CHAPTER IX.

MR. FABIAN AND MAGDE LONNER.

“O, how thankful I am that you can come out here on the green, dear father.”  Thus said Magde, as she gave old Mr. Lonner his hat and cane, after Nanna had filled and lighted his pipe.

It was a beautiful scene to behold the two sisters thus employed.  Ragnar was right.  Without waiting for a request, they were apparently striving to outvie each other in performing little services for the old man.  In short, Mr. Lonner had not a wish which was not gratified.  They anticipated his every desire.

“There, that will do, my daughters; I thank you.  I feel so young to-day, that I am quite happy.  My rheumatism has left me almost entirely; so give me your arm, Nanna, and we will go.”

“Where are you going?” inquired Magde.

“O, after we have taken a short walk,” replied Nanna, “I have proposed that we should go to the spring in the meadow, and sit down awhile.  It used to be one of papa’s favorite spots.”

“Perhaps you had better take a book with you,” said Magde, “and then you can read to him.”

Nanna blushed.  Her object was to afford to her father another and much greater pleasure.  She hoped in this manner to introduce Gottlieb to him before the youth should visit the cottage, because she feared that Magde in that case would wonder at her familiarity with the new comer.

Many times during the day, Nanna had endeavored to say to Magde, “last evening, and the evening before, I met an elegant young man near the spring in the meadow;” but for some unknown reason, the words never passed over her lips.  She imagined that if she was alone with her father, she would not fear to tell him, and she also thought that when Gottlieb would see her with the old man, he would know that she had not agreed to meet him alone.

Her father would also converse with them about the time when she should commence her school, about which she had already erected many castles in the air.  A little house she had thought should be erected in the valley.  Here she should dwell alone with her cat, her little goldfinch with his elegant green cage, and she would also have a shed for her cow.  She also wished to take a dog with her; but finally she thought she would not do so, for he would eat too much, and aside from that, would not be of the slightest benefit to her, for Carl would certainly assume the entire control of him.

There was no doubt, she had thought, but that good Carl would help her with her heavy work.  That is, he would come to her little house on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons, to scrub her floors and bring the wood, while she was engaged in making cakes and pies for her father and Magde, who should visit her on those evenings.  Of course this plan was to be followed during the summer only.  During the winter, she would spend those afternoons and evenings in the large house.