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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Garman and Worse, by Alexander Lange
+Kielland, Translated by W. W. Kettlewell
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Garman and Worse
+       A Norwegian Novel
+
+
+Author: Alexander Lange Kielland
+
+Release Date: May 19, 2005  [eBook #15864]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GARMAN AND WORSE***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Clare Boothby, Jim Wiborg, and the Project Gutenberg
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+GARMAN AND WORSE
+
+A Norwegian Novel
+
+by
+
+ALEXANDER L. KIELLAND
+
+Authorized Translation by W. W. Kettlewell
+
+London, Kegan Paul, Trench & Co., 1, Paternoster Square
+Printed by William Clows and Sons, Limited, London and Beccles.
+
+1885
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+Nothing is so boundless as the sea, nothing so patient. On its broad
+back it bears, like a good-natured elephant, the tiny mannikins which
+tread the earth; and in its vast cool depths it has place for all mortal
+woes. It is not true that the sea is faithless, for it has never
+promised anything; without claim, without obligation, free, pure, and
+genuine beats the mighty heart, the last sound one in an ailing world.
+And while the mannikins strain their eyes over it, the sea sings its old
+song. Many understand it scarce at all, but never two understand it in
+the same manner, for the sea has a distinct word for each one that sets
+himself face to face with it.
+
+It smiles with green shining ripples to the barelegged urchin who
+catches crabs; it breaks in blue billows against the ship, and sends the
+fresh salt spray far in over the deck. Heavy leaden seas come rolling in
+on the beach, and while the weary eye follows the long hoary breakers,
+the stripes of foam wash up in sparkling curves over the even sand; and
+in the hollow sound, when the billows roll over for the last time, there
+is something of a hidden understanding--each thinks on his own life, and
+bows his head towards the ocean as if it were a friend who knows it all
+and keeps it fast.
+
+But what the sea is for those who live along its strand none can ever
+know, for they say nothing. They live all their life with face turned to
+the ocean; the sea is their companion, their adviser, their friend and
+their enemy, their inheritance and their churchyard. The relation
+therefore remains a silent one, and the look which gazes over the sea
+changes with its varying aspect, now comforting, now half fearful and
+defiant. But take one of these shore-dwellers, and move him far landward
+among the mountains, into the loveliest valley you can find; give him
+the best food, and the softest bed. He will not touch your food, or
+sleep in your bed, but without turning his head he will clamber from
+hill to hill, until far off his eye catches something blue he knows, and
+with swelling heart he gazes towards the little azure streak that shines
+far away, until it grows into a blue glittering horizon; but he says
+nothing.
+
+People in the town often said to Richard Garman, "How can you endure
+that lonely life out there in your lighthouse?" The old gentleman always
+answered, "Well, you see, one never feels lonely by the sea when once
+one has made its acquaintance; and besides, I have my little Madeleine."
+
+And that was the feeling of his heart. The ten years he had passed out
+there on the lonely coast were among the best of his life, and that life
+had been wild and adventurous enough; so, whether he was now weary of
+the world, or whether it was his little daughter, or whether it was the
+sea that attracted him, or whether it was something of all three, he had
+quieted down, and never once thought of leaving the lighthouse of
+Bratvold. This was what no one could have credited; and when it was
+rumoured that Richard Garman, the _attaché_, a son of the first
+commercial family of the town, was seeking the simple post of
+lighthouse-keeper, most people were inclined to laugh heartily at this
+new fancy of "the mad student." "The mad student" was a nickname in the
+town for Richard Garman, which was doubtless well earned; for although
+he had been but little at home since he had grown to manhood, enough was
+known of his wild and pleasure-seeking career to make folks regard him
+with silent wonder.
+
+To add to this, too, the visits he paid to his home were generally
+coincident with some remarkable event or another. Thus it was when, as a
+young student, he was present at his mother's funeral; and even more so
+when he came at a break-neck pace from Paris to the death-bed of the old
+Consul, in a costume and with an air which took away the breath of the
+ladies, and caused confusion among the men. Since then Richard had been
+but little seen. Rumour, however, was busy with him. At one time some
+commercial traveller had seen him at Zinck's Hotel at Hamburg; now he
+was living in a palace; and now the story was that he was existing in
+the docks, and writing sailors' letters for a glass of beer.
+
+One fine day Garman and Worse's heavy state carriage was seen on its way
+to the quay. Inside sat the head of the firm, Consul C.F. Garman, and
+his daughter Rachel, while little Gabriel, his younger son, was sitting
+by the side of the coachman. An unbearable curiosity agitated the groups
+on the quay.
+
+The state carriage was seldom to be seen in the town, and now at this
+very moment the Hamburg steamer was expected. At length an _employé_ of
+the firm came to the carriage window, and, after a few irrelevant
+remarks, ventured to ask who was coming.
+
+"I am expecting my brother the _attaché_, and his daughter," answered
+Consul Garman, while with a movement peculiar to himself he adjusted his
+smoothly shaven chin in his stiff neckcloth.
+
+This information increased the excitement. Richard Garman was coming,
+"the mad student," "the _attaché_" as he was sometimes called; and with
+a daughter, too! But how could they belong to each other? Could he ever
+have been really married? It was hardly likely.
+
+The steamer came. Consul Garman went on board, and returned shortly
+after with his brother and a little dark-haired girl, who doubtless was
+the daughter.
+
+Richard Garman was soon recognized, although he had grown somewhat
+stouter: but the upright, elegant bearing and the striking black
+moustache were still the same; while the hair, though crisp and curling
+as in the old days, was now slightly necked with grey at the temples. He
+greeted them all with a friendly smile as he passed to the carriage, and
+there was more than one lady who felt that the glance of his bright
+brown eye rested smilingly on her for a moment.
+
+The carriage rolled off through the town, and away down the long avenue
+which led to the large family mansion of Sandsgaard.
+
+The town gossipped itself nearly crazy, but without any satisfactory
+result. The house of Garman took good care of its secrets.
+
+So much was, however, clear: that Richard Garman had dissipated the
+whole of his large fortune, or else he would never have consented to
+come home and eat the bread of charity in his brother's house.
+
+On the other hand, the relation between the brothers was, at least as
+far as appearances went, a most cordial one. The Consul gave a grand
+dinner, at which he drank his brother's health, adding at the same time
+the hope that he might find himself happy in his old home.
+
+There is nothing so irritating as a half-fulfilled scandal, and when
+Richard Garman a short time afterwards calmly received the post of
+lighthouse-keeper at Bratvold, and lived there year after year without a
+sign of doing anything worthy of remark, each one in the little town
+felt himself personally affronted, and it was a source of wonder to all
+how little the Garmans seemed to realize what they owed to society.
+
+As far as that went, Richard himself was not perfectly clear how it had
+all come about; there was something about Christian Frederick he could
+not understand. Whenever he met his brother, or even got a letter from
+him, his whole nature seemed to change; things he would otherwise never
+have thought of attempting appeared all at once quite easy, and he did
+feats which afterwards caused him the greatest astonishment. When, in a
+state of doubt and uncertainty, he wrote home for the last time, to beg
+his brother to take charge of little Madeleine, his only thought was to
+make an end of his wasted life, the sooner the better, directly his
+daughter was placed in safety. But just then he happened to get a
+remittance enclosed in an extraordinary letter, in which occurred
+several puzzling business terms. There was something about
+"liquidation," and closing up an account which required his presence,
+and in the middle of it all there were certain expressions which seemed
+to have stumbled accidentally into the commercial style. For instance,
+in one place there was "brother of my boyhood;" and further on, "with
+sincere wishes for brotherly companionship;" and finally, he read, in
+the middle of a long involved sentence, "Dear Richard, don't lose
+heart." This stirred Richard Garman into action: he made an effort, and
+set off home. When he saw his brother come on board the steamer the
+tears came to his eyes, and he was on the point of opening his arms to
+embrace him. The Consul, however, held out his hand, and said quietly,
+"Welcome, Richard! Where are your things?"
+
+Since then nothing had been said about the letter; once only had Richard
+Garman ventured to allude to it, when the Consul seemed to imagine that
+he wished to settle up the accounts that were therein mentioned. Nothing
+could have been further from the _attaché's_ thoughts, and he felt that
+the bare idea was almost an injury. "Christian Frederick is a wonderful
+man," thought Richard; "and what a man of business he is!"
+
+One day Consul Garman said to his brother, "Shall we drive out to
+Bratvold, and have a look at the new lighthouse?"
+
+Richard was only too glad to go. From his earliest days he had loved the
+lonely coast, with its long stretches of dark heather and sand, and the
+vast open sea; the lighthouse also interested him greatly.
+
+When the brothers got into the carriage again to drive back to the town,
+the _attaché_ said, "Do you know, Christian Frederick, I can't imagine a
+position more suitable to such a wreck as myself than that of
+lighthouse-keeper out here."
+
+"There is no reason you should not have it," answered his brother.
+
+"Nonsense! How could it be managed?" answered Richard, as he knocked the
+ashes off his cigar.
+
+"Now listen, Richard," replied the Consul, quickly. "If there is a thing
+I must find fault with you for, it is your want of self-reliance. Don't
+you suppose that, with your gifts and attainments, you could get a far
+higher post if you only chose to apply for it?"
+
+"No; but, Christian Frederick--" exclaimed the _attaché_, regarding his
+brother with astonishment.
+
+"It's perfectly true," replied the Consul. "If you want the post, they
+must give it to you; and if there should be any difficulty, I feel
+pretty certain that a word from us to the authorities would soon settle
+it."
+
+The matter was thus concluded, and Richard Garman was appointed
+lighthouse-keeper at Bratvold, either because of his gifts and
+attainments or by reason of a timely word to the authorities. The very
+sameness of his existence did the old cavalier good; the few duties he
+had, he performed with the greatest diligence and exactitude.
+
+He passed most of his spare time in smoking cigarettes, and looking out
+to sea through the large telescope, which was mounted on a stand, and
+which he had got as a present from Christian Frederick. He was truly
+weary, and he could not but wonder how he had so long kept his taste for
+the irregular life he had led in foreign lands. There was one thing that
+even more excited his wonder, and that was how well he got on with his
+income. To live on a hundred a year seemed to him nothing less than a
+work of art, and yet he managed it. It must be acknowledged that he had
+a small private income, but his brother always told him it was as good
+as nothing; how much it was, and from what source it was really derived,
+he never had an idea. It is true that there came each year a current
+account from Garman and Worse, made out in the Consul's own hand, and he
+also frequently got business letters from his brother; but neither the
+one nor the other made things clearer to him. He signed his name to all
+papers which were sent to him, in what appeared the proper place.
+Sometimes he got a bill of exchange to execute, and this he did to the
+best of his ability; but everything still remained to him in the same
+state of darkness as before.
+
+One thing, however, was certain: Richard got on capitally. He kept two
+assistants for the lanterns; he had his riding horse Don Juan, and a
+cart-horse as well. His cellar was well filled with wine; and he always
+had a little ready money at hand, for which he had no immediate use.
+Thus, when any one complained to him of the bad times, he recommended
+them to come into the country; it was incredible how cheaply one could
+live there.
+
+In the ten years they had passed at Bratvold, Madeleine had grown to
+womanhood, and had thriven beyond general expectation; and when she had
+got quite at home in the language (her mother had been a Frenchwoman),
+she soon got on the best of terms with all their neighbours. She did not
+remain much in the house, but passed most of her time at the farmhouses,
+or by the sea, or the little boat haven.
+
+A whole regiment of governesses had attempted to teach Madeleine, but
+the task was a difficult one; and when the governesses were ugly her
+father could not abide them, and when one came who was pretty there were
+other objections. Richard paid frequent visits to Sandsgaard, either on
+Don Juan or in the Garmans' dogcart, which was sent to fetch him. The
+chilly, old-fashioned house, and the reserved and polished manners of
+its inmates, had made a repellant impression on Madeleine. For her
+cousin Rachel, who was only a few years her elder, she had no liking.
+She preferred, therefore, to remain at home, and her father was never
+absent for more than a few days at a time. She spent most of her time on
+the shore or in the neighbouring cottages, in the society of fishermen
+and pilots. Merry and fearless as she was, these men were glad to take
+her out in fine weather in their boats. She thus learnt to fish, to
+handle a sail, or to distinguish the different craft by their rig.
+
+Madeleine had one particular friend whose name was Per, who was three or
+four years older than herself, and who lived in the cottage nearest to
+the lighthouse. Per was tall and strongly built, with a crop of stiff,
+sandy hair, and a big hand as hard as horn from constant rowing; his
+eyes were small and keen, as is often seen among those who from their
+childhood are in the habit of peering out to sea through rain and fog.
+
+Per's father had been a widower, and Per his only child, but he managed
+to get married again, and now the family increased year after year. The
+neighbours were always urging Per to get his father to divide the
+property with him, but Per preferred to wait the turn of events. The
+longer he waited the more brothers and sisters he had to share with. His
+friends laughed at him, and somebody one day called him "Wait Per," a
+joke which caused great amusement at the time, and the nickname stuck to
+him ever afterwards. Beyond this, Per was not a lad to be laughed at; he
+was one of the most active boatmen of the community, and at the same
+time the most peaceable creature on earth. He did not trouble to
+distinguish himself, but he had a kind of natural love for work, and, as
+he was afraid of nothing, the general feeling was that Per was a lad
+that would get on.
+
+The friendship between Per and Madeleine was very cordial on both sides.
+At first some of the other young fellows tried to take her from him, but
+one day it so happened that when she was out with Per, a fresh
+north-westerly breeze sprang up. Per's boat and tackle were always of
+the best, so that there was no real danger; but nevertheless her father,
+who had seen the boat through the big telescope, came in all haste down
+to the shore, and went out on to the little pier to meet them.
+
+"There's father," said Madeleine; "I wonder if he is anxious about us?"
+
+"I think he knows better than that," said Per, thoughtfully.
+
+All the same the _attaché_ could not help feeling a little uneasy as he
+stood watching the boat; but when Per with a steady hand steered her in
+through the fairway, and swung her round the point of the pier, so that
+she glided easily into the smooth water behind it, the old gentleman
+could not help being impressed by his skill. "He knows what he's about,"
+he muttered, as he helped up his daughter; and instead of the lecture he
+had prepared, he only said, "You are a smart lad, Per; but I never gave
+you permission to sail with her alone."
+
+There was no one near enough to hear the old gentleman's words, but when
+the spectators who were standing near saw that Per shook hands with both
+Madeleine and her father in a friendly manner, they could all perceive
+that Per was in the lighthouse-keeper's good books for the future, and
+from that day it was taken for granted that Per alone had the right to
+escort the young lady.
+
+Per thought over and over whom he should take with him in the boat. He
+saw well enough that the whole pleasure would be spoilt if one of his
+friends came with them. At length he hit upon a poor half-witted lad,
+who was also hard of hearing into the bargain. No one could make out
+what Per wanted with "Silly Hans" in his boat; but there! Per always was
+an obstinate fellow. Both he and Madeleine were well contented with his
+choice; and when, a few days after, she put her head in at the door, and
+called to her father, "I'm just going for a little sail with Per," she
+was able to add with a good conscience, "Of course, he has got some one
+with him, since you really make such a point of it." She could not help
+laughing to herself as she ran down the slope.
+
+Richard, in the mean time, betook himself to the big telescope. Right
+enough: Per was sitting aft, and he saw Madeleine jump down into the
+boat. On the forward thwart there sat a male creature, dressed in
+homespun, with a yellow sou'wester on its head.
+
+"_Bien!_" said the old gentleman, with a sigh of relief. "It is well
+they have got some one with them--in every respect."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+The highest point on the seven miles of flat, sandy coast was the
+headland of Bratvold, where the lighthouse was built just on the edge of
+the slope, which here fell so steeply off towards the sea as to make the
+descent difficult and almost dangerous, while in ascending it was
+necessary to take a zigzag course. The sheep, which had grazed here from
+time out of mind, had cut out a network of paths on the side of the
+hill, so that from a distance these paths seemed to form a pattern of
+curves and projections on its face.
+
+From the highest and steepest point, on which the lighthouse was built,
+the coast made a slight curve to the southward, and at the other end of
+this curve was the large farm of Bratvold, which, with its numerous and
+closely packed buildings, appeared like a small village.
+
+On the shore below the farm lay the little boat harbour, sheltered by a
+breakwater of heavy stone.
+
+The harbour was commanded by the windows of the lighthouse, so that
+Madeleine could always keep her eye on Per's boat, which was as familiar
+to her as their own sitting-room. This was a large and cheerful room,
+and into its corner was built the tower of the lighthouse itself, which
+was not higher than the rest of the building. The room had thus two
+windows, one of which looked out to sea, while from the other was a view
+to the northward over the sandy dunes, which were dotted with patches of
+heather and bent grass. In the sitting-room Madeleine's father had his
+books and writing-table, and last, but not least, the large telescope.
+This was made to turn on its stand, so that it commanded both the view
+to the north and that out to sea. Here also Madeleine had her flowers
+and her work-table; and the tasteful furniture which Uncle Garman had
+ordered from Copenhagen, and which was always a miracle of cheapness to
+her father, gave the room a bright and comfortable appearance.
+
+In the long evenings when the winter storms came driving in on the
+little lighthouse, father and daughter sat cosy and warm behind the
+shelter of their thick walls and closed shutters, while the light fell
+in regular and well-defined rays over the billows, which raged and
+foamed on the shore below. The ever-changing ocean, which washed under
+their very windows, seemed to give a freshness to their whole life,
+while its never-ceasing murmur mingled in their conversation and their
+laughter, and in her music.
