bored in the society of one other person is much worse. And to think
that Richard never even noticed it! His incessant talk reminded me of a
mill-wheel, and I felt as though all the flour was blowing into my eyes.

* * * * *

I will take a brisk constitutional.

* * * * *

What is the matter with me? I am so nervous that I can scarcely hold my
pen. I have never seen a fog come on so suddenly; I thought I should
never find my way back to the house. It is so thick I can hardly see the
nearest trees. It has got into the room, and seems to be hanging from
the ceiling. I am damp through and through.

The fire has gone out, and I am freezing. It is my own fault; I ought to
have rung for Jeanne, or put on some logs myself, but I could not summon
up resolution even for that.

What has become of Torp, that she is staying out half the day? How will
she ever find her way home? With twenty lanterns it would be impossible
to see ten yards ahead of one. My lamp burns as though water was mixed
with the oil.

Overhead I hear Jeanne pacing up and down. I hear her, although she
walks so lightly. She too is restless and upset. We have a kind of
influence on each other, I have noticed it before.

If only she would come down of her own accord. At least there would be