“What do you mean?” he asked, haughty and stiff as ever. “Was it your fooling about at night with your hair down and lights out you thought I wouldn't see? Oh yes, no doubt!”
“I'll have to finish this on the anvil,” said I, and hurried off.
I stayed away longer than was needed, but when I came back Fruen was still there. They were talking louder than before.
“And do you know what I have done?” said Fruen “I've lowered myself so far as to show I was jealous. Yes, I've done that. Oh, only about the maid ... I mean....”
“Well, and what then?” said the Captain.
“Oh, won't you understand? Well, have it your own way, then. You'll have to take the consequences later; make no mistake about that!”
These were her last words, and they sounded like an arrow striking a shield. She stepped out and strode away.
“Manage it all right?” said the Captain as I came up. But I could see his thoughts were busy with other things; he was trying to appear unconcerned. A little after, he managed to yawn, and said lazily: “Ugh, it's a long drive. But if Nils can't spare a hand I must go myself.”
I had only to fix the lock in its place, and set a new strip down the inside of the door-frame; it was soon done. The Captain tried the door, put the key in his pocket, thanked me for the work, and went off.
A little later he drove away with Elisabet.