But to-day it seemed as if the sun and the spring air endued him with fresh courage, and he resolved seriously to pay his visit. He said to himself that he could not go on living here in this way, that a decision must be come to. He felt at this moment with renewed strength, that he owed it to himself, no longer to put off defining his position, but he must make a decisive effort to discover the reason of the ill-feeling which had arisen so suddenly against him.
He buttoned his coat, dusted it, and drew on his gloves, and walked down with firm steps towards the village.
It was the first time that Emanuel had been seen in Skibberup without his official gown and ruff. His appearance, therefore, aroused considerable attention all over the village. The spring air and the day of rest had tempted people out of their houses everywhere; even the old cripples had hobbled out from the chimney corners, and sat on the doorsteps, sunning themselves. Both men and women were busy digging in the cottage gardens, and bareheaded children ran about playing. Few, either of men or women, had a greeting for the young priest, though they all looked up from their work, and followed him with
