I had made several attempts to speak to Gustav; this morning I at last succeeded. I found him polishing his bugle on the garden bench.
'Why are you going away, Gustav?' I asked. 'Zoar is a pleasant little village.'
'Too slow for me, miss.'
'The life is easy, however; you will find the world a hard place.'
'I don't mind work, ma'am, but I do like to be free. I feel all cramped up here, with these rules and bells; and, besides, I couldn't stand those trustees; they never let a fellow alone.'
'And Wilhelmina? If you do go, I hope you will take her with you or come for her when you have found work.'
'Oh no, miss. All that was long ago. It's all over now.'
'But you like her, Gustav.'
'O so. She's a good little thing, but too quiet for me.'
'But she likes you,' I said desperately, for I saw no other way to loosen this Gordian knot.