+
+Madeleine had inherited much of her father's lively nature; but she had
+also a kind of impetuosity, which one of her governesses had called
+defiance. When she grew up she showed, therefore, the stronger nature of
+the two, and her father, as was his wont, gave way. He laughed at his
+little tyrant, whose great delight was to ruffle his thick curling hair.
+When, in his half-abstracted way, the old gentleman would tell her
+stones which threatened to end unpleasantly, she would scold him well;
+but when, from some cause or other, he was really displeased with her,
+it affected her so much that the impression remained for a long time.
+Her nature was bright and joyous, but she yearned for the sunshine, and
+when her father was out of spirits she could not help fancying that it
+was her fault, and became quite unhappy.
+
+Madeleine had also her father's eyes, dark and sparkling, but otherwise
+her only resemblance to him lay in her slight figure and graceful
+carriage. Her mouth was rather large, and her complexion somewhat dark.
+None could deny that she was an attractive girl, but no one would have
+called her pretty; some of the young men had even decided that she was
+plain.
+
+One fine afternoon early in spring, Per lay waiting with his boat off
+the point of the Mole. Silly Hans was not with him, for both he and
+Madeleine had agreed that it was not necessary when they were going only
+for a row; and to-day all there was to do was to provide the
+lobster-pots with fresh bait for the night.
+
+One after another the fishermen rowed out through the narrow entrance.
+Each one had some mischievous joke to throw on board Per's boat, and
+more than once the annoying "Wait" was heard. He began to lose his
+temper as he lay on his oars, gazing expectantly up at the lighthouse.
+
+But there all was still. The solid little building looked so quiet and
+well cared for in the bright sunshine, which shone on the polished
+window-panes and on the bright red top of the lantern, where he could
+see the lamp-trimmer going round on his little gallery, polishing the
+prisms.
+
+At last, after what seemed endless waiting, she came out on to the
+steps, and in another moment she was across the yard, over the enclosure
+which belonged to the lighthouse, out through the little gate in the
+fence, and now she came in full career down the slope. "Have you been
+waiting?" she cried, as she came on to the extreme point of the
+breakwater. He was just going to tell her not to jump, but it was too
+late; without lessening her speed, she had already sprung from the pier
+down into the boat. Her feet slipped from her, and she fell in a sitting
+posture on the bottom of the boat, while part of her dress hung in the
+water.
+
+"Bother the women!" cried Per, who had told her at least a hundred times
+not to jump; "now you have hurt yourself."
+
+"No," answered she.
+
+"Yes, you have."
+
+"Well, just a little," she replied, looking stubbornly at him as the
+tears came into her eyes; for she really had bruised her leg severely.
+
+"Let me see," said Per.
+
+"No, you shan't!" she answered, arranging her dress over her.
+
+Per began to make for the shore.
+
+"What are you going to do?"
+
+"Going to get some brandy to rub your foot."
+
+"That you certainly shan't."
+
+"Well, then, you shan't go with me," answered Per.
+
+"Very well, then; let me get out."
+
+And before the boat quite touched the ground, she sprang on to the
+shore, climbed on to the breakwater, and went hurriedly off homewards.
+She clenched her teeth with the pain as she went, but still without
+raising her eyes from the ground she followed the well-known path. As
+she passed in front of the boat-houses, she had to step over oars,
+tar-barrels, old swabs, and all sorts of rubbish, which was scattered
+among the boats. All around lay the claws of crabs and the half-decayed
+heads of codfish, in which the gorged and sleepy flies were crawling in
+and out of the eye-sockets.
+
+She reached the lighthouse without turning her head; she was determined
+not to look back at him. At the top, however, she was obliged to pause
+to get her breath; she surely might look and see how far he got.
+Madeleine knew that the other fishermen had had a long start, and
+expected, therefore, to find Per's boat far behind, between the others
+and the shore. But it was not to be seen, neither there nor in the
+harbour. All at once her eye caught the well-known craft, which was not,
+however, far behind, but almost level with the others. Per must have
+rowed like a madman. She was well able to estimate the distance, and
+could appreciate such a feat of oarsmanship, and, entirely forgetting
+her pain and that she was alone, she turned round as if to a crowd of
+spectators, and pointing at the boats she said, with sparkling eyes,
+"Look at him! that's the boy to row!"
+
+Meanwhile Per sat in his boat, tearing at his oars till all cracked
+again. It was as though he wished to punish himself by his gigantic
+efforts. Her form grew smaller and smaller as he rowed out to sea, till
+at length she was out of sight; but he had deserved it all. "Deuce take
+the women!" and each time he repeated the words he sprang to his oars
+and rowed as if for bare life.
+
+The next day the same lovely weather continued, and the sea lay as
+smooth as oil in the bright sunshine. An English lobster-cutter was in
+the offing, with sails flapping against the mast, and the slack in the
+taut rigging could be seen as the craft heaved lazily to and fro on the
+gentle swell. Madeleine sat by the window; she did not care to go out.
+Her eye followed the lobster-cutter, which she knew well: it was the
+_Flying Fish_, Captain Crab, of Hull.
+
+So Per must have been out with lobsters that morning: she wondered if he
+had caught many. Perhaps he might have done himself harm by his efforts
+of yesterday. She went out on to the slope, and looked down into the
+harbour. Per's boat was there; it was quite likely he was not well.
+
+Suddenly Madeleine made up her mind to run down and ask a man whom she
+saw by the boat-houses, but half-way down the slope she met some one who
+was coming upwards. She could not possibly have seen him sooner, because
+he was below her at the steepest part of the hill, but now she
+recognized him, and slackened her pace.
+
+Per must also have seen her, although he was looking down, for at a few
+paces from her he left the main path, and took one that was a little
+lower. When therefore they were alongside each other, she was a little
+above him. Per had a basket on his back, and Madeleine could see there
+was seaweed in it.
+
+Neither of them spoke, but both of them felt as if they were half
+choking. When he had got a pace beyond her, she turned round and asked,
+"What have you got in the basket, Per?"
+
+"A lobster," answered he, as he swung the basket off his back and put it
+down upon the path.
+
+"Let me see it," said Madeleine.
+
+He hastily drew aside the seaweed, and took out a gigantic lobster,
+which was flapping its broad, scaly tail.
+
+"That is a splendid great lobster!" she cried.
+
+"Yes, it isn't a bad un!"
+
+"What are you going to do with it?"
+
+"Ask your father if he would like to have it."
+
+"What do you want for it?" she asked, although she knew perfectly well
+that it was a present.
+
+"Nothing," answered Per, curtly.
+
+"That is good of you, Per."
+
+"Oh, it's nothing," he answered, as he laid the seaweed back in the
+basket; and now, when the moment came to say good-bye, he said, "How's
+your foot?"
+
+"Thanks, all right. I got the brandy."
+
+"Did it hurt much?" asked Per.
+
+"No, not very much."
+
+"I am glad you did that," he said, as he ventured to lift his eyes to
+the level of her chin.
+
+Now they really must separate, for there was nothing more to be said,
+but Madeleine could not help thinking that Per was a helpless creature.
+
+"Good-bye, Per."
+
+"Good-bye," he answered, and both took a few steps apart.
+
+"Per, where are you going when you have been up with the lobster?"
+
+"Nowhere particular," answered Per.
+
+He really was too stupid, but all the same she turned round and called
+after him, "I am going to the sand-hills on the other side of the
+lighthouse, the weather is so lovely;" and away she ran.
+
+"All right," answered Per, springing like a cat up the slope.
+
+As he ran he threw away the seaweed so as to have the lobster ready, and
+when he got to the kitchen door he flung the monster down on the bench,
+and cried, "This is for you!" as he disappeared. The maid had recognized
+his voice, and ran after him to order fresh fish for Friday, but he was
+already far away. She gazed after him in amazement, and muttered, "I
+declare, I think Per is wrong in his head."
+
+Northward stretched the yellow sand-hills with their tussocks of bent
+grass as far as the eye could reach. The coast-line curved in bights and
+promontories, with here and there a cluster of boats, while the gulls
+and wild geese were busy on the shore, and the waves rolled in in small
+curling ripples which glistened in the' clear sunshine. Per soon caught
+up Madeleine, for she went slowly that day. She had pulled a few young
+stalks of the grass, which, as she went, she was endeavouring to arrange
+in her hat.
+
+The difference of the preceding day hung heavily over both of them. It
+was really the first time that anything of the sort had occurred between
+them. Perhaps it was that they felt instinctively that they stood on the
+brink of a precipice. They therefore took the greatest pains to avoid
+the subject which really occupied their thoughts. The conversation was
+thus carried on in a careless and desultory tone, and in short and
+broken sentences. At last she made an effort to bring him to the point,
+and asked him if he had caught many lobsters that night.
+
+"Twenty-seven," answered Per.
+
+That was neither many nor few, so there was no more to be said about
+that.
+
+"You did row hard yesterday," said she, looking down, for now she felt
+that they were nearing the point.
+
+"It was because--because I was alone in the boat," returned he,
+stammering. He saw at once that it was a stupid remark, but it was said
+and could not be mended.
+
+"Perhaps you prefer to be alone in the boat?" she asked hastily, fixing
+her eyes upon him. But when she saw the long helpless creature standing
+before her in such a miserable state of confusion, strong and handsome
+as he was, she sprang up, threw her arms round his neck, and said, half
+laughing, half crying, "Oh, Per! Per!"
+
+Per had not the faintest idea how he ought to behave when a lady had her
+arms round his neck, and so stood perfectly still. He looked down upon
+her long dark hair and slender figure, and, trembling at his own
+audacity, he put his heavy arm limply round her.
+
+They were now out on the dunes, and she sat down behind one of the
+largest tussocks, on the warm sand. He ventured to place himself by her
+side, and looked vacantly around him. Every now and then he cast his eye
+upon her, but still doubtfully. It was clear that he did not grasp the
+situation, and at length he appeared to her so absurd that she sprang
+up, and cried, "Come, Per, let's have a run!"
+
+Away they went, now running, now at a foot's pace. His heavy sea-boots
+made a broad impression upon the sand, and the mark of her shoe looked
+so tiny by the side of it that they could not help turning round and
+laughing. They jested and laughed as if they knew not that they were no
+longer children, and she made Per promise to give up chewing tobacco.
+
+Away along the curving shore, with the salt breath of ocean fresh upon
+them, went these young hearts, rejoicing in their existence, while the
+sea danced in sparkling wavelets at their feet.
+
+The _attaché_ had just finished a letter to his brother; it was one of
+these wearisome business letters, enclosing some papers he had had to
+sign. He never could make out where the proper place was for him to put
+his name on these tiresome, long-winded documents. But, wonderful to
+relate, his brother always told him that it was perfectly correct, and
+Christian Frederick was most particular in such matters. The old
+gentleman had just sent off the letter, and was beginning to breathe
+more easily, when he went to the window and looked out. He discovered
+two forms going in a northerly direction over the sand-hills.
+
+Half abstractedly, he went to the other window and directed the large
+telestope upon them.
+
+"Humph!" said he, "I declare, they're there again."
+
+Suddenly he took his eye from the telescope.
+
+"Hulloa! the girl must be mad."
+
+He put his eye down again to the telescope, and threw away his
+cigarette. There was no doubt about it--there was his own Madeleine
+hanging round Per's neck. He rubbed the glass excitedly with his
+pocket-handkerchief. They were now going respectably enough side by
+side; now they were among the grassy knolls, and behind one of them they
+disappeared from his sight. He thoughtfully directed the telescope to
+the other side of the hillock and waited. "What now?" muttered he,
+giving the glass another rub. They had not yet come from behind the
+hillock. For a few minutes the father was quite nervous. At last he saw
+one form raise itself, and immediately after another.
+
+The telescope was perfect, and the old gentleman took in the situation
+just as well as if he had himself been sitting by their side.
+
+"Ah! it's well it's no worse," he murmured; "but it's bad enough as it
+is. I shall have to send her off to the town."
+
+When they were at dinner, he said, "You know, Madeleine, we have long
+been talking about your staying a little while at Sandsgaard."
+
+"Oh no, father," broke in Madeleine, looking beseechingly at him.
+
+"Yes, child; it's quite time now in my opinion." He spoke in an
+unusually determined tone.
+
+Madeleine could see that he knew everything, and all at once the events
+of the morning stood in their true light before her. As she sat there,
+in their well-appointed room, opposite her father, who looked so refined
+and stately, Per and the shore, and everything that belonged to it, bore
+quite a different aspect, and instead of the joyful confession she had
+pictured to herself as she went homewards, she looked down in confusion
+and blushed to the very roots of her hair.
+
+The visit was thus arranged, and Madeleine was delighted that her father
+had not observed her confusion; and he was glad enough to escape any
+further explanation on the subject, for it was just in such matters that
+the old gentleman showed his weakest point. The next day he rode into
+the town.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+_"Avoir, avant, avu_--that's how it goes! That's right, my boy; _avoir,
+avant_."
+
+The whole class could see clearly that the master was lost in thought.
+He was pacing up and down, with long steps and half-closed eyes,
+gesticulating from time to time, as he kept repeating the ill-used
+auxiliary. On the upper benches the boys began to titter, and those on
+the lower ones, who had not such a fine ear for the French verbs, soon
+caught the infection; while the unhappy wretch who was undergoing
+examination, sat trembling lest the master should notice his wonderful
+method of conjugating the verb. This unfortunate being was Gabriel
+Garman, the Consul's younger son. He was a tall, slender boy of about
+fifteen or sixteen, with a refined face, prominent nose, and upright
+bearing.
+
+Gabriel was sitting in the lower half of the class, which was, in the
+opinion of the master, a great disgrace for a boy of his ability. He
+was, however, a curious, wayward boy. In some things, such as arithmetic
+and mathematics generally, he distinguished himself; but in Greek and
+Latin, which were considered the most important part of his education,
+he showed but little proficiency, although he was destined for a
+university career.
+
+At last the general mirth of the class burst out in sundry half-stifled
+noises, which roused the master from his reverie, and he again resumed
+the book, to continue the examination. As ill luck would have it, he
+once more repeated, "_Avoir, avant_," and then half abstractedly,
+"_avu_." "Ah, you young idiot!" cried he, in a discordant voice, "can't
+you manage _avoir_ yet? Whatever is to become of you?"
+
+"Merchant," answered Gabriel, bluntly.
+
+"What do you say? You dare to answer your master? Are you going to be
+impertinent? I'll teach you! Where's the persuader?" and the master
+strode up to his seat, and, diving down into his desk, began routing
+about in it.
+
+At this moment the passage door opened, and an extraordinary and most
+unscholarly looking head intruded itself into the room. The head had a
+red nose, and wore a long American goat's-beard and a blue seaman's cap.
+"Are you there?" said the head, addressing Master Gabriel in a
+half-drunken voice. "Is that where you are, poor boy? Bah! what an
+atmosphere! I only just came in to tell you to come down to the
+ship-yard when you get out of school; we are just beginning the
+planking."
+
+He did not get any further, for at the sight of the long-legged master,
+who stalked down from the desk, quite scandalized at this disturbance of
+order, the head suddenly stopped in its harangue, and with a hearty,
+"Well, I'm blest! what a ghost!" disappeared, closing the door after it.
+
+It did not take very much to provoke the laughter of the boys, and when
+at the same moment the bell rang to announce that the school-hour was
+over, the class broke up in confusion, and the master hastened, fuming
+with rage, to complain to the rector.
+
+Gabriel hurried off as fast as he could, in hopes of catching up his
+friend who had caused the disturbance, but he had already disappeared;
+he had probably gone down to the town to continue his libations. This
+friend was a foreman shipwright, who, since his return from America, had
+borne the name of Tom Robson. His real name when he left home was Thomas
+Robertsen, but it had got changed somehow in America, and he kept to it
+as it was.
+
+Tom Robson was the cleverest foreman on the whole west coast, but his
+drinking propensities tried to the utmost both the patience and the
+firmness of his employers. He had already built several vessels for
+Garman and Worse, but he was determined that the one he was now
+superintending at Sandsgaard should be his masterpiece.
+
+This vessel was of about nine hundred tons burden, and was the largest
+craft that had been built at that port up to the present time, and
+Consul Garman had given orders that nothing should be spared to make it
+a model of perfection.
+
+Tom Robson was thus only able to get drunk by fits and starts, which he
+did when they came to any important epoch in the building. On that day,
+for instance, the time had just arrived for beginning to lay the
+planking upon the timbers.
+
+As Gabriel neither found his friend nor saw anything of the carriage
+from Sandsgaard, which generally met him on his way from school, he set
+off to walk homewards, down the long avenue which led to the family
+property. It was a good half-hour's walk, and while he sauntered along,
+swinging his heavy burden of the books he so cordially hated, he was
+lost in gloomy thought. Every day, on his way from school, he met the
+younger clerks going to their dinner in the town. They looked tired and
+weary, it is true; still, he envied them their permission to sit working
+the whole day in the office--a paradise with which he, although his
+father's son, had no connection whatever. He was obliged to confine his
+energy to the building-yard, where there were plenty of hiding-places,
+and where the Consul was seldom seen of an afternoon. The ship on the
+stocks was at once his joy and his pride; he crept all over her, inside
+and out, above and below, scrutinizing every plank and every nail. At
+length he had begun to have quite a knowledge of the art of
+ship-building, and had gained the friendship of Tom Robson, Anders
+Begmand, and the other shipwrights. The ship was to be the finest the
+town had yet produced, and when this fact came into his thoughts it
+almost enabled him to forget his burden of Greek and Latin.
+
+From conversations he had partly overheard at home, Gabriel knew that
+there had been a difference of opinion between his father and Morten,
+the eldest son, who was a partner in the firm, ever since the building
+of this ship was first mentioned.
