No reply. This grieved Canute, and he continued:
"Really, I did not think otherwise than that I had accomplished something;—something for the good of the parish;—but may be I have deceived myself."
He became excited again, for it was a fiery spirit within him, which was broken in many ways, and the parting with Lars grieved him, so he could hardly control himself. Lars answered:
"Yes, I know you give yourself the credit for all that is done here, and should one judge by much speaking in the meetings, then surely you have accomplished the most."
"Oh, is it this!" shouted Canute, looking sharply upon Lars: "it is you who have the honor of it!"
"Since we necessarily talk of ourselves," replied Lars, "I will say that all matters have been carefully considered by us before they were introduced here."
Here little Canute Aakre resumed his quick way of speaking:
"In God's name take the honor, I am content to live without it; there are other things harder to lose!"
Involuntarily Lars turned his eye from Canute, but said, the straw moving very quickly: "If I were to speak my mind, I should say there is not much to take honor for;—of course ministers and teachers may be satisfied with what has been done; but, certainly, the common men say only that up to this time the taxes have become heavier and heavier."
A murmur arose in the assembly, which now became restless. Lars continued: