouldn't be forgotten. But apart from that? Alas, a few
+novels in the style of the seventies, a popular and amateurish criticism
+of such a moss-grown dogma as the Atonement! What did it amount to when
+one looked at it critically? But the fact that he had the press behind him
+made his words carry weight. Yes, he was certainly a shrewd and thrifty
+soul, a real backwoods bargain-hunter. He knew what he was doing when he
+even allowed his wife to accept Journalist Gregersen's beer-perfumed
+attentions! Faugh, what a sordid mess!
+
+Well, he was not going to gain success by employing such methods; he hoped
+he would manage to get along without unfairness. He had one weapon--his
+pen. That was the kind of man _he_ was.
+
+He went home and locked his door. There would still be time to regain his
+composure before Mrs. Hanka's arrival. He tried to write, but found it
+impossible. He paced back and forth furiously, pale with anger, bitter and
+vindictive because of this defeat. He would, by Heaven, avenge this wrong;
+no gentle words were to flow from his pen henceforth!
+
+At last Mrs. Hanka arrived.
+
+No matter how often she had entered this apartment, she always felt a
+certain embarrassment at first, and she usually said in order to hide it:
+"Does Mr. Irgens live here?"
+
+But she noticed at once that Irgens was not in a playful mood to-day, and
+she asked what was the matter. When he had told her of the great calamity
+she, too, was indignant: "How unjust! What a scandal! Had Milde been
+selected?"
+
+"In payment for Paulsberg's portrait," said Irgens. "Well, it cannot be
+helped; don't let it irritate you; I am reconciled."
+
+"You take it beautifully; I don't see how you can."
+
+"The only effect it has on me is to make me a little bitter; it does not
+break my spirit."
+
+"I simply cannot understand it; no, I can't. Did you send your book with
+your application?"
+
+"Certainly--Oh, my book! I might as well not have written it; so far
+nobody seems to have noticed it. There has been no review of it so far in
+any of the papers." And, angry because of this newspaper neglect of his
+work, he gritted his teeth and walked up and down.
+
+She looked sadly at him.
+
+"Now, don't allow this to embitter you," she said. "You have great
+provocation, but all the same--You can live without that miserable
+subsidy. You know that nobody is your equal!"
+
+"And what good does that do me? Judge for yourself; my book has not been
+mentioned in a single newspaper!"
+
+Mrs. Hanka had for the first time--yes, for the very first time--a feeling
+that her hero was not the superior being she had imagined. A shuddering
+thought pierced her heart: he did not carry his disappointment with more
+than ordinary pride. She looked at him a little closer. His eyes were not
+so clear, his mouth was drawn and his nostrils dilated. But it was only a
+shuddering thought.
+
+Then he added: "You might do me the favour to try to interest Gregersen in
+my book, and see if he won't review it in the _Gazette_." And as he
+noticed that she grew more and more thoughtful, that she even looked
+interrogatingly straight into his eyes, he added: "Of course, you need not
+ask him directly--only give him a little hint, a reminder."
+
+Could this be Irgens? But she remembered at once his painful position,
+alone as he was, fighting a conspiracy single-handed; and she excused him.
+She ought to have thought of giving Gregersen a little hint herself and
+spared her Poet this humiliation. Yes, she certainly would speak to
+Gregersen at once.
+
+And Irgens thanked her; his bitterness vanished slowly. They sat silently
+on the sofa some time; then she said:
+
+"Listen! An awful thing happened with that red tie of yours--you remember
+the one I took from you once? He saw it!"
+
+"How could you be so careless? What did he say?"
+
+"Nothing; he never says anything. It fell out as I opened my dress. Well,
+don't let that worry you; it doesn't matter. When can I see you again?"
+
+Ever, _ever_ her tenderness was the same! Irgens took her hand and
+caressed it. How fortunate he was to have her! She was the only one in all
+the world who understood him, who was good to him--How about that stay in
+the country? Had she given it up?
+
+Yes; she was not going. She told him frankly that she had had no trouble
+changing her husband's mind; he had given in at once. But she was sorry
+for the children.
+
+"Yes," answered Irgens sympathetically. And suddenly he asked in a
+whisper:
+
+"Did you lock the door as you came in?"
+
+She glanced at him, lowered her eyes and whispered: "Yes."
+
+
+
+
+IV
+
+
+On the 17th of May, [Footnote: Norway's Independence Day.] in the
+morning, the birds are singing over the city.
+
+A coal-heaver, tired from a night of toil, wanders up through the docks
+with his shovel across his shoulder; he is black, weary, and athirst; he
+is going home. And as he walks along, the city begins to stir; a shade is
+raised here and there; flags are flung from the windows. It is the 17th of
+May.
+
+All stores and schools are closed; the roar from the wharves and factories
+is stilled. Only the winches rattle; they shatter the air with their
+cheerful noise this bright morning. Departing steamers blow white clouds
+of steam from their exhausts; the docks are busy, the harbour is alive.
+
+And letter-carriers and telegraph messengers have already commenced their
+rounds, bringing news, scattering information through the doors, whirling
+up in the hearts of men emotions and feelings like leaves in an autumn
+wind.
+
+A stray dog with his nose on the pavement lopes through the streets, hot
+on a scent and without a thought for anything else. Suddenly he stops,
+jumps up and whines; he has found a little girl who is leaving on every
+stoop newspapers full of 17th-of-May freedom and bold, ringing phrases.
+The little girl jerks her tiny body in all directions, twitches her
+shoulders, blinks and hurries from door to door. She is pale and
+emaciated; she has Saint Vitus's dance.
+
+The coal-heaver continues his walk with a heavy, long stride. He has
+earned a good night's wage; these enormous English coal-steamers and the
+many merchantmen from all over the world are indeed a blessing to such as
+he! His shovel is shiny with wear; he shifts it to his other shoulder and
+it glitters with every step he takes, signals to heaven with gleaming
+flashes; it cuts the air like a weapon and shines like silver. The
+coal-heaver runs foul of a gentleman coming out of a gateway; the
+gentleman smells of liquor and looks a little shaky; his clothes are
+silk-lined. As soon as he has lit a cigar he saunters down the street and
+disappears.
+
+The gentleman's face is small and round, like a girl's; he is young and
+promising; it is Ojen, leader and model for all youthful poets. He has
+been in the mountains to regain his health, and since his return he has
+had many glorious nights; his friends have acclaimed him without ceasing.
+
+As he turns toward the fortress he meets a man he seems to know; they both
+stop.
+
+"Pardon me, but haven't we met before?" asks Ojen politely.
+
+The stranger answers with a smile:
+
+"Yes, on Torahus. We spent an evening together."
+
+"Of course; your name is Coldevin. I thought I knew you. How are you?"
+
+"Oh, so so--But are you abroad so early?"
+
+"Well, to tell the truth, I haven't been to bed yet."
+
+"Oh, I see!"
+
+"The fact of the matter is that I have hardly been in bed a single night
+since my return. I am in the hands of my friends. And that means that I am
+in my element once more--It is strange, Mr. Coldevin, how I need the city;
+I love it! Look at these houses, these straight, pure lines! I only feel
+at home here. The mountains--Lord preserve us! And yet, I expected much
+when I went there."
+
+"How did you get on? Did you get rid of your nervousness?"
+
+"Did I? To tell you the truth, my nervousness is part of myself; it
+belongs to me, as the Doctor says; there is nothing to be done about it."
+
+"So you have been to the mountains and substantiated the fact that your
+nervousness is chronic? Poor young talent, to be afflicted with such a
+weakness!"
+
+Ojen looked at him in amazement. But Coldevin smiled and continued to talk
+innocently. So he did not like the country? But did he not feel that his
+talent had been benefited by the mountain air?
+
+"Not at all. I have never noticed that my talent stood in need of
+bracing."
+
+"Of course not."
+
+"I have written a lengthy prose poem while I was away, so you see I have
+not altogether wasted my time. Well, you will pardon me for renewing our
+acquaintance so abruptly; but I must get home and get a little sleep now.
+Very pleased to have met you again."
+
+And Ojen walked off.
+
+Coldevin shouted after him:
+
+"But it is the 17th of May to-day!"
+
+Ojen turned and looked surprised.
+
+"Well, what of it?"
+
+Coldevin shook his head and laughed shortly.
+
+"Nothing. Nothing at all. I only wanted to see if you remembered it. And I
+see that you remembered it perfectly."
+
+"Yes," said Ojen, "one does not altogether forget the teachings of
+childhood days."
+
+Coldevin stood there and looked after him. _He_ was only waiting for
+the processions to start. His coat was beginning to be rather shiny; it
+was carefully brushed, but shabby; in the left lapel was fastened securely
+a little silk bow in the Norwegian colours.
+
+He shivered, for the air was still chilly; he walked rapidly in order to
+get down to the harbour whence sounded the energetic rattle of anchor
+chains. He nodded and glanced at the waving flags, counted them, and
+followed their graceful billowing against the blue sky. Here and there a
+few pale theatre bills were posted on pillars; he went from one to another
+and read great and famous names--masterpieces from earlier periods. He
+happened to think of Irgens's lyric drama, but he looked for it in vain.
+And he turned his face toward the sea; the rattle of chains reached his
+ears refreshingly.
+
+The ships were dressed in bunting; the entire harbour scintillated with
+these bright colours against the blue. Coldevin breathed deeply and stood
+still. The odour of coal and tar, of wine and fruit, of fish and oils; the
+roar from engines and traffic, the shouts, the footfalls on the decks, the
+song from a young sailor who was shining shoes in his shirtsleeves--it all
+stirred him with a violent joy which almost made his eyes moisten. What a
+power was here! What ships! The harbour gleamed; far away he saw Miss
+Aagot's little yacht with the shining masthead.
+
+He lost himself in this spectacle. Time passed; suddenly he dived into a
+basement restaurant that had opened up and asked for a sandwich for
+breakfast. When he emerged a little later there were many people in the
+streets; it was getting along toward the time for the boys' parade to
+start. He had to hurry; it would never do to miss the processions.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Along toward three o'clock a few members of the clique had occupied a
+vantage-point at the corner, in order to see the big procession pass by
+toward the Royal Castle. None of them marched in the parade. Suddenly one
+of them called out:
+
+"Look, there is Coldevin!"
+
+They saw him march now under one, now under another banner; it was as if
+he wanted to belong to them all; he was almost too enthusiastic to keep in
+step. Attorney Grande crossed over and joined the procession; he caught up
+with Coldevin and started a conversation.
+
+"And where is the young Norway?" asked Coldevin, "the poets, the artists--
+why aren't they marching? They ought to; it would not hurt their talent.
+It might not help it much, either; I don't say that, but I am sure it
+would never hurt. The trouble is, they don't care! They are indifferent;
+but it is surely wrong to be so indifferent."
+
+Coldevin had grown still more absurd, although he spoke with his usual
+calm deliberation. He was obstinate; he talked about the suffrage
+movement, and even hinted that it would be better if women should be a
+little more anxious to make their homes attractive. It was wrong, he said,
+that women should think too little of their home life and prefer a
+hall-room in order to become what they called "independent." They had to
+"study" until they, too, could wear glasses; they went to a business
+school if they could do no better. And they did their things so
+excellently that they were graduated, and if they were lucky they would
+finally secure a position at twenty crowns a month. Fine! But they had to
+pay twenty-seven for the hall-room and meals. Then they were
+"independent"!
+
+"But you cannot say that it is the fault of the women if their work is
+paid so poorly," objected the Attorney, whose wife was liberal.
+
+Certainly, these arguments were familiar; they were old and tried. They
+had been answered, but.... In fact, they had been riddled several thousand
+times. But the worst of it was that the home was simply destroyed by the
+corroding influence of these ideas. Coldevin accentuated this. He had
+noticed that a great many people here in the city mainly lived in the
+restaurants. He had looked for acquaintances in their homes, but in vain;
+however, he met them when he occasionally went to a café. He did not want
+to speak about artists and authors; they simply did not have nor did they
+want any other home than the cafés, and he did not understand how they
+could accomplish anything under these circumstances. But women nowadays
+were lacking in ambition and heart; they were satisfied with the mixed
+company they found in these hang-outs. They did not extend themselves in
+any one direction; they were not occupied with any single idea; they
+became simply roundheaded. God, how rarely one nowadays saw real race!
+
+Somebody in the procession called for cheers and was answered with
+scattering hurrahs. Coldevin cheered enthusiastically, although he did not
+hear what the cheers were for. He looked resentfully down the ranks and
+swung his hat, urging the marchers to shout still louder.
+
+"These people don't know how to cheer!" he said. "They shout in a whisper;
+nobody can hear them. Help me, Mr. Attorney, and we'll liven them up!"
+
+The Attorney thought it fun and shouted with him until they succeeded in
+stirring up the dying hurrahs.
+
+"Once again!" shouted Coldevin.
+
+And again the cheers rolled down the ranks.
+
+The Attorney said smilingly:
+
+"That you should _care_ to do this!"
+
+Coldevin looked at him. He said seriously:
+
+"You should not say that. We should all care to do this; it would not hurt
+us. Of course, this parading has not in itself great significance; but
+there will be opportunities to cheer for Norway, for the flag, and then we
+ought to be present. Who knows--these booming cheers may have their effect
+on Parliament; it may be reminded of a few things it has begun to forget--
+a little loyalty, a little steadfastness. People should not be so
+unconcerned; now is the time for the young to step forward. Perhaps, if
+the youth of the country had shown up occasionally and met together and
+hurrahed at times, Parliament might have settled a few things differently
+lately. And, if you had cared to take a walk along the docks to-day and
+witnessed the nation's life throb so mightily, then, by Heaven, you would
+have felt that the country is worth our cheers--"
+
+The Attorney spied Ojen on the sidewalk; he excused himself and stepped
+out of the procession. He looked back a moment later and saw that Coldevin
+had changed places again; he was marching under the business-men's banner,
+erect, grey-bearded, and shabby, with the glint of the Norwegian colours
+on his lapel.
+
+
+
+
+V
+
+
+Aagot was dressed for the excursion; she pulled on her gloves and was
+ready.
+
+It had not been at all difficult to arrange this little trip; Ole had only
+requested that she be careful and dress warmly; it was only May.
+
+And they started.
+
+It was calm, warm, and bright; not a cloud in the skies. Irgens had the
+boat ready; they had only to go aboard. He spoke intentionally about
+indifferent matters; he wanted to make her forget that she had originally
+agreed to this island trip with a whispered yes, a sudden submission right
+before Ole's very eyes. She was reassured. Irgens had not invested her
+sudden consent with a deeper significance than she had intended; he walked
+along as unconcernedly as possible and talked about the weather and almost
+had to be hurried along. Just as they were on the verge of starting she
+caught a glimpse of Coldevin, who stood on the dock half hidden behind a
+pile of boxes. She jumped out of the boat and called:
+
+"Coldevin! I want to see you!"
+
+It was impossible to avoid her; he stepped forward and took off his hat.
+
+She gave him her hand. Where in the world had he kept himself all this
+time? Dear me, why was he never to be seen? It began to look a little
+strange--really it did.
+
+He stammered an excuse, spoke about library work, a translation from a
+book, an absolutely necessary bit of work....
+
+But she interrupted and asked where he lived now. She had looked for him
+at the hotel but was told that he had left; nobody knew where he had gone.
+She had also had a glimpse of him on the seventeenth; she was in the Grand
+and saw him march by in the parade.
+
+He repeated his excuses and trotted out the old joke about the impropriety
+of disturbing sweethearts too much. He smiled good-naturedly as he spoke.
+
+She observed him carefully. His clothes were threadbare, his face had
+become thinner, and she wondered suddenly if he were in want. Why had he
+left the hotel, and where did he live? He said something about a friend, a
+college chum--honest, a teacher, a splendid fellow.
+
+Aagot asked when he was going back to Torahus, but he did not know
+exactly; he was unable to say. As long as he had this library work and was
+so busy....
+
+Well, he simply must promise to come before he went away; she insisted.
+And she asked suddenly: "When I saw you on the seventeenth, didn't you
+have a bow in your buttonhole?"
+
+Certainly, he had a bow; one had to show the colours on such a day! Didn't
+she remember that she had given it to him herself? She had wanted him to
+be decorated last year, when he was going to speak to the peasants at
+Torahus, and she had given him the bow. Didn't she remember?
+
+Aagot recalled it. She asked:
+
+"Was it really the same bow?"
+
+"Yes; isn't it strange? I happened to come across it; I must have brought
+it along with some clothes; I found it by accident."
+
+"Imagine! I thought at once it was my bow. It made me glad; I don't know
+why," she said and bowed her head.
+
+Irgens shouted and asked her if she were coming.
+
+"No!" she called bluntly and without thinking. She did not even turn her
+head. But when she realised how she had answered she grew confused and
+cried to Irgens: "Pardon me just a moment!" And she turned to Coldevin
+again: "I would have loved to stay and talk with you, but I have no time;
+I am going to the island." She offered Coldevin her hand and said:
+"Anyway, I hope everything will turn out for the best; don't you think it
+will, too? I am sorry to have to hurry off. So long; be sure and come up
+soon!"
+
+She skipped down the steps and into the boat. Again she apologised for
+keeping Irgens waiting.
+
+And Irgens rowed out. They talked about the sea, the far journeys, the
+strange countries; he had been abroad only in his dreams, and he supposed
+that would be the extent of his travellings. He looked sad and listless.
+Suddenly he said:
+
+"I hear you are not going to the country after all."
+
+"No. The Tidemands have changed their plans."
+
+"So I am told. It is a pity; I am sorry for your sake, in a way." And,
+resting on his oars, he added bluntly: "But I am glad for my own sake; I
+admit it frankly."
+
+Aagot skipped up the stone jetty when they landed. The trees delighted
+her; it was ages since she had seen a real forest--such great big trees,
+just like home. She sniffed the pungent, pine-laden air, she looked at
+stones and flowers with a feeling of recognition; memories from home
+surged through her, and she was for an instant on the verge of tears.
+
+"But here are other people!" she exclaimed suddenly.
+
+Irgens laughed: "What did you expect? This is not a jungle, exactly."
+
+They explored the island thoroughly, saw the changing views, and had
+refreshments. Aagot beamed. The walk in the bracing air had flushed her
+cheeks, her lips, her ears, even her nose; her eyes were sparkling gaily.
+She suddenly remembered that she had almost pouted in disappointment when
+she saw other people; what must Irgens have thought?
+
+"I was at first a little surprised to find so many people here," she said.
+"The reason was that you told me you had written some of your poems here,
+and I did not think you could have done that unless you had been entirely
+undisturbed."
+
+How she remembered! He gazed at her exultantly and answered that he had
+his own restful nook where nobody ever came. It was on the other side;
+should they go over?
+
+They went. It was certainly a restful place, a regular wilderness of rocks
+and heather and junipers, enclosed on two sides. Far in the distance could
+be seen a little glade. They sat down.
+
+"So this is where you sit and write!" she exclaimed. "It is strange to
+think of. Were you sitting here?"
+
+"About here. Do you know, it is refreshing to meet such a spontaneous
+interest as yours?"
+
+"Tell me, how do you write your things? Do the thoughts come to you
+without conscious effort?"
+
+"Yes, in a way. Things affect one pleasantly or otherwise, and the mood is
+there. But the trouble then is to make the words reflect the love or hate
+one's heart feels at the moment. Often it is useless even to try; one can
+never find words adequately to express that languid gesture of your hand,
+to define that evanescent thrill your laughter sends through one--"
+
+Slowly the sun sank; a tremor quivered through the trees, and all was
+still.
+
+"Listen," he said, "do you hear the noise boiling away yonder in the
+city?"
+
+He noted how her dress tightened across her knee; he followed the curving
+outline of her figure, saw how her bosom rose and sank, observed her face
+with the darling dimple and the somewhat irregular nose; his blood stirred
+and he moved closer to her. He spoke in fumbling, broken sentences:
+
+"This is now the Isle of the Blest, and its name is Evenrest. The sun is
+sinking; we are here--the world far off; it is exactly my dream of dreams.
+Tell me, does my voice disturb you? You seem so far away--Miss Lynum, it
+is useless to continue the struggle; I surrender to you. I lie at your
+feet and tell you this, although I have not moved--"
+
+The swift change in his expression, the low, vibrant, fervent voice, his
+nearness--for a moment she was completely, stupidly stunned. She looked at
+him for an instant without answering. Then her cheeks began to flame; she
+started to get up and said quickly:
+
+"But isn't it time to go?"
+
+"No!" he exclaimed. "No, don't go!" He took hold of her dress, flung his
+arm around her, and held her back. She struggled with face aglow, laughing
+uncertainly, making vain efforts to free herself.
+
+"You must be crazy," she said again and again; "have you completely
+forgotten yourself?"
+
+"Please, let me at least tell you something!"
+
+"Well, what is it?" she asked and sat still; she turned her face away, but
+she listened.
+
+And he began speaking rapidly and incoherently; his heart-beats trembled
+in his voice, which was persuasive and full of tenderness. She could see
+that all he wanted was to make her understand how unspeakably he loved
+her; how he had been conquered, subdued as never before. She must believe
+him; it had lain dormant and grown in his heart since the very first time
+he met her. He had fought and struggled to keep his feelings within
+bounds; but it was true--such a struggle was not very effective. It was
+too sweet to yield, and so one yielded. One fought on with a steadily
+slipping grip. And now the end had come; he could not fight any more, he
+was entirely disarmed.... "I believe my breast will burst asunder."...
+
+Still leaning away from him, she had turned her face and was gazing at him
+while he spoke. Her hands had ceased their ineffectual efforts and were
+now resting on his, tightly clasped around her waist; she saw the blood
+leap through the veins along his throat. She straightened up and sat
+erect; his hands were still around her, but she did not seem to notice it
+now. She seized her gloves and said with quivering lips:
+
+"But, Irgens, you should not say such things to me. You know you
+shouldn't. It is sad, but I cannot help it now."
+
+"No, you are right; I don't suppose I ought to have said it, but--" He
+gazed at her; his lips were trembling too. "But, Miss Aagot, what would
+_you_ do if your love made you weak and powerless; if it robbed you
+of your senses and blinded you to everything else? I mean--"
+
+"Yes, but say nothing more!" she interrupted. "I understand you in a way,
+but--You know, I cannot listen to this." She looked at the arms around
+her waist, and with a sudden jerk she moved away and got up.
+
+She was still so confused that she remained standing immobile; she did not
+even brush the heather from her dress. And when he got up she made no
+effort to go, but remained where she was.
