The Associate Master looked ready to burst, and was quite incapable of restraining himself.
Speaking of Solem, he said suddenly, "I've changed my mind about him lately. He's ten times better than many another."
"There, you see!"
"Yes, he is. And he doesn't pretend to be anything more than he is. And what he is, is of some use. I saw him slaughter the lame goat."
"Did you stop to watch that?"
"I happened to be passing. It was the work of a moment for him. And later I saw him in the woodshed. He knows his job, that fellow. I can well understand that the ladies see something in him."
How the Associate Master clowned! He finished by imploring the wife of the captain who was sailing the China seas to be sure and remain faithful to her Chinaman.
"Do be quiet and let the lawyer tell us about Switzerland," said Mrs. Molie.
Witch! Did she want to drive her fellow-being the Associate Master into jumping off the highest peak of the Tore tonight?
But then Mrs. Brede took a hand. She understood Mr. Höy's torment and wanted to help him. Had not this same Mr. Höy just expressed himself kindly about Solem, and was not Solem the lad who one fine evening had caused her to tear down her window blind? There is cause and effect in all things.