+
+Morten maintained that they ought to buy an iron steamer in England,
+either on their own account or in partnership with some of the other
+houses of the town. He insisted, particularly, that the time could not
+be far distant when sailing ships would be entirely superseded by
+steamers. But the father held by sailing ships on principle; and,
+moreover, the idea that Garman and Worse should have anything in common
+with the mushroom houses of the town was to him quite unbearable. In the
+end, the will of the elder prevailed; the ship was built of their own
+materials, in their own ship-yard, and by the workmen who from
+generation to generation had worked for Garman and Worse.
+
+When Gabriel reached the point from which he could see down into the bay
+on which lay the property of Sandsgaard, the ship was the first thing
+which caught his eye. She stood on the slip below the house, and he
+could not help remarking the beauty of her bow, and the elegant rake of
+her stern. It was the dinner-hour, and all the workmen were either at
+home, in the cottages which stretched along the west side of the bay, or
+lay asleep among the shavings. As he stood on the crest of the rising
+ground, which sloped gradually down towards the buildings, and gazed at
+all these dominions, which from time out of mind had belonged to Garman
+and Worse, Gabriel became more and more out of spirits.
+
+There lay the old-fashioned house, with white painted walls, and its
+blue slate roof, which was adorned by dormers and gables. In front of
+the house, on its southern side, lay the garden, with its paths and
+clipped hedges, and the little pond half overgrown by sedge and thick
+bushes. On the northern side, towards the sea, he could discern the
+carriage drive, and the extensive level yard with the ancient lime tree
+standing in the middle of it. Beyond that came four warehouses standing
+in a row, all painted yellow, with brown doors; and further on still,
+close down to the innermost curve of the bay, was the building-yard.
+Higher up, on the road which led to the southward along the coast, lay
+the farm, as it was called. This consisted of a byre, the bailiff's
+house, and other buildings; for the property of Sandsgaard was
+extensive, and comprised a mill, a dairy, and such like.
+
+That part of the property had never had much interest for Gabriel, but
+all the same, if he had only been allowed to be a farmer, he could have
+turned his attention to agriculture, and still have been near the
+counting-house, the ships, and the sea; but he was destined for the
+university, and there was no possibility of escape.
+
+It was not easy to persuade Consul Garman. His father had brought up his
+elder son to the business, and sent the younger to the university, and
+he was determined to do the same. The thought sometimes occurred to the
+wilful Gabriel, that Uncle Richard had had but a poor return from his
+university career, but he did not dare to express his thoughts openly.
+
+Mrs. Garman believed firmly that it was most desirable, as a cure for
+self-will, that a young man should battle against his inclinations;
+nothing could be more baneful than pampering the flesh. No help, then,
+was to be expected from any quarter.
+
+Gabriel was sauntering down the alley, quite crestfallen under his heavy
+burden of books, when at some distance his eye caught sight of some one
+on horseback, whom he soon recognized, and who was coming along the road
+behind the farm. It was Uncle Richard on Don Juan.
+
+Gabriel started off at once, forgetting in a moment his heavy burden of
+books and care, and thinking only on the merriment and good cheer which
+Uncle Richard always brought with him. He determined to hasten off to
+the kitchen to tell Miss Cordsen, and then to go in to his father; for
+Gabriel knew well that the bearer of the news of his uncle's arrival was
+always welcome.
+
+"Lord save us!" cried Miss Cordsen. "Make up the fire, Martha;" and off
+she ran to get a clean cap.
+
+"All right, my boy!" said Consul Garman, giving Gabriel a friendly nod.
+
+Gabriel was well pleased at the effect of his intelligence. He had
+actually surprised Miss Cordsen into an impropriety, in which he seldom
+succeeded; and his father, who was generally undemonstrative, had
+greeted him with more than usual warmth.
+
+The young Consul, as he was generally called from the time when his
+father, the old Consul, was alive, was not so tall as his younger
+brother, and while the latter had grown stouter in the course of years,
+the former seemed to have got thinner and smaller. His hair was smooth,
+thin, and slightly grey, carefully brushed so as to make the most of it.
+His eyes were keen, and of a light blue colour; and his lower jaw was
+somewhat prominent. Smoothly shaved and well brushed, with stiff white
+neckcloth, shining boots, and silver-headed cane, there was something
+about his whole appearance which told of prosperity. Every word, every
+movement, even the peculiarly characteristic one with which he adjusted
+his chin in his stiff neckcloth, was the picture of propriety and
+precision. Precision was, in fact, a word which seemed made for the
+young Consul; both his appearance and his career reflected it to the
+uttermost fibre.
+
+With his extensive business and large fortune, Consul Garman had also
+inherited a boundless admiration and respect for his father, Morten W.
+Garman, the old Consul, who had come into the property of Sandsgaard at
+a time when it was of little value, and considerably encumbered by
+debts, and when the business itself was in rather a confused condition.
+In order to keep the business afloat during the disastrous years of the
+war, Morten W. Garman took into partnership a rich old skipper, by name
+Jacob Worse, from whence sprang the name of the firm. Thanks to old
+Worse's money, life came again into the tottering business, and Garman's
+great ability made the firm, in a few years, one of the most important
+on the west coast. But when old Worse died, and his son took his place
+in the firm, it was soon evident that Morten Garman and young Worse
+would not be able to work together. Under a friendly arrangement,
+therefore, Worse retired with a considerable fortune, while Garman
+retained the business and the old family property of Sandsgaard.
+
+It was from that time that the great wealth of the Garmans really dated,
+while Worse in a few years squandered his money and died insolvent.
+
+It was whispered that Worse had left the business rather hastily, just
+as the good times were beginning, but that was the usual luck of the
+Garmans.
+
+At first it looked as if Worse's widow and son, who carried on a small
+business in the town, would work themselves up again, and this was
+especially the case in recent years. Whatever might be the opinion as to
+the arrangement between Garman and Worse, no one could ever accuse
+Morten Garman of any want of straightforwardness in his business
+arrangements; and his son Christian Frederick followed closely in his
+steps, observing always the maxim, "What would father have done under
+the circumstances?"
+
+All went on thus prosperously and uniformly, until the young Consul
+began to get old, and his elder son Morten came home from abroad and
+became a partner in the firm. From that time many changes showed
+themselves. The son had his head full of new foreign ideas; he was all
+for rushing about, writing and telegraphing, ordering and
+counter-ordering--a course of action that was quite foreign to Garman
+and Worse's mode of procedure.
+
+"Let them come to us," said the Consul.
+
+"No, my dear father," answered Morten. "Don't you see that the times are
+leaving you behind? It's of no use in these days to sit still; you must
+keep your eyes open, or else run the risk of losing the best of the
+business, and get nothing but just the residue."
+
+Morten so far prevailed that the Consul was at length obliged to let him
+set up an office in the town, but under his own name; for Garman and
+Worse were still to be found only at Sandsgaard, and there those who
+wished to do business with the firm had to betake themselves.
+
+Meanwhile a considerable amount of business passed through Morten's
+office in the town. This did not altogether please the Consul, but he
+felt bound to uphold his son, which was what his father had always done,
+and the firm thus became mixed up in many transactions which the father
+would never have cared to enter upon.
+
+To the clerks the young Consul was a being of quite another sphere.
+Every head was bowed to him whenever he passed through the office, and
+each one seemed to feel that the cold blue eyes penetrated everything
+and everywhere--books, accounts, and letters, even into their own
+private secrets. It was believed that he knew every page in the ledger,
+and that he could quote intricate accounts, column by column, and if
+there was even the slightest irregularity to be found anywhere, they
+would wager that it could not escape the young Consul's eye. The general
+conviction was, that if every creditor of the firm, or even the devil
+himself, should some day take it into his head to come into the office,
+there would not be found even the slightest error in one of the
+ponderous and well-bound account books.
+
+There was, however, one account which was a sealed book to them all, and
+that was the one of Richard Garman. No mortal eye had ever seen it. Some
+thought it might possibly be in the Consul's own red book; others
+thought that no such thing existed. True it was undoubtedly, that the
+chief carried on personally all the correspondence with his brother;
+and, wonderful to relate, these letters were never copied. This was food
+for much speculation among the clerks, and at last they came to the
+conclusion that the young Consul did not wish any one to know in what
+relation Richard Garman stood to the firm.
+
+One thing was plain, and confirmed by long experience, and that was,
+that the Consul attached great importance to the letters that came from
+his brother. He read them before the rest of the post, and if any one
+happened to come in when he was thus engaged, he always covered the
+correspondence with a sheet of paper. One of the younger clerks once
+asserted that he had seen a bill of exchange in one of the aforesaid
+letters, but the statement found but little credence in the office; for
+it was a recognized fact that not one single paper existed which bore
+Richard Garman's signature. Another story, which was even less worthy of
+credit, was one told by the office messenger, who stated that one day he
+had brought a letter from Bratvold, and that as he came in with the
+portfolio he had found the young Consul standing by the key-drawer, with
+a letter in one hand and two bills of exchange in the other, quite red
+in the face, and apparently bent double, as if he was on the point of
+choking. The messenger thought at first that it was a fit, but it was
+plain to the meanest understanding that there was not a word of truth in
+the story, for the messenger had the audacity to aver that he had heard
+the young Consul give vent to a short but unmistakable laugh. There was
+plainly a misapprehension somewhere; every one knew that the young
+Consul was unable to laugh.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+When Gabriel had shut the door after announcing his uncle's arrival, the
+Consul got up and went off to the key-drawer, from whence he took a
+gigantic key, to which was attached a wooden label black with age. He
+then brushed his coat, and, after adjusting his chin in his neckcloth
+and arranging his scanty locks, left the office.
+
+The house was large and old fashioned, with long passages and broad
+staircases. In the western wing were the offices, having a separate
+entrance on the side towards the sea. On the southern side, and
+overlooking the garden, were the bedrooms of the family, and the
+apartments which were generally used as sitting-rooms.
+
+The second floor consisted entirely of reception-rooms, which were so
+arranged as to have the large ballroom in the middle, with _salons_ at
+the side. In one of these rooms the family generally dined on Sunday, or
+when they had guests, and it was the small _salon_ at the north-west
+corner, looking over the building-yard and the sea, in which the dinner
+was usually served.
+
+On the third floor, or, more correctly, in the garrets, was an endless
+number of spare rooms, whose windows looked out of the quaint dormers
+which embellished the roof.
+
+The furniture was mostly of mahogany, now dark with age, while chairs
+and sofas were covered with horsehair. Against the walls stood tall dark
+presses, and mirrors with the glass in two pieces, and having their
+gilded frames adorned with urns and garlands. The rooms were lit by
+old-fashioned chandeliers and girandoles.
+
+The Consul met one of the servants in the passage. "Has Mr. Garman
+arrived?"
+
+"Yes, sir; and he has gone upstairs, to my mistress," answered the girl.
+
+When the weather was warm, Mrs. Garman usually preferred one of the airy
+rooms upstairs. She was a very fat lady, who lived in a continual state
+of strife with dyspepsia. From whatever side you looked at her, she
+presented a succession of smoothly rounded curves covered with shining
+black silk.
+
+It was wonderful that Mrs. Garman got so stout; it must have been, as
+she herself said, "a cross" she had to bear. She seemed to eat very
+little at her meals, and could not control her astonishment at the
+appetites of the rest of the company. Only at times, when she was alone
+in her room, she seemed to have a fancy for some little delicacy, and
+Miss Cordsen used to bring her a little bit of just what happened to be
+handy.
+
+When the Consul entered her room, his wife was sitting on the sofa,
+engaged in conversation with her brother-in-law.
+
+"How are you? how are you, Christian Frederick?" said Richard, gaily.
+"Here I am again!"
+
+"You are welcome, Richard. I am charmed to see you," answered the
+Consul, keeping his hands behind his back.
+
+Richard seemed quite confused, as he generally was when he met his
+brother, who sometimes could be as gay and cheerful as when they were
+boys, and at others would put on his business manner, and be cold,
+repellant, and so abominably precise.
+
+"Is any one coming to dinner to-day, Caroline?" asked Consul Garman.
+
+"Pastor Martens has announced his kind intention of introducing the new
+school inspector to us," answered the lady.
+
+"Yes, I dare say, another of your parson friends," said the Consul,
+drily; "then, I'll just send the coachman with the carriage for Morten
+and Fanny, and ask them to bring some young people with them: they might
+find Jacob Worse, perhaps."
+
+"What for?" answered the lady, in a tone which showed an inclination to
+dispute the proposition.
+
+"Because neither Richard nor I care to have our dinner with nothing but
+a lot of parsons," answered the Consul, in a tone which brought his wife
+to her senses. "And will you be so kind as to arrange with Miss Cordsen
+about the dinner?"
+
+"Oh! the dinner, the dinner!" sighed Mrs. Garman, as she left the room.
+"I cannot understand how people can think so much about such trifles."
+
+Uncle Richard followed his sister-in-law to the door, and when he turned
+round after making his most polite bow, he saw his brother standing in
+the middle of the room, with his legs far apart, and one hand behind his
+back. With the other he held up the monster key like an eyeglass before
+his eye, and through it he regarded his brother with a knowing look.
+
+"Do you know that?" asked the Consul.
+
+"_Mais oui_!" answered Richard, in a tone which showed his delight at
+finding his brother in a mood which betokened a visit to the
+wine-cellar.
+
+The two old gentlemen went off arm-in-arm, until they reached the top of
+the kitchen stairs. At the kitchen door they stopped, and the Consul
+called for the lights. A commotion was heard inside, and in a few
+seconds Miss Cordsen appeared with two ancient candlesticks.
+
+Each took his own light--they never made any mistake as to which was
+which--and descended the stairs which led to the dark cellar. They first
+arrived at a large outer cellar, where it was comparatively light, in
+which were stored the wines which were in ordinary use, such as St.
+Julien, Rhine wine, Graves, and brandy. This was all under the charge of
+Miss Cordsen, who, in accordance with the _régime_ which had come down
+from the old Consul's time, produced the different wines according to
+the number and importance of the guests. In the darkest corner of the
+cellar there was an old keyhole, only known to the Consul, but he could
+find it in the dark. All the same, both of them held out their lights to
+look for it, and the young Consul never omitted to remark upon the
+clever way in which his father had concealed the secret door.
+
+The key turned twice in the lock with a rusty sound, which the brothers
+could distinguish from any other sound in the world, and an atmosphere
+redolent of wine and mould met them as they entered. The Consul shut the
+door, and said, "There now, the world will have to get on without us for
+a little while." The inner wine-cellar looked as if it were considerably
+older than the house itself, and the groined roof had a resemblance to
+the cloister of an old monastery. It was so low that Richard had to bend
+his head a little, and even the Consul felt inclined to stoop when he
+was down there.
+
+In the old bins lay bottles of different shapes covered with dust and
+cobwebs, and in the recess of what had been a grated window, but was now
+walled up on the outside, there stood two old long-stemmed Dutch
+glasses, while in one corner there lay a large wine-cask. In front of
+the cask was placed an empty tub, between an armchair without a back,
+and from the seat of which the horsehair was protruding, and an ancient
+rocking-horse that had lost its rockers.
+
+The brothers put down their lights on the bottom of the tub, and took
+off their coats, which they hung each on their own peg.
+
+"Well, what's it to be to-day?" said Christian Frederick, rubbing his
+hands.
+
+"Port wouldn't be bad," suggested Richard, examining the bin.
+
+"Port wine would be first-rate," answered the Consul, holding out his
+light. "But look, there's a row of bottles lying in here that we have
+never tried. I should like to know what they are."
+
+"I dare say it is some of my grandmother's raspberry vinegar," suggested
+Richard.
+
+"Nonsense! Do you suppose father would have hidden away raspberry
+vinegar in this cellar?"
+
+"Perhaps he was as fond of old things as some other people I know,"
+answered Richard.
+
+"You always are so sarcastic," muttered the Consul. "I wish we could get
+at these bottles."
+
+"You'll have to creep in after them, Christian Frederick. I am too
+stout."
+
+"All right," answered his brother, taking off his watch and heavy bunch
+of seals. And the old gentleman crept into the bin with the utmost care.
+"Now I've got one," he cried.
+
+"Take two while you are about it."
+
+"Yes; but you will have to take hold of my legs and pull me out."
+
+"_Avec plaisir_!" answered Richard. "But won't you have a drop of
+Burgundy before you come out?"
+
+There must have been some joke hidden in the question, for the Consul
+began to laugh; but before long he stammered out, "I am choking, Dick;
+will you pull me out, you fiend?"
+
+The joke about the Burgundy was as follows. Once when the young Consul
+had crept in among the bottles, to look for something very particular,
+he managed to knock his head against one which lay in the rack above so
+hard that it broke, and the whole bottle of Burgundy ran down his neck.
+Every time any allusion was made to this mishap, a meaning smile passed
+between the brothers, and Richard was even so careless as sometimes to
+allude to it when others were present. For instance, if they were
+sitting at dinner, and the conversation turned upon red wines, he would
+say, "Well, my brother has his own peculiar way of drinking Burgundy;"
+and then would follow a series of mysterious allusions and laughter
+between the two, which usually ended in a fit of coughing.
+
+The young people had several times tried to get at this joke about the
+Burgundy, but always in vain. Miss Cordsen, who had been obliged that
+day to get a clean shirt for the Consul, was the only one in the secret;
+but Miss Cordsen could hold her tongue about more serious matters than
+that.
+
+At last the Consul came out again, laughing and sputtering, his
+waistcoat covered with dust, and his hair full of cobwebs. When they had
+had a good laugh over their joke--it was well the walls were so
+thick--Richard, on whom the duty always devolved, uncorked the first
+bottle with the greatest care and skill.
