that I did not ask in sport, but because of late I can think of nothing
else than the subject I questioned you about. I was waiting in deep
anxiety, and there came to me only foolery and laughter.
Farewell, Marit Heidegards, I shall not look at you too much, as I
did at that dance. May you both eat well, and sleep well, and get your
new web finished, and above all, may you be able to shovel away the
snow which lies in front of the church-door.
Most respectfully,
OYVIND THORESEN PLADSEN.



TO THE AGRICULTURIST, OYVIND THORESEN, AT THE AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL:--
Notwithstanding my advanced years, and the weakness of my eyes,
and the pain in my right hip, I must yield to the importunity of the
young, for we old people are needed by them when they have caught
themselves in some snare. They entice us and weep until they are set
free, but then at once run away from us again, and will take no further
advice.
Now it is Marit; she coaxes me with many sweet words to write at
the same time she does, for she takes comfort in not writing alone. I
have read your letter; she thought that she had Jon Hatlen or some
other fool to deal with, and not one whom school-master Baard had
trained; but now she is in a dilemma. However, you have been too
severe, for there are certain women who take to jesting in order to
avoid weeping, and who make no difference between the two. But it
pleases me to have you take serious things seriously, for otherwise you
could not laugh at nonsense.
Concerning the feelings of both, it is now apparent from many
things that you are bent on having each other. About Marit I have