you go when you leave for your new home'?—those words were quite clear; I know his way only too well."
"But, indeed, it would be too bold. Just as we are engaged! No, had we even been married a couple of years, then I should think it more likely that a fellow with his easy-going ideas might think there was hope."
"For shame, it is nasty to speak like that, you have no right to talk of him in that way."
"You defend him!"
"Is that so strange? You know quite well yourself that it is unjust of you, besides, you ought to remember that it grieves me when you express such a low opinion of him; for, after all, I have cared for him, and, of course, still do.… And you have not been at all nice this afternoon; all the time you went on aiming remarks at him, and I was so nervous; you did not make it easier for me, and it was quite difficult enough without that."
"You are right, Minna! Forgive me. I felt it myself; but you must be able to understand—in such a frame of mind and under such conditions."
"It proves that you were afraid of him. You have been as afraid as I have, all the time; not only for a moment, as you said."
"No, I have not. And, after all, it only shows that I feel irritated in the presence of this man, who owns part of your past, and that I must hate him."
"That is just it, he owns my past, all that has any value in it, and he thinks it gives him a hold over me, which perhaps it does."
"Minna, Minna, what is it you are saying? "
"Oh, I am completely confused."
