The things we do!

But surely--didn't they
understand, these people, that I was a man who had nearly finished a new
machine, and would soon have no need of any such trifles!
I went about sharp and sullen and ill-pleased with myself, had my meal in
the kitchen, where Oline gave me her blessing for the water-pipes, and
went out to tend my horses. I took my rug and went over to the barn in the
dark....
I woke to find some one touching me.
"You mustn't lie here, you know; it's simply freezing," said Prastefruen.
"Come with me, and I'll show you...."
We talked of that a little; I was not inclined to move, and at last she
sat down herself instead. A flame she was--nay, a daughter of Nature.
Within her the music of a rapturous dance was playing yet.


XXIV

Next morning I was more content with things. I had cooled down and turned
sensible--I was resigned. If only I had seen before what was best for me,
I might have taken service here at the vicarage, and been the first of all
equals. Ay, and settle down and taken root in a quiet countryish life.


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