Mary was silent.
"But that you should tease me into the bargain, Mary—I who, even when I am beside you, must exist on such meagre fare!"
"You think you have cause of complaint, Jörgen?"
"Yes, I do."
"You began far too early, remember!" And Mary laughed.
This put Jörgen out, but presently he repeated: "You don't understand what it means to wait."
"So much I do understand, that it comes easier to those who live on meagre fare." And she laughed again.
Jörgen was both offended and perplexed. A woman who really cared for him would hardly have behaved thus on the eve of parting from him for several months, and with such poor prospects as they had of being able to marry.
They sat for a short time beside her father, and longer beside Mrs. Dawes. Jörgen was quiet—hardly spoke. But Mary was gay. Mrs. Dawes watched them in surprise. Turning to Jörgen, she said: "Poor boy, you must come here at Christmas!" Mary answered for him: "Aunt Eva, it is just at Christmas that Stockholm is pleasantest."
Suddenly Mary rose and very unexpectedly said good-night, first to Jörgen, then to Mrs. Dawes.