+
+"Listen, I want you to promise not to tell this to anybody. I am afraid--
+And you must not think of me any more. I had no idea that you really
+cared; of course, I thought that you liked me very much--I had begun to
+think that; but I never thought--'How could _he_ care for
+_me?_' I always thought. If you want me to I will go back to Torahus
+and stay there awhile."
+
+He was deeply moved; he swallowed hard and his eyes grew moist. This
+delicious simplicity, these candid words, her very attitude, which was
+free from fear and entirely unaffected--his feelings flared up in him like
+a consuming flame: No, no, not to Torahus--only stay! He would control
+himself, would show her that he could control himself; she must not go
+away. Even should he lose his mind and perish altogether--rather that, if
+she would only stay!
+
+He continued talking while he was brushing off her dress. She must pardon
+him; he was not like everybody else, he was a poet; when it came over him
+he must yield. But he would give her no further cause for complaint if she
+would only stay.... Wouldn't she mind going away the least little bit,
+though? No, of course, he had no false illusions.
+
+Pause. He was waiting for her to answer, to contradict him; perhaps she
+would go to Torahus a little regretfully after all? But she remained
+silent. Did she, then, hold him in so slight regard? Impossible! Still,
+the thought began to worry him; he felt aggrieved, hurt, almost slighted.
+He repeated his question: Did all his love for her not call forth the
+tiniest responsive spark in her heart?
+
+She answered gently and sorrowfully:
+
+"Please do not ask. What do you think Ole would say if he heard you?"
+
+Ole? He had not given him a thought. Did he really play the role of
+competitor to Ole Henriksen? It was too ridiculous. He could not believe
+that she meant what she had said. Ole might be all right as far as that
+went; he bought and sold, went his peddler rounds through life, paid his
+bills and added dollars to his hoard. That was all. Did money really
+matter so much to her? God knows, perhaps even this girlish little head
+had its concealed nook where thoughts were figuring in crowns and pennies!
+
+Irgens was silent for an instant; he felt the pangs of jealousy. Ole might
+be able to hold her; he was tall and blue-eyed--perhaps she even preferred
+him?
+
+"Ole?" he said. "I do not care in the least what he would say. Ole does
+not exist for me; it is you I love."
+
+She seemed startled for the first time; she frowned a little and began to
+walk away.
+
+"This is too contemptible!" she said. "I wish you hadn't said that. So it
+is me you love? Well, don't tell me any more about it."
+
+"Miss Aagot--one word only. Don't you care the least little bit for me?"
+
+He had seized her arm; she had to look at him. He was too violent; he did
+not control himself as he had promised; he was not very handsome now.
+
+She answered: "I love Ole; I hope you understand that."
+
+The sun sank deeper. People had left the island; only an occasional late
+straggler was still seen walking along the road toward the city. Irgens
+did not ask questions any more; he spoke only when necessary. Aagot tried
+in vain to start a conversation; she had all she could do to keep her
+heart under control.
+
+When they were in the boat again he said: "Perhaps you would have
+preferred to drive back alone? I may be able to find a hackman for you, if
+you like."
+
+"Now don't be angry any more!" she said.
+
+She could hardly keep her eyes from brimming over; she forced herself to
+think of indifferent matters in order to regain control over herself; she
+gazed back toward the island, followed the flight of a bird that sailed
+gracefully above the water. She asked:
+
+"Is that water over there?"
+
+"No," he answered; "it is a meadow; the dew makes it look dark."
+
+"Imagine! To me it looked like water." But as it was impossible to talk
+further about this green meadow they were both silent.
+
+He was rowing hard; they approached the docks. He landed and jumped out to
+help her ashore. Neither of them had gloves on; her warm hand rested in
+his, and she took the opportunity of thanking him for the trip.
+
+"I want to ask you to forget that I have bothered you with my heart
+troubles," he said.
+
+And he lifted his hat, without waiting for an answer, jumped into the
+boat, and pushed off.
+
+She had stopped at the head of the steps. She saw that he went back into
+the boat, and wanted to call to him and ask where he was going; but she
+gave it up. He saw her fair form disappear across the jetty.
+
+He had in reality not intended to do this; he acted on the spur of the
+moment, embarrassed as he was, hardly knowing what he was doing. He seized
+the oars and rowed out again, towards the island. The evening was
+wondrously calm. Now, when he was alone, he realised how deep was his
+despair; another disappointment, another fall, the very worst! And not a
+star in the murky night! He suddenly remembered Hanka, who probably had
+looked for him to-day; who perhaps was seeking him even now. No; Hanka was
+not fair; Hanka was dark; she did not radiate, but she allured. But how
+was it--didn't she walk a little peculiarly? No, Hanka did not have
+Aagot's carriage. And why was it her laugh no longer made his blood
+tingle?
+
+He rested on the oars and let the boat drift. It grew darker. Fragmentary
+thoughts drifted through his brain: a rudderless ship on the buffeting
+waves, an emperor in defeat, King Lear, thoughts and thoughts. He went aft
+and began to write on the back of some envelopes, verse upon verse. Thank
+God, nothing could rob him of his talent! And this thought sent a thrill
+of warm happiness coursing through his veins.
+
+
+
+
+VI
+
+
+Tidemand was still optimistic; his ice business in England was very
+profitable. He did not place much faith in the reports that extensive
+rains throughout Russia had greatly improved the prospects for a normal
+harvest. It had rained, of course, but the fact remained that Russia was
+still closed; not a sack of grain could be smuggled out if one were to
+offer for it its weight in gold. Tidemand stuck to his price; occasionally
+he would sell small quantities throughout the country, but his enormous
+stores were hardly affected by this; he needed a panic, a famine, before
+he could unload. But there was no hurry; only wait until winter!
+
+As usual, Tidemand was eagerly sought by business solicitors of every
+description; subscription lists and all kinds of propositions were placed
+before him; his name was in demand everywhere. Nothing could be started
+without the support of the business element; and it was especially the
+younger business men, the energetic and self-made men who conducted the
+large enterprises, who commanded money and credit and knew and recognised
+opportunities, whose interest had to be enlisted. There was the electric
+street-car proposition, the new theatre, the proposed pulp-mills in
+Vardal, the whale-oil factories in Henningsvaer--everything had to have
+the business men's stamp of approval. Both Tidemand and Ole Henriksen
+became share-owners in everything as a matter of course.
+
+"My father should have known this!" Tidemand would often say when he gave
+his signature. His father had a reputation for miserly thrift which had
+survived him; he was one of the old-fashioned tradesmen, who went around
+in his shirt-sleeves and apron, and weighed out soap and flour by the
+pound. He had no time to dress decently; his shoes were still a byword;
+the toes were sticking out, and when he walked it looked as if his toes
+were searching for pennies on the flagstones. The son did not resemble the
+father much; for him the old horizons had been broken, cracked wide, and
+opened large views; his optimistic business courage was recognised.
+
+Ole Henriksen had just dropped in on him in his office and was talking
+about the projected tannery for which an ideal site had been found near
+Torahus. This enterprise was bound to amount to something in the near
+future; the great forests were being cut rapidly; the lumber was sold here
+and abroad. But two and three inch cuttings and the tops were left and
+went to waste. What a lack of foresight! Pine bark contained nearly twenty
+per cent tannin; why not utilise it and make money out of it?
+
+"We will see what can be done next spring."
+
+Ole Henriksen looked a little overworked. He had not sufficient help; when
+he went to England that autumn he would have to give his head assistant
+power of attorney and leave everything to him. Since Aagot came Ole's work
+had been only fun; but now she was a little indisposed and had kept
+up-stairs for a couple of days. Ole missed her. She must have been
+careless on this excursion day before yesterday and have caught a cold. He
+had wanted to take her out in the little yacht, but this had now been
+postponed until Sunday. He asked Tidemand to come along; there would be a
+few more; they would sail out to some reef and have coffee.
+
+"Are you sure Miss Aagot will be well by Sunday?" asked Tidemand. "These
+boat-rides are dangerous so early in the year. What I was going to say
+was: Won't you please ask Hanka yourself? I am not sure I can make her
+come--In regard to this tannery proposition, I think I shall have to hold
+the matter in abeyance for the present. It will also depend on the lumber
+quotations to some extent."
+
+Ole returned after he had looked up Hanka and invited her. He wondered a
+little over Tidemand's remark about boat-rides being dangerous; Tidemand
+had given the remark a subtle meaning, and Ole had looked at him
+interrogatingly.
+
+Ole found Aagot in her own room; she was reading. When he entered she
+threw down her book and ran to him. She was well again, entirely well--
+just feel the pulse, not a trace of fever! How she looked forward to
+Sunday! Ole warned her again about being careful; she would have to dress
+properly. Even Tidemand had spoken about these risky boat-rides so early
+in the season.
+
+"And you are going to be the hostess!" he chaffed her. "What a darling
+little mistress! By the way, what are you reading?"
+
+"Oh, that is only Irgens's poems," she answered.
+
+"Don't say 'only' Irgens's poems," he chided her playfully. "By the way, I
+ran across Coldevin a moment ago; he said he was looking for somebody. I
+couldn't get him to come up--he simply wouldn't."
+
+"Did you invite him to our excursion?" asked Aagot quickly. She seemed
+very much disappointed because Ole had forgotten to ask him. He had to
+promise her to try his best to find Coldevin before Sunday.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Tidemand rang Henriksen's bell late Saturday evening and asked for Ole. He
+did not want to come in; it was only a small matter, he would keep Ole
+only a minute.
+
+When Ole came out he saw at once that something serious had happened. He
+asked whether they should go down to the office or take a walk; Tidemand
+did not care which. They went downstairs to the office.
+
+Tidemand took out a telegram and said:
+
+"I fancy my rye speculation isn't going to turn out very well. The prices
+are normal at present; Russia has lifted the ban."
+
+It was true that Russia had recalled her decree against rye exportations.
+The favourable prospects had not proved disappointing, and this, in
+connection with large amounts of grain stored in the elevators from
+previous years, had made further restrictions superfluous. The famine
+ghost had been laid; Russian and Finnish harbours were once more open.
+Such was the purport of the telegraphic message.
+
+Ole sat there silent. This was an awful blow! His brain was awhirl with
+thoughts: could the telegram be a hoax, a piece of speculative trickery, a
+bribed betrayal? He glanced at the signature; no, it was out of the
+question to suspect this reliable agent. But had anything like that ever
+happened before? A world-power had fooled itself and taken
+self-destructive measures for no apparent reason! It was even worse than
+in fifty-nine when a similar edict had been lifted and had caused the
+world-markets wreck and ruin. But there had been war then.
+
+The clock on the wall ticked and ticked in the unbroken silence.
+
+Finally Ole asked: "Are you sure the wire is authentic?"
+
+"It is authentic enough, I fancy," said Tidemand. "My agent wired me twice
+yesterday to sell, and I sold what I could, sold even below the day's
+quotations; but what did that amount to? I lost heavily yesterday, I tell
+you."
+
+"Well, don't do anything hastily now; let us consider this carefully. But
+why did you not come to me yesterday? I had a right to expect that from
+you."
+
+"I ought hardly to have brought you such a piece of news this evening,
+even, but--"
+
+"Once and for all," Ole interrupted him, "understand that I will help you
+all I possibly can. With everything I have, you understand. And that is
+not so very little, either."
+
+Pause.
+
+"I thank you, Ole--for everything. I knew I shouldn't go to you in vain.
+You could help me a good deal if you would take over some of my
+obligations--I mean those that are non-speculative, of course."
+
+"Nonsense--anybody will take such things! I am taking rye. We will date
+the papers day before yesterday--for the sake of the old man."
+
+Tidemand shook his head.
+
+"I am not going to pull you under, too."
+
+Ole looked at him; the veins in his temples were swelling. "You are a damn
+fool!" he exclaimed angrily.
+
+"Do you for a moment think you can so easily pull me under?" And Ole
+swore, with blazing eyes, right into Tidemand's face: "By God, I'll show
+you how easily you can pull _me_ under!"
+
+But Tidemand was immovable; not even Ole's anger made him yield. He
+understood Ole; his means were perhaps not so insignificant, but it was no
+use making out that he could do everything. Ole boasted only because he
+wanted to help him, that was all. But from to-morrow on the bottom would
+simply drop out of the market; it wasn't right to sell rye even to one's
+enemies at yesterday's prices.
+
+"But what are you going to do? Are you going into a receiver's hands?"
+asked Ole in a temper.
+
+"No," answered Tidemand, "I think I can skin through without that. The ice
+in England and Australia is quite a help now; not much, but crowns are
+money to me now. I shall have to retrench, to sell what I can in order to
+raise cash. I thought that perhaps you would care to buy--you might use it
+when you are going to marry, you know, and we don't need it at all; we are
+never there any more--"
+
+"What are you talking about?"
+
+"Well, I thought that you might want to buy my country estate now--You are
+going to be married soon, so--" "Your country house? Are you going to
+sell it?"
+
+"What good is it to us?"
+
+Pause. Ole noticed that Tidemand's composure began to fail him.
+
+"All right. I'll take it. And whenever you want it back it will be for
+sale. I have a premonition that it will not be mine so very long."
+
+"Well, God only knows. Anyway, I am doing what I can and should. I am glad
+the place will be yours. It is beautiful; it is not my fault we have not
+been there this summer. Well, this will help some; as for the rest, we'll
+see. I trust I can manage without closing up; that would be hard indeed.
+And worst for the sake of the children!"
+
+Again Ole offered his assistance.
+
+"I appreciate your help, and I will avail myself of it within reasonable
+limits. But a loss is a loss, and even if I weather the storm without
+going into bankruptcy I shall be a poor man all the same. I don't know
+whether I own a penny now or not--I am only glad that you didn't join me
+in that unhappy speculation, Ole; that is a blessing, anyway. Well, we'll
+see."
+
+Ole asked:
+
+"Does your wife know about this?"
+
+"No; I'll tell her after the trip to-morrow."
+
+"The trip? I'll cancel that, of course."
+
+"No," said Tidemand, "I will ask you not to do that. Hanka is looking
+forward to it; she has spoken of it a good deal. No, I would rather ask
+you to act as if nothing has happened; be as cheerful as you can. I really
+would appreciate it. Don't mention my misfortune at all, please."
+
+And Tidemand put the fatal wire back in his pocket.
+
+"I am sorry I had to come and bother you with this. But I go home with a
+lighter heart, now I know you will take the country house."
+
+
+
+
+SIXTYFOLD
+
+
+
+
+I
+
+
+A party of ladies and gentlemen had gathered on the jetty on the day of
+the excursion. They were waiting for the Paulsbergs, who were late. Irgens
+was growing impatient and sarcastic: Would it not be better to send the
+yacht up for them? When finally Paulsberg and his wife arrived, they all
+went aboard and were soon tacking out the fiord.
+
+Tidemand held the tiller. A couple of warehousemen from Henriksen's wharf
+were along as crew. Ole had arranged the trip carefully and had brought
+along a choice supply of provisions; he had even remembered roasted coffee
+for Irgens. But he had failed to find Coldevin, and he had purposely
+avoided asking Gregersen; the Journalist might have heard the news from
+Russia, and might inadvertently have betrayed the fatal tidings.
+
+Tidemand looked as if he had spent a sleepless night. To Ole's whispered
+inquiry, he answered smilingly that things might be worse. But he asked to
+be allowed to keep his place at the tiller.
+
+And the yacht tacked out toward the reefs.
+
+Mrs. Hanka had chosen a place far forward; her face was fresh, and she had
+thrown her fur coat around her shoulders; Milde said she looked
+picturesque. He added loudly and gaily:
+
+"And furthermore I wish it were drink time!"
+
+Ole brought out bottles and glasses. He went around and wrapped the ladies
+in shawls and blankets. Nothing to laugh about; true, the day was bright
+and warm, but the sea air was treacherous. He repeatedly offered to
+relieve Tidemand at the tiller, but was not permitted to. No, this was the
+place for Tidemand; here he would not have to be entertaining, and he was
+not in a mood for social amenities.
+
+"Don't lose your nerve whatever happens! Have you heard anything further?"
+
+"Only a confirmation. We shall get it officially to-morrow, I guess. But
+don't worry; I have laid my lines now and shall manage to pull through
+somehow. I imagine I shall save the ship."
+
+Forward the spirits of the company rose rapidly. Ojen began to get a
+little seasick, and drank steadily in order to subdue his qualms.
+
+"It seems good to see you again," said Mrs. Hanka, prompted by a desire to
+enliven him. "You still have your delicate face, but it is not quite as
+pale as before you went away."
+
+"But what is the matter with your eyes?" cried Mrs. Paulsberg mercilessly.
+"I have never seen him as pallid as at this very moment."
+
+This reference to his seasickness caused general merriment. Mrs. Hanka
+continued to speak: She had heard his latest poem, that exquisite gem,
+"Memories." His excursion had certainly been fruitful in results.
+
+"You haven't heard my very latest poem, though," said Ojen in a weak
+voice; "it has an Egyptian subject; the action takes place in an ancient
+tomb--" And, sick and miserable as he was, he looked through all his
+pockets for this poem. What could have become of it? He had taken it out
+that morning with the intention of bringing it along; he had thought that
+perhaps somebody would care to listen to it. He was not afraid of saying
+that it really was a little out of the ordinary. He sincerely hoped he
+hadn't lost it; in that case the trip would have proved most unfortunate
+for him. Never had he produced anything so remarkable; it was only a
+couple of pages, but....
+
+"No," said Mrs. Hanka, "you must surely have left it behind." And she did
+her best to make the poor poet forget his groundless fears. She had been
+told that he preferred the city to the country?
+
+He did, most assuredly. No sooner had his eyes beheld the straight lines
+of streets and houses than his brain was aquiver, and he had conceived
+that Egyptian prose poem. If that had been lost, now....
+
+Milde had lately begun to appreciate Ojen; at last his eyes had been
+opened to his poetry's delicate uniqueness. Irgens, who sat close enough
+to hear this unusual praise, leaned over to Mrs. Hanka and said in a low
+voice:
+
+"You understand? Milde knows he has nothing to fear from his competitor
+any more--hence his change of attitude." And Irgens pressed his lips
+together and smiled venomously.
+
+Mrs. Hanka glanced at him. How he persisted in his bitterness; how
+unbecoming it was in him! He did not realise it, or he would not have thus
+compressed his lips and continually shot baleful glances at his fellow
+applicants. Otherwise Irgens was silent; he ignored Aagot entirely. She
+thought: What have I done to him? Could I possibly have acted in any other
+way?
+
+The coffee was made on board, but out of regard for Ojen, who still felt
+badly, it was decided to drink it on the very first reef they should
+reach. They camped on the rocks, flung themselves on the ground, and threw
+dignity to the winds. It was great fun; Ojen looked with big, astonished
+eyes at everything--the sea, the waves which filled the air with a
+continuous roar, the barren reef where not a tree grew and where the grass
+was yellow from sun and spray. Aagot skipped round with cups and glasses;
+she walked in a constant fear of dropping anything and stuck the tip of
+her tongue out like a rope-walker.
+
+Milde proposed that they drink her health. "Haven't you got champagne,
+Ole?" he asked.
+
+The champagne was produced, the glasses filled, and the toast drunk amid
+cheers. Milde was in high spirits; he proposed that they throw the bottle
+in the sea with a note enclosed which they all were to sign.
+
+They all put their names down except Paulsberg, who curtly refused. A man
+who wrote as much as he did could not sign his name to nonsensical notes,
+he said. And he rose and walked away in dignified aloofness.
+
+"Then I'll sign for him," said Milde, and seized a pencil.
+
+But Mrs. Paulsberg cried indignantly:
+
+"You will do nothing of the kind! Paulsberg has said that he does not want
+his name on the note, and that ought to be sufficient for all of us." She
+looked quite offended as she crossed her legs and held her cup in her
+usual masculine fashion.
+
+Milde apologised instantly; his proposition was meant as a harmless joke;
+however, after considering the matter he admitted that perhaps it was a
+little foolish and that it would not do for Paulsberg to have anything to
+do with it. Perhaps they had better drop the whole thing; what did they
+think? If Paulsberg wasn't going to be in it, then....
+
+Irgens could not control himself any longer; he sneered openly and almost
+hissed:
+
+"Mr. Subsidist! You are divine!"
+
+That subsidy was never out of his thoughts.
+
+"And as for you," answered Milde scathingly, glaring at him with angry
+eyes, "it is getting so that it is impossible to be near you."
+
+Irgens feigned surprise.
+
+"What is that? It would appear from your tone that I have offended you."
+
+Mrs. Hanka had to intervene. Couldn't they stop quarrelling even on a
+pleasure trip? They ought to be ducked if they couldn't behave!
+
+And Irgens was silent at once; he did not even mumble maliciously between
+his teeth. Mrs. Hanka grew thoughtful. How her poet and hero had changed
+in a few brief weeks! What had really happened? How dull and lustreless
+his dark eyes had become! Even his moustache seemed to be drooping; he had
+lost his fresh immaculateness; he was not nearly as alluring as before.
+But then she reminded herself of his disappointments, of that miserable
+subsidy, and of his book, his beautiful lyric creation which they were
+conspiring to kill by their studied silence. She leaned toward Aagot and
+said:
+
+"It is sad to observe how bitter Irgens has grown; have you noticed it? I
+hope he will get over it soon." And Mrs. Hanka, who wanted to save him
+from making too unfavourable an impression, added in the goodness of her
+heart what she had heard Irgens himself say so often: It was not so
+strange, after all; bitterness of that character could only arouse
+respect. Here he had toiled and worked for years, had given freely of his
+treasures, and the country, the government, had refused to offer him a
+helping hand.
+
+"Can you understand it?" said Aagot also. And she realised instantly that
+she had not treated this man with the consideration due him; she had been
+tactless; she had rebuffed him with unnecessary harshness. She wished her
+conduct had been different; however, it was too late now.
+
+Paulsberg returned from his solitary walk and suggested that it was time
+to think of the return. The clouds held a menace of rain, he said; the sun
+was sinking and it was blowing up a little.
+
+Aagot went around again and poured coffee. She bent over Irgens, bent
+deeper than necessary, and said:
+
+"May I pour you some, Mr. Irgens?"
+
+The almost supplicating note in her voice made him glance at her in
+surprise. He did not want any coffee, thanks; but he smiled at her. She
+was happy at once; she hardly knew what she was carrying, but she
+stammered:
+
+"Just a little, please."
+
+He looked at her again and said: "No, thanks."
