Page:Karl Gjellerup - Minna, A novel - 1913.djvu/140

 the window, which was darkened by the figure of the conductor.

When our tickets had been collected and I, after having closed the window, turned round, pleased by the idea that we were now to be undisturbed, Minna got up. A sudden jerk of the train threw me down on the soft cushion, and immediately Minna was kneeling at my feet. I laughingly wanted to lift her up, but was stopped by a frightened and imploring expression in her face.

"Harald! I have something I must tell you. But promise me not to be angry.… No, no, you must not promise anything; perhaps you won't be able to help it."

"But, Minna, what does all this mean? Do get up, my dear!"

"No, no, you must first listen. I was so nasty yesterday.… I have deceived you all, and also told lies to you."

"But what do you mean? When?"

"Have you no idea? Can't you guess? "

"No, I assure you."

"Just think of it!" she continued, with a heart-broken expression upon her face, "you cannot imagine that I can be so false.… And when you hear it you will perhaps fear that I am always so."

"But what is it, then? So far you have told me nothing."

"Well, it was yesterday evening. It was my fault that we were too late for the ferry steamer. I knew quite well that the steamer for the train went earlier than I said it did, and I pretended"

"But is that all?" I interrupted laughingly.

"You are making fun of me! It would be much better if you would beat me! Is it nice to get a wife who can