She had had to promise the Antonisens to stand at their cake-stall on the market-place through the fair-week and help sell. It was hardly-earned money in the cold there and in the middle of all that shouting and bawling; but she would do her duty, and not swerve from it when there was a penny to earn. It would not be closed and packed up before midnight, so she must stay down there these few nights.
There was a buzzing and singing in Silla's ears; it was as if the door were opening to her of itself. She could go now if she liked.
She was almost frightened.
As she was taking some washing home in the afternoon, down the street, young Veyergang suddenly brushed close by her.
She almost screamed; then he had come back!
She dared not look up, and felt herself turn red, but had a momentary impression that he smiled and looked steadily at her and then nodded.
She knew the delicate scent of his cigar, and had a feeling that his clothes creaked, as it were, when he moved—a peculiarity which was connected with the romantic ideas of distinguished gentlemen that Kristofa had awakened in her.
It was he, she was quite sure now, who had given them the tickets.
Her heart beat and fluttered within her like a disturbed and frightened bird.
She went home in a reverie, so that at last Mrs. Holman had to ask if she were out of her mind.