Is it a family secret, I wonder, with which a stranger can not be allowed to meddle?
But do they still regard me as a stranger?
No.

Still, they must think so; but when I announce my departure they will perhaps understand that it is a true friend who is about to leave them." So that very day he remarked: "My friends, the hour is fast approaching when, to my great regret, I shall be obliged to bid you good-bye." "So soon, Mister Sylvius, so soon ?" exclaimed Joel, with a dismay he could not conceal.
"The time has passed very quickly in your company, but it is now seventeen days since I came to Dal." "What! seventeen days!" repeated Hulda.
"Yes, my dear child, and the end of my vacation is approaching.

I have only a week at my disposal if I should extend my journey to Drammen and Kongsberg.

And though the Storthing is indebted to you for not being obliged to elect another deputy in my place, the Storthing will know no better how to compensate you than I do." "Oh! Mister Sylvius," cried Hulda, placing her little hand upon his lips to silence him.
"Oh, I understand, Hulda.

That is a forbidden subject, at least here." "Here and everywhere," replied the girl, gayly.
"So be it! I am not my own master, and I must obey.