He stood a moment amazed, then, remembering the many similar conversations leading only to the same end, he shook his head, turned his back and went. He vented his wrath on the men, abused the girls, beat the great dog, and nearly frightened the life out of a little hen that had strayed in the field, but to Marit he said nothing. That evening Marit was so happy when she went up stairs to bed, that she opened her window, looked out, and sang. She had got a fine little book from Ovind, and in it was a fine little love song,--this she sang:-- Do you love me true, E'en as I love you, All the livelong happy day;-- The summer quickly flies, The leaf and blossom dies, But to come again we say. What you said before, Comes to me o'er and o'er, Like a small bird in a tree,-- Flutters his tiny wings, Nestles himself and sings, Merrily chirping, happy and free. Litli, litli, lu, Do you hear me, you, Laddie from the birch hedge under? Darkness falleth fast, Daylight soon is past, Who's to guide me home I wonder! Garry, garry, giss, Sang I of a kiss? Nay, my love, that ne'er can be,-- Do you say you doubt it? Think no more about it, I shall slip away you see. Oh, goodnight, goodnight, Dreamland seems so bright, Whispering of your blue eyes true,-- Of the little silent word, Once, you know, I overheard, Oh, it was so rash of you! See, I shut the door, Do you want me more? Echoes falling on mine ear, Ticing and laughing free, Do you want more with me? The night is so mild and clear. CHAP. XII. THE OLD MAN GETS HIS OWN WAY. A few years have passed since the last scene. It is in the Autumn; the schoolmaster is coming towards Heidegaard; he opens the outside door, finds nobody at home, goes further in, still nobody there, till he comes to the innermost room;--there sits Ole Nordistuen in front of his bed, gazing at his hands. The schoolmaster salutes him, and is welcomed; takes a stool, and seats himself in front of Ole. "You have sent for me." "Yes, I have." The schoolmaster looks round, takes a book that is lying on the sofa and opens it. "What was it you wanted with me?" "I am just thinking it over." The schoolmaster takes his time, brings out his spectacles to read the title of the book, dries them, and puts them on. "You are getting old now, Ole."