+
+"H'm! h'm!" said the Consul, "that is a curious bouquet."
+
+"I declare, the wine has gone off," said Richard, spluttering.
+
+"Bah! right you are, Dick," said Christian Frederick, spluttering in his
+turn.
+
+Uncle Richard opened the second bottle, put his nose to it, and said
+approvingly, "Madeira!" and in a moment the golden wine was sparkling in
+the old-fashioned Dutch glasses.
+
+"Ah! that's quite another thing," said the young Consul, taking his
+usual place astride of the old rocking-horse.
+
+The rocking-horse was a relic of their childhood. "They used to make
+everything more solid in those days," said Christian Frederick; and when
+some years previously the horse had been found amongst a lot of rubbish,
+the Consul had had it brought down to the cellar. For many a long year
+he had sat on this horse, drinking the old wine out of the same old
+glasses with his brother, who sat in the rickety armchair, which cracked
+under his weight, laughing and telling anecdotes of their boyhood. He
+never got such wine anywhere else, and no room ever appeared so
+brilliant in his eyes as the low-vaulted cellar with its two smoky
+lights.
+
+"I declare, it's a shame," said the young Consul, "that you have never
+had your half of that cask of port. However, I will send you some wine
+out to Bratvold one of these days, so that you may have some, till we
+can get it tapped."
+
+"But you are always sending me wine, Christian Frederick. I am sure I
+have had my half, and more too, long ago."
+
+"Nonsense, Dick! I declare, I believe you keep a wine account."
+
+"No, I am sure I don't."
+
+"Well, if you don't, I do; and I dare say you've remarked that in your
+account for last year--"
+
+"Yes; that's enough of that. Here's to your health, Christian
+Frederick," broke in Uncle Richard, hastily. He was always nervous when
+his brother began about business.
+
+"That's a great big cask."
+
+"Yes, it is a very big one."
+
+And the two old gentlemen held out their lights towards it, and each of
+them thought, "I am glad my brother does not know that the cask is
+nearly empty;" for it returned a most unpromising sound when it was
+struck, and the patch of moisture beneath it showed that it had
+evidently been leaking for many years.
+
+At the end of the bottle, they got up and clinked their glasses
+together. They then took each his bottle of Burgundy for dinner, hung
+their coats on their arms, and went up into the daylight. It was
+strictly forbidden for any one to meet them when they came out of the
+cellar, and Miss Cordsen had trouble enough to keep the way clear. They
+presented a most extraordinary spectacle, especially the precise
+Christian Frederick, coming up red and beaming, in their shirtsleeves,
+covered with dust, and each carrying his bottle and his light.
+
+An hour later they met at the dinner-table--Richard, trim and smart as
+usual, with his conventional diplomatic smile; the Consul precise,
+haughty, and correct to the very tips of his fingers.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+Dinner was served in the small room on the north side of the house, and
+the company assembled in the two so-called Sunday-rooms, which looked
+over the garden.
+
+Mrs. Garman always dressed in black silk, but to-day she was more
+shining and ponderous than usual. She had been looking forward to a nice
+quiet little dinner with Pastor Martens and the new school inspector;
+and now here came a whole posse of worldly minded people. Mrs. Garman
+was thus not in the best of tempers, and Miss Cordsen had to display all
+her tact. But Miss Cordsen had had long practice, for Mrs. Garman had
+always been difficult to manage, especially of late years since
+"religion had come into fashion," as the careless Uncle Richard
+declared.
+
+Mrs Garman did not really manage her own house; everything went on
+without change, according to the immutable rules which had come down
+from the old Consul's time, and she very soon gave up the attempt to
+bring in new ideas, according to her own pleasure. But now, since she
+was as it were without any positive influence, she contented herself
+with saying "No" to everything that she observed the others wished to
+do. In this way she acquired a kind of negative authority, for although
+her "No" did not always prevail, it still seemed to give her a right to
+show her annoyance, by meeting it with an expression full of unmerited
+suffering and Christian forbearance.
+
+It was thus, with this expression, that Mrs. Garman was listening to Mr.
+Aalbom, the tall assistant master, who was holding forth about the
+delicacy and effeminacy of the rising generation. Mrs. Aalbom sat by the
+window, pretending to listen to the Consul, who was describing with
+great clearness, and in carefully chosen language, how the garden had
+been arranged in his late father's time. But the lady was in reality
+listening to her husband, for whom she had a most unbounded admiration.
+Mrs. Aalbom was extremely tall, lean, bony, and angular; her lips were
+thin, and her teeth long and yellow.
+
+The pastor and the carriage from the town had not yet arrived. The
+Consul's only daughter, Rachel, was standing by the old-fashioned stove,
+talking merrily with Uncle Richard, and as the door opened, and the
+pastor and the new inspector entered the room, she was laughing still
+more gaily, and her mother gave her a reproving look.
+
+As this was Mr. Johnsen's first visit to Sandsgaard, Mr. Martens took
+him round and introduced him to each guest in succession, beginning with
+the ladies. When they came to the fireplace, Uncle Richard received them
+with his usual affability; but Rachel only gave a momentary glance at
+the new acquaintance, and, almost without turning her head, continued
+her conversation with her uncle. To her astonishment, however, she
+remarked that the strange gentleman still remained standing by her side,
+and, raising her calm blue eyes, she looked fixedly at him. What
+followed was for her most unusual: she was obliged to withdraw her
+glance, for, contrary to her expectation, she did not find Mr. Johnsen
+shy, awkward, and impressed with the strange surroundings. It was plain,
+however, that he was conscious that his behaviour was unconventional,
+but he did not therefore desist. This caused Rachel to lose somewhat of
+her usual self-possession.
+
+"Have you been on the west coast before?" said Uncle Richard, coming to
+her assistance.
+
+"Never," replied the young man; "all I have as yet seen of the sea has
+been Christiana Fjord."
+
+"And what do you think of our scenery?" continued the old gentleman. "I
+have no doubt that you have already seen some of the finest views in the
+neighbourhood."
+
+"It has made a deep impression on me," answered Mr. Johnsen; "but Nature
+here is so grand and so impressive as to make one feel insignificant in
+its presence."
+
+"Perhaps you find it too dull here?" said Rachel, a little disappointed.
+
+"Oh no, not exactly that," replied he, quietly. "The idea I wished to
+convey is that Nature here has something--how shall I express
+it?--something exacting about it, by which one seems, as it were,
+impelled to activity, to perform some deed which will make a mark in the
+world."
+
+She looked at him with astonishment; but her uncle said
+good-humouredly--
+
+"For my part, I find our desolate and weather-beaten coast tends rather
+to lead the mind to meditation and thought than to excite it to
+activity."
+
+"When I come to your years," answered Mr. Johnsen, "and have done
+something in the world, I dare say I shall look upon life as you do."
+
+"I hope not," sighed Uncle Richard, half smilingly and half sadly. "As
+to having done anything, I--"
+
+At that moment the door opened and young Mrs. Garman entered the room.
+She looked so lovely that all eyes were turned upon her. Her French grey
+silk with its pink trimmings had a cut quite foreign to those parts, and
+it was difficult to look at her or her toilette without feeling that
+both were out of the common in that society.
+
+But the first glance told that the beautifully fitting dress, and the
+graceful and bright-eyed woman who wore it, were well suited to each
+other; and as she stepped lightly across the room and gave a sprightly
+nod to her uncle, there was a natural ease about her gait and manner
+which contrasted favourably with the self-consciousness with which young
+ladies exhibit themselves and their smart dresses when first entering
+into society.
+
+"I declare, she has got another new one!" muttered Mrs. Aalbom.
+
+_"Mais, mon Dieu, comme elle est belle!"_ whispered Uncle Richard,
+enchanted.
+
+After Fanny followed the short but active-looking Mr. Delphin, secretary
+to the resident magistrate, then Jacob Worse, and lastly Morten Garman.
+
+Morten was tall and stoutly built. It would appear that he had inherited
+something of his mother's "cross," which did not, however, seem to
+oppress him. He had a good-looking face, which was, however, rather
+weak; and his eyes were too prominent and slightly bloodshot.
+
+George Delphin had been about six months in the town, as secretary to
+the magistrate, and since Fanny Garman was the magistrate's daughter,
+Delphin soon got an _entrée_ into the Garmans' house, and was a frequent
+guest at Sandsgaard. Morten had picked him up at his father-in-law's
+office, when the carriage was sent to the town to find the young people;
+they had met Jacob Worse accidentally, and Fanny had called to him when
+they were already seated in the carriage.
+
+Morten had no great liking for Jacob Worse, although they had been much
+thrown together in their boyhood. Consul Garman, on the other hand, was
+particularly well disposed towards him, and there were some who
+maintained that the young Consul would gladly have the name of Worse
+back in the firm, perhaps as his son-in-law; who could tell?
+
+But those who had an opportunity of closer observation declared that
+there was no truth in the story. Rachel herself appeared to dislike
+Jacob Worse, and Mrs. Garman could not bear the sight of him, since
+Pastor Martens had assured her that he was a freethinker.
+
+The Consul took in Mrs. Aalbom, and George Delphin was so fortunate as
+to get Fanny Garman. Rachel, to his astonishment, turned to her uncle
+and said, "I beg pardon, but I am going to ask you to-day to give me up
+to our new acquaintance. Mr. Johnsen, will you be so kind?"
+
+He offered her his arm stiffly, but not awkwardly, and they followed the
+others into the dining-room.
+
+"What can be up with Rachel?" muttered Morten to Worse; "she generally
+can't bear these parsons of mother's."
+
+Jacob Worse made no reply, but, with a polite bow, gave his arm to Miss
+Cordsen.
+
+For the _habitués_ of the house, it was not difficult to foresee what
+the _menu_ would be. It consisted of Julienne soup, ham, and pork
+cutlets with _sauer kraut_; then roast lamb and roast veal, served with
+chervil and beet-root; and lastly, meringues and Vanilla cream.
+
+At the head of the table the conversation was mostly carried on between
+Mr. Aalbom and Delphin, both of whom came from the neighbourhood of
+Christiania, and Aalbom tried his best to induce the other to say
+something disparaging of the west coast and its surroundings. This he
+did in the hope that it would cause annoyance to the Consul and his
+brother, and also that it would put the speaker, as a new guest at
+Sandsgaard, in an unfavourable light. Delphin was, however, too quick
+for him. Either he noticed his intention, or else he really meant what
+he said. The scenery, he declared, was most interesting, and he was
+particularly pleased with the acquaintances he had hitherto made in the
+neighbourhood.
+
+Richard Garman had his usual place on the left of the Consul, who sat at
+the head of the table, and, leaning over beyond Rachel and Mr. Aalbom,
+who sat next to him, and raising his glass to the new school inspector,
+he said--
+
+"As you are of the same opinion as Mr. Delphin with regard to our
+scenery, I hope you will also receive the same favourable opinion of our
+society. May I have the honour of drinking your health?"
+
+The Consul regarded his brother with some astonishment. It was seldom
+that he took much notice of the young people who came to the house,
+especially if they belonged to the Church.
+
+"Well, you see," whispered Uncle Richard, "I don't think this one's so
+bad."
+
+Fanny also noticed the attention that was shown to the new guest, who
+sat opposite to her, and, glancing at him, thought he might prove not
+interesting. True, he was not so refined as Delphin, nor so good looking
+as Worse, but still her eyes often wandered in his direction. Neither
+Worse, who sat on her right hand, nor Delphin, who was on her left, had
+much attraction for her. Worse, although perfectly polite, paid her but
+little attention; and that Delphin was at her feet was only natural--it
+was a fate that, without exception, had befallen all her father's
+secretaries since her girlhood.
+
+Mr. Johnsen was now drawn into the conversation. Delphin met him at
+first with an air of superiority, but after receiving a few cutting
+answers, he was glad to draw in his horns and become more affable.
+Aalbom, on the contrary, did not change his manner so readily. He was
+annoyed that Delphin had not fallen into the trap he had laid for him,
+and was now eager to break a lance with the new guest. He began his
+attack on the inspector in a half-respectful, half-jesting tone, and
+with the greater gusto because he knew the aversion which the two Mr.
+Garmans had to the clergy generally, and Mrs. Carman was deep in
+conversation with Pastor Martens, who was sitting beside her at the
+other end of the table.
+
+"I dare say you expect a rich harvest out here, now that there is so
+much religious excitement," said Aalbom, with a grin to the others.
+
+"Harvest?" asked Johnsen, shortly.
+
+"Or draught of fishes; I don't know under which simile you prefer to
+regard your calling," replied Aalbom.
+
+"I regard my calling very much in the same light as you do yours. We are
+both here to teach the young, and I prefer to see my duty plain before
+my eyes without any simile," answered Johnsen, quietly; but there was
+something in his voice which rather disconcerted his opponent.
+
+Fanny and Delphin could not restrain a slight laugh; and Mrs. Aalbom
+muttered, "To think of answering a man in my husband's position in that
+way!"
+
+The Consul now endeavoured to give a peaceable direction to the
+conversation, by consulting Johnsen on several matters relating to the
+National School. Mr. Garman had been for some years chairman of the
+school committee; for Sandsgaard was included within the limits of the
+town, although it was situated at a considerable distance from it.
+
+Rachel heard with pleasure the terse and forcible answers which her
+neighbour gave to the Consul's questions. She was especially pleased to
+hear the new inspector insist upon certain changes being made in the
+school, and upon an increase of expenditure, which her father thought
+unnecessary and altogether too lavish.
+
+It was not often Rachel had met a man who showed such power and energy
+as their young guest, and each time he spoke as to the necessity of
+something or another being done for the school, she could not help
+looking half disdainfully at Delphin, who was now quite taken up with
+teaching Fanny a trick with a piece of cork and two forks. But when her
+eye fell on Jacob Worse, an inquiring expression seemed to come over her
+face, to which, however, he appeared to pay little attention. He was
+quite occupied in talking half jestingly with old Miss Cordsen.
+
+Ever since Jacob Worse had begun to be a constant guest at Sandsgaard,
+quite a friendship had sprung up between him and the old lady. She was
+usually cold and reserved in her manner, but he had a particular knack
+of getting her into conversation, so that he became quite a favourite of
+hers.
+
+Aalbom was so annoyed that he ate nearly all the beet-root, and Uncle
+Richard was amusing himself by quietly working him up. Gabriel, too,
+devoted all the time that he could spare from his dinner to staring at
+the master; and every time the latter looked over to that part of the
+table where Gabriel was sitting, by the side of Miss Corsden, the young
+scapegrace took up his glass and emptied it with a careless, grown-up
+air, which he knew would irritate his natural enemy.
+
+Morten, who sat between Mr. Johnsen and Pastor Martens, amused himself
+by keeping both their glasses well filled. He paid otherwise but little
+attention to what went on at the table, especially as he had managed to
+get one of the bottles of Burgundy close by his side.
+
+It was a still, warm day in spring, and at dessert the sun, which shone
+in obliquely through the two open windows, just reached as far as the
+table. First it was reflected from Mrs. Garman's black silk, and then
+shed a faint halo around Pastor Martens's blond head. The rays fell on
+those of the company who were sitting with their backs to the light,
+and, casting their shadows over the white cloth, sparkled in the
+polished decanters. Morten held up his glass to the light, and enjoyed
+its brilliancy.
+
+"See how lovely your sister-in-law looks in the sunlight!" whispered
+Delphin to Fanny.
+
+"Oh! do you really think so?" she answered.
+
+Shortly after she told one of the maid-servants, who was waiting, to
+pull down the blind a little, as she did not like the glare in her eyes.
+
+The conversation now became lively at the upper end of the table. The
+subject on which it turned was education. Aalbom held forth on his
+hobby, which was, that it was quite impossible for young people to get a
+proper insight into learning without the use of corporal punishment, and
+maintained that there would be an end of all intellectual cultivation if
+a limit were not placed to modern humanitarianism, which he preferred to
+call indulgence. His wife took the same side from conviction, and
+Richard Garman from mischief, while the Consul was impartial. He set the
+greatest store by the good old times, but still he could not help
+thinking that they might get on with a little less of the stick than he
+had experienced. Johnsen was very strong on the importance of religious
+instruction and home influence.
+
+"As to home influence," broke in Mrs. Aalbom, "school and home ought to
+go hand-in-hand."
+
+"Of course they ought," rejoined her husband. "If a boy is punished at
+school, he ought to be punished also at home."
+
+"But then, homes are so different," said Johnsen. This was the first
+time he had made a remark that Rachel found rather feeble.
+
+"Well, I don't know," cried Mrs. Aalbom, putting her head on one side
+and looking up to the ceiling. "It is possible to have too much of
+natural affection, mother's influence, home feeling, and that sort of
+thing."
+
+"It entirely depends what sort of home it is, Mrs. Aalbom," broke in
+Jacob Worse, suddenly.
+
+Every eye was turned upon him. He had drawn himself up, and his face was
+red and his eyes gleaming.
+
+There came a slight pause in the conversation, of which the Consul
+availed himself, and, taking up his glass, he said, with a smile, "Now
+we must mind what we are about. This is not the first time I have seen
+Jacob Worse join in a conversation like this; and if we do not want him
+to make it too warm for us, we had better change the scene of action to
+another room, where we can carry on the conflict in the shade. So if the
+ladies and gentlemen are of the same opinion as myself, we had better
+retire."
+
+The company broke up. Uncle Richard laughed heartily as he thanked
+Worse, while they were going downstairs, for having joined in so
+opportunely. Worse himself could not help a laugh, in which all joined,
+except Aalbom and his wife, who were too much annoyed to do so.
