“Yes, and very well too. You know how to handle an axe also, and to cut wood; I saw that. But would you be able to travel?”
“That is what I can do best of all.”
“Can you sleep on a bench?”
“Yes, or on a stone.”
“Can you speak Laplandish, Samoïede, Russian?”
“No, I can speak Italian, Spanish, French, German and English.”
“That would do me no good, but it shows me that you can learn to speak in various tongues. Very well, come when you choose, before the end of the month of Thor (January), and, if you would like to go to Drontheim, or even farther, I shall be very glad not to travel alone; or, if I should take Olof with me, for he is tormenting me to let him begin to travel, you can look after my house. My two daughters are betrothed, I give you fair warning. Avoid giving their lovers any occasion for jealousy; it would be at your own risk. Take care of Aunt Karine; she is gentle, but she must not be contradicted: I have forbidden it once for all.”
“I will care for her as if she were my mother,” replied Christian, deeply moved; “but tell me, is she ill or infirm? Why?—”
“They will tell you that, if you come to the house. What wages do you want?”
“Nothing.”