Part 6 (1/2)
”You, mother?”
”Indeed, I have; but I couldn't help doing it. Arne, you must forgive me.”
”But I'm sure you've never done anything wrong to me.”
”Indeed, I have: and my very love to you made me do it. But you must forgive me; will you?”
”Yes, I will.”
”And then another time I'll tell you all about it ... but you must forgive me!”
”Yes, mother, yes.”
”And don't you see the reason why I couldn't talk much to you was, that I had this on my mind? I've sinned against you.”
”Pray don't talk so, mother!”
”Well, I'm glad I've said what I have.”
”And, mother, we'll talk more together, we two.”
”Yes, that we will; and then you'll read the sermon to me?”
”I will.”
”Poor Arne; G.o.d bless you!”
”I think we both had better go home now.”
”Yes, we'll both go home.”
”You're looking all round, mother?”
”Yes; your father once lay weeping in this barn.”
”Father?” asked Arne, growing deadly pale.
”Poor Nils! It was the day you were christened.”
”You're looking all round, Arne?”
VIII.
THE SHADOWS ON THE WATER.
”It was such a cheerful, sunny day, No rest indoors could I find; So I strolled to the wood, and down I lay, And rocked what came in my mind: But there the emmets crawled on the ground, And wasps and gnats were stinging around.
'Won't you go out-doors this fine day, dear?' said mother, as she sat in the porch, spinning.