The things we do!

He got two
hundred Kroner a year, he said, besides his board. Up at half-past six in
the morning to feed the horses, or half-past five in the busy season. Work
all day, till eight in the evening. But he was healthily content with his
life in that little world. I remember his fine, strong set of teeth, and
his pleasant smile as he spoke of his girl. He had given her a silver ring
with a gold heart on the front.
"And what did she say to that?"
"Well, she was all of a wonder, you may be sure."
"And what did you say?"
"What I said? Why, I don't know. Said I hoped she'd like it and welcome.
I'd like to have given her stuff for a dress as well, but...."
"Is she young?"
"Why, yes. Talk away like a little jews' harp. Young--I should think so."
"And where does she live?"
"Ah, that I won't say. They'd know it all over the village if I did."
And there I stood like another Alexander, so sure of the world, and half
contemptuous of this boy and his poor little life. When we went away, I
gave him one of my rugs; it was too much of a weight to go carrying two.


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