Esmeralda had the soup ready, which consisted of white beans, pea flour, rice, and Liebig’s essence of meat. Our peasant, as he sat on the grass near us, with his bowl of soup, seemed thoroughly to enjoy it. We gave him some English Cheddar cheese, from Hudson Bros., which seemed to astonish him; and we heard him say to our interested visitors “meget godt” (very good).
Whilst we had been absent, one young fellow, who spoke a little English, came to our tents, and presuming too far upon Esmeralda’s good nature, received a severe blow on the shoulder with a stick, which shut him up. Probably to raise his spirits, he asked Zachariah to give him some of his master’s brandy, which resulted in a sharp answer, and he left the camp.
During dinner time a large number of visitors carefully watched our smallest movements. We had no idea we could possibly meet with so much solicitude as evinced, by the good people of Storklevestad, Viig, and Qvam.
After dinner, leaving our gipsies in charge of the tents, we retired to the mountain, to enjoy some quietude, and contemplation. How we watched the beautiful scene before us! The Blaa Fjeld, and the picturesque river Logan! The nature of this world, as God made it, is ever beautiful. Who can tire of its contemplation?
When we returned at 6 o’clock, throngs of visitors—as a German would say, “Immer! Immer!”—were grouped about the tents. Esmeralda was at the fire preparing for tea, with several young fellows buzzing about her. We seemed to come like a cloud upon their sunshine. Their fun was harmless, but obstructive to our chances for the next meal. Esmeralda was sent into the tents to get the tea things ready. Noah soon brought the tea, and we did not go out again. Our visitors wandered about round and round our tents, sometimes gazing at the donkeys, then returning, till about half-past 10, when they all left.
How calm and quiet the Norwegian night, when the hum of voices is hushed! How delightful, as we looked forth from our tents! Then we distinguished three figures gliding over the moorland towards us. They approached; it was about 11 o’clock. There was the bright-eyed, good-looking Pige, whom we had noticed at our tents during the day, without shoes or stockings. Now she had some stockings on, probably borrowed from some friend, to give her a more respectable appearance. She was followed by a little boy and girl; and as she hovered near our tents, she pointed to Noah, and then towards her cottage in the distance. She made love by signs. In vain we wished her “good night.” Poor girl! She still lingered, sometimes pointing to herself, and then towards the village.
We were just going out to persuade her to go home, when Esmeralda asked, why we should trouble ourselves about her.
“Why should we?” We at once gave up the diplomatic mission. Zachariah was sent outside the tents instead, and made signals for her to go. Smiling, she said, in a clear, pleasant voice, “Farvel, adieu!” and, kissing her hand, left.
Oh, no! she was quickly back again, followed by her Lilliputian retinue, who floundered after her among the rocks. There she lingered like the siren of the Rhine. Noah was fortunately spell-bound in his tent. Who knows, if he had gone, he may at this moment have been, a denizen of Storklevestad! She again seemed going from our tents.
Thank goodness! we are now quiet. Vain delusion! “Farvel, adieu!” She was again standing on a rock near our tents. How she lingered! Perhaps Noah might change his mind. “Farvel, adieu!” we said. “Farvel, adieu!” the gipsies shouted. She loved—she lingered. Noah came not. At last she went; but we could see her, as she went across the moorland, at times turn, and stand irresolute; till the very last, “Farvel, adieu!” of the Norwegian peasant girl died upon the wind, and we all went to sleep.