“Well, then ... for, after all, I'm only a child compared to you, so it doesn't matter. It was when you were sleeping in the barn; I went over there one day and laid your rugs together properly, and made a proper bed.”
“Was it you did that?” I burst out quite sincerely, forgetting to play my part.
“You ought to have seen me stealing in. Hahaha!”
But this young girl was—not artful enough, she changed colour at her little confession, and laughed forcedly to cover her confusion.
I try to help her out, and say:
“You're really good-hearted, you know. Fru Falkenberg would never have done a thing like that.”
“No; but then she's older. Did you think we were the same age?”
“Does Fru Falkenberg say she doesn't want to be fond of anybody?”
“Yes. Oh no ... bother, I don't know. Fru Falkenberg's married, of course; she doesn't say anything. Now talk to me again a little.... Yes, and do you remember the time we went up to the store to buy things, you know? And I kept walking slower and slower for you to catch up....”
“Yes ... that was nice of you. And now I'll do something for you in return.”