Page:Pontoppidan - Emanuel, or Children of the Soil (1896).djvu/36

 On his way through the drawing-room he drew out of his tail pocket a black silk cap, with which he was wont to cover himself before presenting himself to his parishoners. Having also prepared himself by clearing his throat loudly, he entered his study.

A little figure stood by the door in the subdued green light, enveloped in an immense great coat several sizes too large for him, from which only a light mop of hair, two swollen blue hands and a pair of feet in white woollen socks stuck out.

"Good evening," said the Provst, in a friendly voice, waving his hand, "Do you want to speak to me?"

A hiccup was his first answer, followed by "yes" in a frightened whisper.

"What is your name, friend? " continued the Provst.

For a moment the only sound was the chattering of the lad's teeth. At last the answer came hoarsely and hurriedly, "Ole Christian Julius Andersen."

"Are you a son of old Anders Jörgen of Skibberup?"

"Yes."

"Then it was you who came to me as a candidate for confirmation last year, wasn't it."

"Yes."

"And now you have come to request me to administer the Sacrament to your old father—I