Falander made no reply. Agnes looked at him more keenly, and all at once became aware of his thoughts. A fleeting expression of trouble passed across her face, as the surface of a pond is rippled by the breeze; but she immediately regained her usual serenity, glanced at Rehnhjelm, realized the situation, and was prepared for anything.
"May we be told what important business has brought us together here, at this early hour?" she asked gaily, putting her hand on Falander's shoulder.
"Certainly," said the latter, with such firm resolution that her face paled; but at the same moment he threw back his head, as if he wanted to force his thoughts into another groove, "it's my birthday, and I want you to have breakfast with me."
Agnes, who had seen the train rushing straight at her, felt relieved; she burst into merry laughter and embraced Falander.
"But as breakfast has been ordered for eleven, we'll have to wait a while. Won't you sit down?"
There was an ominous silence.
"An angel is passing through the room," said Agnes.
"You!" said Rehnhjelm, respectfully and ardently kissing her hand.
Falander looked as if he had been thrown out of his saddle, and was making violent efforts to regain it.
"I saw a spider this morning," said Rehnhjelm, "that predicts happiness."