Selma Lagerlöf

From a Swedish Homestead Selma Lagerlöf

Before he had finished his coffee another student entered the room. The new-comer was a totally different-looking man. He was a short, broad-shouldered fellow, squarely built and strong, ugly, with a large head, thin hair, and coarse complexion. 'Hede, ' he said, 'I have come to have a serious talk with you.' 'Has anything unpleasant happened to you?' 'Oh no, not to me, ' the other answered; 'it is really you it concerns.' He sat silent for a while, and looked down. 'It is so awfully unpleasant having to tell you.' 'Leave it alone, then, ' suggested Hede. He felt inclined to laugh at his friend's solemnity.