+
+Rachel was quite astonished at the anxiety displayed by her father when
+Worse began to speak. She had herself once or twice heard him take part
+in a discussion, and had been surprised at the way in which his feelings
+suddenly seemed to get the better of him. There was, it is true, an
+originality in his views; but for all that there was no reason why he
+should be silent, and she thought it mean of Jacob Worse to allow
+himself to be put down so easily.
+
+During dinner Pastor Martens had made several attempts to state his
+views on the subject, but hitherto without success. The others were too
+much taken up with their new and interesting guest, and besides, his
+neighbour fully engrossed his attention. After dinner was over, he had
+again to take his place beside Mrs. Garman on the sofa, while the young
+people went down to the croquet lawn, which was shaded by the dense
+avenue of limes.
+
+Mr. Aalbom was walking up and down the broad path in front of the house,
+encircled by his wife's bony arm, as Mr. Delphin kindly put it, while
+they were waiting for coffee. He was still annoyed at his failure, and
+at the slights he had endured, and his wife was doing her utmost to
+pacify him.
+
+"How can a man of your standing bother about such nonsense? These young
+upstarts will only be here for a time. They will soon make themselves
+unwelcome in some way or another. There is no doubt that we are
+considered superior to the rest. You must have noticed that the Consul
+took me in to dinner."
+
+"Nonsense!" answered her husband. "What have I in common with these
+tradesmen and their moneybags? But for a man of my intelligence, and of
+my attainments in literature and education, to have to put up with such
+impertinent answers from a set of youngsters, from such--" and from his
+rich _répertoire_ of abuse the master poured out a choice stream of
+invective, which afforded some relief to his feelings.
+
+The Aalboms lived about half-way between Sandsgaard and the town, which
+had been the original cause of their being invited to the Garmans'
+house.
+
+Since then they had shown themselves such good neighbours that the
+Garmans were generally glad to fall back upon them when they wanted to
+get a few people together in a hurry. Mr. Garman had also assisted the
+master in some unexpected difficulties he had encountered in writing a
+short paper on the origin of the French language, and its connection
+with history. The pamphlet was headed "For Use in Schools," but from
+want of perception and appreciation on the part of the authorities, this
+pearl of literature had not been taken into use in a single school in
+the country.
+
+Both the elder Garmans were in the habit of retiring to their rooms and
+taking a short nap after dinner; but on this occasion they did not sleep
+long, as they were engaged in talking over Madeleine's projected visit
+to the town. It was arranged that she was to come in two or three days,
+and have a room upstairs, close by Miss Cordsen's.
+
+Gabriel, having annexed a cigar, had wandered off to the ship-yard, in a
+happy and contented mood, to make an inspection of the vessel and talk
+English with Mr. Robson.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+The first acquaintance Madeleine made in her new home was with the
+sewing-maid, for naturally there were a good many repairs of various
+kinds to be seen to. She had already made some acquaintance with the
+family by previous short visits to Sandsgaard, and the same impression
+of coldness which she had hitherto received from her relations still
+oppressed her. Not that Madeleine was of a timid nature--far from it;
+but the change from a free and open-air life to the regularity of a
+well-ordered house was too abrupt. She tried in vain to adapt herself to
+her new surroundings, and during the first few weeks she fretted herself
+quite out of health. For a reason she could scarcely define, she
+concealed this fact from her father when writing to him.
+
+Her cousin Gabriel was the only person who seemed to have a friendly
+word for Madeleine; the others were so reserved that she could not help
+thinking they were selfish. With Rachel she could never get on friendly
+terms, and the two cousins had but little in common. Although Rachel was
+only a few years the elder, she was greatly superior to her cousin in
+knowledge and experience. Whilst Madeleine was bright and radiant as
+sunshine, there was something in Rachel's cold and commanding nature
+which betokened an uneasy longing for employment, and a desire to take
+an active part in whatever she could find to occupy her.
+
+Not long previously Rachel had had a sharp dispute with her father. She
+came one day into the office, and desired him to give her some
+employment in the business. Consul Garman never lost his self-command,
+but on this occasion he was on the very point of doing so. The dispute
+was short, it is true, and soon ended, like every other conflict that
+was carried on against the father's principles, in a decided victory for
+his side; but from that time the daughter became still more cold and
+reserved in her manner.
+
+It was a light task for Rachel to read her little country cousin through
+and through, and when she made up her mind that Madeleine had nothing in
+her except perhaps some undefined longings, but at the same time no real
+desire for work, she let her go her own way, and the relation between
+them became almost that of a child to a grown person--friendly, but
+without intimacy.
+
+Mrs. Garman was not particularly well disposed towards her new guest,
+because she had not been originally consulted as to her visit; and even
+the good-natured Miss Cordsen frightened Madeleine at first, with her
+tall, spare figure and well-starched cap-strings.
+
+The sewing-maid was a pale, weakly creature, with large wondering eyes
+which wore a deprecatory expression. She was still pretty, but the first
+look told that her face had once been still prettier, and there was
+something stunted and faded about her appearance. Her cheeks were
+somewhat sunken, and it could be seen that she had lost some of her
+teeth.
+
+During the first few days Madeleine had to spend much of her time with
+the sewing-maid, for Mrs. Garman was anxious that her dress should be in
+keeping with the rest of the establishment, and the Consul had given
+Miss Cordsen strict orders on the subject. It was a great relief to
+Madeleine, in her loneliness, to show herself kindly and almost
+affectionately disposed towards the timid girl. One evening when she had
+gone, Madeleine asked Miss Cordsen who she was, and the old lady, after
+scrutinizing her sharply, answered, "that Marianne was a granddaughter
+of old Anders Begmand, and that some years before she had had a baby.
+Her sweetheart," said Miss Cordsen, fixing her eyes again sharply on
+Madeleine, "had gone to America, and the child was dead, and as she had
+been in service at Sandsgaard, the Garmans had had her taught
+dressmaking, so that now she had constant employment in the house."
+
+This was all Madeleine found out, and she did not ask any more questions
+on the subject, which was a relief to Miss Cordsen.
+
+The old lady's story was, however, not Strictly correct in its details;
+a secret of the Garman family was hid in the sempstress's history--a
+secret which Miss Cordsen concealed with the greatest jealousy.
+
+As Marianne went home that evening this event came into her thoughts; it
+was, in fact, never entirely absent from them. The bright and friendly
+manner of Madeleine, who was so unlike the rest of her family, had awoke
+in her many reminiscences. She felt quite sure that Madeleine did not as
+yet know all her history; it was impossible that she could know it, for
+she seemed so kindly disposed towards her, and Marianne dreaded that any
+one should tell her. There were, indeed, plenty of people who could tell
+her story, but none knew what she had suffered. As she went on her way
+all the sad events of her life's misfortune seemed to pass in review
+before her. Her first thought was, how handsome he looked when he came
+home from abroad, before there was any talk about his marriage with the
+magistrate's daughter! how long he had prayed and tormented her, and how
+long she had striven against him; and then came the dreadful day, when
+she had been called into the Consul's private office. She never could
+imagine how any one had found it out; the only one who could know
+anything was Miss Cordsen: but still less could she now understand how
+she had allowed herself to be talked over, and compelled to agree to
+what had since been arranged. There must be truth in what people said,
+that it was impossible to resist the young Consul, and so she allowed
+herself to be betrothed to Christian Kusk, one of the worst men she
+knew, who shortly after went to America; then the child was born, and
+was christened Christian. Then again she recalled that night when the
+child died; but all further impressions became indistinct and hazy as
+mist. She had hoped that her shame might kill her, but it had only
+tortured her. To Sandsgaard, where she had vowed never again to set her
+foot, she now went daily. Whenever she chanced to meet one of the
+family, and especially Fanny, her heart seemed to cease beating; but
+they passed her with as much unconcern as if they knew nothing, or as if
+she had nothing to do with them.
+
+Many a time also she had met him. At first they passed each other
+hurriedly, but after a time he also seemed to have forgotten, and now he
+greeted her with a friendly nod, and the well-known voice said, "How are
+you, Marianne?"
+
+It was as if these people lived surrounded by a thick wall of
+indifference, against which her tiny existence was shattered like
+fragile glass.
+
+Marianne took a short cut through the ship-yard, where the carpenters
+were busy dividing the shavings and putting them into sacks. She found
+her grandfather, who had finished his work in the pitch-house, and they
+set off homewards together.
+
+Anders Begmand lived in the last of the little red-painted cottages
+which lay below the steep slope on the western side of the bay of
+Sandsgaard. The road along the shore was only a footpath leading to the
+door of each cottage, and then on to the next. Seaweed and half-decayed
+fish refuse lay on the shore, while at the back of the houses were heaps
+of kitchen refuse, and other abominations. The path itself consisted of
+a row of large stones, on which people had to walk if they wished to
+keep out of the accumulation of dirt. The houses were mostly crowded,
+but especially so in the winter, when the sailors were home from sea.
+
+They were all in the employ of Garman and Worse, and the firm owned
+everything they possessed, even to their boats, their houses, and the
+very ground under their feet. When the boys grew old enough, they went
+to sea in one of the vessels belonging to the firm, and the brightest of
+the girls were taken into service, either at the house or at the farm.
+Otherwise the cottagers were left pretty much to themselves. They paid
+no rent, and there was no interference on the part of the firm with the
+"West End," which was the name by which the little row of cottages was
+generally known amongst the workpeople.
+
+Anders Begmand's house was both the last and the smallest, but now that
+he was alone with his two grandchildren, Marianne and Martin, he did not
+require much room. Before, when his wife was alive, and they had three
+grown-up sons at home, one of whom was married, it was often close work
+enough; but now all were dead and gone. The wife lay in the churchyard,
+and the sons in the deep sea.
+
+Anders was an old man, bent by age. His curly white hair covered his
+head like a mop, and stood out under his flat cap, which looked more
+like the clot of pitch it really almost was, than anything else. In his
+youth Anders had made one voyage to the Mediterranean, in the _Family
+Hope_, but he had then been discharged; for he had a failing, and that
+was--he stammered. Sometimes he could talk away without any hesitation,
+but if the stammering once began, there was nothing for it but to give
+up the attempt for that time. There he would stand, gasping and gasping,
+till he got so enraged that he nearly had a fit. When he was young it
+was dangerous to go near him at such times, for the angrier he got the
+more he stammered, and the more he stammered the more his anger
+increased. There was only one way out of it, and that was by singing;
+and so whenever anything of more than usual importance refused to come
+out, he was obliged to sing his intelligence, which he did to a merry
+little air he always used on these occasions. It was said that he had to
+sing when he proposed to his wife, but whether there was any truth in
+the statement is not quite clear. It was certain, however, that he did
+not often have to sing, and woe to any one who dared to say, "Sing,
+Anders." This was, of course, when he was young; he was now so broken
+down that any one could say what they liked to him. There was,
+therefore, no longer any pleasure in teasing him, and he was allowed to
+go in peace. Among the workmen he was held in the greatest respect, not
+only because he had been in the shop for more than fifty years, but
+because he had had so much sorrow in his old age, and especially because
+of the misfortune of Marianne, who was the apple of his eye and the
+light of his life. Martin, too, had brought him nothing but trouble: he
+was quite hopeless, and the captain with whom he had returned on his
+last voyage had complained of him, and refused to take him out again; so
+now he stayed at home, drinking and getting into mischief.
+
+The evening was dull and rainy, and a light already shone in the cottage
+as Begmand and Marianne approached.
+
+"There they are, drinking again," said she.
+
+"I believe they are," answered Begmand.
+
+She went to the window, the small panes of which were covered with dew,
+but she knew one which had a crack in it, through which she could look.
+
+"There they are, all four of them," whispered Marianne. "You'll have to
+sit there, in front of the kitchen door, grandfather."
+
+"Yes, child; yes!" answered the old man.
+
+When they entered the room, there was a pause in the conversation, which
+was carried on by four men who sat drinking round the table. They had
+not long begun, and were only in the first stage of harmless elevation.
+
+
+Martin greeted them in a cheerful tone, which he thought would hide his
+guilty conscience. "Good evening, grandfather. Good evening, Marianne.
+Come, let me offer you a drop of beer."
+
+The thick smoke from the freshly lighted pipes still lay curling over
+the table, and round the little paraffin lamp without a globe. On the
+table were tobacco, glasses, matches, and half-empty bottles, while on
+the bench stood several full ones awaiting their fate.
+
+Tom Robson, who sat opposite the door, lifted the large mug which had
+been standing between him and his friend Martin, and, with his hand on
+his heart, began to sing--
+
+
+     "Oh, my darling! are you here,
+     Marianne I love so dear?"
+
+
+He had composed this couplet himself, in honour of Marianne, to the
+great annoyance of the hungry-looking journeyman printer who sat in the
+corner close by him.
+
+Gustaf Oscar Carl Johan Torpander was a most remarkable Swede, inasmuch
+as he did not drink; but otherwise there was about him that exaggerated
+air of politeness, and that imitation of French manners, which seems
+generally to attach to the shady individuals of that nation. He had
+risen when Marianne came into the room, and was now making a low bow,
+with his shoulders, and especially the left one, well over his ears. His
+head was on one side, and he kept his eyes the whole time fixed on the
+young girl. While Tom Robson was singing his poetry, the Swede shook his
+head with a sympathetic smile to Marianne, by which he meant to express
+his regret that they met in such bad company.
+
+The fourth person of the group was sitting with his back to the door,
+and did not move, for he was deaf; but when at length the Swede, who was
+still bowing, attracted his attention, he turned round heavily on his
+chair and nodded deafly to the new-comers. This person's real name had
+almost disappeared from the memory of man, for he had been nicknamed
+"Woodlouse" among his acquaintance. Mr. Woodlouse passed his time in a
+dingy den in the magistrate's office, where he either slept or occupied
+himself in sorting documents and papers. But there he had grown to be
+almost a necessity, for he had the special gift of knowing the contents
+of every paper, and the name of every single person who for years had
+sought information at the office. He could stand in the middle of the
+room and point to the different shelves, and say, apparently without
+effort, what each contained, and what was missing. He had thus gone down
+as a kind of living inventory from magistrate to magistrate, and as his
+special knowledge increased he endeavoured to get his salary raised, so
+that he might give himself up recklessly to his two ruling passions,
+which were drinking beer and reading novels at night.
+
+As Marianne went through the room she moved her grandfather's chair
+close to the kitchen door, and gave him a meaning look. He nodded to
+show that he understood her wishes. She then said good night to the old
+man, and went into the kitchen, from whence a little dark staircase led
+upstairs to her room.
+
+Marianne locked her door and went to bed. She was so tired every night
+that she could scarcely keep her eyes open while she undressed, and she
+fell asleep the moment she got into bed. Under her the noise of voices
+continued, varied by quarrelling and cursing, which mingled with the
+dreams of her heavy and broken slumber. In the morning her hair and
+pillow were damp with perspiration; she was chilled with cold, and was
+even more tired than when she went to rest.
+
+The talking soon went on again as briskly as ever. Martin related how he
+had been up to the office that morning, intending to speak to the young
+Consul personally. He wished to complain of the captain who had told
+tales about him.
+
+He did not, however, get so far as the Consul, but one of the clerks, a
+stupid lout with an eyeglass, had come out and told him that he would
+get no employment on a ship belonging to the firm, until he had been to
+the Seamen's school, and gave up drinking. As he told his story there
+was an evil glare in his eyes, which were large and bright like
+Marianne's, but piercing and cruel. In the pale face there was also the
+same trace of weakness as in his sister's; but Martin was tall and bony,
+and his arms were strong and powerful, and he gesticulated with them as
+he talked, and gave force to his words by striking the table with his
+fist. He became every moment more violent, as he got heated by drink and
+argument.
+
+He was not going to the school to please Garman and Worse; and as to his
+drinking, what had the young Consul got to do with that? But they should
+see what he would do. And with a mighty oath, he shook his clenched fist
+in the direction of Sandsgaard.
+
+"Right you are, my boy!" cried Tom Robson, laughing; "good again. Let us
+see what you are made of."
+
+Robson was never so happy as when he could get Martin to talk himself
+into a fury, which was not a very difficult task.
+
+Ever since his childhood Martin had shown himself of a worthless and
+cross-grained nature. His character at school was, that he was one of
+the cleverest and at the same time the most quarrelsome among the boys,
+and since then he had done nothing but fall foul of everything and
+everybody he came in contact with. Martin did most of the talking of the
+four, who already began to be excited by drink. It would perhaps be more
+correct to say, of the three, for Torpander was not there to drink, but
+only to be near Marianne. Woodlouse did not say much, for he heard but
+little; and when Mr. Robson, who had taken on himself the duty of
+chairman, gave him an opportunity of speaking, Woodlouse used so many
+strange expressions that the others did not understand him.
+
+Neither did Torpander do much of the talking: for him the event of the
+evening was Marianne's return, after which he preferred to sit in silent
+rapture. This afternoon, however, Torpander joined Martin in his attack
+on the Garmans, whom he also hated, and poured forth a lot of newspaper
+tirade about the tyranny of capital, and such like.
+
+"Oh, stop that infernal Swedish jargon!" cried the chairman, "and let us
+hear what Woodlouse is mumbling about."
+
+"You see, gentlemen," began Woodlouse, eagerly, "the right of the
+proletariat--"
+
+"What does he mean?" shouted Martin.
+
+Woodlouse did not hear the remark, and paused in his speech, as his eyes
+wandered inquiringly from one to another to see if they were listening.
