that this
book contains anything but scientific notes. He appears to prefer the
empiric method in love as in philosophy. I verily believe that he is
innocently experimenting with himself, with a view to making some great
physiological discovery."

"And so he will, perhaps," rejoined the girl, the mixture of gayety and
grave solicitude making her face, as her cousin thought, particularly
charming.

"Only not a physiological, but possibly a psychological one," remarked
Arnfinn. "But listen to this. Here is something rich:

"August 9--Miss Augusta once said something about the possibility of
animals being immortal. Her eyes shone with a beautiful animation as she
spoke. I am longing to continue the subject with her. It haunts me
the whole day long. There may be more in the idea than appears to a
superficial observer."

"Oh, how charmingly he understands how to deceive himself," cried Inga.

"Merely a quid pro quo," said Arnfinn.

"I know what I shall do!"

"And so do I."

"Won't you tell me, please?"

"No."

"Then I sha'n't tell you either."

And they flew apart like two thoughtless little birds ("sanguine," as
Strand would have called them), each to ponder on some formidable plot
for the reconciliation of the estranged lovers.

V.

During the week that ensued, the multifarious sub-currents of Strand's
passion seemed slowly to gather themselves into one clearly defined
stream, and, after much scientific speculation, he came to the
conclusion that he loved Augusta. In a moment of extreme discouragement,
he made a clean breast of it to Arnfinn, at the same time informing him
that he had packed his knapsack, and would start on his wanderings again
the next morning. All his friend's entreaties were in vain; he would and
must go. Strand was an exasperatingly headstrong fellow, and persuasions
never prevailed with him. He had confirmed himself in the belief that he
was very unattractive to women, and that Augusta, of all women, for
some reason which was not quite clear to him, hated and abhorred him.
Inexperienced as he was, he could see no reason why she should avoid
him, if she did not hate him. They sat talking until midnight, each
entangling himself in those passionate paradoxes and contradictions
peculiar to passionate and impulsive youth. Strand paced the floor with
large steps, pouring out his long pent-up emotion in violent tirades
of self-accusation and regret; while Arnfinn sat on the bed, try