mirth; for although Magde, Ragnar, and Carl, often indulged in
boisterous sports, still Nanna never could feel an inclination to
mingle with them, but had merely smiled at their ridiculous jokes. Never
had the clear ringing laugh of gleeful childhood issued over her lips;
but upon the present occasion her innocent heart entered into the spirit
of her gay companion, and when he deliberately measured three lengths of
his neckcloth from the spot where he was sitting, and then gravely
seated himself at her very side, a merry laugh broke from her lips, in
which the youth joined.

"Well," said he, assuming a comfortable position, "I can touch you, at
least, now."

"Yes," replied Nanna seriously, for she was musing on Magde's words of
caution, "yes, you can; but I do not wish you to."

"You do not?"

"I do not," replied she firmly.

"What an obstinate little creature you are!"

"You desired to know what I have read," said Nanna, wishing to change
the subject of conversation.

"True, but why do you hide your little hand under your apron, I shall
not touch it without your permission?"

Nanna smiled as she slowly withdrew her hands from their place of
concealment and folded them upon her lap.