MOVING
Twice, that I can remember, Father had tried to get a position off in
the country, and each time I had been so sure we were going to move that
I had imagined exactly how everything would be in our new home. A big
old farmhouse, yes, for I like old, old houses; an immense garden, with
empress pears and every possible kind of berry; big red barns and
out-houses; big pastures all around; cows and calves, and horses to go
driving with wherever I wished. I should like best a red horse with a
white mane, a horse that looked wild; and a little light basket-phaeton.
And I would drive, and crack my whip--oh, how I would snap it! And there
would be a lot of hens that I would take care of myself, for I am
dreadfully interested in hens.
Once, I told all around town that we were to move to Telemarken. I
really believed it myself. Everybody in town heard of it and at last it
got into the paper, and, O dear! it wasn't true at all, and it was I who
had told it. That time Father was furious with me.
After that I never heard a word about Father's looking for a position; I
suppose they were afraid I should tell of it again. And so it was like
lightning from a clear sky and I was completely astounded when Mother
told me one morning at breakfast that Father had got a position in
Christiania, and that we were to move away.
"Well, may I tell about it now?" I asked. "Yes, now you may say all you
like," said Mother.
I couldn't get another mouthful down after hearing the news, but hurried
off to school. Not a soul had come when I got there, so I had to wait,
alone with my great news, for five long minutes. The first to come was
Antoinette Wium; she had hardly opened the door when I called out:
"I am going to move away from town."
Then I planted myself firmly at the door, and told every single one that
came in. Before the first recess was over, the whole school and all the
teachers knew that we were to move to Christiania.
I was so glad, I didn't know what to do. The first few days I just went
around telling it down on the wharves and everywhere.
All at once everything seemed so tedious in town. I didn't care any
longer about what my friends were talking of; all I wanted was to talk
about Christiania. When I was alone I sang to myself: "We shall travel,
travel, travel," mostly to the tune of
"_Ja, vi elsker dette landet,_"
for that has such a swing to it.
I must say that now, for the first time, I understood how Lawyer Cold
felt. He is a fat young man from Christiania who has settled in our
town, but is in despair because he has to live here. He comes up to
Father's office and sits and talks by the hour, complaining, until he
puts Father in a bad humor, too. It is Karl Johan Street that he misses
so frightfully, he says. And to think that now I was going to Karl Johan
Street and should see all the cadets and all the fun! I could understand
Lawyer Cold's feelings perfectly now. Oh, oh, how delightful it will be!
I began at once to go around to say good-bye, although we were not to
leave for three or four months. I went to all the cottages and huts
round about. One day I went by Ellef Kulaas' house up on the hill. He
was standing outside of his door. He is tall, and his whole body seems
to be warped, and he never looks at people, but off anywhere else.
"Good-bye, Ellef, I am going away," said I.
Ellef didn't answer; he only turned his quid in his mouth.
"We are going to Christiania," I went on.
"Yes, I was there once," said Ellef. "It's a dangerous Sodom."
"But aren't there plenty of splendid things to see, Ellef?"
"Oh, yes--I wanted most to see that big mountain Gausta. They told me
I'd have to take a horse and wagon to get there; but I went to see the
old dean that used to be here,--he lived high up--and when I looked out
of his skylight I saw everything, Gausta and the churches and the whole
kit and boodle. I saved a lot of money that way. I went up there twice
and looked through the skylight, and so I saw the whole show,--for
nothing too. I suppose hardly anybody sees it any better."
Humph! As if I'd be satisfied like Ellef Kulaas with seeing things
through the dean's skylight!
There were many places where I said good-bye several times. At last they
laughed at me, and I had to laugh too. One day I went by Madam Guldahl's
house. Madam Guldahl always stands at her garden gate and talks with
people who are passing.
"Good-bye, Madam Guldahl, we are going to Christiania," said I.
"You may if you want to. I am thankful to live here rather than there."
"Why is that?"
"Oh, I was there six weeks on account of my bad leg--such hurrying and
running in the streets you never saw. I didn't know a soul in the
streets; what pleasure could there be in that, I'd like to know! One day
I saw Ellef Kulaas on the street there, and I was so glad I wanted to
throw my arms around his neck. People went by each other without once
looking at each other--not at all as though it was immortal souls they
were passing."
