Emanuel went out by a gate at the further end of the garden leading into the open fields. Here he found himself on the highest point of the district, the so-called "Parsonage Hill," from the top of which a wide view was gained. On every side were pale green fields of rye, which glistened in the sun among the dark ploughed land; light blue mists lay over the fens and swampy places, ditches and ponds steamed, and the whole land was enveloped in fruitful vapours, the fresh spring air was filled with sunlight, and the song of birds, all heralding the festal entrance of summer any day. Emanuel took a path which led from the Parsonage, through a number of outlying fields towards the fiord. It was the same path taken by Miss Ragnhild in her hurried little sunset promenades. He did not think of this however, nor was it because of this that it had become his favourite walk. If they were both attached to it, the reason was the same for him as well as for her; they could have the most solitude here. In their loneliness they involuntarily sought still lonelier spots, and in these remote fields only an occasional cottage was to be seen or a solitary peasant ploughing.
In the course of the winter, Emanuel had wandered here every day in his long coat, and with his inseparable companion, the black silk umbrella, which was as dear to him as a trusted
