"Yes, thanks."
Again she was seized with fear. What if he had been in the park and seen everything? She said as indifferently as she could: "See how the trees are swaying in the park! I suppose, though, there must be sheltered places inside."
"In the park? I don't know. I haven't been there—But your escort is waiting for you; isn't it Irgens?"
Thank God, she was saved! He had not been in the park. She heard nothing else. Irgens was getting tired of this waiting, but she did not care. She turned again to Coldevin.
"So you have seen Ole since the excursion? I wonder why he hasn't mentioned it to me."
"Oh, he cannot remember everything. He has a lot to think of, Miss Aagot; a great deal. He is at the head of a big business; I was really surprised when I saw how big it is. Wonderful! A man like him must be excused if he forgets a little thing like that. If you would permit me to say a word, he loves you better than anybody else! He—Please remember that! I wanted so much to say this to you!"
These few words flew straight to her heart. In a flash she saw the image of Ole, and she exclaimed joyously:
"Yes, it is true! Oh, when I think of everything—I am coming!" she called to Irgens and waved her hand at him.
She said good-bye to Coldevin and left him.
She seemed to be in a great hurry; she asked Irgens to pardon her for having kept him waiting, but she walked on rapidly.