I wondered a little whether I should want to throw my arms round Ellef
Kulaas' neck if I met him on Karl Johan Street; but I hardly thought I
should.
There were three farewell parties for me in the town, with tables loaded
with good things at all the places, and at table they always "toasted"
me, singing:
"_Og dette skal vaere Inger Johanne's skaal!_
_Hurrah!_"
I sang with them myself, and it was quite ceremonious. It's awfully good
fun to be made so much of. The girls all wanted to walk arm in arm with
me and be awfully good friends, and I promised to write to them all.
At home all the floors were covered with straw and big packing-cases;
chairs and sofas were wrapped in matting; a policeman went around
sorting and packing for several days, and Mother wore her morning dress
all day long. It was all horribly uncomfortable and awfully pleasant at
the same time.
I packed a box of crockery, and it was really very well done, but the
policeman packed it all over again. After that I wasn't allowed to do
anything except run errands.
At school I gave away my scholar's-companion and my eraser and my
pencils and pen-holders, and an old torn map, as keepsakes.
On Saturday, after prayers, the Principal said:
"There is a little girl here who is soon to leave us. It is Inger
Johanne, as we all know. We shall miss you, Inger Johanne. You are a
good girl in spite of all your pranks. May everything go well with you.
God bless you."
This was terribly unexpected. Oh, what a beautiful speech--I began to
cry--oh, how I cried! The very moment the Principal said: "There is a
little girl here who is soon to leave us," everything seemed perfectly
horrid all at once.
Just think, to leave the school and my friends, and the town, and
everything, and never, never come back!
I laid my head down on the desk and cried, and cried, and couldn't stop.
I had thought only of all the new things I was going to, and not that I
should never in the world live here again,--here where I had been so
happy.
O dear! if we were only not going, if we were just to stay here all our
lives. At last the Principal came down and patted me on the head, and
then I cried all the more.
When I got home they could hardly see my eyes, I had cried so.
"Now you see, Inger Johanne, it's not all pleasure, either," said
Mother.
The last day, I ran up on the hill, and said good-bye to all the places
where we used to play, to Rome and Japan, to Kongsberg and the North
Cape,--for we had given names to some of them.
"Good-bye!" I shouted across the rocks and the heather and the juniper,
"Good-bye!" I ran and ran, for I wanted to see all the places where we
had played, before I went away forever. At home, on the outside wall of
our old house, I wrote in pencil, "Good-bye, my beloved home!"
But I didn't cry, except that time at school.
At the steamboat-wharf, when we were leaving, it was only fun. The wharf
was packed full of people, and they all wanted to talk to us and shake
hands, and they gave Mother bouquets and gave me bouquets; and there
was such a crowd and bustle and talk and noise before all our things
were finally on board! Only one thing was horrid, and that was that
Ingeborg the maid cried so sorrowfully. She was not going with us; she
stood on the wharf by herself and cried and cried.
"Don't cry, Ingeborg; you must come and visit us--yes, you must, you
must; don't cry!"
"I can't do anything else," said Ingeborg, sobbing aloud.
Now I had to go on board and the steamboat started.
"Good-bye, good-bye"--I ran to the very stern right by the flag, and
waved and waved. I could see Massa and Mina on the wharf all the way to
where we swung around the islands.
I stood staring back at the town.
Now Peckell's big yellow house vanished, and now the custom-house; now I
could see nothing but the little red house high up on the hill; and at
last that vanished too.
But I still stood there, looking back and looking back at the gray
hills. Among them I had lived my whole life long!
* * * * *
Other hills and islands came into view, and the sea splashed up over
them, but not one of them did I know.
How strange that was!
Nevertheless, I suddenly felt awfully glad, and I began to sing at the
top of my voice to the old tune (no one heard me, the sea roared so
mightily):
"Oh! I love to travel, travel!"
THE END
TOP-OF-THE-WORLD STORIES
Translated from the Scandinavian Languages
By EMILIE POULSSON and LAURA POULSSON
Illustrated in two colors by Florence Liley Young
[Illustration]
These stories of magic and adventure come from the countries at the "top
of the world," and will transport thither in fancy the children who read
this unusual book. They tell of Lapps and reindeer (even a golden-horned
reindeer!), of prince and herd-boy, of knights and wolves and trolls, of
a boy who could be hungry and merry at the same time--of all these and
more besides! Miss Poulsson's numerous and long visits to Norway, her
father's land, and the fact that she is an experienced writer for
children are doubtless the reasons why her translations are sympathetic
and skilful, and yet entirely adapted to give wholesome pleasure to the
young public that she knows so well.
