Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - Chapter XXXVII. The Skjuts-boy and the courier-officer.
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#E S##UWS-#OV. 309
During dinner the conver#tion was brisk and animated, and
he did hOtcease talking until the desser# and champagne ar-
rived, and even then only out of respect fo the toasts that were
expected–occupying himself in the meantime by drumming
upon a plate with bas fork.
Amelia sat beside ber father, ber eyes following all bas
motions with an expression of nneasiness. When she cut the
first slice from the magnificent wedding-cake, and presented it
fo ber father, ber hand trembled, for if appeared to ber as
though ber father looked concerned; and if grieved ber heart
that the one who was wont fo handle the baron of authority in
his own bouse, was now obliged fo sit. near the table of bas child
with an air of restraint.
Amelia was correct. The lieutenant-colonel was indeed un-
easy; he could hot comprehend the silence that rei#-med around
the table. Even the assessor, whose tongue was never silent af
other rimes, appeared thoughtful; and the lieutenant-colonel did
hot rail fo observe that he frequently interchanged glances with
Borgenstierna, who also displayed a seriousness which ill accorded
with a guy dinner-party.
At length the champagne corks popped, and Borgenstierna
proposed the healths of his father and mother-in-law. The
lieutenant-colonel perceived, however; that this was hot all.
But returning thanks, and replacing his glass upon the table, he
wa.ited in silence for what was fo follow.
For a few moments silence reigned supreme. ]3orgenstierna,
however, soon arose, the attendants received a hint fo leave the
room, and as he stood directly opposite his father-in-law, if was
fo him that he appeared fo address himseff.
"An hour ago, I said that we should raise our glasses in
honour of civil independence; the reason for this toast derives
its origin from the remembmnce of an incident that is connected
with times long past; which incident exerted a powerful in-
fluence npon my lire, and is the true and original cause of the
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