Hanka
herself is animated. "You must get the garden and the grove fixed up. It
will be fine."
And Tidemand, who already has arranged to have the country-house put in
order, although it is not April yet, is delighted because of his wife's
sudden interest. His sombre eyes brighten and he presses her arm.
"I want you to know, Hanka, I am very happy to-day," he exclaims.
"Everything will be all right soon, I am sure."
"Are you--What will be all right, by the way?"
"Oh, nothing," he says quickly. He turns the subject, looks down, and
continues: "Business is booming; I have given Furst orders to buy!"
Fool that he was! There he had once more made a mistake and bothered his
wife with his shop talk. But Mrs. Hanka was good enough to overlook it;
nobody could have answered more patiently and sweetly than did she:
"I am very glad to hear it!"
These gentle words embolden him; he is grateful and wants to show it as
best he can; he smiles with dewy eyes and says in a low voice:
"I should like to give you a little present if you care--a sort of
souvenir of this occasion. If there is anything you would like--"
Mrs. Hanka glances at him.
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