'Oh, I have observed that both the young clergyman at ---- Town and Gustav Holm are much attached to her. And Jettè has no dislike to Gustav.'
'Who is Gustav Holm? He appears to be the most dangerous.'
'He is learning farming, or rather, I ought to say, agricultural affairs, with a country gentleman not far from this. He has been coming to our house now about three years; I think, and I could wager a large sum, that it is for Jettè's sake.'
'Or for your own, little Hannè?'
'Pshaw! nonsense! If anyone were dangling here after me, I should make no secret of it. Jettè is a greater favourite than I am, and she deserves to be so.'
'But perhaps Jettè cares more for Gustav Holm than for me, whom she really does not know?'
One often asks a question in this hypocritical world about what one knows best oneself.
'No, oh no! That would be a sad affair. Has she not been engaged to you for eleven years, and is she not going to be married to you?'
'But if you had been in Jettè's place, how would you have felt?'
'I would perhaps have preferred ... No, I don't think I would though. But I am not so mild and amiable as Jettè; and the day that I was confirmed no one should have imposed a betrothal-ring upon me, I can assure you, sir; and, least of all, accompanied by such an elegant billet as yours.'