n the
night, as thirsty plants drink up the dew.

All that was has ceased to be. I am Elsie Bugge once more, and stand on
the threshold of life in all its expanse and beauty.

* * * * *

He is coming....

He will come by the morning train. It seems too soon.

Why did he not wait a day or two? I want time to collect myself. There
is so much to do....

How my hands tremble!

* * * * *

I carry his telegram next my heart. Now I feel quite calm. Why will
Jeanne insist on my going to bed? I am not ill.

She says it is useless to arrange the flowers in the vases to-night,
they will be faded by to-morrow. But can I rely on Torp's seeing that we
have enough food in the house? My head is swimming.... The grass wants
mowing, and the hedge must be cut.... Ah! What a fool I am! As though he
would notice the lawn and the hedge!...

Jeanne asks, "Where will the gentleman sleep?" I cannot answer the
question. I see she is getting the little room upstairs ready for him.
The one that has most sun.

* * * * *

Has Jeanne read my thoughts? She proposes to sleep downstairs with Torp
so long as I have "company."

* * * * *

I have begun a long letter to Richard, and that has passed the time so
well. I wish he could find some dear little creature who would sweeten
life for him. He is a good soul. During the last few days I seem to have
started a kind of affection for him.

We will travel a great deal, Joergen and I. Hitherto I have seen
nothing on my many trips abroad. Joergen must show me the world. We will
visit all the places he once went to alone.

Now I understand the doubting apostle Thomas. Until my eyes behold I
dare not believe.

Joergen has such a big powerful head! I sometimes feel as though I were
clasping it with both my hands.

* * * * *

Torp suggests that to-morrow we should have the same _menu_ that she
prepared when the "State Councillor" entertained Prince Waldemar. Well!
Provided she can get all she wants for her creations! She can amuse
herself at the telegraph office as far as I am concerned. I am willing
to help her; at any rate, I can stir the mayonnaise.

* * * * *

How stupid of me to have given Lillie my tortoiseshell combs! How can I
ask to have them back without seeming rude? Joergen was used to them;