Page:Pontoppidan - Emanuel, or Children of the Soil (1896).djvu/187

 lines of her profile, and the powerful curves of the upper part of her figure—and a fear arose in him—a fear that, from one cause or another, she might have something against him. Otherwise he could not understand why she had so carefully avoided him all day, to the extent of not even coming near him. Had she, perhaps, been disappointed in his discourse? He had really spoken several times, with her alone in his mind, and his wish had all along been that she, above all others, should understand him. Was it possible that she was the only one not to be touched by his words?

His disturbed expression was noticed by some of the old people, who at once remarked upon it to some of the others. As they thought he might disapprove of the dancing, they passed the word to stop it. Besides, the evening was so far advanced that it was time to break up. A cold mist was rising from the ground and the stars were out.

A few old people rose and began to take leave, then others followed their example. They were on the whole a little disappointed that Emanuel had not spoken, or told a story or suchlike. Old Erik, who had sat at his feet—like a true disciple—had looked up, every time there was a moment's silence, into Emanuel's face, with a happy expectant expression, like a child who hopes to have the whole world of elves and fairies unfolded to him. But all the same they went