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The Fisher Maiden.
33

“To teach her what is needful for her soul's salvation; and then find out what she is destined to be.”

“My child shall be nothing but what I choose.”

“Yes, indeed, she shall; she shall be what God chooses.”

Gunlaug stood mute.

“What do you mean by that?” said she, drawing nearer.

“I mean she must cultivate the faculties she is endowed with; it is for this purpose God has given them to her.”

Now Gunlaug came close up to him: “Am not I, her mother, to have authority over her?” she inquired, as if truly desirous of learning.

“You are; but you must heed the counsel of others who know better than yourself; you must consider the will of God.”

Gunlaug stood silent for a moment. “But if she learns too much!” said she. “The child of poor people,” she added, glancing tenderly at her danghter.

“If she learns too much for her station, she has in so doing attained a higher one,” he replied.

She at once caught the meaning of his words; but she said, as though thinking aloud,