But the engineer did come down after me, as it turned out, though it was
queer it should be so. Anyhow, it was a triumph I had not sought, and I
cared nothing for it.
He came to the lodging-house to see me, and said: “I want you to come
back with me, if you please, and get your money. And there's a letter
come for you by the post.”
When we stepped into the office, Fru Falkenberg was there. I was taken
aback at finding her there. I made a bow and stood over by the door.
“Sit down, won't you?” said the engineer, going to the table for my
letter. “Here you are. No, sit down and read your letter while I'm
reckoning up your pay.”
And Fru Falkenberg herself motioned me to a chair.
Now, what were they looking so anxious about? And what was the meaning
of this sudden politeness and “Won't you sit down?” and all the rest?
I had not to wait long to find out: the letter was from Captain
Falkenberg.
“Here, you can use this,” said Fruen very obligingly, handing me a
letter-opener.
A simple, ordinary letter, nothing more; indeed, it began almost
jestingly: I had run away from Øvrebø before he knew I was going, and
hadn't even waited for my money. If I imagined he was in difficulties
and would not be able to pay me before the harvest was in--if that was
why I had left in such a hurry, why, he hoped I had found out I was
mistaken. And now he would be very glad if I would come back and work
for him if I wasn't fixed up elsewhere. The house and outbuildings
wanted painting, then there would be the harvesting, and, after that, he
would like to have me for work among the timber. Everything looking well
here, fields nice and tall, meadows nice and thick. Glad to hear as soon
as you can in answer to this,--Yours, FALKENBERG.
The engineer had finished his reckoning. He turned on his chair and
looked over at the wall. Then, as if suddenly remembering something,
he turned sharply to the table again. Nervousness, that was all. Fruen
stood looking at her rings, but I had a feeling she was stealthily
watching me all the time--thoroughly nervous, the pair of them!
Then said the engineer:
“Oh, by the way, I noticed your letter was from Captain Falkenberg. How
are things going there? I knew the writing at once.”
“Would you like to read the letter?” I said promptly, offering it as I
spoke.
“No--oh no. Thanks, all the same. Not in the least. I was only....”
But he took the letter, all the same. And Fruen came across to him and
stood looking over his shoulder as he read.
“H'm!” said the engineer, with a nod. “Everything going on nicely, it
seems. Thanks.” And he held out the letter to give it back.
Fruen's manner was different. She took the letter from him and began
studying it herself. Her hand shook a little.
“Well, now about the money,” said the engineer. “Here you are; that's
what I make it. I hope you're satisfied all right?”
“Yes, thank you,” said I.
He seemed relieved to find that Captain Falkenberg's letter was only
about myself and made no mention of anyone else. And again he tried to
soften down my dismissal.
“Well, well,” he said. “But if you should happen to be in these parts
any time, you know where to find me. We've all but finished now for this
year--there's been too much drought just lately.”
Fruen was still holding the letter. Then I saw she had finished reading,
for her eyes never moved; but she stood there, staring at the letter,
thinking. What was in her mind, I wondered?
The engineer glanced at her impatiently.
“Are you learning it by heart?” he said, with a half-smile. “Come, dear,
he's waiting.”
“Oh, I beg your pardon,” said Fruen quickly. “I forgot.” And she handed
me the letter.
“So it seems,” observed the engineer.