+
+On the return trip Irgens seemed a different person. He chatted,
+entertained the ladies, helped even poor Ojen, who suffered greatly. Milde
+had captured a bottle on the pretext that it was drink time again, and
+Irgens drank with him simply to be accommodating. Mrs. Hanka's spirits
+also rose; she was lively and cheerful, and a strange association of ideas
+made her suddenly decide to ask her husband for a couple of hundred crowns
+this very evening.
+
+Tidemand was at the tiller and could not be dislodged; he sailed the boat
+and did not utter a syllable. He looked well as he stood high in the
+stern, rising and falling against the blue background of sea and sky. His
+wife called to him once and asked him if he were cold, an attention he
+could hardly believe and therefore pretended not to hear.
+
+"He is deaf," she said smilingly. "Are you cold Andreas?"
+
+"Cold? Not at all," he called back.
+
+And by and by the party reached the jetty.
+
+Hardly had Ojen stepped ashore before he called a cab. He was in a hurry
+to get home and find his manuscript or learn the worst. He could not rest
+until he knew his fate. But perhaps he would meet the company later on.
+Would they be at Sara's?
+
+They looked at each other uncertainly and did not know what to say. But
+Ole Henriksen declared that he was going home; he was thinking of
+Tidemand, who was in need of rest and quiet. They parted outside
+Tidemand's house.
+
+Mrs. Hanka asked abruptly, before even the door was opened:
+
+"Will you please let me have a hundred or so?"
+
+"A hundred? Hm. Certainly. But you will have to come with me to the
+office; I haven't got the money here."
+
+In the office he handed her the bill; his hand was trembling violently.
+
+"Here is the money," he said.
+
+"Thanks--Why are you trembling?" she asked.
+
+"Oh--I suppose because I have held the tiller so long--Hm. Listen, Hanka,
+I have a pleasant surprise for you! You have asked me a number of times to
+consent to a divorce; I have decided in God's name to do what you ask--You
+understand, I am not going to oppose you any more."
+
+She could hardly believe her ears. Did he agree to a divorce? She gazed at
+him; he was deathly pale, his eyes were lowered. They were standing
+opposite each other, the large desk between them.
+
+He continued:
+
+"Circumstances are different now--My big speculation has failed; even if
+I am not a bankrupt this moment, I am a poor man. I may avoid closing up
+shop, but that will be all. Anyway, I shall not be able to keep up this
+mode of life. And, this being so, I feel that I have no right to interfere
+with your plans and desires any longer."
+
+His words reached her as from afar. For a moment she felt a vague
+sensation of happiness--she was free; she would escape the yoke that had
+become oppressive; she would be a girl once more! Hanka Lange--imagine,
+only Hanka Lange! And when she realised that her husband was almost a
+bankrupt it did not greatly upset her; he had said he might not be forced
+to shut down. Of course, he was not wealthy, but neither was he a beggar;
+it might have been a great deal worse.
+
+"Is that so?" she said simply; "is that so?"
+
+Pause. Tidemand had regained his composure; he stood again as he had stood
+aboard the yacht; one could almost see the tiller in his hand. His eyes
+were on her. She had not said no; her intentions were evidently not
+shaken. Well, he had hardly expected that they would be.
+
+He said:
+
+"Well, that was all I wanted to tell you."
+
+His voice was remarkably even, almost commanding; she thought: "He has not
+spoken to me like that in three years." His strength was marvellous to
+behold.
+
+"Well, do you really want to?" she asked. "You think, then, that we ought
+to separate? Of course, but--I hope you have thought it over--that you are
+not doing this simply to please me?"
+
+"It goes without saying that I do it to please you," he answered. "You
+have requested it often enough, and I sincerely regret that I have opposed
+you until now." And he added without a trace of malice: "You must forgive
+me for having interfered with your wishes so long."
+
+She grew attentive at once.
+
+"I don't know what you mean," she said a trifle haughtily.
+
+He did not care about that and did not answer. Hadn't she spoken about a
+divorce time and time again? Hadn't he put her off? Perfectly composed, he
+opened his coat and took out his pocket calendar, in which he proceeded to
+make an entry.
+
+She could not help being impressed by this quiet superiority, which she
+never before had noticed in him; she happened to say:
+
+"I think you have changed greatly."
+
+"Oh, well, one gets a little grey, but--"
+
+"No, you misunderstand me!" she interrupted.
+
+Tidemand said slowly and looked straight into her eyes:
+
+"I wish to God you had understood me as well as I have you, Hanka!
+Perhaps, then, this would not have become necessary." He buttoned his coat
+as if preparing to leave, and added: "Now, in regard to the money--"
+
+"Yes, dear, here is the money!" she said, and wanted to give him back the
+bill.
+
+For the first time since their interview he tossed his head impatiently
+and said:
+
+"I am not talking about _that_ money now! Kindly make at least an
+effort to understand me--Whatever money you need shall be sent you as
+soon as you inform me where to send it."
+
+"But, dear me," she said in confusion, "do I have to go away? I thought I
+could stay in the city. What do you want me to do?"
+
+"Whatever is agreeable to you. You will let the children remain here,
+won't you? I shall take good care of them; you need not worry about that.
+As for yourself, I suppose you will want to take an apartment somewhere.
+You know it takes three years, don't you?"
+
+She was standing with the bill in her hand, gazing at it abstractedly. She
+was unable to think clearly; her mind was whirling; but deep down she had
+a vague feeling of relief--she was free at last! She said nothing; he felt
+his self-control give way and wanted to get it over with quickly so as not
+to break down.
+
+"Good-bye, then--" He could say no more, but offered her his hand; she
+took it. "I hope we shall see each other occasionally; but I want to thank
+you now for everything; this may be the last chance I shall have--I shall
+send you the money every month." And he put on his hat and went to the
+door.
+
+She followed him with her eyes. Was this Andreas?
+
+"Well, I suppose you want to go," she said, bewildered, "and I am standing
+here delaying you. I suppose we shall have to do as you say--I don't know
+what I am saying--" Her voice broke suddenly.
+
+Tidemand opened the door with trembling hands and let her out. At the foot
+of the stairs she stopped and let him walk ahead. When he reached the
+landing he waited for her; then he opened the door with his key and held
+it for her. When she was inside he said:
+
+"Good night, then!"
+
+And again Tidemand walked down-stairs, down to his office, where he shut
+himself in. He went over to the window and stood there, his hands clasped
+behind him, staring out into the street with unseeing eyes. No, she had
+not changed her mind in the least, that was not to be expected. She had
+not hesitated. There she had stood, with her elbow on the desk; she had
+heard what he said and she had replied; "Well, I suppose we shall have to
+do as you say." There had been no hesitation, no, none at all.... But she
+had not exulted, either; she had spared him from witnessing any outburst
+of joy. She had been considerate--he had to admit that. Oh, Hanka was
+always considerate; God bless her wherever she went! She had stood there.
+Hanka, Hanka!... But probably she was rejoicing now; why shouldn't she
+be? She had had her way.... And the children were asleep now, both Ida and
+Johanna. Poor little things; they did not even reach up to their pillows!
+Well, they would be provided for. One might be getting a little grey, but
+there was still a fight or two left....
+
+And Tidemand went back to his desk. He worked over his books and papers
+until daylight.
+
+
+
+
+II
+
+
+Mrs. Hanka looked in vain for Irgens for several days. She had hurried to
+him to bring him the joyful news; she was free at last! But he was never
+at home. His door was locked, and it was not opened when she knocked;
+consequently he must be out. She did not meet him in his usual haunts,
+either. Finally she had to write to him and make an appointment; she wrote
+that she had excellent news for him.
+
+But during these two days, these long hours of waiting in which she could
+do nothing, it seemed as if her joy over the coming divorce had begun to
+wane. She had dwelt on her happiness so long that she had grown accustomed
+to it; it did not make her heart beat faster any more. She was going to be
+free from her husband--true, but she had not been so entirely shackled
+before. The difference was not so pronounced that she could steadily
+continue to revel in it.
+
+And to this was added an indefinable fear, now when the irrevocable
+separation confronted her; the thought that she was to leave her home was
+tinged with a vague sense of regretfulness, of impalpable foreboding.
+Sometimes a quivering pang would pierce her heart when the children put
+out their little arms to her; why that pain? She had got out of her bed
+last night and looked at them in their sleep. There they were lying, each
+in her little bed; they had kicked the blankets off and were uncovered up
+to their very arms, but they slept soundly and moved, now and then, a rosy
+finger or a dimpled toe in their sleep. Such children! To lie there
+unblushingly naked, with arms and legs pointing in all directions! She
+tucked them carefully in and left them with bowed head, her shoulders
+shaken by inaudible sobs.
+
+How was she going to arrange her future? She was free, but in reality she
+was married still; for three years she would have to live somewhere, pay
+rent, keep house for herself. She had worried and fretted about this for
+two long days without anyone to help her; what could have happened to
+Irgens? God only knew where he kept himself. She had not once seen her
+former husband.
+
+She started for Irgens's rooms. Surely he would help her find a place and
+get settled! Oh, it was fine to have an end to this daily galling
+restraint; here she had been tortured by dissatisfaction and restlessness
+for months and years, ever since she had been introduced to the clique and
+had acquired a taste for their irresponsible mode of living. She was free,
+free and young! She would overwhelm Irgens with this joyful news, he who
+had so often sighed for that divorce during their most intimate hours--
+
+Irgens was at home at last.
+
+She told him the great news at once. She recounted how it had happened,
+repeated Tidemand's words, and praised his superiority. She gazed into
+Irgens's eyes; her own were sparkling. Irgens, however, did not show any
+great exultation; he smiled, said yes and no, asked her if she were
+satisfied now. So she was really going to get a divorce? He was glad to
+hear it; it was foolish to go through life in this heart-breaking
+manner.... But he sat there very quietly and discussed the great news in
+an every-day voice.
+
+Gradually, very gradually, she came to earth; her heart began to flutter
+wildly.
+
+"It seems as if the news does not make you so very happy, Irgens," she
+said.
+
+"Happy? Of course I am. Why shouldn't I be happy? You have sighed for this
+for a long time; why shouldn't I rejoice with you now? I do, most
+assuredly."
+
+Words only, without fire, without warmth even! What could have happened?
+Did he not love her any more? She sat there, her heart heavy within her;
+she wanted to gain time, to hush the wakening terror in her breast. She
+said:
+
+"But, dear, where have you been all this time? I have called on you three
+times without finding you in."
+
+He answered, choosing his words carefully, that she must have missed him
+because of an unfortunate series of accidents. He went out occasionally,
+of course; but he spent most of his time at home. Where in the world could
+he go? He went nowhere.
+
+Pause. Finally she yielded abjectly to her fears and stammered:
+
+"Well, Irgens, I am yours now, entirely yours! I am going to leave the
+house--You will thank me, won't you? It will take three years, of course,
+but then--"
+
+She stopped suddenly; she felt that he was squirming, that he was bracing
+himself against the inevitable; her terror increased as he remained
+silent. A few anguished moments went by.
+
+"Well, Hanka, this is rather unfortunate, in a way," he began finally.
+"You have evidently understood me to mean that when you got your divorce--
+that if you only were free--Of course, I may have said something to that
+effect; I admit that if you have interpreted my words literally such a
+supposition is probably justified. I have most likely said things more
+than once--"
+
+"Yes, of course," she interrupted; "we have never meant anything else,
+have we? For you love me, don't you? What is the matter? You are so
+strange to-day!"
+
+"I am awfully sorry, but really--things are not as they used to be." He
+looked away sadly and searched for words. "I cannot lie to you, Hanka, and
+the plain truth is that I am not enraptured by you as much as I used to
+be. It would hardly be right to deceive you; anyway, I couldn't do it--it
+is beyond me."
+
+At last she understood; these were plain words. And quietly bending her
+head, yielding to the inevitable, letting go of the last lingering hope,
+she whispered in a dull and broken voice:
+
+"Couldn't do it; no--It is all over, irrevocably over--"
+
+He sat there silent.
+
+Suddenly she turned and looked at him. Her white teeth showed beneath the
+slightly raised upper lip as she endeavoured to force a smile. She said
+slowly:
+
+"But surely it cannot all be over, Irgens? Remember, I have sacrificed a
+great deal--"
+
+But he shook his head.
+
+"Yes, I am awfully sorry, but--Do you know what I was thinking of just now
+when I didn't answer you? You said 'irrevocably over.' I was wondering if
+that was proper grammar, if it sounded right. That shows how little this
+scene really affects me; you can see for yourself that I am not beside
+myself with grief--not even deeply stirred. That ought to show you--" And
+as if he wanted to utilise the opportunity to the utmost and leave no room
+for doubt, he continued: "Did you say that you have been here three times,
+looking for me? I know that you have been here twice. I think I ought to
+tell you, so that you can see how impossible it is for me to pretend: I
+sat here and heard you knock, but I didn't open. That surely proves the
+matter is serious--Dearest Hanka, I cannot help it; really, you mustn't
+be unhappy. But you surely will admit that our relationship must have been
+a little galling, a little humiliating, to me as well? It is true; it has
+not been easy for me to accept money from you continually; I have said to
+myself: 'This degrades you!' You understand, don't you--a man with a
+nature like mine; unhappily, I am proud, whether it is a virtue or a vice
+in me--"
+
+Pause.
+
+"All right," she said mechanically, "all right." And she rose in order to
+go. Her eyes were wide and staring, but she saw nothing.
+
+However, he wanted to explain himself thoroughly; she must not leave with
+a wrong impression of him. He called her back; he wanted to prove why it
+could not have been otherwise, why his conduct was beyond reproach. He
+spoke at length and cleared up the matter perfectly; it seemed as if he
+had expected this and had prepared himself thoroughly. There were a number
+of bagatelles; but it was just the little things that counted with a man
+like him, and these little things had gradually made it so clear to him
+that they were not compatible. Of course, she was fond of him, a great
+deal more so than he deserved; but all the same he was not sure that she
+understood and appreciated him fully. This was not said reproachfully,
+but--She had said that she was proud of him, and that she enjoyed seeing
+the ladies turn and look after him when they walked down the street
+together. All right! But that did not prove that she valued his
+individuality. She took no pride in the fact that he was, above all, a
+somewhat different individuality. Of course, he did not blame her; but,
+unfortunately, it proved that her understanding of him was not deep
+enough. She was not proud of him for what he had thought or written; not
+primarily, at any rate; she loved to see the ladies look after him on the
+street. But ladies might turn and look after anybody, even after an
+officer or a tradesman. She had once given him a cane so that he might
+look well on the street....
+
+"No, Irgens, I had no such thought, not at all," she interrupted.
+
+All right, he might have been mistaken; if she said so, of course....
+Nevertheless, he had the impression that such was her reason. He had
+thought that if he couldn't pass muster without a cane, then.... For even
+those two sheared sheep of Ojen's used a cane. In brief, he gave the cane
+away to the first comer.... But there were other little things, other
+bagatelles: She liked to go to the opera; he didn't. She went without him,
+and he was very much pleased, of course; still.... She wore a light
+woollen dress, and when he was with her his clothes got full of fuzz from
+her dress, but she never noticed it. He had to brush and pick fuzz
+unceasingly to avoid looking as if he had been in bed fully dressed; but
+did she notice? Never. And in this manner one thing after another had come
+between them and had affected his feelings for her. There were hundreds of
+little things! A little while ago her lips had been so badly cracked that
+she couldn't even smile naturally; and just think, an insignificant thing
+like that had repulsed him, absolutely spoiled her for him! Dear me, she
+must not think that he found fault with her because of a cracked lip; he
+knew very well that she could not help such a thing; he was not
+stupid.... But the truth of the matter was that it had reached a point
+where he was beginning to dread her visits. He had to admit it; he had sat
+on this very chair and suffered, suffered tortures, when he heard her
+knock on the door. However, no sooner had she gone away than he felt
+relieved; he got ready and went out, too. He went to some restaurant and
+dined, dined unfeelingly and with a good appetite, not at all deploring
+what he had done. He wanted her to know these things so that she would
+understand him.... "But, dearest Hanka, I have told you all this and
+perhaps added to your sorrow instead of alleviating it. I wanted you to
+see how necessary has become our parting--that there are deep and weighty
+reasons for it--that it is not merely a whim. Unfortunately, these things
+are deeply rooted in my nature--But don't take it so to heart! You know I
+am fond of you and appreciate all you have done for me; and I shall never
+be able to forget you; I feel that only too well. Tell me that you will
+take it calmly--that is all I ask--"
+
+She sat there, dull and immobile. Her premonition had not deceived her; it
+was all over. There he sat; he had spoken about this and that and
+remembered this and that--everything that could possibly explain and
+justify his actions. He had said a great deal, he had even bared himself
+in spots; yes, how penuriously hadn't he scraped up the least little thing
+that might vindicate him in the slightest degree! How could she ask him to
+advise her? He would simply refer her to the newspaper advertisements:
+"Flats and Apartments to Let." How insignificant he suddenly appeared!
+Slowly he blurred before her eyes; he was blotted out; he became lost in
+the dim distance; she saw him as through a haze; she barely discerned his
+mother-of-pearl buttons and his sleek and shiny hair. She realised how her
+eyes had been opened during his long speech; there he sat.... She felt
+languidly that she ought to go, but she lacked the energy to get up. She
+felt hollow and empty; the last little illusion to which she had clung so
+tenaciously had collapsed miserably. Somebody's step sounded on the
+stairs; she did not remember whether or no the door was locked, but she
+did not go and make sure. The steps died down again; nobody knocked.
+
+"Dearest Hanka," he said in an effort to console her as best he might,
+"you ought to start in in earnest and write that novel we have talked
+about. I am sure you could do it, and I will gladly go over the manuscript
+for you. The effort, the concentration would do you good; you know I want
+to see you content and satisfied."
+
+Yes, once upon a time, she had really thought she would write a novel. Why
+not? _Here_ one miss bobbed up, and _there_ another madam bobbed
+up, and they all did write so cutely! Yes, she had really thought that it
+was her turn next. And how they all had encouraged her! Thank God, she had
+forgotten about it until now!
+
+"You do not answer, Hanka?"
+
+"Yes," she said absently, "there is something in what you say."
+
+She got up suddenly and stood erect staring straight ahead. If she only
+knew what to do now! Go home? That would probably be the best. Had she had
+parents she would most likely have gone to them; however, she had never
+had any parents, practically. She had better go home to Tidemand, where
+she still lived....
+
+And with a desolate smile she gave Irgens her hand and said farewell.
+
+He felt so relieved because of her calmness that he pressed her hand
+warmly. What a sensible woman she was, after all! No hysterics, no
+heartrending reproaches; she said farewell with a smile! He wanted to
+brace her still more and talked on in order to divert her mind; he
+mentioned his work and plans; he would surely send her his next book; she
+would find him again in that. And, really, she ought to get busy on that
+novel.... To show her that their friendship was still unbroken he even
+asked her to speak to Gregersen about that review of his book. It was most
+extraordinary that his verses had attracted so little attention. If she
+would only do him this favour. He himself would never be able to approach
+Gregersen; he was too proud; he could never stoop to that....
+
+She went over to the mirror and began arranging her hair. He could not
+help watching her; she really surprised him a little. It was of course
+admirable in her to keep her feelings in leash; still, this unruffled
+composure was not altogether _au fait_. He had really credited her
+with a little more depth; he had ventured to think that a settlement with
+him would affect her somewhat. And there she stood tranquilly and arranged
+her hair with apparent unconcern! He could not appreciate such a display
+of _sang-froid_. To tell the truth, he felt snubbed; and he made the
+remark that he was still present; it seemed peculiar that she had already
+so completely forgotten him....
+
+She did not answer. But when she left the mirror she paused for a moment
+in the middle of the room, and with her eyes somewhere in the vicinity of
+his shoes, she said wearily and indifferently:
+
+"Don't you understand that I am entirely through with you?"
+
+But in the street, bathed in the bright sunshine, surrounded by people and
+carriages--there her strength gave way entirely and she began to sob
+wildly. She covered her face with her veil, and sought the
+least-frequented side-streets in order to avoid meeting anybody; she
+walked hurriedly, stooping, shaken by convulsive sobs. How densely dark
+the outlook whichever way she turned her eyes! She hurried on, walking in
+the middle of the street, talking to herself in a choked voice. Could she
+return to Andreas and the children? What if the door should be closed
+against her? She had wasted two days; perhaps Andreas now had grown
+impatient. Still, the door might be open if she only hurried....
+
+Every time she took out her handkerchief she felt the crinkle of an
+envelope. That was the envelope with the hundred-crown bill; she still had
+that! Oh--if she only had somebody to go to now, a friend--not any of her
+"friends" from the clique; she was through with them! She had been one of
+them a year and a day; she had listened to their words and she had seen
+their deeds. How had she been able to endure them? Thank God, she was done
+with them forever. Could she go to Ole Henriksen and ask help from him?
+No, no; she couldn't do that.
+
+Andreas would probably be busy in his office. She had not seen him for two
+days; very likely it was an accident, but it was so. And she had accepted
+a hundred crowns from him, although he was ruined! Dear me, that she
+hadn't thought of this before now! She had asked him for that money.
+"Yes," he had said; "will you please come into the office? I have not so
+much with me." And he had opened his safe and given her the hundred;
+perhaps it was all the money he had! He had proffered the bill in such a
+gentle and unobtrusive manner, although, perhaps, it was all the money he
+owned! His hair had turned a little grey and he looked as if he hadn't had
+much sleep lately; but he had not complained; his words were spoken in
+proud and simple dignity. It had seemed as if she saw him then for the
+first time.... Oh, would that she never had asked him for this money!
+Perhaps he might forgive her if she brought it back. Would she bother him
+very much if she stopped at his office a moment? She would not stay
+long....
+
+Mrs. Hanka dried her eyes beneath her veil and walked on. When at last she
+stood outside Tidemand's office she hesitated. Suppose he turned her out?
+Perhaps he even knew where she had been?
+
+A clerk told her that Tidemand was in.
+
+She knocked and listened. He called: "Come in." She entered quietly. He
+was standing at his desk; he put down his pen when he saw her.
+
+"Pardon me if I disturb you," she said hurriedly.
+
+"Not at all," he said, and waited. A pile of letters was before him; he
+stood there, tall and straight; he did not look so very grey, and his eyes
+were not so listless.
+
+She took the bill out and held it toward him.
+
+"I only wanted to return this; and please forgive me for asking for money
+when I might have known that you must need it so badly. I never thought of
+it until now; I am extremely sorry."
