They looked at each other but said nothing. Meanwhile the dog had seated himself at the edge of the ridge, and looked down upon the farm, and Thore observing his head from below, could not for his life think what it could be. When, at last, the two began to talk, Ovind spoke so quickly that Marit couldn't help laughing. "Yes, you see, it's when I am glad, really glad, you see, and when we came to understand each other it was as if a lock sprang open within me, sprang open, you see." She laughed, then she said, "I know all the letters you sent me by heart." "And I know yours too, but you always wrote such short letters." "Because you always wanted them so long." "And when I wanted you to write about one particular thing, you slipped away, and I never heard how you got rid of Jon Hatlen." "I laughed." "How?" "Laughed, don't you know what it is to laugh?" "Yes, I can laugh!" "Let me see!" "Did you ever hear such a thing! I must have something to laugh at first." "I don't need it when I am happy." "Are you happy now, Marit?" "Do I laugh now, then?" "Yes, that you do!" He took both her hands, and clapped them together as he looked at her. Here the dog began to growl, then his hair stood on end, and he barked, and grew more and more angry till at last he seemed quite savage. Marit sprang up in fear, but Ovind went forward and looked down. It was his father the dog was barking at; he was standing close under the ridge, with both his hands in his pockets. "What! are you there, too? Pray, whose is that savage dog?" "It's a dog from Heidegaard," replied Ovind, rather taken aback. "How in the world did it come there?" The mother hearing the noise, had come out to see what it was, and understanding at once how things were, she laughed, and said: "The dog comes here every day, so it's nothing wonderful." "But what a ferocious animal!" "He'll be quiet if he's spoken to," said Ovind, and patted him. The dog ceased barking though he continued to growl. The father was satisfied and went down again. "Safe this time!" said Marit, "but there's some one else to watch us." "Your grandfather?" "Exactly." "But that won't do any harm." "Not the slightest." "You promise me?" "Yes, I do Ovind." "How pretty you are, Marit!" "So said the fox to the raven, and got the cheese." "You may think I want the cheese too." "But you won't get it." "I shall take it then." She turned her head, and he didn't take it. "I'll tell you something, Ovind," and she looked slily round. "Well." "How ugly you have grown." "You'll give me the cheese though." "No, indeed I won't," and she turned away again. "Now, I must go, Ovind." "I'll go with you." "But not out of the wood, or grandfather will see you." "No, not out of the wood,--dear, are you running?" "We cannot go side by side here." "But this isn't to go in company." "Catch me then," and on she ran. They stopped when they got to the end of the trees.