hink I may take the rector's words to be a secret hint
that he would not object to me as a son-in-law. And the daughter? Was
her blush a favorable sign?

Poor Ole Anderson keeps his peat moor and his pasture land, but rich
Morten Bruus is angry at me because of it. When he heard the decision
he closed his eyes and set his lips tight, and his face was as pale as
a whitewashed wall. But he controlled himself and as he went out he
called back to his adversary, "Wish you joy of the bargain Ole
Anderson. The peat bog won't beggar me, and the cattle at Ingvorstrup
have all the hay they can eat." I could hear his loud laughter outside
and the cracking of his whip. It is not easy to have to sit in
judgment. Every decision makes but one enemy the more.

Yesterday was the happiest day of my life. We celebrated our betrothal
in the Rectory of Veilbye. My future father-in-law spoke to the text,
"I gave my handmaid into thy bosom" (Genesis xvi, 5). His words
touched my heart. I had not believed that this serious and sometimes
brusque man could talk so sweetly. When the solemnity was over, I
received the first kiss from my sweet betrothed, and the assurance of
her great love for me.

At supper and later on we were very merry. Many of the dead mother's
kin were present. The rector's family were too far away. After supper
we danced until day-break and there was no expense spared in the food
and wine. My future father-in-law was the strongest man present, and
could easily drink all the others under the table. The wedding is to
take place in six weeks. God grant us rich blessings.

It is not good that my future father-in-law should have this Niels
Bruus in his service. He is a defiant fellow, a worthy brother of him
of Ingvorstrup. If it were I, he should have his wages and be turned
off, the sooner the better. But the good rector is stubborn and
insists that Niels shall serve out his time. The other day he gave the
fellow a box on the ear, at which Niels cried out that he would make
him pay for it. The rector told me of this himself, for no one else
had been present. I talked to Niels, but he would scarcely answer me.
I fear he has a stubborn and evil nature. My sweet betrothed also
entreats her father to send the fellow away, but the rector will not
listen to reason. I do not know what the old man will do when his
daughter leaves his home for mine. She saves him much worry and knows
how to make all things smooth and easy. She will