CHAPTER V.

THE FIRST DISAPPOINTMENT.


Nanna had arrived at the bottom step of the flight of stairs, when she
encountered Magde who was returning from a visit at a neighbor's house.
She had walked fast, and her face was crimson with heat and vexation.
When Magde first saw the young girl, she drew her bonnet close around
her face, intending to enter the house as quickly as Nanna wished to
depart; but when Nanna had reached the threshold she exclaimed:

"Where are you going?"

"To take a little walk," replied Nanna.

"Be careful, Nanna," said Magde seriously, "you will soon be a young
woman."

"And why should that affect you so?" replied Nanna, astonished at
Magde's caution.

"O, only that poor women who wish to preserve their fair fame, are not
allowed to go out when they choose."

"What did you say?"