Part 36 (2/2)

Barbro put in her word here: ”Never!”

Now that was pure exaggeration and impertinence. Axel had got his stones the autumn before, and carted them home that winter; now, between seasons, he had got the foundation walls done, and cellar and all else--all that remained was to build the timbered part above. He was hoping to get part of it roofed in this autumn, and had thought of asking Sivert to lend him a hand for a few days--what did Eleseus think of that?

Eleseus thought like as not. ”But why not ask me?” he said, smiling.

”You?” said Axel, and he spoke with sudden respect at the idea.

”You've talents for other things than that, I take it.”

Oh, but it was pleasant to find oneself appreciated here in the wilds!

”Why, I'm afraid my hands aren't much good at that sort of work,” said Eleseus delicately.

”Let me look,” said Barbro, and took his hand.

Axel dropped out of the conversation again, and went out, leaving the two of them alone. They were of an age, had been to school together, and played and kissed each other and raced about; and now, with a fine disdainful carelessness, they talked of old times--exchanging reminiscences--and Barbro, perhaps, was inclined to show off a little before her companion. True, this Eleseus was not like the really fine young men in offices, that wore gla.s.ses and gold watches and so on, but he could pa.s.s for a gentleman here in the wilds, there was no denying that. And she took out her photograph now and showed him--that's what she looked like then--”all different now, of course.”

And Barbro sighed.

”Why, what's the matter with you now?” he asked.

”Don't you think I've changed for the worse since then?”

”Changed for the worse, indeed! Well, I don't mind telling you you're ever so much prettier now,” said he, ”filled out all round. For the worse? Ho! That's a fine idea!”

”But it's a nice dress, don't you think? Cut open just a bit front and back. And then I had that silver chain you see there, and it cost a heap of money, too; it was a present from one of the young clerks I was with then. But I lost it. Not exactly lost it, you know, but I wanted money to come home.”

Eleseus asked: ”Can I have the photo to keep?”

”To keep? H'm. What'll you give me for it?”

Oh, Eleseus knew well enough what he wanted to say, but he dared not.

”I'll have mine taken when I go back to town,” he said instead, ”and send it you.”

Barbro put away the photograph. ”No, it's the only one I've left.”

That was a stroke of darkness to his young heart, and he stretched out his hand towards the picture.

”Well, give me something for it, now,” she said, laughing. And at that he up and kissed her properly.

After that it was easier all round; Eleseus brightened up, and got on finely. They flirted and joked and laughed, and were excellent friends. ”When you took my hand just now it was like a bit of swan's down--yours, I mean.”

”Oh, you'll be going back to town again, and never come back here, I'll be bound,” said Barbro.

”Do you think I'm that sort?” said Eleseus.

”Ah, I dare say there's a somebody there you're fond of.”

”No, there isn't. Between you and me, I'm not engaged at all,” said he.

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