'But I can't go into a nunnery. There's nothing I
can do. When I laugh, you think I'm laughing,' she said to the Captain,
'but I'm miserable all the time and not laughing a bit.' 'Is your
toothache any better?' he asked. 'Oh, that toothache won't be better for a
long time to come!' she said; 'you know that well enough.' 'No, indeed, I
don't.' 'You don't know?' 'No.' 'But, heavens! can't you see what's the
matter with me?' said Fruen. The Captain only looked at her and did not
answer. 'I'm--oh, you said today I might have a daughter after all, don't
you remember?' I happened to look up at the Captain just then...."
Ragnhild smiled and shook her head; then she went on:
"Heaven forgive me for smiling, but the Captain's face was so queer; he
stood there like a sheep. 'Didn't you guess as much before?' asked Fruen.
The Captain looked over at me and said: 'What's that you're doing there
all this time?' 'I asked her to pick up those buttons for me,' said Fruen.
'I've finished now,' said I.
Pages:
389
390
391
392
393
394
395
396
397
398
399
400
401
402
403
404
405
406
407
408
409
410
411
412
413