“Thank you for the information, my good women,” said Aunt Eider-Duck. “But it is only a fancy of my niece’s. She is three years old now and marriageable.”
“Lord!” said the sparrow. “I was born last summer and, if it was only a little warmer, I could get married at once.”
“It’s easier for one than for another,” said the aunt.
“Let us fly home to the Faroes and get married, auntie,” said the young duck.
“In a month’s time, my child,” said auntie. “But I must decline the honour for myself. I have now been married seven times and have had enough of it. Still, I will gladly chat about it with you. That is so awfully interesting.”
“The trees will not be green yet in a month,” said the sparrow. “This is only January.”
“We have no trees in the Faroes, my girl,” said auntie, “and we don’t want them either.”
“Has the young lady a sweetheart?” asked the gull.
“Not yet,” said auntie. “But he’ll come. You can get sweethearts for the asking. She has spent her three years dancing on the sea and having a good time. One must see a little life first.”