into the abyss’ of Faith’s ‘seventy thousand fathoms.’ They choose faith in
preference to aesthetic pleasure and reason’s call of duty. And although it can
be ‘terrible to jump into the open arms of the living God,’ as Kierkegaard put it,
it is the only path to redemption.”
“Christianity, you mean.”
“Yes, because to Kierkegaard, the religious stage was Christianity. But
he also became significant to non-Christian thinkers. Existentialism, inspired
by the Danish philosopher, flourished widely in the twentieth century.”
Sophie glanced at her watch.
“It’s nearly seven. I have to run. Mom will be frantic.”
She waved to the philosopher and ran down to the boat.
Marx
… a spectre is haunting Europe…
Hilde got off her bed and went to the window facing the bay. When she had
started to read this Saturday, it was still Sophie’s fifteenth birthday. The day before
had been Hilde’s own birthday.
If her father had imagined that she would get as far as Sophie’s birthday
yesterday, he had certainly not been realistic. She had done nothing but read all day
long. But he was right that there would only be one more birthday greeting. It was
when Alberto and Sophie had sung Happy Birthday to her. Very embarrassing, Hilde
thought.
And now Sophie had invited people to a philosophical garden party on the very
day her father was due back from Lebanon. Hilde was convinced something would
happen that day which neither she nor her father were quite sure of.
But one thing was certain: before her father got home to Bjerkely he would get
a scare. That was the least she could do for Sophie and Alberto, especially after they
had appealed for help ...
Her mother was still down in the boathouse. Hilde ran downstairs to the
telephone. She found Anne and Ole’s number in Copenhagen and called them.
“Anne Kvamsdal.”
“Hi, this is Hilde.”
“Oh, how are you? How are things in Lillesand?”
“Fine, with vacation and everything. And Dad gets back from Lebanon in a
week.”
“Won’t that be great, Hilde!”
“Yes, I’m looking forward to it. That’s actually why I’m calling...”
“It is?”
“I think he’s landing at Kastrup around 5 p.m. on Saturday the 23rd. Will you
be in Copenhagen then?”
“I think so.”
“I was wondering if you could do something for me.”
“Why, of course.”
“It’s kind of a special favor. I’m not even sure if it’s possible.”
“Now you’re making me curious ...”
Hilde began to describe her plan. She told Anne about the ring binder, about
Sophie and Alberto and all the rest. She had to backtrack several times because either
she or Anne were laughing too hard. But when Hilde hung up, her plan was in
operation.