"Yes, now we can think of accomplishing something in life," said the
school-master, "instead of playing blind-man's buff, and chasing after
numbers. What do you say to the seminary?"
"Why, I should like very much to go there."
"Are you thinking of the agricultural school?"
"Yes."
"That is, without doubt, the best; it provides other openings than a
school-master's position."
"But how can I go there? I earnestly desire it, but I have not the
means."
"Be industrious and good, and I dare say the means will be found."
Oyvind felt completely overwhelmed with gratitude. His eyes sparkled,
his breath came lightly, he glowed with that infinite love that bears
us along when we experience some unexpected kindness from a
fellow-creature. At such a moment, we fancy that our whole future will
be like wandering in the fresh mountain air; we are wafted along more
than we walk.
When they reached home both parents were within, and had been sitting
there in quiet expectation, although it was during working hours of a
busy time. The school-master entered first, Oyvind followed; both were
smiling.
"Well?" said the father, laying aside a hymn-book, in which he had just
been reading a "Prayer for a Confirmation Candidate."
His mother stood by the hearth, not daring to say anything; she was
smiling, but her hand was trembling. Evidently she was expecting good
news, but did not wish to betray herself.
Pages:
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67