+
+But Martin could not keep silent any longer, and broke out into a volley
+of oaths and curses against Garman and Worse, capital, captain, and the
+whole world, only interrupting himself occasionally to take a drink or
+light his pipe over the lamp.
+
+Old Anders had at first taken his place by the kitchen door, but that
+evening they seemed to be pretty quiet, and he was always anxious to
+hear what they said when the conversation turned upon the firm. He
+therefore left the door and came up to the table, where Tom Robson made
+room for him, and at the same time offered him a drink from his mug.
+
+"Thanks, Mr. Robson," said Begmand, as he put the mug to his lips.
+
+Tom Robson was not only the chairman, but at the same time the host of
+the company, for it was he who paid for the liquor. By his side on the
+bench he kept a bottle of rum, from which he every now and then poured
+out a glass for each. He generally put a good drop of rum into his own
+beer, "to kill the insects," he said. He was now occupied in cutting up
+some cake tobacco to fill his pipe.
+
+"Beautiful tobacco that, Mr. Robson," said Begmand.
+
+"Take a bit," answered Tom, good naturedly.
+
+"Thanks, Mr. Robson," said the old man, overjoyed, as he took out his
+pipe, the stem of which was not more than half an inch long, while the
+whole was as black as everything else which belonged to Anders.
+
+He pressed down the moist tobacco as hard as he could, in the hope of
+getting as much as would last for a day or two; he then picked up a
+burning ember from the turf fire, which he applied to the bowl.
+
+It was no easy matter to get the tobacco to light, but the smoke, when
+it began to draw, seemed warm and comforting to the old man. He sat
+there, crouching on the edge of the bench, eagerly watching Tom each
+time he passed him the mug, and not forgetting to say "Thank you, Mr.
+Robson," before he took his drink.
+
+Martin grew more and more violent. "Isn't it enough," he yelled, "for us
+to work ourselves to death for these creatures? Are they going to watch
+every bit we eat, and every drop we drink? Just look at their houses!
+look how they live up there! Who has got all that for them? We, I tell
+you, grandfather; we who have been toiling here fishing, and going to
+sea year after year, son after father, in storm and tempest, watching
+night after night in wind and snow, so as to bring back wealth for these
+wretches! Just look what we get for it all! What a pig-stye we live in!
+And even that does not belong to us. Nothing does! It all belongs to
+them--clothes, food, and drink, body and soul, house and home, every
+bit!"
+
+Begmand sat rocking himself to and fro, and drawing hard at his pipe.
+Woodlouse saw that there was a pause, and so began again.
+
+"Property is robbery--"
+
+But Martin would not let him continue. "There is no one in the whole
+world," he shouted, "who puts up with what we do! Why don't we go up and
+say, 'Share with us, we who have done all the work'? There has been
+enough of this blood-sucking! But no; we are not a bit better than a lot
+of old women; not one of us! They would never put up with that sort of
+thing in America."
+
+"Ha! ha! good again!" laughed Tom Robson. "I dare say you think people
+are willing to share like brothers in America? No, my boy; you would
+soon find out you were wrong."
+
+"Do you mean to tell me that workmen in America live like we do?" asked
+Martin, somewhat abashed.
+
+"No; but they do what you can't do," answered Tom.
+
+"What do they do?" asked Martin.
+
+"They work; and that is what you and no one else does here!" shouted
+Tom, bringing his fist down heavily on the table. He was beginning to
+feel the effects of the rum.
+
+"What's that about work? Do you mean to say--?" began the Swede.
+
+"Hold your jaw!" cried Tom. "Let the old un have his say!"
+
+"You are quite wrong, Martin," said Begmand, and this time without
+stammering. The watery look of his old eyes told that the beer was
+beginning to work. "It's shameful of you to talk like that about the
+firm. They have given both your father and your grandfather certain
+employment; and you might have had the same if you had behaved yourself.
+The old Consul was the first man in the whole world, and the young
+Consul is a glorious fellow too. Here's his health!"
+
+"Oh!" broke in Martin, "I don't know what you are talking about,
+grandfather. I don't see that you have got much to boast of. What about
+my father, and Uncle Svend, and Uncle Reinert,--every one lost in the
+Consul's ships; and what have you got by it all? Two empty hands, and
+just as much food as will keep body and soul together. Or perhaps you
+think," continued he, with a fiendish laugh, "that we have some
+connection with the family because of Marianne!"
+
+"Martin, it's--it's--" began the old man, his face crimsoning up to the
+very roots of his hair, and struggling vainly with his infirmity.
+
+"Have a drink, old un," said Tom, good naturedly, handing Begmand the
+mug.
+
+The old man paused for breath. "Thanks, Mr. Robson," said he, taking a
+long breath.
+
+Tom Robson made signs to the others to leave him alone. Begmand put his
+pipe into his waistcoat pocket, got up, and went into the little room by
+the kitchen, where he slept. The unwonted drink had roused again the
+fire of his youth, and never had he felt his helplessness so keenly as
+he did that evening.
+
+The others still sat drinking till there was no more, and the lamp began
+to grow dim as the oil gave out. Then they staggered off; Woodlouse away
+through West End, while Tom clambered up a steep path that led over the
+hill at the back of Begmand's cottage. He lived with a widow in a small
+house near the farm buildings of Sandsgaard.
+
+Torpander went with Robson, because he was afraid to go through West End
+alone, and because he wanted to have a last glance at Marianne's window,
+which looked on to the hillside.
+
+Martin shut the door after them, and managed to lift up the lid of a
+sort of locker in which he was going to sleep. He did not see that there
+were some empty bottles on the locker, and they rolled down on the
+floor, and one of them was broken against the spittoon. The lid slipped
+out of his hand, and, without trying to undress, he let himself fall
+just as he was into the bedclothes.
+
+The last remaining drop of oil in the lamp was now gone, and the last
+blue flame flickered up through the chimney and was quenched. Then
+followed a thick grey smoke, which came curling up from the still
+glowing wick, and wreathed itself in graceful spirals through the glass
+and glided out into the room, until it looked like a maze of fairy
+threads in the faint light from the window.
+
+Nothing was heard but the sound of heavy breathing. The old man's
+respiration was short and broken, while Martin, after turning over a few
+times, lay quiet, and at length began to snore. Before long he started
+up again uneasily, heated as he was by drink and passion.
+
+Still a little longer smouldered the red glow of the wick, while the
+smoke wreathed up thinner and thinner through the glass and spread
+itself in the darkness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+Fanny Garman had from the first shown herself particularly well disposed
+towards Madeleine, and had more than once invited her to come and pay
+her a visit in the town. Nothing had hitherto come of the invitation,
+for even Madeleine, unversed as she was in the ways of society, could
+see that nothing more was meant than a compliment.
+
+One Sunday, however, Madeleine was standing before the looking-glass,
+only partially dressed, and with her thick dark hair hanging in curls
+over her shoulders. Fanny happened to pass, and caught sight of her
+reflection by the side of Madeleine's. She stopped and noticed the
+contrast. The dark hair and slightly gipsy complexion of her cousin set
+off her own fair skin and light hair most admirably. It is true that
+Madeleine was taller, and her figure rather more stately, but the face
+itself had only very slight pretensions to beauty. Fanny closely
+observed the effect as she helped Madeleine to arrange her hair, and
+when she had finished her observations she threw her arm round
+Madeleine's waist, and they left the room together.
+
+"Listen now, my dearest Madeleine," began she, arching her eyebrows. "I
+am really very much annoyed with you, for never coming down to see us in
+the town. As a punishment, I shall take you with me this afternoon.
+Morten can sit on the box."
+
+Madeleine looked into the small and delicate face, and could not help
+thinking how lovely it was. The large blue eyes looked so charmingly out
+through their lashes; the pose of the head was so elegant; while round
+the mouth played so many changing expressions, which seemed to rivet the
+attention when she was speaking.
+
+"What are you staring at?" asked Fanny, mischievously.
+
+"You really are too pretty," answered Madeleine, with sincerity.
+
+"Well, that's a rustic compliment," laughed her cousin, turning colour a
+little, but looking still more charming.
+
+Madeleine went down with them to the town, and stayed a few days;
+afterwards she paid short visits there more frequently. Fanny took her
+to the few amusements the town offered, and occasionally there were
+small _réunions_ either in their own house, or in those of some of their
+acquaintances. Wherever they went the two seemed to set each other off
+by the wonderful contrast in their appearance, or by some coquettish
+similarity or difference in their toilets.
+
+It was the rule in the Garmans' house, that any one who was staying
+there could do exactly as they liked. They could come or go, ride or
+drive, just as the fancy took them. The house was so large, and there
+were so many guests, and so many business acquaintances who came either
+to dinner or supper, that the absence of any particular person attracted
+but little attention. Madeleine, therefore, soon perceived that no one
+seemed to miss her very much if she was away. Mrs. Garman was as usual
+more or less peevish; and Rachel kept to herself, which Fanny maintained
+was because she had taken up with a new father confessor.
+
+The Consul was the only person who seemed to care for her, and when she
+came back from a visit in the town, he would pat her on the head and
+say, "Well, my dear, I am glad to see you back again."
+
+One day, just as she was getting into Fanny's carriage to drive down to
+the town, the Consul happened to pass the door.
+
+"Are you going to run away from us again?" said he, with a friendly
+smile, as he passed.
+
+Madeleine felt she had a guilty conscience, and, after much stammering
+and hesitation, she at last managed to ask her uncle if he did not like
+her to go.
+
+"Oh no! I didn't mean that," said the Consul, as he patted her on the
+cheek. "I wish you always to do exactly what you like best."
+
+As Madeleine sat in the carriage she could not help thinking that she
+was one of the dullest creatures on earth. How could she be so foolish
+as to imagine that any one in the house cared whether she were there or
+not? More probably she was only in the way. She could not help
+regretting her defective education, and a few days after, when she
+returned to Sandsgaard, she noticed that her uncle did not pat her on
+the cheek. The fact was, she did not yet quite understand her new life;
+everything had turned out so different to what she had expected.
+
+When Madeleine and her friend Per had met for the last time, but few
+words had passed between them, but when he went down the hill towards
+Bratvold, she stood gazing after him till he was out of sight. She had
+then made a vow to keep true to him, no matter what her relations might
+say, and she knew well enough they would all be against her; but as she
+looked over the sea, she felt herself so strong and so determined, that
+she could not doubt her courage and her constancy to her first love.
+
+But now, as it so turned out, her constancy was never called in
+question. She felt certain that a rumour of her connection with Per must
+have reached Sandsgaard, for she well knew that there were stories
+enough about her free and unrestrained life at Bratvold, and so at first
+she always dreaded the slightest allusion to it. She had at the same
+time quite made up her mind to confess openly how matters stood, and to
+say plainly that although he was nothing but a simple peasant and
+fisherman, she, Madeleine Garman, would be true to him. But in the
+course of conversation she could not discover even the most distant hint
+at her adventure; it did not even appear that anything really was known
+about it; her past life was, in fact, never mentioned in any way, and it
+seemed to be taken for granted that she could never have conducted
+herself otherwise than naturally became a Miss Garman. It was this very
+assumption that seemed to shake her in her resolution.
+
+Everything about Fanny's pretty and artistic house was always kept in
+the best of order. Old mahogany and horsehair were here quite
+inadmissible.
+
+The furniture, which was mostly of carved walnut, and plush, had all
+come from Hamburg. _Portières_ hung before the doors, and the windows
+and the corners of the rooms were gay with _jardinières_, and vases
+containing flowers and choice foliage plants; while small tables and
+luxurious armchairs were grouped about the room. The rooms were not
+large, but when all the doors stood open the general effect was very
+pleasing, enhanced by its china, paintings, bright carpets, and gilded
+mirrors.
+
+Sandsgaard, with its large and lofty rooms, where the furniture was all
+arranged round the walls, was so cold and stiff that Madeleine could not
+help feeling she must move about noiselessly, or sit demurely in a
+corner. At Fanny's her feelings were very different; everything seemed
+so inviting; and the difficulty was to choose a seat among the many
+comfortable armchairs and sofas.
+
+Morten never seemed to be perfectly at home in his own house, where his
+heavy form was quite out of place. Fanny took but little notice of him,
+and his opinion was never consulted. However, he was easy-going, and
+preferred to keep pretty much to himself.
+
+Morten Garman had the reputation of being a good-natured fellow, but at
+the same time of not being very easy to get on with. To do business with
+him required the greatest circumspection; a single word might spoil
+everything, and if once anything upset him, it was almost impossible to
+get him right again. Old-fashioned people, therefore, preferred going
+out to Sandsgaard, and dealing with the young Consul personally; it was
+a slower process, but the result might be reckoned on with the greatest
+certainty. The young man had a habit of suddenly looking at his watch,
+breaking off the negotiations, getting into his carriage, and driving
+off to Sandsgaard or elsewhere, leaving behind him nothing but loose
+statements and half-concluded business.
+
+Fanny had never troubled her husband with any demonstrative affection,
+and certainly never with jealousy. She understood him well enough to
+know that if at any time she should have occasion for his forbearance,
+there were quite faults enough on his side to weigh down the balance in
+her favour.
+
+"There goes your admirer, Pastor Martens. Look, Madeleine, how he is
+eyeing us, the worthy man! He is taking off his hat.--Good morning,"
+said Fanny, bowing, and at the same time beckoning to him to come in.
+
+The pastor was at the other side of the narrow street, and seemed to
+consider a moment before he made up his mind to cross. In the mean time
+Fanny rang the bell and ordered chocolate. She dearly loved these
+morning visits, with a cup of chocolate or a glass of wine, and
+accordingly always kept her eye upon the street. Martens, who was the
+resident chaplain, was among her most frequent guests, especially since
+she had taken it into her head that he admired Madeleine. There was
+nothing remarkable that Fanny should have her attention taken up in
+finding a suitable _parti_ for the chaplain. The whole congregation was,
+in fact, busy in the same direction; for Martens was a man of about
+thirty, not otherwise than prepossessing in appearance, and it was now
+more than a year and a half since he had lost his first wife, so that
+nothing could be more natural than that he should be thinking about
+another.
+
+"Good morning, ladies; good morning, Miss Garman. I hope you are both
+well," said the chaplain, as he came into the room. "I could not resist
+your kind invitation, although I knew by experience that a visit to you
+is far too agreeable to be of very short duration."
+
+"You are really too kind, Mr. Martens; and your complaisance to such a
+child of the world as I am, always causes me great astonishment," said
+Fanny, giving Madeleine a look.
+
+"A great many people are astonished at it," answered the chaplain, not
+understanding her meaning.
+
+"No, really! Who? who?" cried Fanny, curiously.
+
+"Ah, you can scarcely understand," Martens began to explain, "to what an
+extent we poor clergymen are observed by the hundred eyes of our
+congregation; and the fact is, there are several most respectable old
+ladies who have taken offence at my frequent visits to Sandsgaard and to
+yourself."
+
+
+"No! How amusing! Do listen, Madeleine!" cried Fanny, beaming.
+
+"It's all very well for you to laugh," said the chaplain, good
+humouredly; "but it might be very embarrassing for me, were it not that
+I can rely on the support of the good dean."
+
+"So Dean Sparre and you get on now. I was under the impression that the
+relation--"
+
+"Yes, at first; only just at first. But I am not ashamed to confess that
+the fault was on my side. You see, when I first came I took up with some
+of our so-called Evangelical neighbours; respectable, worthy people,
+too--I should be sorry to say otherwise--but still, not exactly
+such--such--"
+
+"_Comme il faut_?" suggested Fanny.
+
+"Well," answered he, smiling, "that was not exactly the expression I was
+looking for; but still, you understand what I mean."
+
+"Perfectly!" said Fanny, laughing, as she took the cup of chocolate
+which Madeleine had poured out for her.
+
+"I am sorry to say I took up a false position with regard to the dean,
+which led to many annoyances until I learnt to know him; then everything
+smoothed itself down so nicely that, if I may venture to say so, the
+relations between us became almost that of father and son. He is an
+extraordinary man," repeated the chaplain several times.
+
+"Yes, is he not?" said Fanny. "I think he is the nicest clergyman I have
+ever seen; and if one did not understand a word of his sermon, it would
+still be most edifying only to hear him read the service. Then the
+charming poems he writes!"
+
+"Yes. For my part, I consider his last poem, 'Peace and Reconciliation,'
+the best thing of the kind that has appeared in our literature for the
+last ten years. Can you imagine anything more charming than the lines--
+
+     "'I sat, in silent peace of even,
+     On humble bench before my cot'?"
+
+"Was he poor once?" asked Madeleine, quickly.
+
+Fanny laughed; but the chaplain explained, in a clear and good-natured
+way, that the poem had been written after Sparre had become dean, and
+that the cottage was merely a poetical way of expressing his great
+simplicity.
+
+Madeleine felt that she had asked a foolish question, and went to the
+window and looked out into the street.
+
+"Yes," continued the chaplain, "there is something about the dean I can
+never quite understand. I never can quite make up my mind exactly where
+it lies; but when you are face to face with him, you feel his power and
+superiority. I might almost say he seems to fascinate you. When he is
+made a bishop--"
+
+"A bishop?" asked Fanny.
+
+"Yes, indeed; there is no doubt that the dean will have the first
+bishopric that becomes vacant. I have heard it publicly mentioned."
+
+"No, really! I should never have thought of it," said Fanny. "But you
+are quite right. Won't he look noble with his imposing figure and white
+hair, and the gold cross shining on his breast? It is a pity ours is not
+a cathedral town; a bishop is really so interesting. For instance, in
+'Leonardo.' Madeleine, have you ever seen a bishop?"
+
+Madeleine turned towards her with a deep blush on her face, as she
+stammered out, "What were you asking, Fanny?"
