Page:Pontoppidan - Emanuel, or Children of the Soil (1896).djvu/214

 opened the door. Emanuel was there with his hat on and his umbrella in his hand, just about to go out. He turned very red when he saw her, and a defiant expression came into his eye. It looked as if he was arming himself against her expected jibes, and was preparing to pay her back. She put out her hand in a friendly way towards him.

"Father has told me your news, Mr Hansted. I congratulate you most heartily!"

He looked doubtingly at her.

"I do not know the young girl personally," she continued calmly. "But I remember several times having heard most favourable remarks about her, so I do not doubt that it will be for your happiness."

After these words, Emanuel—perhaps somewhat hesitatingly—took her soft, white hand, and when she let him keep it, pressed it warmly.

"Thanks, a thousand thanks, Miss Ragnhild," he said, moved with pleasure and surprise. "You do not know how glad I am that you of all people understand me!"

"Well, I have perhaps had more opportunities of doing so than most people."

"You have—you have, Miss Ragnhild!"

"I mean—we have discussed every subject under the sun. Therefore you know that we hold different opinions on many points. But I hope you believe that I always respect people who have the courage of their opinions."