“Are we going out this evening?” asked Pelle in glad surprise.
“No—well, that’s to say I am, just a little errand. If any one asks after me, you must say that I’ve gone to the smith about a new nose-ring for the bull.”
“And mayn’t I go with you?” asked Pelle on the verge of tears.
“No, you must be good and stay at home for this once.” Lasse patted him on the head.
“Where are you going then?”
“I’m going—” Lasse was about to make up a lie about it, but had not the heart to do it. “You mustn’t ask me!” he said.
“Shall I know another day, then, without asking?”
“Yes, you shall, for certain—sure!”
Lasse went out, but came back again. Pelle was sitting on the edge of the bed, crying; it was the first time Father Lasse had gone out without taking him with him.
“Now you must be a good boy and go to bed,” he said gravely. “Or else I shall stay at home with you; but if I do, it may spoil things for us both.”