+
+But Fanny's quick eye had already caught sight of Delphin, who was
+coming over from the other side of the street. She returned his bow,
+and, observing Madeleine closely, said to her, "Will you be so good as
+to go and get a cup for Mr. Delphin?"
+
+"Is he coming in?" said the chaplain, looking for his hat.
+
+"Yes. But I have not given you leave to go, Mr. Martens; we were getting
+on so nicely."
+
+Delphin came in, and Fanny gave him a friendly nod, and continued, "Now,
+in your position as clergyman, you really must assist us to effect Mr.
+Delphin's conversion."
+
+"No necessity! no necessity, I assure you, Mrs. Garman," said Delphin,
+gaily. "My conversion is already about as perfect as it can be. Mr.
+Johnsen and I have been conversing on the subject in a most serious
+manner for the last half-hour."
+
+"We were also talking on religious subjects," said Fanny.
+
+"Have you just left Mr. Johnsen?" asked the chaplain, who had got his
+hat, and was on the point of taking his leave.
+
+"I walked with him a little way on the road to Sandsgaard. It appears
+that he had an invitation to go there," answered Delphin.
+
+"To-day, again!" said Fanny.
+
+"Good morning, ladies, good morning! No, you really must allow me. I
+have already been here longer than I ought. Good morning, Miss Garman."
+
+Madeleine was just coming into the room, and the chaplain took a step
+towards her in order to shake her hand; but, as she was carrying the
+tray with the cups upon it, he was obliged to content himself with
+giving her a warm and respectful look. As he went downstairs, he thought
+how unfortunate it was that Delphin should always be coming in his way.
+
+Severin Martens was naturally very good-natured, but Delphin was a man
+he could not bear. If the two got into conversation, everything seemed
+to go wrong for the chaplain. The other had a particular way of taking
+up his words, turning them into ridicule, and exciting laughter among
+the hearers, which was most unpleasant. The chaplain did not care very
+much, either, for Mr. Johnsen. That apparently helpless young man had
+shown that he knew how to look after himself only too well. "Invited
+nearly every day to Sandsgaard! Hum!" muttered Martens, as he went down
+the street.
+
+No sooner had Delphin taken the clergyman's place, than the conversation
+changed its tone.
+
+"Our worthy chaplain did not much like Johnsen's going to Sandsgaard,"
+said Fanny.
+
+"That was just the reason I mentioned it," said Delphin.
+
+"Yes, I could see that very well. You are always so dreadfully
+mischievous. But can you make out what is the matter with my learned
+sister-in-law? Rachel, who is generally as cold and unsympathetic as an
+iceberg, becomes all at once quite taken up with what appears to me the
+most unlikely person."
+
+"Your sister-in-law always appears attracted towards any one who shows
+originality."
+
+"Well," objected the lady, "I don't see much in him; at first I thought
+he was rather interesting. He reminded me somewhat of Brand in Ibsen's
+play, or something of that sort; but really, how tiresome he is, with
+his short, cutting remarks, which come plump into the middle of a
+conversation like so many stones!"
+
+"I am a man of the people! my place is among the people!" said Delphin,
+imitating Johnsen's voice and manner.
+
+Fanny laughed, and clapped her hands. Madeleine laughed too; she could
+not help it when Delphin said anything amusing. It is true she liked him
+better when he was serious, as he was when they were alone; he had then
+a frank, genuine manner that she found particularly attractive. She
+could talk to Mr. Delphin on many subjects which she would never have
+had the courage to mention to others. It was plain enough--that is to
+Fanny, though not to Madeleine--that he always paid his visits, quite
+accidentally, of course, whenever Madeleine was in the town.
+
+As they sat chatting merrily on different subjects, Fanny, who always
+kept her eye on passers-by, suddenly cried, "Just look! there is Jacob
+Worse. I declare, he is passing the house without looking up; but I saw
+him speak to some one at the door. I wonder who it could have been?"
+and, with a woman's curiosity, she hurried over to the window.
+
+"Ah!" said she, laughing, "I declare it was my little Frederick he was
+talking to. Freddy," she cried, looking out of the window, "come up to
+mother, and you shall have some chocolate."
+
+Little Christian Frederick, a white-haired, sturdy little fellow of
+between six and seven, came scrambling up the stairs. The maid opened
+the door for him, and his mother asked, as she poured him out some
+chocolate, "Who was it my Freddy was talking to downstairs there by the
+door?"
+
+"It was the big man," answered the child, looking at the cup with eager
+eyes.
+
+"The big man is Jacob Worse, and the little man is yourself, Mr.
+Delphin," explained Fanny, laughing. "My son's manners are not yet quite
+perfect. Did the big man ask who was up here with mother?"
+
+"He asked if Aunt Rachel was in town," answered the child, putting out
+his hand for the cup.
+
+Madeleine did not exactly see what the others found so amusing, but she
+joined in the laugh, because little Freddy was her darling.
+
+"You are a dangerous woman," said George Delphin, as he took his leave;
+"I must go and warn my friend Worse."
+
+"Yes, you dare!" cried Fanny, holding up her taper finger threateningly
+at him.
+
+There was something which Madeleine could not exactly define, that she
+did not quite like, about Fanny. She noticed it most when they were in
+the society of men, but even when they were alone the same unpleasant
+manner would sometimes appear. She was not accustomed to all these
+questions, innuendoes, and allusions, which always seemed to take the
+same direction; but at last she became so fascinated by her lively and
+talkative friend, that she began to lose some of her self-possession,
+and a feeling of anxiety which she could not comprehend, came over her
+lest some fate was in store for her which she was unable to avert.
+
+Fanny stood by the window, looking at Delphin as he left the house. He
+was not such a little man, after all! He had a nice figure, and his
+clothes fitted as if he had been melted into them. There was an air of
+distinction about his black moustache and curly hair. He was, in fact, a
+man that you would look twice at anywhere. It was wonderful she had
+never remarked it before!
+
+Fanny turned to Madeleine, who was clearing the table, and observed her
+narrowly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+"I notice, Mr. Johnsen," said Rachel, "that in almost all the
+conversations we have had on serious subjects, we seem to come to some
+point or another which all at once gives rise to a whole army of doubts
+and questions in us both; or perhaps, to speak more correctly, in you
+rather than in myself."
+
+"The reason is that your extraordinary acuteness leads the conversation
+into certain lines of thought," answered the inspector.
+
+Rachel paused for a moment, and looked at him. At every turn of their
+interesting acquaintance she had been on her guard against any word
+which had the slightest resemblance to a compliment. But when she saw
+before her the earnest and somewhat plain features of her friend, she
+felt that her caution was unnecessary, and she answered, "It does not
+require any extraordinary acuteness to perceive that when two people
+make an attempt in common to thoroughly understand any subject, they are
+more likely to be successful than if each were to work for himself. But
+what appears to me most remarkable is really this, that you did not long
+ago work out these problems for yourself."
+
+"You have opened my eyes to many things which hitherto--"
+
+"But hear what I have to say," broke in Rachel, with some impatience.
+"We have been going backwards and forwards here certainly for half an
+hour, talking about the many difficulties which must beset a clergyman,
+who is at the same time the servant of both God and the State, and
+continually, or at least several times, you have told me that I was
+right, or that you had not thought of such and such things before, or
+something of that sort." Rachel stopped in the broad path between the
+hedges in front of the house, where they were walking, and, looking him
+full in the face, said, "How is it possible, Mr. Johnsen, that you who
+have studied theology, and intend in the course of time to take priest's
+orders, have not already long ago made the subject clear to yourself,
+and taken your line accordingly?"
+
+Johnsen's eyes fell before her clear and penetrating glance as he
+answered, "I have been quite enough troubled by doubts and anxieties,
+which are things none of us can escape; but if it now appears to
+you--and I must confess that it is the fact--that I have neglected
+certain points, I must plead that this negligence has been caused by my
+peculiar education. I come from a poor home, a very poor home"--he
+seemed to regain his confidence as he spoke--"and I have raised myself,
+without any special abilities, by sheer hard work. My time has,
+therefore, been fully occupied during my studies, and, as far as my
+opinion goes, a person who is working in real earnest has but little
+time for speculation. Besides, there is something about the subject
+itself, and about the men with whom one is brought into
+contact--something, what shall I call it?--something soothing,
+reassuring, which has the effect of making the doubts which from time to
+time appear bring, as it were, their own solution with them. But life's
+experience, and even more, my aquaintance with you, Miss Garman, has
+caused me to waver on many points."
+
+"Do you remember our first conversation?" she asked.
+
+"I don't think I have forgotten a single word that has passed between
+us."
+
+"It was one of the first Sundays you were at Sandsgaard."
+
+"The conversation at dinner turned upon the subject of war. Was not that
+the day you mean?" asked he.
+
+"Yes, exactly," answered Rachel. "Mr. Delphin was maintaining, in his
+foolish, superficial way, that the spirit of the time would soon get rid
+of the evil of war, if we could only have done with kings and priests.
+You may remember Mr. Martens got quite excited, and insisted that
+priests were distinctly men of peace, and that their work was the work
+of peace. And then Mr. Delphin made the adroit answer, that any one who
+liked could go to church any Sunday, and hear how devoutly this man of
+peace, Mr. Martens, prays for the arms of the country by land and by
+sea."
+
+"I remember it very well," answered Johnsen, with a smile; "it was just
+there I joined in the conversation."
+
+"Yes; you declared that you would never, if you were ordained, mention
+the arms of the country in your prayers."
+
+"Neither will I; nothing shall ever make me."
+
+Rachel looked at him: he was in just the humour she liked to see him.
+
+"I bring this to your recollection," she went on, "because I know now
+that there are many other duties which fall to the lot of a clergyman,
+that you will not be able altogether to reconcile with your convictions.
+In the course of our conversations you have expressed many decided
+opinions--for instance, about the Marriage Service, about Absolution,
+Confirmation, and several other matters; so that it now appears clear to
+me that you must either give up the idea of being ordained, or else be
+false to yourself."
+
+"False to myself I cannot be," cried he; "I would rather give up my
+future prospects."
+
+"But is that sufficient?"
+
+"I don't understand you, Miss Garman."
+
+"Do you think that you would be doing yourself justice by thus evading
+the responsibility that your convictions give rise to? If I were a
+man"--Rachel drew herself up--"I would go and seek the conflict, and not
+shirk it."
+
+"Neither will I shirk it, Miss Garman," answered Johnsen.
+
+"I hope you won't; there are quite enough who do." She looked towards
+the house to which they were approaching, and through the open window
+saw Fanny and Delphin carrying on a flirtation. Pastor Martens and
+Madeleine were going towards the croquet lawn, and Jacob Worse stood
+watching them with a cigar in his mouth.
+
+Rachel turned quickly round to her companion and said, "I don't know
+anything more despicable than when a man does not dare, either by word
+or deed, to declare plainly what he feels in his inner consciousness to
+be in opposition with generally received opinions. A man who sneaks
+through life in this manner is, in my opinion, a coward."
+
+She went towards the house, and Johnsen remained standing for a moment,
+and then wandered down the path again, lost in deep thought.
+
+Jacob Worse said to her as she passed him, "Would you like to join the
+croquet? I hardly think it is right to leave your cousin to play alone
+with the chaplain."
+
+"I think you might have spared yourself that well-meant remark, Mr.
+Worse," answered Rachel, in a tone which made him look at her with
+astonishment. "It seems to me, on the contrary, that Madeleine is in
+very good company--just the company that suits her."
+
+"I beg your pardon," answered Worse, good humouredly. "I did not mean to
+be indiscreet; but I cannot help feeling that your cousin is in reality
+of such a lively nature, it is hard for her to find vent for her
+spirits."
+
+"I did not know that Madeleine had such a concealed fund of spirits. As
+a general rule, I do not much care for people who are afraid to show
+their feelings."
+
+"Afraid?" asked he, in astonishment.
+
+"Yes; I said afraid. What else is it but want of courage which makes a
+man sit down quietly and hide his thoughts, conceal his convictions,
+live a false life, and play a part from morning to night? It were better
+to do like your friend out there"--and she gave a toss of her head
+towards Delphin--"to talk so grandly about one's principles, and to
+illustrate them by paradoxes and witticisms."
+
+Jacob Worse now saw that he had found Rachel in a more earnest mood than
+he had expected.
+
+"I have often observed," said he, seriously, "that you always think that
+it is a man's duty to speak out boldly when he finds his convictions are
+in danger; but allow me to explain--"
+
+"I don't want to hear any explanations," rejoined Rachel, "and you are
+not bound to give me any; but I repeat what I said. It is cowardly."
+
+She regretted the word the moment it was spoken. She said it because she
+had just used the same expression in her conversation with Johnsen; but,
+however, without saying anything further, she went into the house.
+
+Jacob Worse remained thoughtfully contemplating his cigar. At last,
+then, the storm had burst. The ill humour he had so long noticed in her
+had found vent. He knew she meant what she said. She thought he was a
+coward. There had hitherto been a kind of friendly comradeship between
+them, which excluded any attempts at courtesy. She had told him that
+their friendship must be on this footing, if he wished it to continue.
+He had accepted his position, and they had often talked freely together,
+but latterly less than had formerly been the case.
+
+Jacob Worse turned round, and found himself face to face with Mr.
+Johnsen, who was coming up the path with his eyes fixed on the ground.
+He at once perceived that here was to be found the cause for Rachel's
+extraordinary conduct, and the discovery did not tend to put him in a
+better humour.
+
+Mr. Hiorth the magistrate, and Mr. Aalbom the schoolmaster, were seated
+together in the old summer-house near the pond. They were generally to
+be found together on these Sunday afternoons at Sandsgaard. The
+opportunity for talking scandal was one not to be neglected.
+
+Hiorth's family had been for a long time in the service of the State, a
+fact of which he was not a little proud; and after his daughter's
+marriage with Morten Garman, who was one of the most eligible young men
+of the district, his somewhat sensitive feelings began to revolt against
+the self-satisfaction which the Garman family seemed to have inherited
+with their solid prosperity.
+
+Aalbom was, therefore, not afraid to give free play to his bitter
+tongue, and after a good dinner he was just in the vein for so doing.
+
+"They are asleep," said he. "I dare bet they are both of them fast
+asleep. Have you not noticed that both the Consul and his brother
+disappear after dinner every Sunday?"
+
+"Yes, I have remarked that I don't generally see them when the coffee
+comes; but it is only for about a quarter of an hour," answered the
+magistrate, as he brushed some cigar-ash off his coat, just where his
+new North Star Order hung.
+
+"They are not treating you properly," continued Aalbom; "especially when
+Richard calls himself an _attaché_, and has some pretensions to good
+manners."
+
+"Oh! well, as far as he is concerned," answered the other, "he means to
+show his contempt for people in office. Richard Garman, like all people
+who have led shady lives, is an ultra-Radical."
+
+"No doubt, sir. And I am not very certain about the Consul either; he
+has no respect for a cultivated intellect."
+
+"But can you expect anything better from a man in trade?"
+
+"A shopkeeper, you might say," whispered Aalbom, looking cautiously
+around. "There, now," he added, "I declare if it is not raining! Just
+what one might have expected. We had a little sunshine in the morning,
+and so of course it must rain in the afternoon. What a climate! what a
+country!" and, amid a torrent of ejaculations and anathemas, they both
+went hurriedly round the pond, and reached the house just as the rain
+began to fall in earnest.
+
+The company generally sat downstairs when the weather was fine, in the
+room with the French windows opening into the garden; but now, as it had
+begun to rain, and the wind began to rustle through the flowers and the
+Virginian creeper on the railings, they went upstairs.
+
+Whether it was that the two Garmans had really wished to show their
+contempt for people in office by taking a nap, or whether their absence
+had been accidental, they had both returned to the company, and Richard
+was standing with his back to the fireplace, and the Consul was under
+the old clock, in conversation with Jacob Worse.
+
+It was generally supposed that it was to these Sunday afternoon
+conversations with Worse that the Consul owed his perfect knowledge of
+every event that took place in the town.
+
+Madeleine was sitting by the window, looking out at the rain. She was
+quite astonished to find how agreeable Pastor Martens could be. Her
+knowledge of clergymen had hitherto been confined to her father's
+descriptions of them, which were amusing enough, but far from
+flattering.
+
+But Mr. Martens was quite lively, if not merry. He had not attempted to
+say anything serious, and she had nothing against him except that he hit
+very hard at croquet; but he played really well, and seemed to enjoy it.
+It was a pity that the rain had come before they had finished their
+game.
+
+It was one of those evenings when it is not dark enough to light the
+candles, but is still too dark for any one to see to work; and a wet
+evening, even in summer, can become very tiresome before lights, cards,
+and such like make their appearance.
+
+Mrs. Garman and Mrs. Aalbom sat gossiping on the sofa; and Fanny, who in
+the course of the day had received more than one reproving look from her
+mother-in-law for flirting with Delphin, was now doing penance with the
+old ladies, to whom Pastor Martens had also attached himself.
+
+Quite a group had gathered round the fireplace by the _attaché_,
+consisting of the magistrate, Mr. Aalbom, and Delphin. Morten had
+disappeared, no one knew whither.
+
+Delphin was anxious to slip away, so as to get an opportunity of having
+a chat with Madeleine; but Richard would not let him go--he was just the
+man after the _attaché's_ heart. He reminded him of his own youth, with
+his polite assurance and ready wit. The old diplomatist had a weakness
+for getting up little disputes among his acquaintances, while he
+himself, by alternately assisting the two sides, took care to preserve
+the balance between them, and maintain a good tone in the discussion.