"In these stories are the elements of wonder and magic and
adventure that furnish the thrill so much appreciated by
boys and girls ten or twelve years of age. An aristocratic
book--one that every young person will be perpetually proud
of."--_Lookout, Cincinnati, O._
"In this book the children are transported to the land they
love best, the land of magic, of the fairies and all kinds
of wonderful happenings. It is one of the best fairy story
books ever published."--_Argus-Leader, Sioux Falls, S. D._
YULE-TIDE IN MANY LANDS
By MARY P. PRINGLE and CLARA A. URANN
Fully illustrated and decorated
12mo Cloth Price, $1.50
[Illustration]
The varying forms of Christmas observance at different times and in
different lands are entertainingly shown by one trained in choosing and
presenting the best to younger readers. The symbolism, good cheer, and
sentiment of the grandest of holidays are shown as they appeal in
similar fashion to those whose lives seem so widely diverse. The first
chapter tells of the Yule-Tide of the Ancients, and the eight succeeding
chapters deal respectively with the observance of Christmas and New
Year's, making up the time of "Yule," or the turning of the sun, in
England, Germany, Scandinavia, Russia, France, Italy, Spain, and
America. The space devoted to each country has at least one good
illustration.
"The descriptions as presented in this well-prepared volume
make interesting reading for all who love to come in loving
contact with others in their high and pure
enjoyments."--_Herald-Presbyter, Cincinnati._
"The way Yule-Tide was and is celebrated is told in a simple
and instructive way, and the narrative is enriched by
appropriate poems and excellent illustrations."--_Cleveland
Plain Dealer._
"It is written for young people and is bound to interest
them for the subject is a universal one."--_American Church
Sunday School Magazine._
Famous Children
By H. TWITCHELL Illustrated
[Illustration]
We have here a most valuable book, telling not of the childhood of those
who have afterwards become famous, but those who as children are famous
in history, song, and story. For convenience the subjects are grouped as
"Royal Children," "Child Artists," "Learned Children," "Devoted
Children," "Child Martyrs," and "Heroic Children," and the names of the
"two little princes," Louis XVII., Mozart, St. Genevieve, David, and
Joan of Arc are here, as well as those of many more.
The Story of the Cid For Young People
By CALVIN DILL WILSON Illustrated by J. W. KENNEDY
Mr. Wilson, a well-known writer and reviewer, has prepared from
Southey's translation, which was far too cumbrous to entertain the
young, a book that will kindle the imagination of youth and entertain
and inform those of advanced years.
Jason's Quest
By D. O. S. LOWELL, A. M., M. D. Illustrated
[Illustration]
Nothing can be better to arouse the imagination of boys and girls, and
at the same time store in their minds knowledge indispensable to any one
who would be known as cultured, or happier than Professor Lowell's way
of telling a story, and the many excellent drawings have lent great
spirit to the narrative.
Heroes of the Crusades
By AMANDA M. DOUGLAS Cloth Fifty illustrations
The romantic interest in the days of chivalry, so fully exemplified by
the "Heroes of the Crusades," is permanent and properly so. This book is
fitted to keep it alive without descending to improbability or cheap
sensationalism.
* * * * *
For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
publishers.
LOTHROP, LEE & SHEPARD CO., BOSTON
CHRISTMAS IN LEGEND AND STORY
A Book for Boys and Girls
Compiled by ELVA S. SMITH
Cataloguer of Children's Books, Carnegie Library, Pittsburgh,
and ALICE I. HAZELTINE
Supervisor of Children's Work, St. Louis Public Library
Illustrated from Famous Paintings
[Illustration]
In their experience in providing reading for children, these trained and
efficient librarians saw the need of a book that should group the _best_
of real literature regarding Christmas. With wide research and great
pains they have gathered the noblest, grandest, sweetest, and most
reverent of all that eminent writers in varying lands and in different
times have told us in prose and verse of the origin and sentiment of
this "gracious time." The style and decoration of the book are in
keeping with its contents.