+
+He looked at her in surprise and said:
+
+"Not at all--you just keep that! A hundred more or less means nothing to
+the business--nothing at all."
+
+"Yes, but--please take it! I ask you to take it."
+
+"All right, if you don't need it. I thank you, but it is not necessary."
+
+He had thanked her! What a fortunate thing that she had the money and
+could give it back to him! But she suppressed her agitation and said
+"Thank you" herself as she shoved the bill over toward him. When she saw
+him reach for his pen again, she said with a wan smile:
+
+"You must not be impatient because of this long delay--I have made very
+little progress in the matter of taking an apartment, but--"
+
+She could control herself no longer; her voice broke entirely and she
+turned away from him, fumbling for her handkerchief with trembling
+fingers.
+
+"There is no great hurry about that," he said. "Take all the time you
+want."
+
+"I thank you."
+
+"You thank me? I don't quite understand. It isn't I who--I am simply
+trying to make it easy for you to have your own way."
+
+She was afraid she had irritated him, and she said hastily:
+
+"Of course, yes! Oh, I didn't mean--Pardon me for disturbing you."
+
+And she turned and fled out of the office.
+
+
+
+
+III
+
+
+Tidemand had not been idle a moment since the blow struck him. He was at
+his desk early and late; papers, bills, notes, and certificates fluttered
+around him, and his energy and skill brought order out of confusion as the
+days went by. Ole Henriksen had supported him on demand; he had paid cash
+for the country estate and had relieved him of several outstanding
+obligations.
+
+It was made clear that the firm did not have an impregnable fortune to
+throw into the breach, even though it carried on such a far-reaching
+business and although its transactions were enormous. And who had even
+heard of such a crazily hazardous speculation as Tidemand's fatal plunge
+in rye! Everybody could see that now, and everybody pitied or scorned him
+according to his individual disposition. Tidemand let them talk; he
+worked, calculated, made arrangements, and kept things going. True, he
+held in storage an enormous supply of rye which he had bought too high:
+but rye was rye, after all; it did not deteriorate or shrink into
+nothingness; he sold it steadily at prevailing prices and took his losses
+like a man. His misfortunes had not broken his spirits.
+
+He now had to weather the last turn--a demand note from the American
+brokers--and for this he required Ole Henriksen's assistance; after that
+he hoped to be able to manage unaided. It was his intention to simplify
+his business, to reduce it to original dimensions and then gradually
+extend it as it should show healthy growth. He would succeed; his head was
+still full of plans and he was resourceful as ever.
+
+Tidemand gathered his papers together and went over to Ole's office. It
+was Monday. They had both finished their mail and were momentarily
+disengaged, but Tidemand had to make a call at the bank; he had arranged
+an appointment at five.
+
+As soon as Ole saw him he laid down his pen and arose to meet him. They
+still celebrated their meetings in the usual manner; the wine and the
+cigars appeared as before; nothing had changed. Tidemand did not want to
+disturb; he would rather lend a hand if he could, but Ole refused
+smilingly; he had absolutely nothing to do.
+
+Well, Tidemand had brought his usual tale of woe. He was beginning to be a
+good deal of a nuisance; he simply came to see Ole whenever there was
+anything the matter....
+
+Ole interrupted him with a merry laugh.
+
+"Whatever you do, don't forget to apologise every time!"
+
+Ole signed the papers and said:
+
+"How are things coming out?"
+
+"Oh, about as usual. One day at a time, you know."
+
+"Your wife hasn't moved as yet?"
+
+"Not yet--no. I imagine she has a hard time finding a suitable apartment.
+Well, that is her lookout. What I want to say--how is Miss Aagot?"
+
+"All right, I guess; she is out walking. Irgens called for her."
+
+Pause.
+
+Ole said: "You still have all your help?"
+
+"Well, you see, I couldn't fire them all in a minute; they have to have
+time to look around for something else. But they are leaving soon; I am
+only going to keep one man in the office."
+
+They discussed business matters for a while. Tidemand had ground up a
+large quantity of his grain in order to accelerate the sales; he sold and
+lost, but he raised money. There was no longer any danger of a
+receivership. He had also a little idea, a plan which had begun to ferment
+in his brain; but he would rather not mention it until it had been
+developed a little more fully. One did not stand knee-deep in schemes day
+in and day out without occasionally stumbling over an idea. Suddenly he
+said:
+
+"If I could be sure of not offending you I should like to speak to you
+about something that concerns yourself only--I don't want to hurt your
+feelings, but I have thought a good deal about it. Hm; it is about
+Irgens--You should not allow Aagot to go out so much. Miss Aagot walks a
+good deal with him lately. It would be all right if you were along; of
+course, it is perfectly right as it is--that she should take a walk
+occasionally, but--Well, don't be angry because I mention this."
+
+Ole looked at him with open mouth, then he burst out laughing.
+
+"But, friend Andreas, what do you mean? Since when did _you_ begin to
+look at people distrustfully?"
+
+Tidemand interrupted him brusquely.
+
+"I only want to tell you that I have never been in the habit of carrying
+gossip."
+
+Ole looked at him steadily. What could be the matter with Tidemand? His
+eyes had become cold and steely; he put down his glass hard. Gossip? Of
+course not. Tidemand did not carry gossip, but his mind must have become
+affected.
+
+"Well, you may be right if you mean that this kind of thing may lead to
+unpleasant comment, to gossip," Ole said finally. "I really have not given
+it a thought, but now you mention it--I will give Aagot a hint the first
+opportunity I have."
+
+Nothing further was said on the subject; the conversation swung back to
+Tidemand's affairs.
+
+How was it--did he still take his meals in restaurants?
+
+He did for the present. What else could he do? He would have to stick to
+the restaurants for a while, otherwise the gossips would finish poor Hanka
+altogether. People would simply say that she was to blame if he hadn't
+kept house the last few years; no sooner had she departed than Tidemand
+again went to housekeeping and stayed at home. Nobody knew what
+construction might be put on such things; Hanka did not have too many
+friends. Tidemand laughed at the thought that he was fooling the
+slanderous tongues so capitally. "She came to see me a couple of days ago;
+I was in my office. I thought at first it was some bill-collector, some
+dun or other, who knocked at my door; but it was Hanka. Can you guess what
+she wanted? She came to give me a hundred crowns! She had probably saved
+the money. Of course, you might say that it really was my own money; you
+_might_ say that. Still, she could have kept it; but she knew I was a
+little pinched--She hasn't gone out at all the last few days; I am at a
+loss to know how she is keeping alive. I don't see her, but the maid says
+she eats in her room sometimes. She is working, too; she is busy all the
+time."
+
+"It wouldn't surprise me at all to see her stay with you. Things may turn
+out all right yet."
+
+Tidemand glanced at his friend sharply.
+
+"You believe that? Wasn't it you who once said that I was no glove to be
+picked up or thrown away according to some one's fancy? Well, she has
+probably no more thought of coming back than I have of accepting her."
+
+And Tidemand rose quickly and said good-bye; he was going to the bank and
+had to hurry.
+
+Ole remained lost in contemplation; Tidemand's fate had made him
+thoughtful. What had become of Aagot? She had promised to be back in an
+hour, and it was much more than two hours since she had left. Of course,
+it was all right to take a walk, but.... Tidemand was right. Tidemand had
+his own thoughts, he had said; what could he have meant? Suddenly a
+thought struck Ole--perhaps Irgens was the destroyer of Tidemand's home,
+the slayer of his happiness? A red tie? Didn't Irgens use a red tie once?
+
+Suddenly Ole understood Tidemand's previous significant remark about the
+danger of boat-rides in May. Well, well! Come to think of it, Aagot
+_had_ really seemed to lose the desire to be with him in the office
+early and late; instead, she took a good many walks in good company; she
+wanted to view things and places in this good company.... Hadn't she once
+expressed a regret that he was not a poet? Still, she had apologised for
+that remark with such sweet and regretful eagerness; it was a thoughtless
+jest. No; Aagot was innocent as a child; still, for his sake, she might
+refuse an occasional invitation from Irgens....
+
+Another long hour went by before Aagot returned. Her face was fresh and
+rosy, her eyes sparkling. She threw her arms around Ole's neck; she always
+did that when she had been with Irgens. Ole's misgivings dissolved and
+vanished in this warm embrace; how could he reproach her now? He only
+asked her to stay around the house a little more--for his sake. It was
+simply unbearable to be without her so long; he could do nothing but think
+of her all the time.
+
+Aagot listened quietly to him; he was perfectly right; she would remember.
+
+"And perhaps I might as well ask another favour of you: please try to
+avoid Irgens's company a little more, just a little more. I don't mean
+anything, you know; but it would be better not to give people the least
+cause for talk. Irgens is my friend, and I am his, but--Now, don't mind
+what I have said--"
+
+She took his head in both her hands and turned his face toward her. She
+looked straight into his eyes and said:
+
+"Do you doubt that I love you, Ole?"
+
+He grew confused; he was too close to her. He stammered and took a step
+backward.
+
+"Love me? Ha, ha, you silly girl! Did you think I was chiding you? You
+misunderstood me; I thought only of what people might say; I want to
+protect you from gossip. But it is silly of me; I should have said
+nothing--you might even take it into your head to avoid going out with
+Irgens in the future! And that would never do; then people would surely
+begin to wonder. No; forget this and act as if nothing had been said;
+really, Irgens is a rare and a remarkable man."
+
+However, she felt the need of explaining matters: she went just as gladly
+with anybody else as with Irgens; it had only happened that he had asked
+her. She admired him; she would not deny that, and she was not alone in
+that; she pitied him a little, too; imagine, he had applied for a subsidy
+and had been refused! She felt sorry for him, but that was all....
+
+"Say no more about it!" cried Ole. "Let everything remain as it is--" It
+was high time to think a little of the wedding; it was not too early to
+make definite arrangements. As soon as he returned from that trip to
+England he would be ready. And he thought it would be best for her to go
+home to Torahus while he was away; when everything was in order he would
+come up for her. Their wedding trip would have to be postponed until
+spring; he would be too busy until then.
+
+Aagot smiled happily and agreed to everything. A vague, inexplicable wish
+had sprung up within her: she would have liked to remain in the city until
+he should return from England; then they could have gone to Torahus
+together. She did not know when or where this strange desire had been born
+in her, and it was, for that matter, not sufficiently clear or definite to
+be put in words; she would do as Ole wished. She told Ole to make haste
+and return; her eyes were open and candid; she spoke to him with one arm
+on his shoulder and the other resting on the desk.
+
+And he had presumed to give _her_ a hint!
+
+
+
+
+IV
+
+
+Over a week went by before Irgens turned up again. Had he become
+suspicious? Or had he simply tired of Aagot? However, he entered Ole's
+office one afternoon; the weather was clear and sunny, but it was blowing
+hard and the dust whirled through the streets in clouds and eddies. He was
+in doubt whether Miss Aagot would want to go out on such a day, and for
+this reason he said at once:
+
+"It is a gloriously windy day, Miss Aagot; I should like to take you up on
+the hills, up to the high places! You have never seen anything like it;
+the town is shrouded in dust and smoke."
+
+At any other time Ole would have said no; it was neither healthy nor
+enjoyable to be blown full of dust. But now he wanted to show Aagot that
+he was not thinking of their recent conversation.... Certainly; run
+along! Really, she ought to take this walk.
+
+And Aagot went.
+
+"It is an age since I have seen you," said Irgens.
+
+"Yes," she said, "I am busy nowadays. I am going home soon."
+
+"You are?" he asked quickly and stopped.
+
+"Yes. I am coming back, though."
+
+Irgens had become thoughtful.
+
+"I am afraid it is blowing a little too hard, after all," he said. "We can
+hardly hear ourselves think. Suppose we go to the Castle Park? I know a
+certain place--"
+
+"As you like," she said.
+
+They found the place; it was sheltered and isolated. Irgens said:
+
+"To be entirely candid, it was not my intention to drag you up into the
+hills to-day. The truth of the matter is that I was afraid you would not
+care to come; that is the reason I said what I said. For I _had_ to
+see you once more."
+
+Pause.
+
+"Really--I have ceased to wonder at anything you say."
+
+"But think--it is ten days since I have seen you! That is a long, a very
+long time."
+
+"Well--that is not altogether my fault--But don't let us talk about it any
+more," she added quickly. "Rather tell me--why do you still act toward me
+in this manner? It is wrong of you. I have told you that before. I should
+like to be friends with you, but--"
+
+"But no more. I understand. However, that is hardly sufficient for one who
+is distracted with suffering, you know. No, you do not know; you have
+never known. Ever and ever one must circle around the forbidden; it
+becomes a necessity continually to face one's fate. If, for instance, I
+had to pay for a moment like this with age-long wreck and ruin, why, I
+would gladly pay the price. I would rather be with you here one brief
+moment, Miss Aagot, than live on for years without you."
+
+"Oh, but--It is too late now, you know. Why talk about it, then? You only
+make it so much harder for us both."
+
+He said, slowly and emphatically:
+
+"No, it is not too late."
+
+She looked at him steadily and rose to her feet; he, too, got up; they
+walked on. Immersed in their own thoughts, without conscious realisation
+of what they were doing, walking slowly, they made the circuit of the park
+and returned to their sheltered nook. They sat down on the same bench.
+
+"We are walking in a circle," he said. "That is the way I am circling
+around you."
+
+"Listen," she said, and her eyes were moist, "this is the last time I
+shall be with you, probably. Won't you be nice? I am going home, you know,
+very soon now."
+
+But just as he was preparing to answer her out of the fullness of his
+heart somebody had to pass their seat. It was a lady. In one hand she
+carried a twig with which she struck her skirt smartly for every step she
+took. She approached them slowly; they saw that she was young. Irgens knew
+her; he got up from his seat, took off his hat, and bowed deeply.
+
+And the lady passed blushingly by.
+
+Aagot asked:
+
+"Who was that?"
+
+"Only my landlady's daughter," he said. "You told me to be nice. Yes,
+dearest--"
+
+But Aagot wanted further information concerning this lady. So they lived
+in the same house? What was she doing? What kind of a person was his
+landlady?
+
+And Irgens answered her fully. Just as if she were a child whose curiosity
+had been aroused by the merest chance occurrence, Aagot made him tell her
+everything he knew concerning these strange people in Thranes Road No. 5.
+She wondered why the lady had blushed; why Irgens had greeted her so
+obsequiously. She did not know that this was the way Irgens always paid
+his rent--by being particularly gracious to his landlady's family on the
+street.
+
+The young lady was good-looking, although she had a few freckles. She was
+really pretty when she blushed; didn't he think so?
+
+And Irgens agreed; she was pretty. But she didn't have one only dimple;
+there was only one who had that....
+
+Aagot glanced at him quickly; his voice thrilled her; she closed her eyes.
+The next instant she felt that she was bending toward him, that he kissed
+her. Neither spoke; all her fears were lulled; she ceased to struggle and
+rested deliciously in his arms.
+
+And nobody disturbed them. The wind soughed through the trees; it hushed
+and soothed.... Somebody came along; they rushed apart and kept their eyes
+on the gravelled walk while he passed. Aagot was quite equal to the
+occasion; she did not show the slightest trace of confusion. She got up
+and began to walk away. And now she began to think; the tears were
+dripping from her long lashes, and she whispered, dully, despairingly:
+
+"God forgive me! What have I done?"
+
+Irgens wanted to speak, to say something that would soften her despair. It
+had happened because it had to happen. He was so unspeakably fond of her;
+she surely knew he was in earnest.... And he really looked as if he were
+greatly in earnest.
+
+But Aagot heard nothing; she walked on, repeating these desperate words.
+Instinctively she took the way down toward the city. It seemed as if she
+were hurrying home.
+
+"Dearest Aagot, listen a moment--"
+
+She interrupted violently:
+
+"Be quiet, will you!"
+
+And he was silent.
+
+Just as they emerged from the park a violent gust tore her hat from her
+hair. She made an effort to recover it, but too late; it was blown back
+into the park. Irgens caught up with it as it was flattened against a
+tree.
+
+She stood still for a moment; then she, too, began to run in pursuit, and
+when at last they met by the tree her despair was less poignant. Irgens
+handed her the hat, and she thanked him. She looked embarrassed.
+
+As they were walking down the sloping driveway toward the street the wind
+made Aagot turn and walk backward a few steps. Suddenly she stopped. She
+had discovered Coldevin; he was walking through the park in the direction
+of Tivoli. He walked hurriedly, furtively, and as if he did not want to be
+seen. So he was still in the city!
+
+And Aagot thought in sudden terror: What if he has seen us! As in a flash
+she understood. He was coming from the park; he had wanted to wait until
+they should have had time to reach the street; then the accident with her
+hat had spoiled his calculations and made him show himself too soon. How
+he stooped and squirmed! But he could find no hiding-place on this open
+driveway.
+
+Aagot called to him, but the wind drowned her voice. She waved her hand,
+but he pretended not to see it; he did not bow. And without another word
+to Irgens she ran after him, down the slope. The wind blew her skirts to
+her knees; she grabbed her hat with one hand and ran. She caught up with
+him by the first cross-street.
+
+He stopped and greeted her as usual--awkwardly, with an expression of
+melancholy gladness, moved in every fibre of his being. He was miserably
+dressed.
+
+"You--You must not come here and spy on me," she said hoarsely, all out of
+breath. She stood before him, breathing hard, angry, with flashing eyes.
+
+His lips parted but he could not speak; he did not know which way to turn.
+
+"Do you hear me?"
+
+"Yes--Have you been sick, perhaps? You haven't been out for two weeks now;
+of course, I don't _know_ that you haven't, but--"
+
+His helpless words, his wretched embarrassment, moved her; her anger died
+down, she was again on the verge of tears, and, deeply humiliated, she
+said:
+
+"Dear Coldevin, forgive me!"
+
+She asked him to forgive her! He did not know what to say to this, but
+answered abstractedly:
+
+"Forgive you? We won't speak about that--But why are you crying? I wish I
+hadn't met you--"
+
+"But I am glad I met you," she said. "I wanted to meet you; I think of you
+always, but I never see you--I long for you often."
+
+"Well, we won't speak about that, Miss Aagot. You know we have settled our
+affair. I can only wish you every happiness, every possible happiness."
+
+Coldevin had apparently regained his self-control; he commenced even to
+speak about indifferent matters: Was not this a fearful storm? God knew
+how the ships on the high seas were faring!
+
+She listened and answered. His composure had its effect on her, and she
+said quietly:
+
+"So you are still in the city. I shall not ask you to come and see me;
+that would be useless. Ole and I both wanted to ask you to come with us on
+a little excursion, but you could not be found."
+
+"I have seen Mr. Henriksen since then. I explained that I was engaged that
+Sunday anyway. I was at a party, a little dinner--So everything is well
+with you?"
+
+"Yes, thanks."
+
+Again she was seized with fear. What if he had been in the park and seen
+everything? She said as indifferently as she could: "See how the trees are
+swaying in the park! I suppose, though, there must be sheltered places
+inside."
+
+"In the park? I don't know. I haven't been there--But your escort is
+waiting for you; isn't it Irgens?"
+
+Thank God, she was saved! He had not been in the park. She heard nothing
+else. Irgens was getting tired of this waiting, but she did not care. She
+turned again to Coldevin.
+
+"So you have seen Ole since the excursion? I wonder why he hasn't
+mentioned it to me."
+
+"Oh, he cannot remember everything. He has a lot to think of, Miss Aagot;
+a great deal. He is at the head of a big business; I was really surprised
+when I saw how big it is. Wonderful! A man like him must be excused if he
+forgets a little thing like that. If you would permit me to say a word, he
+loves you better than anybody else! He--Please remember that! I wanted so
+much to say this to you!"
+
+These few words flew straight to her heart. In a flash she saw the image
+of Ole, and she exclaimed joyously:
+
+"Yes, it is true! Oh, when I think of everything--I am coming!" she called
+to Irgens and waved her hand at him.
+
+She said good-bye to Coldevin and left him.
+
+She seemed to be in a great hurry; she asked Irgens to pardon her for
+having kept him waiting, but she walked on rapidly.
+
+"Why this sudden haste?" he asked.
+
+"Oh, I must get home. What a nasty wind!"
+
+"Aagot!"
+
+She shot him a swift glance; his voice had trembled; she felt a warm glow
+throughout her being. No, she couldn't make herself colder than she was;
+her eyes drooped again and she leaned toward him; her arm brushed his
+sleeve.
+
+He spoke her name again with infinite tenderness, and she yielded.
+
+"Give me a little time, please! Whatever shall I do? I will love you if
+you will only let me alone now."
+
+He was silent.
+
+Finally they reached the last crossing. Ole Henriksen's house could be
+seen in the distance. The sight of that house seemed to bring her to her
+senses. Whatever could she have said? Had she promised anything? No, no,
+nothing! And she said with averted eyes:
+
+"That which has happened to-day--your having kissed me--I regret it; God
+knows I do! I grieve over it--"
+
+"Then pronounce the sentence!" he answered briskly.
+
+"No, I cannot punish you, but I give you my hand in promise that I will
+tell Ole if you ever dare do that again."
+
+And she gave him her hand.
+
+He took it, pressed it; he bent over it, and kissed it repeatedly,
+defiantly, right below her own windows. Covered with confusion, she
+finally succeeded in opening the door and escaping up the stairs.
+
+
+
+
+V
+
+
+Ole Henriksen received a telegram which hastened his departure for London.
+For twenty-four hours he worked like a slave to get through--wrote and
+arranged, called at the banks, instructed his clerks, gave orders to his
+chief assistant, who was to be in charge during his absence. The Hull
+steamer was loading; it was to sail in a couple of hours. Ole Henriksen
+did not have any too much time.
+
+Aagot went with him from place to place, sad and faithful. She was
+labouring under suppressed emotion. She did not say a word so as not to
+disturb him, but she looked at him all the time with moist eyes. They had
+arranged that she should go home the next morning on the first train.
+
+Old Henriksen shuffled back and forth, quiet and silent; he knew that his
+son needed to hurry. Every once in a while a man would come up from the
+dock with reports from the steamer; now there was only a shipment of
+whale-oil to load, then she would start. It would take about
+three-quarters of an hour. At last Ole was ready to say farewell. Aagot
+only had to put on her wraps; she would stay with him to the last.
+
+"What are you thinking of, Aagot?"
+
+"Oh, nothing. But I wish you were well back again, Ole."
