What reason could he
have given, anyway? He had wanted to surprise them both with his little
scheme, but now it had become impossible. Alas, how everything turned out
badly for him of late!
Ole turned back.
To the country house! How she haunted the old places! She had been unable
to resist; she had to see once more that house and these grounds, although
the leaves were almost gone and the garden was desolate. Oh! Aagot had
intended to spend the summer there if everything had turned out all right.
Well, that was another matter, something that did not concern him in the
least.
Ole was weary and disappointed. He decided to go to Tidemand at once and
tell him everything. He had meant it for the best.
"We shall have to go alone after all," he said. "I really have a ticket
for your wife, though."
Tidemand changed colour.
"You have?" he simply said.
"Yes, I had planned to have her sit between us; perhaps I ought to have
told you beforehand; but any way, she has gone away and won't be back till
to-morrow."
"Is that so?" said Tidemand as before.
"Listen, you mustn't be angry with me because of this! If you only knew--
Your wife has called on me quite frequently of late; she asks about you
and the children--"
"That is all right.
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