OYVIND THORESEN PLADSEN.

TO THE AGRICULTURIST, OYVIND THORESEN, AT THE AGRICULTURAL SCHOOL:--
Notwithstanding my advanced years, and the weakness of my eyes,
and the pain in my right hip, I must yield to the importunity of the
young, for we old people are needed by them when they have caught
themselves in some snare. They entice us and weep until they are set
free, but then at once run away from us again, and will take no further
advice.
Now it is Marit; she coaxes me with many sweet words to write at
the same time she does, for she takes comfort in not writing alone. I
have read your letter; she thought that she had Jon Hatlen or some
other fool to deal with, and not one whom school-master Baard had
trained; but now she is in a dilemma. However, you have been too
severe, for there are certain women who take to jesting in order to
avoid weeping, and who make no difference between the two. But it
pleases me to have you take serious things seriously, for otherwise you
could not laugh at nonsense.
Concerning the feelings of both, it is now apparent from many
things that you are bent on having each other. About Marit I have
often been in doubt, for she is like the wind's course; but I have now
learned that notwithstanding this she has resisted Jon Hatlen's
advances, at which her grandfather's wrath is sorely kindled. She was
happy when your offer came, and if she jested it was from joy, not from
any harm. She has endured much, and has done so in order to wait for
him on whom her mind was fixed. And now you will not have her, but
cast her away as you would a naughty child.
This was what I wanted to tell you. And this counsel I must add,
that you should come to an understanding with her, for you can find
enough else to be at variance with. I am like the old man who has
lived through three generations; I have seen folly and its course.
Your mother and father send love by me. They are expecting you
home; but I would not write of this before, lest you should become
homesick. You do not know your father; he is like a tree which makes
no moan until it is hewn down. But if ever any mischance should befall
you, then you will learn to know him, and you will wonder at the
richness of his nature. He has had heavy burdens to bear, and is
silent in worldly matters; but your mother has relieved his mind from
earthly anxiety, and now daylight is beginning to break through the
gloom.