|
Main
- books.jibble.org
My Books
- IRC Hacks
Misc. Articles
- Meaning of Jibble
- M4 Su Doku
- Computer Scrapbooking
- Setting up Java
- Bootable Java
- Cookies in Java
- Dynamic Graphs
- Social Shakespeare
External Links
- Paul Mutton
- Jibble Photo Gallery
- Jibble Forums
- Google Landmarks
- Jibble Shop
- Free Books
- Intershot Ltd
|
books.jibble.org
Previous Page
| Next Page
Page 24
Lars answered dryly, "Yes, I do."
The whole assembly, feeling that Canute was of quite a different
opinion, seemed struck, and looked at Lars, who said nothing
further, nor was further questioned. Canute turned to another
subject, as if nothing had happened, and did not again resume the
question till toward the close of the meeting, when he asked with
an air of indifference if they should send it back to the Foged
for closer consideration, as it certainly was contrary to the mind
of the people of the parish, by whom the grain-magazine was highly
valued; also, if he should put upon the record, "Proposal deemed
inexpedient."
"Against one vote," said Lars.
"Against two," said another instantly.
"Against three," said a third, and before the chairman had
recovered from his surprise, a majority had declared in favor of
the proposal.
He wrote; then read in a low tone, "Referred for acceptance, and
the meeting adjourned." Canute, rising and closing the "Records,"
blushed deeply, but resolved to have this vote defeated in the
parish meeting. In the yard he hitched his horse to the wagon, and
Lars came and seated himself by his side. On the way home they
spoke upon various subjects, but not upon this.
On the following day Canute's wife started for Lars' house, to
inquire of his wife if anything had happened between their
husbands; Canute had appeared so queerly when he returned home the
evening previous. A little beyond the house she met Lars' wife,
who came to make the same inquiry on account of a similar peculiar
behavior in her husband. Lars' wife was a quiet, timid thing,
easily frightened, not by hard words, but by silence; for Lars
never spoke to her unless she had done wrong, or he feared she
would do so. On the contrary, Canute Aakre's wife spoke much with
her husband, and particularly about the commissioners' meetings,
for lately they had taken his thoughts, work, and love from her
and the children. She was jealous of it as of a woman, she wept at
night about it, and quarrelled with her husband concerning it in
the day. But now she could say nothing; for once he had returned
home unhappy; she immediately became much more so than he, and for
the life of her she must know what was the matter. So as Lars'
wife could tell her nothing, she had to go for information out in
the parish, where she obtained it, and of course was instantly of
her husband's opinion, thinking Lars incomprehensible, not to say
bad. But when she let her husband perceive this, she felt that,
notwithstanding what had occurred, no friendship was broken
between them; on the contrary, that he liked Lars very much.
The day for the parish meeting came. In the morning, Lars Hogstad
drove over for Canute Aakre, who came out and took a seat beside
him. They saluted each other as usual, spoke a little less than
they were wont on the way, but not at all of the proposal. The
meeting was full; some, too, had come in as spectators, which
Canute did not like, for he perceived by this a little excitement
in the parish. Lars had his straw, and stood by the stove, warming
himself, for the autumn had begun to be cold. The chairman read
the proposal in a subdued and careful manner, adding, that it came
from the Foged, who was not habitually fortunate. The building was
a gift, and such things it was not customary to part with, least
of all when there was no necessity for it.
Lars, who never before had spoken in the meetings, to the surprise
of all, took the floor. His voice trembled; whether this was
caused by regard for Canute, or anxiety for the success of the
bill, we cannot say; but his arguments were clear, good, and of
such a comprehensive and compact character as had hardly before
been heard in these meetings. In concluding, he said:
"Of what importance is it that the proposal is from the Foged?--
none,--or who it was that erected the house, or in what way it
became the public property?"
Canute, who blushed easily, turned very red, and moved nervously
as usual when he was impatient; but notwithstanding, he answered
in a low, careful tone, that there were savings banks enough in
the country, he thought, quite near, and almost too near. But if
one was to be instituted, there were other ways of attaining this
end, than by trampling upon the gifts of the dead, and the love of
the living. His voice was a little unsteady when he said this, but
recovered its composure, when he began to speak of the grain
magazine as such, and reason concerning its utility.
Previous Page
| Next Page
|
|