A Happy Boy by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson
page 91 of 138 (65%)
page 91 of 138 (65%)
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"Because you always wanted them to be so long."
"And when I desired that we should write more about something, then you changed the subject." "'I show to the best advantage when you see my tail,'[1] said the hulder." [Footnote 1: The hulder in the Norse folk-lore appears like a beautiful woman, and usually wears a blue petticoat and a white sword; but she unfortunately has a long tail, like a cow's, which she anxiously strives to conceal when she is among people. She is fond of cattle, particularly brindled, of which she possesses a beautiful and thriving stock. They are without horns. She was once at a merry-making, where every one was desirous of dancing with the handsome, strange damsel; but in the midst of the mirth a young man, who had just begun a dance with her, happened to cast his eye on her tail. Immediately guessing whom he had gotten for a partner, he was not a little terrified; but, collecting himself, and unwilling to betray her, he merely said to her when the dance was over: "Fair maid, you will lose your garter." She instantly vanished, but afterwards rewarded the silent and considerate youth with beautiful presents and a good breed of cattle. FAYE'S _Traditions_.--NOTE BY TRANSLATOR.] "Ah! that is so. You have never told me how you got rid of Jon Hatlen." "I laughed." "How?" |
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