"Why are you crying, then?"
"Because I shall no longer be with Mathilde."
This was the name of the priest's only daughter, and reminded Arne that a peasant girl had been brought up with her.
"That could not last forever, any way."
"Yes, but just one day longer, dear!" and she sobbed violently.
"It is best you should go home at once; perhaps it is already too late."
"Too late? Why so? Who ever heard of such a thing?"
"You are peasant-born, and a peasant you shall remain: we cannot afford to keep a fine lady."
"I should still be a peasant, even if I remained here."
"You are no judge of that."