He noticed at once that there was a coldness and repugnance, but he was so precise in his questions and orders, that everything bent before him. He threw in some kindly questions about the children; promised that there would soon be better times on the skerry, and he would undertake all the risk himself, threw in a word about the provision store, and reminded the people to keep barrels and salt in readiness, and if they had not the money to buy with, they could have it advanced. He left as a friend to all and must promise at once to send down some strong medicine to the father who had taken cold.
Thereafter he went down to the boat houses and selected nets with strong floats and strings. Examined the best boat, and ordered out two able boys.
When he had finished the preparatory work, the bell rang for supper in the ladies' cottage.
At the supper table he spoke with the mother, while the young people, as he now called them, were devouring each other with their eyes; squabbling and pushing, as if their bodies were irresistibly attracted towards each other.
"Should you leave the two alone like that?" whispered the mother to him, when he had said good night to retire.
"Why not? If I show myself dissatisfied, then I become ridiculous, and if I do not show dissatisfaction..."
"So you will be still more ridiculous!"
"Thus; in either case. It is immaterial consequently what stand I take! Good night, mama!"