"Clad in green, red and gold, the Christmas colors, comes
this collection of all the sweetest and noblest stories and
legends that have gathered round the birthday of the Son of
Man. This is an interesting volume, full of the spirit of
Christmas."--_The Churchman._
"It is a superb book, beautifully printed, illustrated from
famous paintings and splendidly bound. It is as well adapted
to the adult as to the children, and will be read with
interest, enjoyment and delight by many an older one."--_The
Brooklyn Citizen._
"The literary standard of all these tales is exceptionally
high, and the two editors of the volume are to be
congratulated on their choice of selections for it."--_The
Christian Register._
"It is redolent of Christmas cheer and reverence. The
Yuletide spirit breathes from every page. The illustrations,
taken for the most part from old paintings, are an
invaluable embellishment of the attractive text."--_Columbus
Dispatch._
"Perhaps the best and most comprehensive collection of good
literature published regarding the birth of Christ and the
celebration of His birthday is this well illustrated,
clearly-written and plainly-printed book by two experts in
children's reading. It will help to keep the spirit of
Christmas alive throughout the year."--_The Continent._
* * * * *
For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
publishers
Lothrop, Lee & Sherpard Co. Boston
New Editions of Two Favorite Books
THE LANCE OF KANANA
A STORY OF ARABIA
By HARRY W. FRENCH ("Abd el Ardavan")
Two-color illustrations by Garrett Net, $1.25
[Illustration]
Kanana, a Bedouin youth, though excelling in athletic prowess, is
branded, even by his father, as a coward because he prefers the humble
lot of a shepherd to the warrior's career that he, the son of a sheik
known as the "Terror of the Desert," was expected to follow. "Only for
Allah and Arabia will I lift a lance and take a life," he maintained.
Opportunity to prove his worth soon comes, and the supposed coward,
understood too late, becomes in memory a national hero.
"The stirring story of the loyalty and self-sacrifice of a
Bedouin boy is well worth the attractive new edition in
which it now presents its rare picture of fervid
patriotism."--_Continent, Chicago._
THE ADVENTURES OF MILTIADES PETERKIN PAUL
By JOHN BROWNJOHN
Frontispiece by John Goss Illustrated by "Boz"
[Illustration]
Here is a child classic reissued in a finer and handsomer form, in
response to the persistent demand of those who know the mirth-provoking
quality of the exploits of the ingenious small boy named Miltiades
Peterkin Paul and spoken of as "a great traveler, although he was
small." Whoever has once enjoyed the story of the restless little lad
who imitated Don Quixote, and did many other things, is permanently
charmed by it.
"This youthful Don Quixote, with his travels and exploits,
drives 'dull care' away from the elders and delights the
juniors."--_Watchman, N.Y._
* * * * *
For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
publishers.
Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co. Boston
The Young Folks' Book of Ideals
By DR. WILLIAM BYRON FORBUSH
Fully illustrated 8vo Cloth 500 pages
[Illustration]
This is intended to be the fundamental book in the library of boys and
girls between twelve and eighteen, and it deserves its place in
interest, fullness, and worth. The great educator, G. Stanley Hall, has
demanded "a secular Bible," and it is not too much to say that this
meets the demand. One may go farther, and say that no other modern
writer has so wisely, so safely, and at the same time so entertainingly
provided what young people long to be told if only it be done capably
and pleasingly. Dr. Forbush is a sincere man, and in both writing and
speaking combines keen wit and great learning with a rich store of
personal experience in a way that entitles him to rank as the leading
authority on making the best of youthful life. The book is produced in a
style worthy of its really great contents.
"A book of general culture for young people which deserves a
fundamental place in the library of boys and girls between
twelve and eighteen, because of its interest, fullness and
worth. The invaluable knowledge for young people imparted,
is presented in a style so pleasing and entertaining that
young readers will find it not only convincing, but
intensely interesting. It is an ideal book to place in the
hands of young people."--_Zion's Herald._
"It is a book of unusual inspiration. It will help teachers
and parents and will prove a stable balance for the young
mind in forming its habits of thought and living."--_Buffalo
News._
"There is a combination of keen wit and great learning with
a rich store of personal experience that entitles the author
to rank among the leading writers of youthful
life."--_Atlanta Constitution._
* * * * *
For sale by all booksellers or sent postpaid on receipt of price by the
publishers
Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co. Boston