But Lars
had firmly resolved, come what would, to keep cool, and smilingly
replied that he supposed Canute Aakre himself had been anxious for
the railroad, and surely no one would accuse him of understanding
speculation. (A little laugh ensued.) Canute had had no objection
to the removal of bodies of common people for the sake of the
railroad, but when it came to that of his own grandfather, the
question became suddenly of vital importance to the whole parish.
He said no more, but looked smilingly at Canute, as did also
several others. Meanwhile, Canute Aakre surprised both him and
them by replying:
"I confess it; I did not realize what was at stake until it
touched my own dead; possibly this is a shame, but really it would
have been a greater one not even then to have realized it, as is
the case with Lars! Never, I think, could Lars' raillery have been
more out of place; for folks with common feelings the thing is
really revolting."
"This feeling has come up quite recently," answered Lars, "and so
we will hope for its speedy disappearance also. It may be well to
think upon what minister, bishop, county officers, engineers, and
Department will say, if we first unanimously set the ball in
motion and then come asking to have it stopped; if we first are
jubilant and sing songs, then weep and chant requiems. If they do
not say that we have run mad here in the parish, at least they may
say that we have grown a little queer lately.
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