Mr. Fabian, who did not wish to appear vanquished, was at a loss how to change the conversation to such a theme as would afford him a suitable opportunity to take his leave in a dignified manner.  But good Magde, who had now entirely recovered her usual equanimity, soon assisted him—­by means of that instinct which sometimes puts superior knowledge to the blush—­out of his dilemma by saying: 

“I am grateful to you, Mr. H——­, for having forgiven Carl because his words amused you; but what a simpleton the boy is!”

“It was because he was a simpleton that I forgave him; but now as my visit is at an end, I will release you from your unwelcome guest.  As for the game, Carl can keep it.  It would at all events create suspicion if it was sent to Almvik.”

“And you, Mr. H——­, you will not be angry with us?”

“I, God forbid.  When I forgive I forget everything.”

Magde arose and courtesied as her visitor took his departure.  She accompanied him a short distance from the house, and waited till he unfastened the horse’s halter.

After mounting his animal, he drove his horse near the spot where Magde was standing, and as he passed her he bowed deeply, but his face wore an expression that caused her entire form to tremble with an undefined fear.

CHAPTER X.

THE TRUANT.

Fourteen days elapsed.  Gottlieb had fully learned the road from Almvik to the cottage in the valley.  It had never entered the mind of any one of the inmates of the cottage to consider him a dangerous guest.  Magde, who possessed a quick eye, soon discovered that Nanna was the cause of his visits; but she also perceived that Gottlieb was no dissembler.  Magde did not look further than this, for she did not suppose Nanna would ever love one who did not return her affection.  Unrequited love she did not believe in, and she thought that Nanna was of her opinion in this respect.

And in truth thus it appeared, for neither Nanna nor Gottlieb experienced the slightest degree of restraint when in each other’s society.  The change that had taken place in Nanna’s appearance was marvellous; the blossoms of buoyant and happy girlhood had usurped the place formerly occupied by lilies on her cheeks, and our young hero had more than once laughingly said: 

“It is fortunate, Miss Nanna, that we made our agreement when we first met, for if we had not I do not know what would have happened.  You become lovelier every day, Nanna.”

Yet in spite of these words Gottlieb would blush with displeasure when their meetings at the spring were disturbed by a third person.

The youthful teacher and pupil continued their meetings at the little fountain, and Gottlieb at this spot gave Nanna her first instructions upon the guitar.  To his great pleasure she learned quickly, and soon she was able to sing her beautiful songs to her own accompaniment on his favorite instrument.