“‘What can it mean?’ said Nurly.
“‘It is a warning!’ said the lass.
“‘And what must we do?’ said the other.
“‘Why, Nurly, don’t you understand?’ replied the girl.
“‘I’ll be hanged if I do,’ said the youth.
“‘Shall I tell you?’ said the girl.
“‘Certainly,’ said he.
“‘Well, Nurly,’ replied the lass, ‘we have been a good deal together, and we like each other very well, and yet we go on, and nothing comes of it. We dance and ride, and ride and dance, and still nothing comes of it. Well, one night we go forth in the sledge; the train passes on; it courses over a hill. They all go safely. You and I alone meet with a miracle. We are hurled to the valley—we descend into a new world; a church is before us—we are alone—saving the presence of the blessed Virgin, and she smiles upon us.’ The girl hesitated.
“‘Go on,’ said Nurly.
“‘Well—the Virgin smiles—and here is a church—’