Susanna could not avoid saying, on purpose to try him, when they came to a handsome piece for a dress—
"How pretty that is! Certainly that would become your sister very nicely!"
"What? my sister!" returned Harald. "No; it is best that she clothe herself. This is exactly the thing that I want for my sofa. One is always nearest to oneself. One must care a little for oneself."
"Then care you for yourself! I have no time!" said Susanna, quite excited, as she turned her back upon him and his wares, and went.
SPRING FEELINGS.
Heaven has strewn thoughts o'er the sweet vernal dale,
These on the hearts of the flowers bestowing,
Therefore, when open the chalices glowing,
Whispers each petal a secret tale.
Velhaven.
May strides on, and June approaches. From their nests in the airy, leaf-garlanded grottoes, which mother nature has prepared for them in the lofty oaks and ashes, the starlings send their deep, lively whistlings, their love-breathing trills. Song and fragrances fill the woods of Norway. Rustic maidens wander with their herds and flocks up to the Säter dales, singing joyously:
To draw to the Säter is good and blessed.
Come, Böling[6] mine!
Come cow, come calf, come greatest and least;
To the Queen your steps incline.
The labour of the spring was closed; the harvests ripened beneath the care of heaven. Harald had now more leisure, and much of this he devoted to Susanna. He taught her to know the flowers of the dale, their names and properties; and was as much amused at her mangling of the Latin words, as he was charmed at the quickness with which she comprehended and applied their economical and medicinal uses.