Outside the school-master was heard to say, "He has recently returned home, I suppose," and Ole to exclaim twice over, "Well, well!" They remained a long time quiet in the passage.

The mother had crept up to the corner where the milk-shelf was; Oyvind had assumed his favorite position, that is, he leaned with his back against the large table, with his face toward the door; his father was sitting near him.
At length there came a knock at the door, and in stepped the school-master, who drew off his hat, afterward Ole, who pulled off his cap, and then turned to shut the door.

It took him a long time to do so; he was evidently embarrassed.

Thore rising, asked them to be seated; they sat down, side by side, on the bench in front of the window.

Thore took his seat again.
And the wooing proceeded as shall now be told.
The school-master: "We are having fine weather this autumn, after all." Thore: "It has been mending of late." "It is likely to remain pleasant, now that the wind is over in that quarter." "Are you through with your harvesting up yonder ?" "Not yet; Ole Nordistuen here, whom, perhaps, you know, would like very much to have help from you, Oyvind, if there is nothing else in the way." Oyvind: "If help is desired, I shall do what I can." "Well, there is no great hurry.