25.5.2009


2






2

    A little after John and Kalli Sandfeldt had left the dinner party, the Director and his wife thanked their hostess and went home. Violet and Didi Stina were left alone to drink coffee and cognac. They liked each other. And as was to be expected, Didi Stina immediately started to talk about her marriage.

    "Of course he's playing around; everyone in town knows it. It won't be long before there are stories in the local tabloids."

    "But, Didi Stina! You're no angel yourself."

    "What do you mean?"

    "You know what I mean."

    "No, what do you mean?"

    "Didi Stina! You don't have to pretend with me."

    "Do you mean Cod-biter?" She looked at Violet who indicated that the guess was right. "You don't think there's something between us?"

    "People talk about it. They're laughing about this in town."

    Didi Stina's face had reddened:

    "Where have you heard this?"

    "You don't have to get excited. I can tell you that John and father-in-law laughed a lot."

    "And what is so funny?"

    "They think your nickname is hilarious."

    "It's just a joke."

    Didi Stina stood up and looked at Violet.

    "I heard this talked about in the beauty parlor; Rev. Pauline knows and Solla friend."

    Didi Stina had gone over to the mirror to pat her hair. When she came back, she smiled and seemed to think the situation was amusing. She sat down: "And Kalli?"

    "You mean he doesn't know anything?"

    "There isn't anything to know." She had started laughing.

    "Isn't he jealous?"

    "That's least important."

    "You've told me about this fellow; he's after you?you can't deny it. And this nickname is the best way to call attention to it and make it laughable."

    "I don't understand why people find this funny."

    "People talk about everything."

    Didi Stina went over to the table, added some cognac to her glass and poured more coffee into hers and Violet's cups.

    Didi Stina, gazing at empty space, said: "I wonder."

    Violet watched her.

    "Can you give Solla friend a call?"

    "Why?"

    "I just thought of something."

    "Do you want me to ask her over?"

    "Yes, why not."

    Violet called and after a few minutes Solla friend came, dressed up and smiling.

    After a moment Didi Stina asked: "Say, Solla, have you ever heard that I've got a lover?"

    The question took Solla friend by surprise. She looked at Violet, read the expression on her face and smiled: "Do you mean Cod-biter?"