+
+"Silly little girl! I am only going to London," he said, forcing a gaiety
+he did not feel. "Don't you worry! I shall be back in no time." He put his
+arm around her waist and caressed her; he gave her the usual pet names:
+Little Mistress, dear little Mistress! A whistle sounded; Ole glanced at
+his watch; he had fifteen minutes left. He had to see Tidemand a moment.
+
+As soon as he entered Tidemand's office he said: "I am going to London. I
+want you to come over occasionally and give the old man a lift. Won't
+you?"
+
+"Certainly," said Tidemand. "Are you not going to sit down, Miss Aagot?
+For you are not departing, I hope?"
+
+"Yes, to-morrow," answered Aagot.
+
+Ole happened to think of the last quotations. Rye was going up again. He
+congratulated his friend warmly.
+
+Yes, prices were better; the Russian crops hadn't quite come up to
+expectations; the rise was not large, but it meant a great deal to
+Tidemand with his enormous stores.
+
+"Yes, I am keeping afloat," he said happily, "and I can thank you for
+that. Yes, I can--" And he told them that he was busy with a turn in tar.
+He had contracts from a house in Bilbao. "But we will talk about this when
+you get back. _Bon voyage_!"
+
+"If anything happens, wire me," said Ole.
+
+Tidemand followed the couple to his door. Both Ole and Aagot were moved.
+He went to the window and waved to them as they passed; then he went back
+to his desk and worked away with books and papers. A quarter of an hour
+passed. He saw Aagot return alone; Ole had gone.
+
+Tidemand paced back and forth, mumbling, figuring, calculating every
+contingency regarding this business in tar. He happened to see a long
+entry in the ledger which was lying open on his desk. It was Irgens's
+account. Tidemand glanced at it indifferently; old loans, bad debts, wine
+and loans, wine and cash. The entries were dated several years back; there
+were none during the last year. Irgens had never made any payments; the
+credit column was clean. Tidemand still remembered how Irgens used to joke
+about his debts. He did not conceal that he owed his twenty thousand; he
+admitted it with open and smiling face. What could he do? He had to live.
+It was deplorable that circumstances forced him into such a position. He
+wished it were different and he would have been sincerely grateful if
+anybody had come along and paid his debts, but so far nobody had offered
+to do that. Well, he would say, that could not be helped; he would have to
+carry his own burdens. Fortunately, most of his creditors were people with
+sufficient culture and delicacy to appreciate his position; they did not
+like to dun him; they respected his talent. But occasionally it would
+happen that a tailor or a wine-dealer would send him a bill and as like as
+not spoil an exquisite mood. He simply must open his door whenever anybody
+knocked, even if he were just composing some rare poem. He had to answer,
+to expostulate: What, another bill? Well, put it there, and I will look at
+it some time when I need a piece of paper. Oh, it is receipted? Well, then
+I will have to refuse to accept it; I never have receipted bills lying
+round. Take it back with my compliments....
+
+Tidemand walked back and forth. An association of ideas made him think of
+Hanka and the divorce. God knows what she was waiting for; she kept to
+herself and spent all her time with the children, sewing slips and dresses
+all day long. He had met her on the stairs once; she was carrying some
+groceries in a bundle; she had stepped aside and muttered an excuse. They
+had not spoken to each other.
+
+What could she be thinking of? He did not want to drive her away, but this
+could not continue. He was at a loss to understand why she took her meals
+at home; she never went to a restaurant. Dear me, perhaps she had no more
+money! He had sent the maid to her once with a couple of hundred crowns--
+they could not last for ever! He glanced in his calendar and noticed that
+it was nearly a month since he had had that settlement with Hanka; her
+money must have been used up long ago. She had probably even bought things
+for the children with that money.
+
+Tidemand grew hot all of a sudden. At least _she_ should never lack
+anything; thank God, one wasn't a pauper exactly! He took out all the
+money he could spare, left the office, and went up-stairs. The maid told
+him that Hanka was in her own little room, the middle room facing the
+street. It was four o'clock.
+
+He knocked and entered.
+
+Hanka sat at the table, eating. She rose quickly.
+
+"Oh--I thought it was the maid," she stammered. Her face coloured and she
+glanced uneasily at the table. She began to clear away, to place napkins
+over the dishes. She moved the chairs and said again and again: "I did not
+know--everything is so upset--"
+
+But he asked her to excuse his abrupt entrance. He only wanted to--she
+must have been in need of money, of course she must; it couldn't be
+otherwise; he wouldn't hear any more about it. Here--he had brought a
+little for her present needs. And he placed the envelope on the table.
+
+She refused to accept it. She had plenty of money left. She took out the
+last two hundred crowns he had sent her and showed him the bills. She even
+wanted to return them.
+
+He looked at her in amazement. He noticed that her left hand was without
+the ring. He frowned and asked:
+
+"What has become of your ring, Hanka?"
+
+"It isn't the one you gave me," she answered quickly. "It is the other
+one. That doesn't matter."
+
+"I did not know you had been obliged to do that, or I would long ago--"
+
+"But I was not obliged to do it; I wanted to. You see I have plenty of
+money. But it does not matter in the least, for I still have _your_
+ring."
+
+"Well, whether it is my ring or not, you have not done me a favour by
+this. I want you to keep your things. I am not so altogether down and out,
+even if I have had to let some of my help go."
+
+She bowed her head. He walked over to the window; when he turned back he
+noticed that she was looking at him; her eyes were candid and open. He
+grew confused and turned his back to her again. No, he could not speak to
+her of moving now; let her stay on awhile if she wanted to. But he would
+at least try to persuade her to cease this strange manner of living; there
+was no sense in that; besides, she was getting thin and pale.
+
+"Don't be offended, but ought you not--Not for my sake, of course, but for
+your own--"
+
+"Yes, I know," she interrupted, afraid of letting him finish; "time
+passes, and I haven't moved yet."
+
+He forgot what he intended to say about her housekeeping eccentricities;
+he caught only her last words.
+
+"I cannot understand you. You have had your way; nothing binds you any
+more. You can be Hanka Lange now as much as you like; you surely know that
+I am not holding you back."
+
+"No," she answered. She rose and took a step toward him. She held out her
+hand to him in a meaningless way, and when he did not take it, she dropped
+it to her side limply, with burning cheeks. She sank into her chair again.
+
+"No, you are not holding me back--I wanted to ask you--Of course, I have
+no right to expect that you will let me, but if you would--if I could
+remain here awhile yet? I would not be as I was before--I have changed a
+good deal, and so have you. I cannot say what I want to--"
+
+His eyes blurred suddenly. What did she mean? For a moment he faltered;
+then he buttoned his coat and straightened his shoulders. Had he, then,
+suffered in vain during all these weary days and nights? Hardly! He would
+prove it now. Hanka was sitting there, but evidently she was beside
+herself; he had excited her by calling on her so "unexpectedly".
+
+"Don't excite yourself, Hanka. Perhaps you are saying what you do not
+mean."
+
+A bright, irrepressible hope flamed up within her.
+
+"Yes," she exclaimed, "I mean every word! Oh, if you could forget what I
+have been, Andreas? If you would only have pity on me! Take me back; be
+merciful! I have wanted to come back for more than a month now, come back
+to you and to the children; I have stood here behind the curtains and
+watched you when you went out! The first time I really saw you was that
+night on the yacht--do you remember? I had never seen you until then. You
+stood by the tiller. I saw you against the sky; your hair was a little
+grey around the temples. I was so surprised when I saw you. I asked you if
+you were cold. I did it so you would speak to me! I know--time passed, but
+during all these weeks I have seen nobody but you--nobody! I am four and
+twenty years old, and have never felt like this before. Everything you do,
+everything you say--And everything the little ones do and say. We play and
+laugh, they cling to my neck.... I follow you with my eyes. See, I have
+cut a little hole in the curtain so that I can see you better. I can see
+you all the way to the end of the street. I can tell your steps whenever
+you walk down-stairs. Punish me, make me suffer, but do not cast me off!
+Simply to be here gives me a thousand joys, and I am altogether different
+now--"
+
+She could hardly stop; she continued to speak hysterically; at times her
+voice was choked with emotion. She rose from the chair. She smiled while
+the tears rained down her face. Her voice trailed off into inarticulate
+sounds.
+
+"For Heaven's sake, be calm!" he exclaimed abruptly, and his own tears
+were falling as he spoke. His face twitched. He was furious because he
+could not control himself better. He stood there and snapped out his
+words. He could not find the ones he sought. "You could always make me do
+whatever you wanted. I am not very clever when it comes to bandying words,
+no, indeed! The clique knows how to talk, but I haven't learned the art--
+Forgive me, I did not mean to hurt you. But if you mean that you want me
+to take somebody else's place now--If you want me as a successor--Of
+course, I do not know, but I ask. You say you want to come back now. But
+_how_ do you come back? Oh, I don't want to know; go in God's name!"
+
+"No, you are right. I simply wanted to ask you--I had to. I have been
+unfaithful to you, yes. I have done everything I shouldn't do,
+everything--"
+
+"Well, let us end this scene. You need rest more than anything else."
+
+Tidemand walked to the door. She followed him with wide-open eyes.
+
+"Punish me!" she cried. "I ask you to--have pity! I should be grateful to
+you. Don't leave me, I cannot bear to have you go! Do not cast me off; I
+have been unfaithful and--But try me once more; try me only a little! Do
+you think I might remain here? I don't know--"
+
+He opened the door. She stood still, her eyes dilated. From them shone the
+great question.
+
+"Why do you look at me like that? What do you want me to do?" he asked.
+"Come to your senses. Do not brood over the past. I will do all I can for
+the children. I think that is all you can reasonably ask."
+
+Then she gave up. She stretched her arms out after him as the door closed.
+She heard his steps down the stairs. He paused a moment as if uncertain
+which way to take. Hanka ran to the window, but she heard his office door
+open. Then all was quiet.
+
+Too late! How could she have expected otherwise? Good God, how could she
+have expected otherwise! How she had nourished that vain hope night and
+day for a whole month! He had gone; he said no, and he went away. Most
+likely he even objected to her staying with the children!
+
+Mrs. Hanka moved the following day. She took a room she saw advertised in
+the paper, the first room she came across; it was near the Fortress. She
+left home in the morning while Tidemand was out. She kissed the children
+and wept. She put her keys in an envelope and wrote a line to her husband.
+Tidemand found it upon his return; found the keys and this farewell, which
+was only a line or two.
+
+Tidemand went out again. He sauntered through the streets, down toward the
+harbour. He followed the docks far out. A couple of hours went by, then he
+returned the same way. He looked at his watch; it was one o'clock.
+Suddenly he ran across Coldevin.
+
+Coldevin stood immovable behind a corner and showed only his head. When he
+saw Tidemand coming straight toward him he stepped out in the street and
+bowed.
+
+Tidemand looked up abstractedly.
+
+And Coldevin asked:
+
+"Pardon me, isn't this Mr. Irgens I see down there--that gentleman in
+grey?"
+
+"Where? Oh, yes, it looks like him," answered Tidemand indifferently.
+
+"And the lady who is with him, isn't that Miss Lynum?"
+
+"Perhaps it is. Yes, I fancy that is she."
+
+"But wasn't she going away to-day? It seems to me I heard--Perhaps she has
+changed her mind?"
+
+"I suppose she has."
+
+Coldevin glanced swiftly at him. Tidemand looked as if he did not want to
+be disturbed. He excused himself politely and walked off, lost in thought.
+
+
+
+
+VI
+
+
+No, Aagot did not go away as had been arranged. It occurred to her that
+she ought to buy a few things for her smaller sisters and brothers. It was
+quite amusing to go around and look at the store windows all alone; she
+did that all the afternoon, and it was six when at last she was through
+and happened to meet Irgens on the street. He relieved her of her parcels
+and went with her. Finally they hailed a carriage and took a ride out in
+the country. It was a mild and quiet evening.
+
+No, she must not go away to-morrow. What good would that do? One day more
+or less didn't matter. And Irgens confessed frankly that he was not very
+flush at present, or he would have accompanied her.... If not in the same
+compartment, at least on the same train. He wanted to be near her to the
+very last. But he was too poor, alas!
+
+Wasn't it a crying shame that a man like him should be so hard up? Not
+that she would have allowed him to come, but.... How it impressed her that
+he so frankly told her of his poverty!
+
+"Besides, I am not sure that my life is safe here any more," he said
+smilingly. "Did you tell my friend Ole how I acted?"
+
+"It is never too late to do that," she said.
+
+They told the driver to stop. They walked ahead, talking gaily and
+happily. He asked her to forgive him his rashness--not that he wanted her
+to think that he had forgotten her, or could forget her.
+
+"I love you," he confessed, "but I know it is useless. I have now one
+thing left--my pen. I may write a verse or two to you; you must not be
+angry if I do. Well, time will tell. In a hundred years everything will be
+forgotten."
+
+"I am powerless to change anything," she said.
+
+"No, you are not. It depends, of course--At least, there is nobody else
+who can." And he added quickly: "You told me to give you a little time,
+you asked me to wait--what did you mean by that?"
+
+"Nothing," she answered.
+
+They walked on. They came into a field. Irgens spoke entertainingly about
+the far, blue, pine-clad ridges, about a tethered horse, a workingman who
+was making a fence. Aagot was grateful; she knew he did this in order to
+maintain his self-control; she appreciated it. He even said with a shy
+smile that if she would not think him affected he would like to jot down a
+couple of stanzas which just now occurred to him. And he jotted down the
+couple of stanzas.
+
+She wanted to see what he wrote. She bent toward him and asked him
+laughingly to let her see.
+
+If she really wanted to! It was nothing much, though.
+
+"Do you know," he said, "when you bent toward me and your head was so
+close to me, I prayed in my heart that you would remain like that! That is
+the reason I first refused to let you see what I had written."
+
+"Irgens," she said suddenly, in a tender voice, "what would happen if I
+said yes to you?"
+
+Pause. They looked at each other.
+
+"Then it would happen, of course, that--that you would say no to another."
+
+"Yes--but it is too late now, too late! It is not to be considered--But
+if it is any comfort to you to know it, then I can say that you are not
+the only one to grieve--"
+
+He took this beautifully. He seized her hand and pressed it silently, with
+a happy glance, and he let it go at once.
+
+They walked along the road. They had never been closer to each other. When
+they reached the new fence the workman took off his cap. They stopped
+before a gate; they looked at each other a moment and turned back. They
+did not speak.
+
+They came back to the carriage. During the drive Irgens held all Aagot's
+bundles in his arms. He did not move and was not in the least insistent.
+
+She was really touched by his tactful behaviour, and when he finally asked
+her to stay another day she consented.
+
+But when the carriage had to be paid for he searched his pockets in vain;
+at last he had to ask her to pay the driver herself. She was pleased to be
+able to do that; she only wished she had thought of it at once. He had
+looked quite crestfallen.
+
+They met each other early the next day. They walked along the docks,
+talking together in low voices, trembling with suppressed feeling. Their
+eyes were full of caresses; they walked close to each other. When,
+finally, Irgens caught sight of Coldevin standing half hidden behind a
+corner, he did not mention his discovery with a single syllable in order
+not to distress her. He said simply:
+
+"What a pity you and I are not ordinary working people now! We seem to
+attract attention; people are for ever staring at us. It would be
+preferable to be less prominent."
+
+They spoke about seeing each other at the Grand in the evening. It was
+quite a while since she had been there; she had really had few pleasures
+of late. Suddenly he said:
+
+"Come and go up to my place. There we can sit and talk in peace and
+quiet."
+
+"But would that do?"
+
+Why not? In broad daylight? There was absolutely no reason why she
+shouldn't. And he would always, always have the memory of her visit to
+treasure.
+
+And she went with him, timid, fearful, but happy.
+
+
+
+
+FINALE
+
+
+
+
+I
+
+
+Milde and Gregersen walked down the street together. They talked about
+Milde's portrait of Paulsberg which had been bought by the National
+Galleries; about the Actor Norem, who, together with a comrade, had been
+found drunk in a gutter and had been arrested; about Mrs. Hanka, who was
+said at last to have left her husband. Was anything else to be expected?
+Hadn't she endured it for four long years down in that shop? They asked
+each other for her address; they wanted to congratulate her; she must know
+that they fully sympathised with her. But none of them knew her address.
+
+They were deeply interested in the situation. It had come to this that
+Parliament had been dissolved without having said the deciding word,
+without having said anything, in fact. The _Gazette_ had advised
+against radical action at the last moment. The paper had talked about the
+seriousness of assuming responsibilities, about the unwisdom of a
+straightforward challenge.
+
+"What the devil can we do--with our army and navy?" said Gregersen with
+deep conviction. "We shall simply have to wait."
+
+They went into the Grand. Ojen was there with his two close-cropped poets.
+He was speaking about his latest prose poems: "A Sleeping City,"
+"Poppies," "The Tower of Babel." Imagine the Tower of Babel--its
+architecture! And with a nervous gesture he drew a spiral in the air.
+
+Paulsberg and his wife arrived; they moved the tables together and formed
+a circle. Milde stood treat; he still had money left from the first half
+of the subsidy. Paulsberg attacked Gregersen at once because of the
+_Gazette's_ change of front. Hadn't he himself, a short time ago,
+written a rather pointed article in the paper? Had they entirely forgotten
+that? How could he reconcile this with their present attitude? It would
+soon be a disgrace for an honest man to see his name in that sheet.
+Paulsberg was indignant and said so without mincing words.
+
+Gregersen had no defence. He simply answered that the _Gazette_ had
+fully explained its position, had given reasons....
+
+"What kind of reasons?" Paulsberg would show them how shallow they were.
+"Waiter, the _Gazette_ for to-day!"
+
+While they waited for the paper even Milde ventured to say that the
+reasons were anything but convincing. They consisted of vague vapourings
+about the easterly boundary, the unpreparedness of the army, even
+mentioning foreign intervention....
+
+"And fifteen minutes ago you yourself agreed with the _Gazette_
+unqualifiedly," said Gregersen.
+
+Paulsberg commenced reading from the _Gazette_, paragraph after
+paragraph. He laughed maliciously. Wasn't it great to hear a paper like
+the _Gazette_ mention the word responsibility? And Paulsberg threw
+the paper aside in disgust. No; there ought to be at least a trace of
+honesty in our national life! This sacrifice of principle for the sake of
+expediency was degrading, to say the least.
+
+Grande and Norem entered, with Coldevin between them. Coldevin was
+talking. He nodded to the others and finished what he was saying before he
+paused. The Attorney, this peculiar nonentity, who neither said nor did
+anything himself, took a wicked pleasure in listening to this uncouth
+person from the backwoods. He had happened upon Coldevin far up in Thranes
+Road; he had spoken to him, and Coldevin had said that he was going away
+soon, perhaps to-morrow. He was going back to Torahus; he was mainly going
+in order to resign his position; he had accepted a situation farther
+north. But in that case Grande had insisted that they empty a glass
+together, and Coldevin had finally come along. They had met Norem outside.
+
+Coldevin, too, spoke about the situation; he accused the young because
+they had remained silent and accepted this last indignity without a
+protest. God help us, what kind of a youth was that? Was our youth, then,
+_entirely_ decadent?
+
+"It looks bad for us again," said Milde in a stage whisper.
+
+Paulsberg smiled.
+
+"You will have to grin and bear it--Let us get toward home, Nikoline. I am
+not equal to this."
+
+And Paulsberg and his wife left.
+
+
+
+
+II
+
+
+Coldevin looked very shabby indeed. He was in the same suit he wore when
+he came to town; his hair and beard were shaggy and unkempt.
+
+The Journalist brought him over to the table. What did he want? Only a
+glass of beer?
+
+Coldevin glanced around him indifferently. It would seem that he had had a
+hard time. He was thin to emaciation and his eyes shone through dark,
+shadowy rings. He drank his beer greedily. He even said it was a long time
+since a glass of beer had tasted better. Perhaps he was hungry, too.
+
+"To return to the matter under discussion," said the Attorney. "One cannot
+affirm offhand that we are floating on the battered hull. One must not
+forget to take the young Norway into consideration."
+
+"No," answered Coldevin, "one should never affirm anything offhand. One
+must try to reach the basic reason for every condition. And this basic
+reason might just be--as I have said--our superstitious faith in a power
+which we do not possess. We have grown so terribly modest in our demands;
+why is it? Might this not lie at the very root of our predicament? Our
+power is theoretical; we talk, we intoxicate ourselves in words, but we do
+not act. The fancy of our youth turns to literature and clothes; its
+ambition goes no further, and it is not interested in other things. It
+might, for instance, profitably take an interest in our business life."
+
+"Dear me, how you know everything!" sneered the Journalist.
+
+But Milde nudged him secretly and whispered: "Leave him alone! Let him
+talk. He, he! He really believes what he says; he trembles with eagerness
+and conviction. He is a sight in our day and generation!"
+
+The Attorney asked him:
+
+"Have you read Irgens's latest book?"
+
+"Yes, I have read it. Why do you ask?"
+
+"Oh, simply because I am at a loss to understand how you can have such a
+poor opinion of our youth when you know its production. We have writers of
+rank--"
+
+"Yes--but, on the other hand, there is in your circle a young man who has
+lost heavily in rye," answered Coldevin. "I am more interested in him. Do
+you know what this man is doing? He is not crushed or broken by his loss.
+He is just now creating a new article of export; he has undertaken to
+supply a foreign enterprise with tar, Norwegian tar. But you do not
+mention his name."
+
+"No; I must confess that my knowledge of Norwegian tar is limited, but--"
+
+"There may be nothing lacking in your knowledge, Mr. Attorney, but you
+have possibly too little sympathy for commerce and the creation of values.
+On the other hand, you are thoroughly up to date as far as the aesthetic
+occurrences are concerned; you have heard the latest prose poem. We have
+so many young writers; we have Ojen, and we have Irgens, and we have
+Paulsberg, and we have many more. That is the young Norway. I see them on
+the streets occasionally. They stalk past me as poets should stalk past
+ordinary people. They are brimful of new intentions, new fashions. They
+are fragrant with perfume--in brief, there is nothing lacking. When they
+show up everybody else is mute: 'Silence! The poet speaks.' The papers are
+able to inform their readers that Paulsberg is on a trip to Honefos. In a
+word--"
+
+But this was too much for Gregersen. He himself had written the news notes
+about Paulsberg's trip to Honefos. He shouted:
+
+"But you have the most infernal way of saying insolent things! You look as
+if you were saying nothing of consequence--"
+
+"I simply cannot understand why you lose your temper," said Milde
+tranquilly, "when Paulsberg himself told us to grin and bear it!"
