“Aren't you ready yet? How much longer am I to sit waiting?”
“Ready this minute,” answered Grindhusen, and turned to again, busier than ever. “It was only these girths.”
Fruen went back to the carriage. She ran, and the thick fur coat she had on was too heavy for her, she had to balance with her arms. It was pitiful to see; like a hen trying to escape across the barnyard, and flapping its wings to help.
I went over to the carriage again, politely, even humbly. I took off my cap, and begged Fruen to give up this new journey.
“You are not driving me!” she answered.
“No. But if Fruen would only give it up and stay at home....”
At this she was offended; she stared at me, looked me up and down, and said:
“Excuse me, but this is no business of yours. Because I got you dismissed once....”
“No, no, it's not that!” I cried desperately, and could say no more. When she took it that way I was helpless.
Just for one moment a wave of fury came over me; I had only to put out my arms and I could lift her out of the carriage altogether, this child, this pitiful hen! My arms must have twitched at the thought, for she gave a sudden frightened start, and shifted in her seat. Then all at once the reaction took me; I turned foolish and soft, and tried once more: