Part 15 (1/2)

Mary kept silence.

”Had Jorgen Thiis anything to do with it?”

Mary gave her a look.

”Ah! that is what I feared. But remember, my child, that he has loved you since the first time he saw you--you, and no one else. That means a great deal. And never once so much as hinted it to you--has he?”

Mary shook her head.

”It's no small thing, that either. It shows strength of character. He has served you and he has honoured you--don't be too hard on him. Not till now, when you are poor, does he dare--but what was it?”

Mary waited a little; then she said:

”First I thought he was ill. Then he suddenly lost his senses.”

”Oh, I could tell you something. I too.... Yes, yes, yes!” She seemed lost in thought. Then she murmured: ”Those who go for years....”

But Mary cut her short. ”Don't let us talk any more about it,” she said, rising.

”No. Only it is....”

”No more on that subject, please!” repeated Mary, walking to the window.

Standing there she heard Mrs. Dawes say: ”You must let me tell you that he has spoken to me--asked me if he dared offer himself to you. He can imagine no greater happiness than to help you when we are no longer able. But he thinks that you are too unapproachable.”

Mary made an involuntary movement. Mrs. Dawes saw it.

”Don't be too hard on him, Mary. Do you know, child, that your father and I think ...”

”Now, Aunt Eva!” Mary turned sharply towards her--not as if she were angry, but yet in such a manner as to check the words on the old lady's lips.

Mary remained in the room. She would not risk meeting Jorgen Thiis. When she was doing some small service for Mrs. Dawes, the latter said: ”You know, child, that Jorgen is to have Uncle Klaus's money?” As Mary did not answer, she ventured to go on. ”And he believes that Uncle Klaus will help him if he marries.” This, too, Mary allowed to pa.s.s unnoticed.

When there was no longer any danger, she went to her own room. There she recalled the scene from beginning to end. Her cheeks burned, but she was astonished that, dreadful though it had been, she was not really angry.

Just as she was thinking: What will happen next? there was a gentle knock at the door. Now she felt angry, and inclined to jump up and turn the key. Presently, however, she said: ”Come in!” The door was opened and closed, but she did not look round from where she sat in her big chair. Gently, humbly, Jorgen came forward and knelt down on one knee in front of her, hiding his face with his hands. There was nothing in the action that offended her. He was strongly agitated. She looked down upon the handsome head with the soft hair, and her eyes fell on the long, true musician's fingers. Something refined about him conciliated her.

But a mournful: ”Shall I go!” was all that came from him. She waited a little, then in a low voice answered: ”Yes.” He let his hands drop, seized one of hers and pressed his lips to it--long, but reverently; then rose and left the room.

During the kiss, reverential as it was, a feeling of excitement pa.s.sed through Mary, of the same nature as that which, when he kissed and kissed again, had made her almost faint away. She sat still, long after he had gone, wondering at this. She once more recalled every particular of their struggle, and shuddered. ”Why am I not angry with him?”

Another knock was heard. It was the maid with a request from Mrs. Dawes that Mary would come to her.

”You have let him go, child?”

Mrs. Dawes was in real distress. In her agitation she sat up, supporting herself on one arm. Her cap was awry upon her grey, short hair; the fat neck was redder than usual, as if she were too hot.

”Why did you let him go?” she repeated.

”It was his own wish.”

”How can you say such a thing, child? He has been here complaining. He would give his life to stay! You don't understand in the least. You do nothing but reject his advances, and torture him.”