"So you are still in the city. I shall not ask you to come and see me; that would be useless. Ole and I both wanted to ask you to come with us on a little excursion, but you could not be found." "I have seen Mr. Henriksen since then. I explained that I was engaged that Sunday anyway. I was at a party, a little dinner--So everything is well with you?" "Yes, thanks." Again she was seized with fear. What if he had been in the park and seen everything? She said as indifferently as she could: "See how the trees are swaying in the park! I suppose, though, there must be sheltered places inside." "In the park? I don't know. I haven't been there--But your escort is waiting for you; isn't it Irgens?" Thank God, she was saved! He had not been in the park. She heard nothing else. Irgens was getting tired of this waiting, but she did not care. She turned again to Coldevin. "So you have seen Ole since the excursion? I wonder why he hasn't mentioned it to me." "Oh, he cannot remember everything. He has a lot to think of, Miss Aagot; a great deal. He is at the head of a big business; I was really surprised when I saw how big it is. Wonderful! A man like him must be excused if he forgets a little thing like that. If you would permit me to say a word, he loves you better than anybody else! He--Please remember that! I wanted so much to say this to you!" These few words flew straight to her heart. In a flash she saw the image of Ole, and she exclaimed joyously: "Yes, it is true! Oh, when I think of everything--I am coming!" she called to Irgens and waved her hand at him. She said good-bye to Coldevin and left him. She seemed to be in a great hurry; she asked Irgens to pardon her for having kept him waiting, but she walked on rapidly. "Why this sudden haste?" he asked. "Oh, I must get home. What a nasty wind!" "Aagot!" She shot him a swift glance; his voice had trembled; she felt a warm glow throughout her being. No, she couldn't make herself colder than she was; her eyes drooped again and she leaned toward him; her arm brushed his sleeve. He spoke her name again with infinite tenderness, and she yielded. "Give me a little time, please! Whatever shall I do? I will love you if you will only let me alone now." He was silent. Finally they reached the last crossing. Ole Henriksen's house could be seen in the distance. The sight of that house seemed to bring her to her senses. Whatever could she have said? Had she promised anything? No, no, nothing! And she said with averted eyes: "That which has happened to-day--your having kissed me--I regret it; God knows I do! I grieve over it--" "Then pronounce the sentence!" he answered briskly. "No, I cannot punish you, but I give you my hand in promise that I will tell Ole if you ever dare do that again." And she gave him her hand.