"I hope so," replied her father, "I have frequently been much troubled
in mind, when I have observed your indifference to dress, so unnatural
to one of your age; but which is only a result of the romantic notions
that you have always indulged in."

"But dear father, is it not wrong to strive to make ourselves beautiful
when we are only poor people?"

"Beautiful!" exclaimed the old man, "what put that into your little
head?"

"Magde told me that all poor women ought to be born ugly, that their
reputation might not be suspected."

"Magde was a little out of humor, when she said that, and she who wishes
to please her husband so much, could not have really intended what she
said."

"Yes, but when a woman is married, it alters the case entirely."

"But why should not an unmarried girl wish herself handsome for the sake
of her father, her brother, and above all for her own sake? That is a
good wish so long as it continues innocent."

"When then, is it not innocent?" inquired Nanna.

"It is no longer innocent when the love of fine apparel, and the desire
to be beautiful, changes the heart, and the girl neglects her duties,
and gives her sole attention to that which should only serve as a
simple recreation; but that I am sure will never be the case with you."