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The corpulent chap beamed happily and shouted, full of the great sensation he was going to spring: "Congratulate me, good people, I have won the prize! Imagine, in its inscrutable wisdom the ministry has chosen to bestow the subsidy upon me!" "Have you received the subsidy?" asked Irgens slowly. "Yes, can you understand it? How it happened I am at a loss to know.
Irgens did not like this fellow; he did not care to cultivate his friendship in order to get an item published in the paper now and then. Paulsberg had now two days running had a paragraph concerning his excursion to Honefos: the first day about his going, the second about his return; Gregersen had in his usual accommodating manner concocted two very excellent little items about this excursion.
Tidemand's calculations had proven correct. Irgens had published his book. This superior soul, who never took anybody into his confidence, had, to the great surprise of everybody, put out a charming volume of poems just when spring was in full blow. Was that not a surprise?
And the gentlemen drank industriously. They grew well disposed and cheerful before they took their departure. Irgens was first to leave; then Ojen followed. Ole remained until they had all gone, all except Norem, who sat there as usual and slumbered. He had listened to the talk. Occasionally he had injected a word.
All these matters did not interest Irgens in the least. He made up his mind to get away as soon as he could. Coldevin said nothing, but glanced from one to another with his sombre eyes. When he had been presented to Irgens he had murmured a few words, sat down again and remained silent. Irgens looked at him languidly and was silent too. When he had finished his seidel he got up to go.
Irgens?" The almost supplicating note in her voice made him glance at her in surprise. He did not want any coffee, thanks; but he smiled at her. She was happy at once; she hardly knew what she was carrying, but she stammered: "Just a little, please." He looked at her again and said: "No, thanks." On the return trip Irgens seemed a different person.
When, after an hour or so, they started to leave, they did not notice in an obscure corner a greyish-bearded, somewhat bald person, nor did they perceive two fathomless, burning eyes that followed them as they departed. On the street Irgens said: "I wonder You are not going home at once, I hope?" "Yes," she said, "I am going right back."
They entered the Grand, passed by the tables where people sat drinking and smoking, and found Irgens far back in the room. Milde and Norem were with him. "So here you are!" called Ole. Irgens gave him his left hand and did not get up. He glanced through half-closed lids at Aagot. "This, Aagot, is the poet Irgens." Ole presented him, somewhat proud of his intimate acquaintance with the great man.
The father is old, but that is no reason why he should be ignored. Irgens drinks and says: "Can I take the bottle along?" And Ole Henriksen nods. On their way back through the store he pulls out a drawer from the counter, and Irgens, who understands the hint, takes something from the drawer which he puts in his mouth. It is coffee, roasted coffee; good for the breath.
"How could you be so careless? What did he say?" "Nothing; he never says anything. It fell out as I opened my dress. Well, don't let that worry you; it doesn't matter. When can I see you again?" Ever, ever her tenderness was the same! Irgens took her hand and caressed it. How fortunate he was to have her!
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