+
+Pause.
+
+"In a word," resumed Coldevin, "the people do their duty, the papers do
+their duty. Our authors are not ordinary, readable talents; no, they are
+flaming pillars of fire; they are being translated into German! They
+assume dimensions. This, of course, can be repeated so often that people
+at last believe it; but such a self-delusion is very harmful. It makes us
+complacent, it perpetuates our insignificance."
+
+Gregersen plays a trump card:
+
+"But tell me, you--I don't remember your name:--do you know the story of
+Vinje and the potato? I always think of that when I hear you speak. You
+are so immensely unsophisticated; you are from the country, and you think
+you can amaze us. You have not the slightest suspicion that your opinions
+are somewhat antiquated. Your opinions are those of the self-taught man.
+Once Vinje began to ponder over the ring in a newly cut, raw potato; being
+from the country, you, at least, must know that there in springtime,
+often, is a purple figure in a potato. And Vinje was so interested in this
+purple outline that he sat down and wrote a mathematical thesis about it.
+He took this to Fearnley in the fond belief that he had made a great
+discovery. 'This is very fine,' said Fearnley; 'it is perfectly correct.
+You have solved the problem. But the Egyptians knew this two thousand
+years ago--' They knew it ages ago, ha, ha, ha! And I am always reminded
+of this story when I hear you speak! Don't be offended, now!"
+
+Pause.
+
+"No, I am not offended in the least," said Coldevin. "But if I understand
+you correctly, then we agree. I am only saying what you already know?"
+
+But Gregersen shook his head in despair and turned to Milde.
+
+"He is impossible," he said. He emptied his glass and spoke again to
+Coldevin, spoke in a louder voice than necessary; he bent toward him and
+shouted: "For Heaven's sake, man, don't you understand that your opinions
+are too absurd--the opinions of the self-taught man? You think that what
+you say is news to us. We have heard it for ages; we know it, and we think
+it ridiculous. Isch! I don't want to talk to you!"
+
+And Gregersen got up and walked unsteadily away. It was six o'clock. The
+three men who remained at the table sat silently a few moments. At last
+Coldevin said:
+
+"There goes Journalist Gregersen. That man has my unqualified pity and
+sympathy."
+
+"He would hardly accept it," said Milde with a laugh.
+
+"But he cannot avoid it. I think often of these writers for the daily
+press, these faithful workers who accomplish more in a month than the
+poets wring from themselves during a year. They are often married men in
+poor circumstances; their fate is not too pleasant at best. They have
+probably dreamed about a freer and richer life than this slavery in an
+office where their best efforts are swallowed up in anonymity, and where
+they often have to repress themselves and their convictions in order to
+keep their jobs. It might be well if these men were given the approbation
+they deserved; it might even be profitable; it might bear fruit in a free
+and honest newspaper literature. What have we at present? An irresponsible
+press, lacking convictions and clearly defined principles, its policy
+dictated by personal preferences--by even worse motives. No; a truly great
+journalist ranks far higher than a poet."
+
+Just then the door opened and Irgens and Miss Aagot entered. They stopped
+by the door and looked around; Aagot showed no sign of embarrassment, but
+when she caught sight of Coldevin, she stepped forward quickly, with a
+smile on lips that were already opened as if to speak. Suddenly she
+stopped. Coldevin stared at her and fumbled mechanically at his buttons.
+
+This lasted a few moments. Irgens and Aagot went over to the table, shook
+hands, and sat down. Aagot gave Coldevin her hand. Milde wanted to know
+what they would have. He happened to be flush. "Order anything you like--"
+
+"You come too late," he said smilingly. "Coldevin has entertained us
+splendidly."
+
+Irgens looked up. He shot a swift glance at Coldevin and said, while he
+lit a cigar:
+
+"I have enjoyed Mr. Coldevin's entertainment once before in Tivoli, I
+believe. This will have to satisfy me for the present."
+
+It was only with difficulty that Irgens succeeded in hiding his
+displeasure. This was the second time to-day he had seen Coldevin; he had
+observed him outside his lodgings in Thranes Road No. 5. He had not been
+able to get Aagot out until this infernal fellow had disappeared. By a
+happy chance Grande had passed by; otherwise he would probably have been
+there still. And how had he acted? He had stood like a guard, immovable;
+Irgens had been furious. He had had the greatest difficulty in keeping
+Aagot from the windows. If she had happened to glance out she must have
+discovered him. He had made no effort to conceal himself. One would think
+he had stood there with the avowed intention of being seen, in order to
+keep the couple in a state of siege.
+
+Now he appeared slightly embarrassed. He fingered his glass nervously and
+looked down. But suddenly it seemed as if Irgens's insolence had roused
+him; he said bluntly and without connection with what had been discussed
+before:
+
+"Tell me one thing--Or, let me rather say it myself: These poets are
+turning everything upside down; nobody dares to grumble. An author might
+owe in unsecured debts his twenty thousand--what of it? He is unable to
+pay, that is all. What if a business man should act in this manner? What
+if he were to obtain wine or clothes on false promises of payment? He
+would simply be arrested for fraud and declared bankrupt. But the authors,
+the artists, these talented superbeings who suck the country's blood like
+vampires to the nation's acclaim--who would dare take such measures with
+them? People simply discuss the scandal privately and laugh and think it
+infernally smart that a man can owe his twenty thousand--"
+
+Milde put his glass down hard and said:
+
+"My good man, this has gone far enough!"
+
+That splendid fellow Milde seemed all at once to have lost his patience.
+While he was sitting alone with the Attorney and the Actor he had found
+the miserable Tutor's bitter sarcasms amusing, but no sooner had one of
+the Authors appeared than he felt outraged and struck his fist on the
+table. It was Milde's excellent habit always to await reinforcements.
+
+Coldevin looked at him.
+
+"Do you think so?" he said.
+
+"I'll be damned if I don't."
+
+Coldevin had undoubtedly spoken intentionally. He had even addressed his
+remarks very plainly. Irgens bit his moustache occasionally.
+
+But now Norem woke up. He understood that something was happening before
+his dull eyes, and he began to mix in, to declaim about business morals.
+It was the rottenest morality on earth, usury--a morality for Jews! Was it
+right to demand usurious interest? Don't argue with him. He knew what he
+was talking about. Ho! business morals! The rottenest morals on earth....
+
+Meanwhile the Attorney was talking across the table to Irgens and Miss
+Aagot. He told them how he had come across Coldevin.
+
+"I ran across him a moment ago up your way, Irgens, in Thranes Road, right
+below your windows. I brought him along. I couldn't let the fellow stand
+there alone--"
+
+Aagot asked quickly, with big, bewildered eyes:
+
+"Thranes Road, did you say? Irgens, he was standing below your windows!"
+
+Her heart was fluttering with fear. Coldevin observed her fixedly; he made
+sure that she should notice he was staring straight at her.
+
+Meanwhile Norem continued his impossible tirade. So it was charged that
+the people as a whole was corrupt, that its men and women were debased
+because they honoured literature and art. "Ho! you leave art alone, my
+good man, and don't you bother about that! Men and women corrupt!--"
+
+Coldevin seized this chance remark by the hair and replied. He did not
+address Norem; he looked away from him. He spoke about something that
+evidently was vitally important in his eyes. He addressed himself to
+nobody in particular, and yet his words were meant for some one. It was
+hardly correct to say that men and women were corrupt; they had simply
+reached a certain degree of hollowness; they had degenerated and grown
+small. Shallow soil, anaemic soil, without growth, without fertility! The
+women carried on their surface existence. They were not tired of life, but
+they did not venture much either. How could they put up any stakes? They
+had none to put up. They darted around like blue, heatless flames; they
+nibbled at everything, joys and sorrows, and they did not realise that
+they had grown insignificant. Their ambitions did not soar; their hearts
+did not suffer greatly; they beat quite regularly, but they did not swell
+more for one thing than for another, more for one person than for another.
+What had our young women done with their proud eyes? Nowadays they looked
+on mediocrity as willingly as on superiority. They lost themselves in
+admiration over rather every-day poetry, over common fiction. Some time
+ago greater and prouder things were needed to conquer them. There was a
+page here and there in Norway's history to prove that. Our young women had
+modified their demands considerably; they couldn't help it; their pride
+was gone, their strength sapped. The young woman had lost her power, her
+glorious and priceless simplicity, her unbridled passion, her brand of
+breed. She had lost her pride in the only man, her hero, her god. She had
+acquired a sweet tooth. She sniffed at everything and gave everybody the
+willing glance. Love to her was simply the name for an extinct feeling;
+she had read about it and at times she had been entertained by it, but it
+had never sweetly overpowered her and forced her to her knees; it had
+simply fluttered past her like an outworn sound. "But the young woman of
+our day does not pretend to all this; alas, no! She is honestly shorn.
+There is nothing to do about it; the only thing is to keep the loss within
+limits. In a few generations we shall probably experience a renaissance;
+everything comes in cycles. But for the present we are sadly denuded. Only
+our business life beats with a healthy, strong pulse. Only our commerce
+lives its deed-filled life. Let us place our faith in that! From it will
+the newer Norway spring!"
+
+These last words seemed to irritate Milde; he took out of his pocketbook a
+ten-crown bill which he threw across the table to Coldevin. He said
+furiously:
+
+"There--take your money! I had almost forgotten that I owed you this
+money, but I trust you understand that you can go now!"
+
+Coldevin coloured deeply. He took the bill slowly.
+
+"You do not thank me very politely for the loan," he said.
+
+"And who has told you that I am a polite man? The main thing is that you
+have got your money and that we hope now to be rid of you."
+
+"Well, I thank you; I need it," said Coldevin. The very way in which he
+picked up the bill showed plainly that he was not used to handling money.
+Suddenly he looked straight at Milde and added:
+
+"I must confess I had not expected you ever to repay this loan."
+
+Milde blazed up, but only for a moment. Even this direct insult did not
+make him lose his temper. He swallowed it, mumbled a reply, said finally
+that he had not intended to be rude; he would apologise....
+
+But Norem, who sat there drunk and dull, could no longer repress his
+amusement. He only saw the comical side of the incident and cried
+laughingly:
+
+"Have you touched this fellow, too, Milde? So help me, you can borrow
+money from anybody! You are inimitable. Ha, ha! from him, too!"
+
+Coldevin rose.
+
+Aagot got up simultaneously and ran over to him. She took his hand, a prey
+to the greatest excitement. She began whispering to him. She led him over
+to a window and continued speaking earnestly, in a low voice. They sat
+down. There was nobody else around, and she said:
+
+"Yes, yes, you are right; it is true. You were speaking to me; I
+understood it only too well; you are right, right, right! Oh, but it is
+going to be different! You said that I couldn't, that it was not within my
+power; but I can; I will show you! I understand it all now; you have
+opened my eyes. Dear, do not be angry with me. I have done a great wrong,
+but--"
+
+She wept with dry eyes. She swallowed hard. She sat on the very edge of
+the chair in her excitement. He injected a word now and then, nodded,
+shook his head when she appeared too disconsolate, and in his confusion he
+called her "Aagot, dearest Aagot." She must not apply everything he had
+said to herself, not at all. Of course, he had thought of her, too, that
+was true; but then he had been mistaken--thank God for that! He had simply
+wanted to warn her. She was so young; he, who was older, knew better from
+where danger threatened. But now she must forget it and be cheerful.
+
+They continued to speak. Irgens grew impatient and rose. He stretched
+himself and yawned as if to indicate that he was going. Suddenly he
+remembered something he had forgotten. He walked quickly over to the bar
+and got some roasted coffee which he put in his vest pocket.
+
+Milde settled the checks. He flung money around with the greatest
+unconcern; then he said good-bye and left. A moment afterward they saw him
+bow to a lady outside. He spoke a few words and they walked away through a
+side-street. The lady wore a long boa which billowed behind her in the
+breeze.
+
+And still Aagot and Coldevin sat there.
+
+"Won't you take me home? Excuse me a moment, I want to--"
+
+She ran over to Irgens's table and took her coat from the chair.
+
+"Are you going?" he asked her in amazement.
+
+"Yes. Ugh--I won't do this any more. Goodbye!"
+
+"What won't you do any more? Don't you want me to take you home?"
+
+"No. And not later either; not to-morrow. No, I am through for good." She
+gave Irgens her hand and said good-bye quickly. All the time she looked at
+Coldevin and seemed impatient to be off.
+
+"Remember our engagement for to-morrow," Irgens said.
+
+
+
+
+III
+
+
+Aagot and Coldevin walked together down the street. He said nothing about
+his going away, and she didn't know of his intention. She was happy to be
+with Coldevin, this phenomenon who irritated everybody with his impossible
+harangues. She walked close beside him; her heart was fluttering.
+
+"Forgive me!" she pleaded. "Yes, you must forgive me everything, both that
+which has happened before and to-day. A while ago I should have been
+afraid to ask you, but no sooner am I with you than I become bold again.
+You never reprove me, never. But I haven't done anything wrong to-day--I
+mean to-day when I was far up-town; you understand what I mean." And she
+looked at him with an open, straightforward glance.
+
+"Are you going back home soon, Miss Aagot?"
+
+"Yes, I am going back at once--Forgive me, Coldevin, and believe me,
+believe me--I have done nothing wrong to-day; but I am so sorry, I repent
+everything--Blue, heatless flames, without much pride--I am not so stupid
+that I do not know whom you had in mind when you said this."
+
+"But, dearest Aagot," he exclaimed in his perplexity, "it was not meant
+for you--I didn't mean it at all! And besides, I was mistaken, greatly
+mistaken; thank God, _you_ are entirely different. But promise me one
+thing, Aagot; promise that you will be a little careful, do! It is none of
+my business, of course; but you have fallen in with a crowd--believe me,
+they are not your kind of people. Mrs. Tidemand has gained bitter
+experience through them."
+
+She glanced at him inquiringly.
+
+"I thought it best to tell you. Mrs. Tidemand, one of the few sterling
+personalities in the clique, even she! One from that crowd has destroyed
+her, too."
+
+"Is that true?" said Aagot. "Well, I don't care in the least for them;
+alas, no! I don't want to remember any of them." And she seized Coldevin's
+arm and pressed close to him as if in fear.
+
+This embarrassed him still more. He slowed up a little, and she said with
+a smile as she let go his arm:
+
+"I suppose I mustn't do that?"
+
+"H'm. What are you going to do when you get back home? By the way, have
+you heard from your fiancé?"
+
+"No, not yet. But I suppose it is too early. Are you afraid of anything
+happening to him? Dear me, tell me if you are!"
+
+"No; don't worry! He will get back safe enough."
+
+They stopped at her door and said good-bye. She ascended the few steps
+hesitatingly, without even lifting her dress; suddenly she turned, ran
+downstairs again, and seized Coldevin's hand.
+
+Without another word she hurried up-stairs and through the door.
+
+He stood still a moment. He heard her steps from inside, then they died
+down. And he turned and drifted down the street. He saw and heard nothing
+of what happened around him.
+
+Instinctively he walked toward the basement restaurant where he usually
+took his meals. He went down and ordered something. Hurriedly he ate
+everything that was placed before him; apparently he had not eaten for a
+long while. And when he was through he took out the ten-crown bill and
+paid his check from that. At the same time he felt in his waistcoat pocket
+for a little package, a few crowns in silver--the small amount he had put
+aside for his railway ticket, and which he had not dared to touch.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The following day, around five, Aagot was walking down toward the docks,
+toward the same place where she had walked the day before. Irgens was
+already waiting for her.
+
+She hurried toward him and said:
+
+"I came after all, but only to tell you--I won't meet you any more. I
+haven't time to talk to you now, but I did not want you to come here and
+wait for me."
+
+"Listen, Miss Aagot," he said boldly, "you can't back out now, you know."
+
+"I am not going home with you any more, never. I have learned something.
+Why don't you get Mrs. Tidemand to go with you? Why don't you?" Aagot was
+pale and excited.
+
+"Mrs. Tidemand?" he asked, startled.
+
+"Yes, I know everything. I have asked questions--Yes, I have thought of it
+all night long. Go to Mrs. Tidemand, why don't you?"
+
+He stepped close to her.
+
+"Mrs. Tidemand has not existed for me since I saw you. I haven't seen her
+for weeks. I don't even know where she lives."
+
+"Well, it doesn't matter," she said. "I suppose you can look her up. I
+won't go home with you, but I can walk with you a few moments."
+
+They walked on. Aagot was quiet now.
+
+"I said I have thought of it all night," she continued. "Of course, not
+all night. All day, I meant. Not all the time, I mean--You ought to be
+ashamed of yourself! Married ladies! You don't defend yourself very
+warmly, Irgens."
+
+"What is the use?"
+
+"No, I suppose you love her." And when he was silent she grew violently
+jealous. "You might at least tell me if you love her!"
+
+"I love you," he answered, "I do not lie; it is you and nobody else I
+love, Aagot. You can do with me what you like, but it is you." He did not
+look at her. He gazed down on the pavement and he wrung his hands
+repeatedly.
+
+She felt that his emotion was genuine and she said gently:
+
+"All right, Irgens, I'll believe you. But I won't go home with you."
+
+Pause.
+
+"What has made you so hostile toward me all of a sudden?" he asked. "Is it
+this--? He has been your tutor, but I must frankly say that he disgusts
+me, dirty and unkempt as he is."
+
+"You will be good enough to speak civilly of Coldevin," she said coldly.
+
+"Well, he is going away to-night, so we shall be rid of him," he said.
+
+She stopped.
+
+"Is he going this evening?"
+
+"So I heard. On the night train."
+
+Was he going? He hadn't mentioned that to her. Irgens had to tell her how
+he knew. She was so taken up with this news about Coldevin that she forgot
+everything else; perhaps she even felt a sense of relief at the thought
+that henceforth she would be free from his espionage. When Irgens touched
+her arm lightly she walked mechanically ahead. They went straight to his
+rooms. When they stood by the entrance she suddenly recoiled. She said
+"No!" repeatedly while she looked at him with staring, bewildered eyes.
+But he pleaded with her. Finally he took her arm and led her firmly
+inside.
+
+The door slammed behind them....
+
+On the corner Coldevin stood and watched. When the couple disappeared he
+stepped forward and walked over to the entrance. He stood there awhile. He
+bent forward stiffly as if he were listening. He was much changed. His
+face was fearfully drawn and his lips were frozen in a ghastly smile. Then
+he sat down on the steps, close by the wall, waiting.
+
+An hour passed by. A tower-clock boomed. His train was not due to leave
+for another hour. Half an hour went by. He heard somebody on the stairs.
+Irgens came first. Coldevin did not stir; he sat motionless with his back
+to the door. Then Aagot appeared. Suddenly she cried out loudly. Coldevin
+arose and walked away. He had not looked at her nor had he said a word; he
+had simply shown himself--he had been on the spot. He swayed like a man in
+a stupor. He turned the very first corner, the frozen smile still on his
+lips.
+
+Coldevin walked straight down to the railway station. He bought his ticket
+and was ready. The doors were thrown open. He walked out to the
+train-shed; a porter came after him with his trunk. His trunk? All right;
+he had almost forgotten it. Put it in there, in this empty compartment! He
+entered after it had been stowed away; then he collapsed utterly. He sat
+in the corner; his gaunt, emaciated body shivered convulsively. In a few
+moments he took from his pocketbook a tiny silken bow in the Norwegian
+colours and began to tear it to pieces. He sat there quietly and plucked
+the threads apart. When he had finished he stared at the shreds with a
+fixed, vacant stare. The engine gave a hoarse blast; the train started.
+Coldevin opened the window slowly and emptied his hand. And the tiny bits
+of red and blue whirled away behind the train, fluttered and sank to the
+gravel, to be ground in the dust beneath every man's foot.
+
+
+
+
+IV
+
+
+It was several days later before Aagot went home. Irgens had not persisted
+in vain. He had succeeded, and now he reaped the reward of all his labour.
+Aagot was with him continually. She was as much in love with him as she
+could be. She clung to his neck.
+
+The days passed by.
+
+Finally a telegram arrived from Ole, and Aagot woke from her trance. The
+wire had been sent to Torahus. It reached her after much delay. Ole was in
+London.
+
+Well, what was to be done? Ole was in London, but he was not here yet. She
+did not remember clearly how he looked. Dark, with blue eyes; tall, with a
+stray wisp of hair which always fell across his forehead. Whenever she
+thought of him he seemed to belong to an age long past. How long, long it
+was since he went away!
+
+The telegram stirred to life again her dormant feelings for the absent
+one. She trembled with the old sense of possession. She whispered his name
+and blessed him for his goodness. She called him to her, blushing
+breathlessly. No, nobody was like him! He did not wrong anybody. He walked
+his straightforward way, guileless and upright. How he loved her! Little
+mistress, little mistress! His breast was so warm! She grew warm herself
+when she nestled close to him. How he could look up from a row of figures
+and smile!... Oh, she had not forgotten!...
+
+She packed her belongings resolutely and wanted to go home in spite of
+everything. The evening before she left she said good-bye to Irgens, a
+protracted good-bye which rent her heart. She was his now, and Ole would
+probably get over it. She made up her mind. She would go home and she
+would cancel her engagement as soon as Ole returned. What would he say
+when he read her letter with the ring enclosed? She writhed at the thought
+that she wouldn't be near him to comfort him. She had to strike him from
+afar! And thus it had to end!
+
+Irgens was full of tenderness and cheered her as much as he could. They
+should not be separated for long. If nothing else turned up he would walk
+up to her on his feet! Besides, she could get back to town; she wasn't a
+pauper exactly; she even owned a yacht, a real yacht--what more did she
+want? And Aagot smiled at this jest and felt relieved.
+
+The door was locked; they were alone. Everything was quiet; they heard
+their hearts beat. And they said farewell to each other.
+
+Irgens would not take her to the train. It might give rise to too much
+gossip; the town was so small and he was, unfortunately, so well known.
+But they would write, write every day; otherwise she would never be able
+to endure the separation....
+
+Tidemand was the only one who knew of Aagot's departure and who followed
+her to the train. He was paying his usual call to Henriksen's office
+during the afternoon and was having his daily chat with the old man. As he
+left he met Aagot outside: she was ready to go. Tidemand accompanied her
+and carried her valise; her trunk had been sent ahead.
+
+It had rained and the streets were muddy. Aagot said several times:
+
+"What a disagreeable, mournful day!"
+
+They hardly spoke. Aagot simply said:
+
+"It was very kind of you to come with me; otherwise I should have been
+altogether alone." And Tidemand noticed that she tried to appear
+unconcerned. She smiled, but her eyes were moist.
