Part 13 (1/2)
”Not that, there you are mistaken, for I called at the parsonage one evening with my aunt, and I was so much pleased with the young ladies, that now I am here with you, while they are at Almvik, where they arrived this morning. What do you think of that?”
What Nanna thought Gottlieb did not learn; but he soon was made acquainted with his aunt Ulrica's opinion concerning his absence.
Gottlieb arrived at the latticed gate of the court-yard at Almvik, just in time to salute the young ladies from the parsonage as they drove forth from the yard on their return home. They appeared somewhat displeased, and returned Gottlieb's bow with a stiff and cold salute.
Mr. Fabian observed with pleasure, the cloud which shadowed the brow of his beloved Ulrica, foretelling the storm that was to burst forth; but not on himself.
”Nephew Gottlieb,” said Aunt Ulrica drawing the young man aside, ”you have to-day for the first time afforded me an unpleasant surprise.”
”In what manner, dear aunt,” replied Gottlieb.
”Is it your custom when in your father's house to remain away all day when young ladies are visiting your parents?”
”Nothing would have been thought about it if such had been the case. My mother is not overfond of such strict principles of etiquette.”
”That is to be regretted, for boys who have not been carefully guided, rarely become gallant and well behaved young men; but we will say no more on that subject.”
”In that I concur.”
”We will therefore confine ourselves to that subject to which an innate knowledge guides us.”
”That leads us back upon the same road.”
”On the contrary, my young friend, if you will permit me to follow my own course I will place you on the road to heaven.”
”Are you sure, my dear Aunt, that you have discovered the right road?”
”Certainly, only think, a ton and a half of gold; beauty, amiability, and a knowledge of cookery which excels that of Miss Nylander [The author of a celebrated Swedish cook book.] herself!”
”But love, my dear aunt, is that not to be found in heaven?”
”O, yes, and it might have already made rapid progress if you had a.s.sisted me in my first step towards the completion of my designs, by remaining at home instead of running away.”
”Which proves that nothing existed before in which love could take root.”
”Nonsense!” exclaimed Mrs. Ulrica, ”if you wish to succeed your father you ought to improve your situation by some good marriage. Miss Charlotte is a lovely blonde, and Miss Sophia, a beautiful brunette, a perfect Spanish donna.”
”Yes, she has a remarkable resemblance to a donna; but unfortunately I do not prefer Spanish ladies.”
”Well, then Charlotte possesses an affectionate disposition. You cannot but admire her fine sensitive nature, which should kindle a love equalling Werther's love of Lotta.”
”That is precisely what I fear. How would I look imitating Werther?”
”I do not wish you to follow his example. Charlotte is a girl for whose sake a man might act foolishly, and still be pardoned--then you prefer Charlotte?”
”No, above all things in the world I detest preferences.”
”That is to say, you will cheerfully take the one of the two sisters you most admire after you have had an opportunity of visiting them a few weeks, and judging of their good qualities for yourself.”