“I think so,” replied Madame Erlingsen. “I think it a weakness in those who believe that a just and tender Providence watches over us all, to fear what any power in the universe can do to them.”
“M. Kollsen does not make progress in teaching the people what you say, madam. He only gets distrusted by it.”
“When M. Kollsen has had more experience, he will find that this is not a matter for displeasure. He will not succeed while he is displeased at what his people think sacred. When he is an older man, he will pity the innocent for what they suffer from superstition; and this pity will teach him how to speak of Providence to such as our Erica. But here are my girls coming to seek me. I must meet them, to prevent their missing Erica.”
“Get them to rest early, madam.”
“Certainly; and you will watch in this house, Peder, and I at home.”
“Trust me for hearing the oar at a furlong off, madam.”
“That is more than I can promise,” said the lady; “but the owl shall not be more awake than I.”