+
+He, too, smiled and said comfortingly that he was glad she was going to
+leave all this mud and filth; now she was going to the country, to cleaner
+roads, to purer air. These few words were all they spoke. They stood in
+the train-shed beneath the glass vault. It had begun to rain, and they
+heard the drops beating on the roof while the engine stood wheezing on the
+track. Aagot entered her compartment and gave Tidemand her hand. And in a
+sudden desire to be forgiven, to be judged charitably, she said to this
+stranger, whom she knew so slightly:
+
+"Good-bye--And do not judge me too harshly!" and she coloured deeply.
+
+"But, child!" he said amazed. He had no time to say more.
+
+She put her fair little face out of the window and nodded as the train
+moved along. Her eyes were wet, and she struggled not to break down. She
+looked at Tidemand as long as she could see him, then she waved a tiny
+handkerchief.
+
+The strange girl! Her unaffected simplicity moved him. He did not stop
+waving until the train was out of sight. Not judge her too harshly? He
+certainly wouldn't! And if he ever had been tempted to, he would know
+better in the future. She had waved to him--almost a stranger! He would be
+sure and tell Ole--how that would please him!...
+
+       *        *        *        *        *
+
+Tidemand walked toward his own wharf. He was very busy. He was altogether
+taken up with his affairs. His business was steadily growing. He had been
+forced to take on several of his old employees. At present he was shipping
+tar.
+
+When he had given his orders in the warehouse, he walked over to the
+restaurant where he usually took his meals. It was late. He ate hurriedly
+and spoke to no one. He was engrossed in thought about a new enterprise he
+had in mind. His tar was going to Spain. The rye held firm, with good
+prices; he sold steadily, his business began to stretch forth new arms.
+There was that new tannery near Torahus. How would it do if one gave a
+little thought to a tar-manufacturing plant alongside? He really was going
+to speak to Ole about that. He had had it in mind several weeks. He had
+even consulted an engineer about it. There were the cuttings and the tops.
+If the tannery took the bark, why shouldn't the tar plant take the wood?
+
+Tidemand walked home. It rained steadily.
+
+A few steps from his office entrance he stopped abruptly; then he sidled
+quietly into an area-way. He stared straight ahead. His wife was standing
+out there in the rain, outside his office. She was gazing, now at his
+office windows, now up to the second story. There she stood. He could not
+be mistaken, and his breath came in gasps. Once before he had seen her
+there. She had circled around in the shadows beneath the street lamps,
+just as now. He had called her name in a low voice, and she had
+immediately hurried around the street corner without looking back. This
+happened a Sunday evening three weeks ago. And now she was here again.
+
+He wanted to step forward. He made a movement and his raincoat rustled.
+She glanced around quickly and hurried away. He stood immovable where he
+was until she had disappeared.
+
+
+
+
+V
+
+
+Ole Henriksen returned a week later. He had become uneasy. He had
+telegraphed to Aagot again and again, but could get no reply. He finished
+up his business in a hurry and returned. But so far was he from suspecting
+the true condition of affairs that on the very last afternoon in London he
+bought her a little present, a carriage for her fiord pony on Torahus.
+
+And on his desk he found Aagot's letter with her ring enclosed.
+
+Ole Henriksen read the letter almost without grasping its meaning. His
+hands commenced to tremble, and his eyes were staring. He went over and
+locked the office door, and read the letter once more. It was brief and to
+the point; it could not be misunderstood; she gave him back his "freedom."
+And there was the ring, wrapped in tissue-paper. No, he could hardly be
+uncertain as to the meaning of that letter.
+
+And Ole Henriksen drifted back and forth in his office for several hours.
+He placed the letter on his desk and walked with hands tightly clasped
+behind him. He took the letter again and read it once more. He was "free"!
+
+He must not think that she did not love him, she had written. She thought
+of him as much as ever; yes, more even. She begged his forgiveness a
+hundred times every day. But what good was it if she thought of him ever
+so much? she continued. She was his no more, it had come to that. But she
+had not surrendered at once, nor without a struggle; God knows that she
+had loved him so dearly, and that she did not want to belong to anybody
+but to him. However, it had gone entirely too far now; she would only ask
+him to judge her kindly, though she did not deserve it, and not to grieve
+over her.
+
+The letter was dated twice. She had not noticed that. It was written in
+Aagot's large, childish hand, and was touching in its simplicity; she had
+made several corrections.
+
+Yes, he had understood it clearly; and, besides, there was the ring. After
+all, what did _he_ amount to? He was no prominent man, known all over
+the country; he was no genius who could interest a girl greatly; he was
+just an ordinary toiler, a business man--that was all. He should have
+known better than imagine he would be allowed to keep Aagot's heart for
+himself. Just see how he had fooled himself! Of course, he attended to his
+business and worked conscientiously early and late, but that could not
+make people fond of him. There was nothing to say to that. Anyhow, he knew
+now why his telegrams had remained unanswered. He ought to have understood
+it at once, but he hadn't.... She had gone entirely too far. She said
+goodbye and loved somebody else. Nothing could be done about that. If she
+loved somebody else, then.... It was probably Irgens--he would get her
+after all. Tidemand had been right. It was dangerous with these many
+boat-rides and walks; Tidemand had had experience. Well, it was too late
+to think of that now. However, one's love could not have been so very
+firmly rooted if a walk or two had been enough to break it down....
+
+And suddenly the anger blazed up in the poor fellow. He walked more
+rapidly and his forehead flamed. She had gone entirely too far. That was
+his reward for the love he had lavished on her! He had knelt before a
+hussy. He had let that miserable lover of hers cheat him openly for years!
+He could prove it by the ledger--look here--now Aagot's fine friend had
+been hard up for ten, now for fifty crowns! And he, Ole Henriksen, had
+even been afraid that Aagot some day might chance to see the poet's
+account in his books. He had finally put away the ledger, entirely out of
+regard for the great man's feelings. It was a most suitable partnership;
+they were worthy of each other. The poet had something to write about now,
+a splendid subject! Ha, he must not grieve too much over her; she could
+not stand that; she might even lose sleep over it! Think of that! But who
+had said that he would grieve? She was mistaken. He might have knelt
+before her, but he hadn't licked her boots; no, he would hardly be
+compelled to take to his bed on account of this. She need not worry; she
+need not weep scalding tears on his account. So she had jilted him; she
+returned his ring. What of it? But why had she dragged the ring all the
+way up to Torahus? Why hadn't she simply left it on his desk and saved the
+postage? Good-bye; good riddance! Go to the devil with your silk-lined
+deceiver, and never let me hear of you again!...
+
+He wrung his hands in anguish and paced back and forth with long, furious
+strides. He would take it like a man. He would fling his own ring in her
+face and end the comedy quickly. He stopped at the desk and tore the ring
+off his finger, wrapped it up, and put it in an envelope. He wrote the
+address in large, brutal letters; his hand trembled violently. Somebody
+knocked. He flung the letter into a drawer and closed it hastily.
+
+It was one of his clerks who came to remind him that it was late. Should
+he close up?
+
+"Yes, close up. But wait; I am through now; I am going, too. Bring me the
+keys."
+
+Nobody should be able to say that he broke down because of a shabby trick
+like this. He would show people that he could keep his composure. He might
+go to the Grand and celebrate his return with a plain glass of beer! That
+would be just the thing. He had no intention of avoiding people. He had a
+revolver lying in a desk drawer; but had he wanted to use that, even for
+the briefest moment? Had he _thought_ of it even? Not at all. It just
+occurred to him now that it might be getting rusty. No, thank God! one was
+not exactly weary of life....
+
+Ole Henriksen went to the Grand.
+
+He sat down at a table and ordered his glass of beer. A moment later he
+felt somebody slap him on the shoulder. He looked up; it was Milde.
+
+"Good old boy!" shouted Milde. "Are you sitting here without saying a
+word? Welcome back! Come over to the window; you will find a couple of the
+fellows there."
+
+Ole went over to the window. There were Ojen, Norem, and Gregersen, all of
+them with half-empty wine-glasses in front of them. Ojen jumped up and
+said pleasantly:
+
+"Welcome home, old man! I am glad to see you again. I have missed you a
+good deal. I am coming down to-morrow to see you. There is something I
+want to see you about."
+
+Gregersen gave him a finger. Ole took it, sat down, and told the waiter to
+bring him his beer.
+
+"What! are you drinking beer? No, beer will never do on this occasion; it
+must be wine!"
+
+"Well, drink what you want to. I am drinking beer."
+
+Just then Irgens arrived, and Milde called to him: "Ole is drinking beer,
+but we are not going to do that. What do you say?"
+
+Irgens did not show the least sign of embarrassment when he faced Ole; he
+barely nodded and said indifferently: "Welcome home!" And Ole looked at
+him and noticed that his cuffs were not entirely clean; as a matter of
+fact, his dress was not quite up to his usual standard.
+
+But Milde repeated his question: wasn't it a little too commonplace to
+drink beer at a double celebration?
+
+"A double celebration?" asked Gregersen.
+
+"Exactly--yes. In the first place, Ole has returned, and that is of the
+greatest importance to us at present; I frankly admit that. But I have, in
+the second place, just been dispossessed from my studio, and that has also
+a certain solemn significance. What do you think? The landlady came and
+wanted money. 'Money?' I asked in amazement, and so on and so on. But the
+outcome was that I was put out, without notice--only a couple of hours'.
+Ha, ha! I have never heard of such a notice. Of course, she had already
+given me her ultimatum a month ago; still--I had to leave a couple of
+finished canvases. But I think this ought to be celebrated in wine, for
+Ole does not care what we drink."
+
+"Of course not; why should I care?" asked Ole.
+
+And the gentlemen drank industriously. They grew well disposed and
+cheerful before they took their departure. Irgens was first to leave; then
+Ojen followed. Ole remained until they had all gone, all except Norem, who
+sat there as usual and slumbered. He had listened to the talk.
+Occasionally he had injected a word. He had grown weary and subdued; a
+bitter disgust had taken possession of him and made him dully indifferent
+to everything.
+
+At last he got up and paid his check.
+
+The waiter halted him.
+
+"Pardon me," he said, "but the wine--"
+
+"The wine?" asked Ole. "I have only had a couple of glasses of beer."
+
+"Yes, but the wine isn't paid for."
+
+So the gentlemen hadn't paid their checks? For a moment the hot anger
+blazed up in him again; he was on the point of saying that if they would
+send the bill to Torahus it would be paid instantly. But he said: "All
+right; I can pay it, I suppose."
+
+But what should he do at home? Go to bed and sleep? If he only could! He
+turned into the darkest streets in order to be alone. He was going
+homeward, but he swung aside and walked toward the Fortress.
+
+Here he suddenly came across Tidemand. He was standing in front of a dark
+gateway gazing at the house opposite. What could Tidemand be doing there?
+
+Ole walked over to him. They looked at each other in surprise.
+
+"I am taking a walk, a little walk," said Tidemand somewhat sheepishly. "I
+came by here by accident--Thank goodness, you are back, Ole! Welcome home!
+Let us get away from here!"
+
+Tidemand could not get over his surprise. He had not known that Ole was
+back. Everything was all right at the office; he had called on the old man
+regularly, as he had promised.
+
+"And your sweetheart has gone away," he continued. "I went with her to the
+train. She is a darling girl! She was a little upset because she was going
+away; she stood there and looked at me with real shining eyes; you know
+how she is. And as the train went off she took out her handkerchief and
+waved to me--waved so sweetly, just because I had come with her. You ought
+to have seen her; she was lovely."
+
+"Well, I am not engaged any more," said Ole in a hollow voice.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Ole went into his office. It was late at night. He had walked with
+Tidemand a long time and told him everything. He was going to write a
+letter to Aagot's parents, respectful and dignified, without reproaches.
+He felt he ought to do that.
+
+When he had finished this letter he read Aagot's once more. He wanted to
+tear it to pieces and burn it up, but he paused and placed it in front of
+him on the desk. It was at least a letter from her, the last. She had sat
+there and written to him and thought of him while she wrote. She had held
+the paper with her tiny hands, and there her pen had scratched. She had
+probably wiped it on something and dipped it and written on. That letter
+was for him, for no one else. Everybody had probably been in bed while she
+wrote.
+
+He took the ring out of its wrapping and looked at it for a long time. He
+was sorry that he had lost his temper and said words which he now
+regretted. He took them back, every one. Good-bye, then, Aagot....
+
+And he placed Aagot's last letter with the others.
+
+
+
+
+VI
+
+
+Ole began to work hard again; he spent practically all his time in his
+office. He lost flesh; he did not get out enough; his eyes became absent
+and flickering. He was hardly off the wharves or outside the warehouses
+for several weeks. Nobody should say that he pined and drooped because his
+engagement was cancelled! He worked and minded his own business and was
+getting on nicely.
+
+He was getting thin; that was simply because he worked too hard. He hoped
+nobody would think it might be due to other causes. There were so many
+things to be done since his return from England; he had explained it all
+to Tidemand. But he was going to take it a little easier now. He wanted to
+get out a little, observe what was doing, amuse himself.
+
+And he dragged Tidemand to theatres and to Tivoli. They took long walks in
+the evenings. They arranged to start the tannery and the tar works this
+coming spring. Ole was even more enthusiastic than Tidemand; he threw
+himself so eagerly into the project that nobody could for a moment harbour
+any mistaken notions about his being grief-stricken. He never mentioned
+Aagot; she was dead and forgotten.
+
+And Tidemand, too, was getting along comfortably. He had lately re-engaged
+his old cook and he took his meals at home now. It was a little lonely.
+The dining-room was too large, and there was an empty chair; but the
+children carried on and made the most glorious noise throughout the house;
+he heard them sometimes clear down in his office. They disturbed him
+often, took him away from his work at times; for whenever he heard their
+little feet patter on the floors up-stairs and their merry shouts echo
+through the rooms he simply had to put down his pen and run up for a
+moment. In a few minutes he would come back and throw himself into his
+work like an energetic youth.... Yes, Tidemand was getting along famously;
+he couldn't deny it. Everything had begun to turn out well for him.
+
+On his way home one evening Tidemand happened to drop in at a grocery
+store he supplied with goods. It was entirely by accident. He entered the
+store and walked over to the owner who stood behind the counter. Suddenly
+he saw his wife at the counter; in front of her he noticed some parcels.
+
+Tidemand had not seen her since that evening outside his office. He had
+fortunately caught sight of her ring in a jewellery window as he passed by
+one day and had immediately bought it and sent it to her. On a card she
+had written a few words of thanks. She had not missed the ring, but it was
+another matter now; she would keep it always.
+
+She stood there at the counter in a black dress; it was a little
+threadbare. For a moment he wondered if perhaps she was in need, if he did
+not give her enough money? Why did she wear such old dresses? But he had
+sent her a good deal of money. Thank God, he was able to do that. In the
+beginning, when he was still struggling, he hadn't sent her such large
+amounts, it was true. He had grieved over it and written to her not to be
+impatient; it would be better soon. And she had thanked him and answered
+that he was sending her altogether too much; how was she going to use it
+all? She had lots and lots of money left.
+
+But why did she dress so shabbily, then?
+
+She had turned around; she recognised his voice when he spoke to the
+owner. He grew confused; he bowed smilingly to her as he had to the
+grocer, and she blushed deeply as she returned his bow.
+
+"Never mind about the rest," she said to the clerk in a low voice. "I'll
+get that some other time." And she paid hurriedly and gathered up her
+bundles. Tidemand followed her with his eyes. She stooped as she walked
+and looked abashed until she disappeared.
+
+
+
+
+VII
+
+
+And the days passed by. The town was quiet; everything was quiet.
+
+Irgens was still capable of surprising people and attracting everybody's
+attention. He had looked a little careworn and depressed for some time;
+his debts bothered him; he earned no money and nobody gave him any. Fall
+and winter were coming; it did not look any too bright for him. He had
+even been obliged to make use of a couple of last year's suits.
+
+Then all of a sudden he amazed everybody by appearing on the promenade,
+rehabilitated from top to toe in an elegant fall suit, with tan gloves and
+money in his pockets, distinguished and elegant as the old and only
+Irgens. People looked at him admiringly. Devil of a chap--he was unique!
+What kind of a diamond mine had he discovered? Oh, there was a head on
+these shoulders, a superior talent! He had been obliged to move from his
+former apartments on Thranes Road. Certainly; but what of it? He had taken
+other apartments in the residential district--elegant apartments, fine
+view, furniture upholstered in leather! He simply couldn't have stood it
+much longer in the old lodgings; his best moods were constantly being
+spoiled; he suffered. It was necessary to pay a little attention to one's
+surroundings if one cared to produce good work. Miss Lynum had come to
+town a week ago and was going to remain awhile; she made him feel like a
+new man. How the whole town burst into bloom and colour when Aagot
+returned!
+
+It had all been decided: they were going to get married next spring and
+pin their faith to next year's subsidy. It would seem that he must be
+recognised sometime, especially now when he was going to found a family
+and was publishing a new collection of poems. They couldn't starve him to
+death entirely; hardly that! And Irgens had approached Attorney Grande,
+who had approached the Minister personally in regard to next year's
+subsidy. "You know my circumstances," he had said to Grande. "I am not
+well off, but if you will speak to the Minister I shall be much obliged to
+you. Personally, I will do nothing. I cannot stoop to that!" Grande was a
+man whom Irgens otherwise honoured with his contempt. But it could not be
+helped; this brainless Attorney began to have influence; he had been
+appointed on a royal commission and had even been interviewed by the
+_Gazette_.
+
+When Tidemand told Ole that he had seen Aagot on the street it gave him a
+fearful shock. But he recovered himself quickly and said with a smile:
+
+"Well, how does that concern me? Let her be here as much as she likes; I
+have no objections. I have other things to worry about." He forced himself
+to renewed interest in the conversation, talked about Tidemand's new
+orders for tar, and said repeatedly: "Be sure to have the cargo well
+insured; it never hurts!" He was a little nervous but otherwise normal.
+
+They drank a glass of wine as of old. A couple of hours went by while they
+chatted cosily, and when Tidemand left Ole said, full of gratitude:
+
+"I am awfully glad that you came to see me. I know you have enough to do
+besides this--Listen," he continued; "let us go to the farewell
+performance of the opera this evening; I want you to come!" And the
+serious young man with the hollow eyes looked as if he were exceedingly
+anxious to attend that performance. He even said he had looked forward to
+it for several days.
+
+Tidemand promised to come; Ole said that he would get the tickets.
+
+No sooner had Tidemand left the office than Ole telephoned for the tickets
+he wanted--three tickets together, 11, 12, and 13. He was going to take
+No. 12 to Mrs. Hanka, to her room near the Fortress. She would surely want
+to come, for nobody could be fonder of the opera than she used to be. He
+rubbed his hands in satisfaction as he walked along--No. 12; she should
+sit between them. He would keep No. 13 for himself; that was a proper
+number for him, a most unlucky number.
+
+He walked faster and faster and forgot his own misery. He was done and
+through with it all; his sufferings lay behind; he had recovered fully.
+Had he been so very much shaken because Aagot had come to town? Not at
+all; it had not affected him in the least.
+
+And Ole walked on. He knew Mrs. Hanka's address well; more than once had
+he taken her home when she had called on him secretly, asking for news
+about the children. And had he not found Tidemand outside her windows that
+night he returned from England? How their thoughts were ever busy with
+each other! With him it was different; he had forgotten his experience and
+did not think of such things any more.
+
+But when he inquired for Mrs. Hanka he was told that she had gone away for
+a couple of days; she had gone to the country house. She would be back
+to-morrow.
+
+He listened and did not understand at once. The country house? Which
+country house?
+
+Of course, yes; Tidemand's country house. Ole glanced at his watch. No; it
+was too late to try and get Mrs. Hanka back to-day. What reason could he
+have given, anyway? He had wanted to surprise them both with his little
+scheme, but now it had become impossible. Alas, how everything turned out
+badly for him of late!
+
+Ole turned back.
+
+To the country house! How she haunted the old places! She had been unable
+to resist; she had to see once more that house and these grounds, although
+the leaves were almost gone and the garden was desolate. Oh! Aagot had
+intended to spend the summer there if everything had turned out all right.
+Well, that was another matter, something that did not concern him in the
+least.
+
+Ole was weary and disappointed. He decided to go to Tidemand at once and
+tell him everything. He had meant it for the best.
+
+"We shall have to go alone after all," he said. "I really have a ticket
+for your wife, though."
+
+Tidemand changed colour.
+
+"You have?" he simply said.
+
+"Yes, I had planned to have her sit between us; perhaps I ought to have
+told you beforehand; but any way, she has gone away and won't be back till
+to-morrow."
+
+"Is that so?" said Tidemand as before.
+
+"Listen, you mustn't be angry with me because of this! If you only knew--
+Your wife has called on me quite frequently of late; she asks about you
+and the children--"
+
+"That is all right."
+
+"What?"
+
+"I say, that is all right. But why do you tell me this?"
+
+Then Ole's anger blazed forth; he stuck his face close up to Tidemand's
+and shouted furiously, in a shrill voice:
+
+"I want to tell you something, damn you--you don't understand your own
+welfare! You are a fool, you are killing her--that will be the end of it.
+And you are doing your very best to go the same way yourself--don't you
+think I see it? 'That is all right'--so it is all right for her to steal
+down to me when darkness falls and ask about you and the children with the
+tears dripping from her eyes? Do you for a moment imagine it is for
+_your_ sake I have been inquiring about your health these last
+months? Why should I ask if not for her? You personally can go to the
+devil as far as I am concerned. You say nothing; you cannot understand
+that she is wearing her heart away for you. I saw her outside your office
+once at midnight, saying good night to you and to the children. She wept
+and blew kisses to Johanna and Ida; she tiptoed up-stairs and caressed the
+door-knob because your hand had held it a moment before. I have seen this
+several times from the corner. I suppose you will say that 'that is all
+right,' too; for your heart must be petrified--Well, perhaps I shouldn't
+say that your heart is exactly petrified," added Ole repentantly when at
+last he noticed Tidemand's terrible face. "But you need not expect any
+apology from me, either. You are hardened; that's what you are! I tell
+you, Hanka wants to come back!"
+
+Pause.
+
+"I wish to God she wanted to come back--I mean--Back, you say? But how?
+Do you know what has happened? I do. I have wanted to go to Hanka and beg
+her to come back--beg her on my knees, if necessary; but how would she
+come back--how would she come back? She told me herself--Of course, it is
+nothing much; you mustn't think it is anything bad, anything very bad;
+don't think that of Hanka. But, anyway, I am not so sure that she wants to
+come back. From where have you got that idea?"
