Page:Undset - Jenny (1921).djvu/197

 "Do you think it will be nice?"

"No—the teacher is so strict. Oscar goes to school, but we shan't be together, for he is being moved into the second form."

"Is Oscar your friend?" asked Jenny.

"Yes; we live in the same house."

After a short pause Jenny spoke again: "Aren't you sorry there is no snow? You have got the hill by the bay where you can toboggan. Have you got a sled?"

"No, but I have snowshoes and ski."

They had turned into another street. Jenny let go the boy's hand and looked at the basket. It was so heavy, and Ausjen was so small—so she kept it, although she did not like to be seen with a poor little urchin in a good street. She would have like to take him to the confectioner's, but thought it would be rather awkward if she met any one she knew there.

In the dark Voldgata she took his hand again and carried the basket to the house where he lived, giving him a coin as a parting gift.

On her way through the town she bought chocolates and a pair of red woollen gloves to send to Ausjen. It was nice to be able to give somebody an unexpected pleasure. She might try to get him for a model, but he was very small to sit so long. Poor little hand; it had got warm in hers, and it seemed as if it had been good for her to hold it. Yes, she wanted to try and paint him; he had a queer little face. She would give him milk with a little coffee in it and a nice roll and butter, and she would work and talk to Ausjen.…