Under this
window was a bench, upon which the daughter threw herself in an
unusual posture, resting her chin upon her hand. A moment after the
youth caught the first glimpse of her blue eyes. They were fixed
upon him with a strange look of greed, amounting to craving, but as
if aware that they belied or betrayed her, she dropped them
instantly. The moment she veiled them, her face, notwithstanding
its colourless complexion, was almost beautiful.
'When the fish was ready the old woman wiped the deal table,
steadied it upon the uneven floor, and covered it with a piece of
fine table-linen. She then laid the fish on a wooden platter, and
invited the guest to help himself. Seeing no other provision, he
pulled from his pocket a hunting-knife, and divided a portion from
the fish, offering it to the mother first.
'"Come, my lamb," said the old woman; and the daughter approached
the table. But her nostrils and mouth quivered with disgust.
'The next moment she turned and hurried from the hut.
'"She doesn't like fish," said the old woman, "and I haven't
anything else to give her."
'"She does not seem in good health," he rejoined.
'The woman answered only with a sigh, and they ate their fish with
the help of a little rye-bread. As they finished their supper, the
youth heard the sound as of the pattering of a dog's feet upon the
sand close to the door; but ere he had time to look out of the
window, the door opened and the young woman entered.
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