"I come to relatives who at first welcomed me cordially. My affections attached themselves to my kind friends, for it is a necessary quality for me to be grateful; but suddenly everything is changed, and I am treated like a school boy, whom you must curb, or else fear that he might commit some folly. To this description of guardianship I have not been accustomed, and as it is not my desire to submit to your control, I must beg you, Aunt Ulrica, not to attempt to govern me in this manner, for I assure you that your efforts will always be fruitless."
"Foolish boy! You forget that I could be useful to you; could smooth your path by my wealth and influence."
"I do not forget it, and I should have been very happy to have been able to retain your good will; but at the price of my liberty of thought and action, I do not desire your favor."
"Then you will return to the valley, to Miss Nanna."
"Undoubtedly. She requires my presence, and I long to see her."
"Then you still love the young girl?" inquired Mrs. Ulrica.
"I do not know whether I loved her when I departed from Almvik; but this much I do know, that her image has been with me constantly during my absence; and that I shall see her again to-day."
"To tell her of this folly?"
"O, no, that would be unjust, as I can tell her nothing more."
"Thank Heaven for that! You, yourself, see that it would be impossible to—"