gave a little, a very little, cry, or, more properly, gasped aloud
for breath, and made a movement, as if something kept her back.

"Oh! my dress caught," she said, arranged it a little, and then
approached Mrs. Canuteson, with smiling face, to offer her
congratulation.

Bagger looked at the watch: he had been there two hours! After yet
lingering to exchange a few polite words with Miss Brandt, he took
leave. His visit had in all respects been so unusual, and had
given occasion for so much comment, that it required more time
than could be given there; and his name was not at all mentioned
after he left.

V.

Now it is certainly true, that whenever Counsellor Bagger was seen
for quite a time, he was mostly dreaming and suffering; and people
who have not themselves experienced something similar, or have not
a fancy for putting themselves in his place, will say, perhaps,
that they could have managed themselves better. But, at all
events, it cannot be said, that from this time forward he was
unpractical; for within eight days from Mrs. Canuteson's birthday
he had not only learned where Miss Hjelm lived, but had
established himself in a tavern close by the farm, and obtained
admittance to the house, which last was not so difficult, since
Mrs. Hjelm was a friendly, hospitable lady, and since neither her
daughter nor niece thought they ought to prejudice her against
him.