+
+"Well, perhaps I ought not to have tried to interfere," said Ole. "But
+think of it anyway, Andreas; and pardon my violence; I take it all back. I
+don't know how it is; I am getting to be so hot-tempered lately. But think
+it over. And let us be ready in an hour or so."
+
+"So she still asks for the children," said Tidemand. "Think of that!"
+
+
+
+
+VIII
+
+
+Ole Henriksen stood in his office a few days later. It was in the
+afternoon, about three; the weather was clear and calm; the docks were
+busy as ever.
+
+Ole walked over to the window and looked out. An enormous coal-steamer was
+gliding in from the fiord; masts and rigging pointed skyward everywhere;
+cargoes were being unloaded along the wharves. Suddenly he started; the
+yacht was gone! He opened his eyes wide. Among all the hundreds of
+mastheads none were golden.
+
+He wanted to go out and look into this, but paused at the door. He went
+back to his desk again, leaned his head on his hands, and reflected. In
+reality the yacht did not belong to him any more; it was hers, Miss
+Lynum's; he had given it to her, and the papers were in her keeping. She
+had not returned these papers together with the ring; she might have
+forgotten it--how could he know? Anyway, the yacht was hers; he had
+nothing to do with it. But if it had been stolen? Well, even that was no
+affair of his.
+
+Ole took up his pen again, but only for a few moments. Dear me, she used
+to sit there on the sofa and sew so busily on the little cushions! They
+had been so cute and tiny that it was almost absurd. There she used to
+sit; he could see her still....
+
+And Ole wrote again.
+
+Then he opened the door and called out to the clerks that the yacht had
+disappeared; what had happened?
+
+One of the clerks informed him that the yacht had been removed this
+morning by two men from a lawyer's office; she was anchored outside the
+Fortress now.
+
+"Which lawyer?" asked Ole.
+
+The clerk didn't know.
+
+Ole grew curious. The yacht was not his any more, of course; but Miss
+Lynum had no business with a lawyer either; there must be a
+misunderstanding somewhere. And straightway he went down to the Fortress
+landing and made inquiries for a couple of hours. Finally he learned the
+name of the lawyer and went to his office.
+
+He saw a man of his own age and asked a few guarded questions.
+
+Yes, it was quite true; he had orders to sell the yacht; as a matter of
+fact, he had already advanced a thousand crowns on it. Here were the
+papers; Irgens had left them with him, the poet Irgens. He hoped there
+were no objections?
+
+None at all.
+
+The lawyer grew more and more polite and cordial; he probably knew
+everything about the whole matter, but he did not betray his knowledge.
+How much was the yacht worth, did Mr. Henriksen think? Irgens had come to
+him with a request that he take charge of this transaction; he had said
+that he needed some money at once, and of course one had to stretch a
+point where a man like Irgens was concerned. Unfortunately, our men of
+talent were not rewarded any too liberally, as a rule; but if there was
+the least objection to this sale he would try his best to arrange
+everything satisfactorily.
+
+And Ole said again that there was none; he had simply missed the yacht and
+wondered what had become of it. And he left.
+
+Now it had become clear why Irgens suddenly had blossomed forth in gay
+plumage, rejuvenated from top to toe! The whole town was talking about it;
+however, nobody knew the real source of his affluence. That _she_
+should do such a thing! Didn't she understand that this was dishonourable,
+disgraceful? On the other hand, why was it so disgraceful? Her possessions
+were his; they shared lovingly; there was nothing to say to that. In God's
+name, let her act as she thought right and proper. She was in town now;
+she was going to take a course in the School of Industries. It was quite
+natural that she should realise on that bit of a yacht. Could anybody
+blame her because she helped her fiancé? On the contrary, it reflected
+credit on her.... But she might not even know that the yacht had been put
+on the market. Perhaps she had forgotten both yacht and documents and did
+not care what became of them. At any rate, she had not wanted to sell the
+yacht simply to raise money on her own account--never; he knew her too
+well. She had done it for somebody else's sake; that was she. And that was
+the important point.
+
+He remembered her so distinctly: her fair curls, her nose, her dimple; she
+would be nineteen on the seventh of December. Never mind the yacht; that
+didn't matter. He might have wished to save the cushions, but it would
+probably be too late for that.
+
+He returned to his office, but could only concentrate his attention on
+what was absolutely necessary. He paused frequently and gazed straight
+ahead, lost in reflection. What if he should buy back the yacht? Would she
+mind, perhaps? God knows; she might think it was done spitefully, with
+malice aforethought. It might be better to remain neutral. Yes, that would
+be best; what was the use of making a fool of himself?--Miss Lynum and he
+were through with each other for ever. Nobody should say that he collected
+souvenirs of her.
+
+He closed the office as usual and went out. The street lamps were burning
+brightly; the evening was calm. He saw a light in Tidemand's office and
+started to go in; but he paused on the stairs and reflected. Tidemand
+might be busy; he had better go on.
+
+Hour after hour passed by; he wandered around as in a stupor. How tired
+and weary he was! His eyes were half-closed. He found himself in the
+vicinity of the park. He turned and strode toward the hills behind the
+city. He sat down on a stoop to rest. By and by he looked at his watch; it
+was half past eleven. And he sauntered down toward the city again. His
+mind was almost a blank.
+
+He turned aside and passed by Tivoli and Sara. What a walk this had been!
+To-night he was going to sleep--at last! Outside Sara he stopped abruptly.
+He drew back in the shadows slowly, four, six steps; his eyes were staring
+fixedly toward the entrance to the cafe. A cab was standing outside.
+
+He had heard Aagot's voice; she came out with Irgens. Irgens appeared
+first. Aagot had been delayed by something on the stairs.
+
+"Hurry up, now!" called Irgens.
+
+"Just a moment, Mr. Irgens," said the driver; "the lady is not quite
+ready."
+
+"Do you know me?" asked Irgens in surprise.
+
+"I certainly do," said the cabman.
+
+"He knows you! he knows you!" cried Aagot as she stumbled down the steps.
+She had not put on her wrap yet; it was dragging after her and she tripped
+in it. Her eyes were expressionless and staring. Suddenly she laughed.
+"That nasty fellow, Gregersen; he was kicking me on the leg all the time!
+I am sure I am black and blue! Imagine, Irgens, the cabby knows you!"
+
+"You are drunk," said Irgens brutally, and helped her into the carriage.
+
+Her hat was awry, she tried to get into her coat and she babbled
+incoherently.
+
+"No, I am not drunk; I am only a little cheerful--Won't you see if my leg
+is bruised? I am sure I am dripping blood! It hurts, too; but that doesn't
+matter; nothing matters now. Drunk, you say? What if I am? It is your
+fault. I do everything for your sake--do it gladly--Ha, ha, ha! I have to
+laugh when I think of that wretched Gregersen. He told me he would write
+the most beautiful article about me if I would only let him see where he
+had kicked me. It is different if you see it--That was an awful strong
+wine; it makes my head swim--And all those cigarettes!"
+
+"Drive on, damn you!" cried Irgens.
+
+And the carriage rolled off.
+
+Ole stood there and stared after the carriage; his knees shook under him.
+He fumbled convulsively with his hands up and down his clothes, around his
+chest. So that was Aagot! How they had corrupted her! how they had spoiled
+her! Aagot--his Aagot....
+
+Ole sat down on a stoop. A long time passed by.
+
+The lamps outside Sara were extinguished; it grew very dark. An officer
+tapped him on the shoulder and said that he could not sit there and sleep.
+Ole looked up bewildered. Of course not; he was going now. Thanks! And he
+swayed down the street as if he were intoxicated.
+
+He reached home about two o'clock and entered his office. He lit the lamp
+and hung his hat mechanically on the rack; his face was drawn and void of
+expression. A long hour went by while he strode up and down. Then he
+walked over to his desk and commenced to write--letters, documents, brief
+lines on various papers which he sealed and filed away. He looked at his
+watch; it was half past three. He wound it up mechanically while he held
+it. He went out and mailed a letter to Tidemand which he had just written.
+Upon his return he took Aagot's letters from the safe and loosened the
+string that bound them together.
+
+He did not read any of these letters; he carried them over to the
+fireplace and burned them one by one. The last, the very last one, he
+pulled halfway-out of its envelope and looked at it a moment; then he
+burned also that, without taking out the ring.
+
+The little clock on the wall struck four. A steamer's whistle sounded. Ole
+went away from the fireplace. His face was full of anguish; every feature
+was distorted; the veins around his temples were swollen. And slowly he
+pulled out a little drawer in his desk.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+They found Ole Henriksen dead in the morning; he had shot himself. The
+lamp was burning on the desk; a few sealed letters were lying on the
+blotter; he himself lay stretched on the floor.
+
+In the letter to Tidemand he had asked to be forgiven because he could not
+come for the last time and thank him for his friendship. He had to finish
+it all now; he could not live another day; he was sick unto death. The
+country house he gave to Tidemand in memory of everything. "It will
+probably bring you more pleasure than it brought me," he wrote; "it is
+yours, my friend; accept it from me. Mrs. Hanka will be glad to have it;
+remember me to her. And if you ever should find Miss Lynum in need of
+help, be good to her; I saw her this evening, but she did not see me. I
+cannot collect my thoughts and write to you as I would like to. One thing
+only is clear to me, and that thing I will have to do in half an hour."
+
+A picture of Aagot was still in his pocketbook; he had probably forgotten
+to burn it. He had also forgotten to send the two or three telegrams he
+had carried in his pocket since the previous afternoon; they were found on
+him. He had spoken truly: to him only one thing was clear!
+
+
+
+
+IX
+
+
+Part of September had passed; the weather was cool, the sky clear and
+high; the city was free from dust and dirt; the city was beautiful. As yet
+no snow had fallen on the mountains.
+
+Event had followed event; Ole Henriksen's suicide had only caused a
+passing sensation. The shot down there in the young business man's office
+had not been followed by a very loud or reverberating echo; days and weeks
+had come and gone, and nobody mentioned it any more. Only Tidemand could
+not forget.
+
+Tidemand was busier than ever. He had to assist Ole's father for a while;
+the old man did not want to retire, but he made the chief assistant his
+partner and carried on the business as before; he did not allow his sorrow
+to break him down. Old man Henriksen proved that he was not too old to
+work when circumstances required it.
+
+And Tidemand was unceasing in his efforts. His rye was at last dwindling;
+he sold heavily at advancing prices now winter was approaching; his losses
+were diminishing. He had to take back still more of his old employees; he
+was shipping tar; to-morrow a new cargo was to sail.
+
+He had finished the preparations, made out the papers, taken out his
+insurance; it was all done. Before he turned to something else he lit a
+cigar and reflected. It was about four in the afternoon. He went over to
+the window and looked out. While he stood there a gentle knock was heard;
+his wife entered. She asked if she disturbed him; it was only a small
+matter of business....
+
+She wore a heavy veil.
+
+Tidemand threw away his cigar. He had not seen her for weeks, long, weary
+weeks; one evening he had thought he recognised her in a lady whose walk
+was somewhat similar to hers; he had followed this lady a long time before
+he discovered that he was mistaken. He had never objected to her coming,
+and she knew it; still, she did not come. She had probably forgotten both
+him and the children; it looked that way. And, although he had strolled
+around the streets near the Fortress many a night when it was too lonely
+at home and at times seen a light in her window, her he had never seen.
+What could she be doing? He had sent her money occasionally in order to
+hear from her.
+
+Now she stood there before him, only a few steps away.
+
+"So you have come?" he said at last.
+
+"Yes, I have come," she answered. "I had--I wanted to--" And suddenly she
+commenced to fumble with her hand-bag; she brought forth a package of
+money which she placed before him on the desk. Her hands trembled so
+violently that she disarranged the bills, she even dropped a few; she
+stooped down and picked them up and stammered: "Take it, please; don't say
+no! It is money which I have used for--which I have put to unworthy uses.
+Spare me from saying what I have used it for; it is too degrading. There
+ought to be much more, but I couldn't delay any longer; there ought to be
+twice as much, but I was too impatient to wait until I could bring it all.
+Take it, please! I shall bring you the rest later; but I simply had to
+come to-day!"
+
+He interrupted her, much annoyed:
+
+"But will you never understand? You bring up this subject of money for
+ever! Why are you saving money for me? I have all I need; the business is
+very profitable, increasingly so; I don't need it, I tell you--"
+
+"But this money is altogether a different matter," she said timidly. "It
+is for my own sake I give it to you. If I hadn't been able to think that I
+might repay it I never could have endured life. I have counted and counted
+every day and waited until I should have enough. I was wrong in saying
+that it was only half; it is at least three-fourths--Oh, how I have
+suffered under the disgrace--"
+
+And suddenly he understood why she had wanted to bring him this money. He
+took it and thanked her. He did not know what to say except that it was a
+lot of money, quite a lot. But could she spare it? Surely? For he really
+would be glad if she would let him have it for the present; he could use
+it in the business. As a matter of fact, it was most fortunate that she
+had come just now; he needed some money, he was not ashamed to confess
+it....
+
+He watched her closely and saw the joy well up in her; her eyes sparkled
+beneath her veil, and she said:
+
+"God, how happy I am that I came to-day, after all!"
+
+This voice! Oh, this voice! He remembered it so well from their first
+delightful days. He had walked around the edge of the desk; now he stepped
+back again, bewildered by her proximity, her lovely form, her radiant eyes
+beneath the veil. He dropped his own.
+
+"And how are you?" she asked, "and the children?"
+
+"Fine, thank you. The children are growing out of their clothes. We are
+all well. And you?"
+
+"I have heard nothing from you for so long. I had intended to wait until I
+could bring it all to you, but it was beyond my strength. While Ole lived
+he told me about you; but since I cannot go to him any more I have been
+very impatient. I was here yesterday, but I didn't come in; I turned
+back--"
+
+Should he ask her to go up to the children a moment?
+
+"Perhaps you would like to go up-stairs a moment?" he asked. "The children
+will be delighted. I don't know how the house looks, but if you don't
+mind--"
+
+"I thank you!"
+
+He saw how deeply she was moved, although she said nothing more. She gave
+him her hand in farewell. "I hope they will know me," she said.
+
+"I'll be up in a moment," he remarked. "I haven't much to do just now.
+Perhaps you would like to stay awhile? Here is the key; you need not ring.
+But be careful of their shoes if you take them on your lap. Well, don't
+laugh; God knows if their shoes aren't muddy!"
+
+Hanka went. He opened the door for her and followed her to the foot of the
+stairs; then he returned to his office.
+
+He walked over to the desk, but he did not work. There she had stood! She
+wore her black velvet dress to-day; she was up-stairs. Could he go up now?
+He did not hear the children; they were probably in her lap. He hoped they
+had on their red dresses.
+
+He walked up-stairs, a prey to the strangest emotions. He knocked on the
+door as if it were somebody else's home he was entering. Hanka got up at
+once when she saw him.
+
+She had taken off her veil; she flushed deeply. He could see now why she
+used a veil. The joyless days in her solitary room had not left her
+unmarked; her face spoke plainly of her sufferings. Johanna and Ida stood
+beside her and clung to her dress; they did not remember her clearly; they
+looked at her questioningly and were silent.
+
+"They don't know me," said Mrs. Hanka, and sat down again. "I have asked
+them."
+
+"Yes, I know you," said Johanna, and crawled up into her lap. Ida did the
+same.
+
+Tidemand looked at them unsteadily.
+
+"You mustn't crawl all over mamma, children," he said. "Don't bother mamma
+now."
+
+They didn't hear him; they wanted to bother mamma. She had rings on her
+fingers and she had the strangest buttons on her dress; that was something
+to interest them! They began to chatter about these buttons; they caught
+sight of the mother's brooch and had many remarks to make about that.
+
+"Put them down when you are tired of them," said Tidemand.
+
+Tired? She? Let them be, let them be!
+
+They spoke about Ole; they mentioned Aagot. Tidemand wanted to look her up
+some day. Ole had asked him to do it; he felt, in a way, responsible for
+her. But the nurse came and wanted to put the children to bed.
+
+However, the children had no idea of going to bed; they refused
+pointblank. And Hanka had to come along, follow them into their bed-room,
+and get them settled for the night. She looked around. Everything was as
+it used to be. There were the two little beds, the coverlets, the tiny
+pillows, the picture-books, the toys. And when they were in bed she had to
+sing to them; they simply wouldn't keep still but crawled out of bed
+continually and chattered on.
+
+Tidemand watched this awhile with blinking eyes; then he turned quickly
+away and went out.
+
+In half an hour or so Hanka came back.
+
+"They are asleep now," she said.
+
+"I was wondering if I might ask you to stay," said Tidemand. "We live
+rather informally here; we keep house in a way, but nothing seems to go
+right for us. If you would like to have dinner with us--I don't know what
+they are going to give us to eat, but if you will take things as they
+are?"
+
+She looked at him shyly, like a young girl; she said: "Thank you."
+
+After dinner, when they had returned to the drawing-room, Hanka said
+suddenly:
+
+"Andreas, you mustn't think I came here to-day thinking that everything
+could be well again with us. Don't think that. I simply came because I
+couldn't wait any longer; I had to see you again."
+
+"I have not thought of that at all," he said. "But it seems the children
+don't want to let you go."
+
+"I have no thought of asking you again what I asked you for once," she
+said. "That would be impossible; I know it too well. But perhaps you would
+allow me to come and visit you at times?"
+
+Tidemand bowed his head. She had no thought of coming back; it was all
+over.
+
+"Come whenever you like; come every day," he said. "You are not coming to
+see me."
+
+"Oh, yes, to see you also. I think of you with every breath. Ever since
+that sail last summer; it began then. You have changed and so have I. But
+that is neither here nor there. I have seen you on the streets oftener
+than you know; I have followed you at times."
+
+He rose and went in his confusion over to the barometer on the wall; he
+examined it carefully and tapped the tube.
+
+"But in that case--I don't understand why it is necessary to live apart. I
+mean--Things are in a sad state of disorder here; and then there are the
+children--"
+
+"I didn't come for that!" she exclaimed. "Yes, I did, in a way; of course
+I did; but--I am afraid you will never be able to forget--Oh, no. I cannot
+expect that--"
+
+She took her wraps.
+
+"Don't go!" he called. "You have never been out of my thoughts, either. As
+far as that goes, I am as much to blame as you, and it is true that I have
+changed. I am, perhaps, a little different now. But here is your room just
+as before. Come and see! We haven't touched a single thing. And if you
+would stay--By the way, I am afraid I shall have to stay in the office
+all night. I am almost sure there is a lot of mail to attend to. But your
+room is just as when you left it. Come and see!"
+
+He had opened the door. She came over and peeped in. The lamp was lit. She
+looked at everything and entered. He really wanted to, after all, after
+all! She could stay; he had said so; he took her back! She stood there
+timidly and said nothing; then their eyes met. He flung his arms around
+her and kissed her, as he had kissed her the first time, all these many
+years ago. Her eyes closed and he felt suddenly the pressure of her arms
+around his neck.
+
+
+
+
+X
+
+
+And morning came.
+
+The city woke up and the hammers danced their ringing dance along the
+shipyards. Through the streets the farmers' wagons rolled in a slow
+procession. It is the same story. The squares are filling with people and
+supplies, stores are opened, the roar increases, and up and down the
+stairs skips a slip of a girl with her papers and her dog.
+
+It is the same story.
+
+It is twelve before people begin to group themselves on the "corner,"
+young and carefree gentlemen who can afford to sleep late and do what they
+feel like. There are a few from the well-known clique, Milde and Norem and
+Ojen. It is cold, and they are shivering. The conversation is not very
+lively. Even when Irgens appears, in high spirits and elegant attire, as
+befits the best-dressed man in town, nobody grows very enthusiastic. It is
+too early and too chilly; in a few hours it will be different. Ojen had
+said something about his latest prose poem; he had half-finished it last
+night. It was called "A Sleeping City." He had begun to write on coloured
+paper; he had found this very soothing. Imagine, he says, the heavy,
+ponderous quiet over a city asleep; only its breathing is heard like an
+open sluice miles away. It takes time; hours elapse, a seeming eternity;
+then the brute begins to stir, to wake up. Wasn't this rather promising?
+
+And Milde thinks it very promising; he has made his peace with Ojen long
+ago. Milde is busy on his caricatures to "Norway's Dawn." He had really
+drawn a few very funny caricatures and made ruinous fun of the impossible
+poem.
+
+Norem said nothing.
+
+Suddenly Lars Paulsberg bobs up; with him is Gregersen. The group is
+growing; everybody takes notice; so much is gathered here in a very small
+space. Literature is in the ascendant; literature dominates the entire
+sidewalk. People turn back in order to get a good look at these six
+gentlemen in ulsters and great-coats. Milde also attracts attention; he
+has been able to afford an entirely new outfit. He says nothing about
+Australia now.
+
+At two the life and traffic has risen to its high-water mark; movement
+everywhere, people promenade, drive in carriages, gossip; engines are
+breathing stertorously in the far distance. A steamer whistles in the
+harbour, another steamer answers with a hoarse blast; flags flutter,
+barges swim back and forth; sails rattle aloft and sails are furled. Here
+and there an anchor splashes; the anchor-chains tear out of the
+hawse-holes in a cloud of rust. The sounds mingle in a ponderous harmony
+which rolls in over the city like a jubilant chorus.
+
+Tidemand's tar steamer was ready to weigh anchor. He had come down himself
+to see it off. Hanka was with him; they stood there quietly arm in arm.
+They glanced at each other every few moments with eyes that were filled
+with youth and happiness; the harbour saluted them with a swirl of flags.
+When the steamer at last was under way, Tidemand swung his hat in the air
+and Hanka waved with her handkerchief. Somebody on the ship waved back a
+greeting. The steamer slid quietly out into the fiord.
+
+"Shall we go?" he asked.
+
+And she clung to him closer, and said: "As you will."
+
+Just then another steamer entered the harbour, an enormous leviathan from
+whose funnels smoke poured in billowy masses. Tidemand had goods aboard;
+he had been waiting for this steamer the last two days, and he said in
+great good humour:
+
+"She is also bringing us goods!"
+
+"Yes?" she answered quietly. But he felt, as she looked into his face,
+that a quivering joy shot through her being; her arm trembled in his.
+
+And they went home.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Shallow Soil, by Knut Hamsun
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SHALLOW SOIL ***
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