And was not my life filled? Filled to
overflowing with bitterness and misery! For I loved you, proud Olaf!--I
loved you--" The _bonde_ uttered an exclamation of incredulous
astonishment. Lovisa fixed her eyes on him with a dark scorn. "Yes, I
loved you,--scoffer and unbeliever as you were and are!--accursed of God
and man! I loved you in spite of all that was said against you--nay, I
would have forsaken my creed for yours, and condemned my soul to the
everlasting burning for your sake! I loved you as _she_--that pale,
fair, witch-like thing you wedded, could never love--" Her voice died
away in a sort of despairing wail, and she paused.
"By my soul!" said the _bonde_, astounded, and stroking his white beard
in some embarrassment. "I never knew of this! It is true that in the hot
days of youth, mischief is often done unwittingly. But why trouble
yourself with these memories, Lovisa? If it be any comfort,--believe me,
I am sorry harm ever came to you through my thoughtless jesting--"
"It matters not!" and Lovisa regarded him with a strange and awful
smile.
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