+From this point of view George Delphin was quite a treasure. He had just
+that irritating manner which sometimes became very nearly offensive, but
+was at the same time so polished, that it would indicate a want of good
+breeding to be annoyed at it. It was thus a real treat for Uncle Richard
+to see the magistrate, with all his aplomb, writhe under Delphin's
+adroit and sarcastic rejoinders. Aalbom, on the other hand, was not so
+well bred, and often, therefore, broke through conventionalities, to the
+great delight of both the _attaché_ and the magistrate.
+
+Uncle Richard had on this occasion led the conversation in a direction
+which he knew would be at the same time entertaining and interesting.
+The subject was the position of the country with regard to other
+nations. Mr. Hiorth had been in Paris under Louis Philippe, and Delphin
+had two years previously made a summer tour through Europe, while the
+schoolmaster had been at the University of Copenhagen. Delphin's account
+of his travels was most animated, and culminated in the greatest
+admiration for Paris. The magistrate maintained that Paris was a
+dangerous, restless, and vicious town. This was the result of his
+observation in 1847, and it was generally allowed that since that time
+it had become even worse. Aalbom vainly tried to get in something about
+Thorwaldsen's museum.
+
+The conversation began to get lively. The _attaché_ distributed his aid
+with the greatest impartiality, and winked knowingly at Delphin, when to
+all appearances he had quite gone over to the magistrate's side. Each
+point as it arose was discussed with the greatest eagerness, until they
+arrived at woman's position in society. The magistrate was very strong
+on the subject of French immorality, but he was unluckily obliged to
+curtail his remarks on account of the ladies. Aalbom, who was able to
+take up a firm position on the ground of his acquaintance with "The
+Origin and History of the French Language," came to the assistance of
+his friend with a string of the most frightful quotations from Rabelais
+to Zola. Both then began to compare the women of their own country with
+those of Northern Europe generally, and managed to make the comparison a
+very favourable one, holding up their countrywomen as veritable
+heroines; and as both Richard Garman and Delphin were far too gallant to
+dispute their theory, so the other two had full enjoyment of their
+triumph.
+
+Jacob Worse now got up and joined the group. He had not been able to
+help partly overhearing the conversation, and ruffled as he was by
+Rachel's accusations, he could no longer keep silence. The Consul smiled
+as he joined the others, and said in a low tone, "I will keep my eye
+upon you, and if it gets too hot, will come to your assistance."
+
+From the moment Jacob Worse began to take part in the conversation, the
+_attaché_ felt that the reins were slipping out of his hands. Worse went
+at it hammer and tongs; not that he raised his voice, or used unbecoming
+expressions, but his views were so subversive and so original, that the
+others were forthwith reduced to silence. At the first onset he brushed
+aside all the nonsense about Norwegian women, and that sort of thing,
+and went on boldly to consider the position of woman generally with
+regard to man. The magistrate asked him superciliously if he meant them
+to understand that he was in favour of emancipation; and when Worse
+answered that he was, the magistrate asked him with a smile how he
+thought he would be treated by an "emancipated wife." Worse, however,
+maintained that it was not a question how a man was treated, but what
+the relation really was which existed between the two. The time must be
+drawing to a close when the sole consideration was, what a man found
+most agreeable, and it was to be hoped that the young men of the future
+would be ashamed to argue from that basis. This was plainly a hit, not
+only at the magistrate, but at all married men of his generation. Aalbom
+protested warmly against Worse's theory, and his wife could be heard
+ejaculating in the distance. Pastor Martens now came and joined the
+disputants.
+
+Jacob Worse was becoming excited; he spoke hurriedly, and his tone
+showed that he only restrained himself by an effort. On what absurd
+principles, he maintained, was the education of women generally
+conducted! How many thousands ended their career, worn out by the
+drudgery of household duties! Their intellect was wasted, and their
+strength exhausted for nothing. It was quite easy to talk so glibly of
+purity in a state of society where man was to know everything and have a
+right to everything, while woman was to be debarred from all
+intellectual knowledge.
+
+At the first pause in the conversation, Aalbom came to the front as
+woman's champion, and the magistrate and Martens joined him. The
+conversation now waxed warmer, and Delphin wandered off to Madeleine,
+leaving Worse struggling alone against the arguments which both sides
+brought to bear on him. The disputants became heated and excited, and
+all went on talking at once, without giving time for the others to
+finish their sentences.
+
+The _attaché_ stood with his hands behind his back, regarding with
+apprehension the storm he had raised, and which was now out of his power
+to quell.
+
+Mr. Johnsen made several attempts to join in the conversation, which
+had, however, become so warm that no one could be got to listen to his
+measured and carefully worded remarks. Rachel followed the arguments
+with the greatest interest, but she could not help feeling annoyed. She
+was annoyed when the others said anything stupid, and even still more so
+when she was obliged to confess that Worse was in the right. Everything
+seemed to irritate her. She could not bear to hear these men discussing
+her and her position as if she were some strange animal, and without
+ever having the grace to ask her opinion. The conversation had now gone
+far beyond woman's position, although Jacob Worse tried in vain to keep
+them to the point. Off they went through recent literature, foreign
+politics, home politics, ever with increasing earnestness, and with the
+same division of parties. Latterly the pastor had come more to the
+front. Aalbom's voice began to fail him, and the magistrate was unable
+any longer to get beyond the beginning of his sentences, and could do
+little else than point to his decorations and say, "For God and the
+King!" And before they knew where they were, they found themselves on
+the subject of modern scepticism.
+
+Jacob Worse protested against this digression; but Martens, whose voice
+was just as calm as when he began, maintained that this lay at the
+bottom of the whole question, and that modern unbelief formed, as it
+were, a background to all the questions they had been discussing, and
+that all the arguments that were adduced from a "certain point of view"
+had their roots in this very principle.
+
+The magistrate and Aalbom were agreed on this point, but Jacob Worse,
+with a pale face and excited gestures, began, "Gentlemen--!"
+
+The Consul here made a sign to Miss Cordsen, who opened the doors into
+the dining-room, from whence the bright light shone suddenly into the
+room. The disputants only now remarked that it had become quite dark as
+they were talking. The company then adjourned to the dining-room,
+thankful enough to have a little breathing-time, but the voices still
+retained traces of the excitement.
+
+"Where did you get those splendid lobsters, mother?" asked Morten, who
+had suddenly turned up, no one knew from whence. He never missed his
+meals.
+
+"Uncle Richard brought them," answered Mrs. Garman. "I think he has a
+fisherman at Bratvold, who always brings him the finest lobsters that
+are to be got." She had taken care to help herself to some of the coral,
+which looked most appetizing in its contrast to the white meat.
+
+Madeleine got almost as red as the lobster, and bent down over her
+teacup. Per, and everything connected with her old home, now seemed so
+distant, that when she thought upon her original intention of making an
+open confession, the idea seemed mere folly. She was indeed thankful
+that none of those around her guessed how near she had been to such an
+absurd engagement.
+
+The two brothers, when they were going to bed that evening, had a chat
+over the events of the day. Richard's room opened into the Consul's, and
+notwithstanding that his habit of smoking cigarettes was an abomination
+to his brother, the door between the rooms always remained open at
+night. Each had his own particular method of undressing. The Consul took
+off each garment in due order, folded it up, and laid it in its
+appointed place. Richard, on the other hand, tore off his things and
+threw them about anyhow. He then wrapped himself in his dressing-gown,
+and sat down and smoked till his brother was ready.
+
+"He is the very devil, that Worse!" said the _attaché_, leaning back in
+the armchair; "but it does me good to hear any one speak out his mind so
+plainly."
+
+"He is too violent; he forgets conventionalities."
+
+"It is possible to have too much conventionality. It is well for young
+people to air their views; it does them good."
+
+"What nonsense you are talking, Dick!" cried the Consul, entering his
+brother's room. "What the deuce would become of the world if youngsters
+were allowed to jabber like that on every possible occasion?"
+
+But Uncle Richard was not nervous when they were _tête-à-tête_. He got
+slowly up from his chair, and let his dressing-gown slip off his
+shoulders; and the two brothers now stood opposite each other, in very
+different _déshabille_. The young Consul was in his night-shirt, and a
+pair of flannel drawers tied at the knees with broad tape. His thin legs
+were thrust into long grey stockings, which Miss Cordsen alone knew how
+to knit. Richard had a pair of Turkish slippers, thread stockings, which
+fitted closely to his well-formed leg, and a shirt of fine material
+stiffly starched, in which he always slept. There were none of his
+brother's failings which the Consul disliked more than this.
+
+"I tell you what, Christian Frederick," said Uncle Richard, as he laid
+his hand on his brother's shoulder, "I don't say that young people will
+do the world a great deal of good by making a noise, but I am quite
+certain that none of us have done it much good by holding our tongue."
+
+"What do you mean? Nonsense, Richard!" said the Consul, contemptuously,
+as he turned back into his room.
+
+They both got into bed and put out their lights.
+
+"Good night, Christian Frederick."
+
+"Good night," answered the Consul, rather drily; but just as Uncle
+Richard was on the point of falling asleep, he heard his brother say--
+
+"Dick, Dick! are you asleep?"
+
+"No, not quite," answered the other, sitting up in bed.
+
+"Well, then, perhaps there was something in what you said just now. Good
+night."
+
+"Good night," said the _attaché_, lying down with a smile on his face. A
+few minutes after the two old gentlemen were snoring peacefully in
+unison.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+Gustaf Torpander was still consumed by his silent passion. Every penny
+he could save he devoted either to heightening his personal attractions
+or to treating Marianne's brother; for hitherto he had never had the
+courage to offer her any presents personally. The circuitous course he
+was thus driven to follow in his courtship, was not altogether agreeable
+to the Swede, and the drinking bouts at Begmand's cottage, in which he
+was obliged to take part in order to get a glimpse of his sweetheart, he
+found particularly distasteful.
+
+At first Marianne was greatly annoyed by the attentions of the
+journeyman printer. From her earliest childhood, the knowledge of her
+exceptional beauty had made her careful to be on her guard against any
+advances from the other sex; but since her misfortune, she had come to
+regard every attention as a kind of persecution. But her shyness was
+generally received with an incredulous smile or a coarse joke. What
+shocked her most was, that men seemed no longer to believe that she
+really meant to shun them in earnest, and she was therefore quite
+nervous if any of them approached her. When, however, she saw that
+Torpander did not presume on his acquaintance, and preserved his polite
+and even respectful manner, she became at last used to his society, and
+had even a kind of sympathetic feeling for him. For Tom Robson she had
+always an unconquerable aversion. It is true that she saw Tom only from
+his worst side, when he was drinking. In the morning, when Robson was
+sober, there was something of the gentleman about him. He was always
+neatly dressed in a blue serge suit, coloured shirt, and in dry weather
+wore canvas shoes. It was a great pleasure for the young Consul to go
+his morning round in the ship-yard with Mr. Robson. The work went on
+bravely, and the ship bid fair to be both handsome and well built. Mr.
+Garman knew Tom's weakness as well as any one, but as long as he
+attended to his work he was free to use his leisure as he liked. The
+firm had always worked on the principle that the less the workpeople
+were interfered with the better. They worked all the better for it, and
+gave far less trouble generally.
+
+"I think she ought to be ready next spring," said the Consul one day in
+the beginning of July.
+
+"In about eight or nine months, if the winter is not too wet," answered
+Tom.
+
+"I should be very pleased if we could manage to launch her on the 15th
+of May," said the Consul, in a low tone; "but you must not mention the
+day to any one; you understand, Mr. Robson?"
+
+"All right, sir," answered Tom.
+
+Tom did not betray the day, even to his friend Master Gabriel; he only
+said it was to be some time in the spring, and with that Gabriel had to
+be content: but he still showed great curiosity as to what the name of
+the ship was to be. Tom swore that he knew nothing about it, and Morten
+answered that it was "a thing which did not concern schoolboys." From
+which Gabriel inferred that neither of them knew much about it, and, at
+all events, not Morten.
+
+During the summer Gabriel got on but poorly at school; it seemed really
+too hard that he should have to pore over his books, while the work was
+going on with all its noise and bustle in the ship-yard. His
+character-book showed a sad spectacle, and each month when he had to
+take it in to his father, he made up his mind to make a little speech,
+of which the burden was to be, that he did not wish to continue his
+studies, but to be employed in the office, or be allowed to go to sea,
+or anywhere his father chose to send him. But each time when he stood
+before those cold blue eyes, every word seemed to vanish from his
+memory, and he looked so helpless and confused that his father shook his
+head as he left the room, and said--
+
+"I can't make the boy out. I don't think he will ever grow into a man."
+
+When first Madeleine came to Sandsgaard, Gabriel had found it a great
+relief to confide his woes to her. But now she had got too clever for
+him, and refused to be frightened by his threats of running away to sea,
+or giving his master, Mr. Aalbom, some rat-poison in his toddy, and he
+ended by feeling jealous of Delphin.
+
+Fanny had for some time remarked that Delphin was openly paying his
+attentions to Madeleine, and the more plainly her sharp eyes took in the
+situation, the more clearly did she perceive that she had been relegated
+to the unenviable position of third person. She knew that Delphin had
+been used to the society of Christiania; he was neither so young nor so
+green as most of her father's assistants, and she therefore found his
+society agreeable. But when she found that, as usual, he began at once
+to show his admiration for her, she thought to herself he was no
+different to the rest. But now she began to take a little more notice of
+him; perhaps it was hardly worth while to let him slip entirely out of
+her hands; and when she looked at herself in the glass, she could not
+help laughing and thinking how absurd it was for any one, with her
+pretensions to beauty, to be contented to accept her present humiliating
+position.
+
+Fanny had arranged that Madeleine should take music lessons in the town,
+and Delphin had got to know exactly when these music lessons took place.
+Madeleine met him very frequently, and they generally managed to go a
+little out of the way on her return, either in the streets, or in the
+park. Madeleine found these meetings rather amusing, and talked gaily
+and openly with her admirer.
+
+"Now, Mr. Delphin," she said to him one day, "how is it you are so
+sarcastic and critical when you are in society? When we are alone you
+are much more agreeable."
+
+"The reason is, Miss Madeleine, that when I am talking alone with you, I
+show more of my natural character; when I am in conversation with other
+people, I rather prefer to conceal my opinions."
+
+"So you conceal your opinions?" said she, laughing.
+
+"Yes. What I mean is, I don't care for every passer-by to pry into my
+mind. I generally keep the blinds down."
+
+"Yes, now I understand," she answered seriously; not that she remarked
+the preference shown her, but she could not help thinking how much of
+her own life was also concealed by a curtain.
+
+In one of the small streets near the sea they had to pass through a
+crowd of fishermen, who had been out all night, and were carrying home
+their lines, tarpaulins, and large baskets full of fish.
+
+"Bah!" said Delphin, when they had passed, "I can't bear that smell of
+fish. But I forgot, Miss Garman; you must have had plenty of it when you
+lived at Bratvold."
+
+"Oh yes!" answered Madeleine, with some confusion.
+
+"Well, for my part," he continued, in a merry tone, "I can say with
+truth that I am a friend of the people, but I must confess that when the
+dear creatures come too near my nose my affection for them somewhat
+cools. There is something about that mixture of fish, tobacco, tar, and
+wet woollen clothes that I can't get over."
+
+Madeleine could not but feel what a vivid description this was of the
+people among whom she had lived, and of him to whom she had so
+nearly--Ah, it was well she had not betrayed the secret to any one.
+
+As they were crossing the market Delphin pointed to some one going in
+the direction of Sandsgaard.
+
+"I declare, there is Mr. Johnsen going to Sandsgaard again to-day. Do
+you know, Miss Garman, he has gone a little wrong in his head?" But
+Madeleine had heard nothing about it.
+
+"Yes, he is quite wrong in his head," continued her companion; "but it
+is not yet perfectly clear whether he is in love or whether it is
+religious mania. In favour of the first theory, that he is in love, we
+have the fact that he rushes over to Sandsgaard nearly every day, and is
+seen talking _tête-à-tête_ with Miss Rachel. In favour of the other
+theory, that he has gone wrong on the subject of religion, it is said
+that he intends to give us no end of a sermon one of these Sundays.
+Won't you go to hear him?"
+
+"Well, I don't know; but if the others go, I dare say I may go too."
+
+"No! now promise me you will go to church that Sunday," said he, looking
+at her imploringly.
+
+There was no time for an answer; they were close to the door, and
+Madeleine had caught a glimpse of Fanny behind the curtains of the
+sitting-room.
+
+In the mean time Mr. Johnsen went on his way. It was quite true that he
+was going to Sandsgaard, but Delphin's statement that he was there every
+day was an exaggeration. Since that Sunday, when the conversation had
+waxed so warm, he had not been at Sandsgaard; but his thoughts had been
+occupied ever since by the recollection of his last conversation with
+Rachel in the garden.
+
+Eric Johnsen came, as he often said, of a poor family. At the Garmans'
+he was first brought into contact with that luxury which he had hitherto
+despised, and he had made up his mind beforehand that he would not allow
+himself to be dazzled by it, and therefore on his first introduction had
+made his best endeavour to put on an air of severity, and to show
+himself superior to its attractions. But now he was not only astonished
+by the well-ordered and unpretentious comfort of the house, but he was
+also shaken in his preconceived notions about the rich, when he came to
+make the acquaintance of the Garmans. Johnsen had expected to find
+something more ostentatious, especially at table; but the solid tone of
+the household, and the easy and polished manners of the family, perhaps
+most of all the presence of Rachel, finally caused him to change his
+original ideas. He regarded with suspicion the satisfaction he felt,
+after having been at Sandsgaard a few times. He was on his guard against
+everything that tended to draw him away from his calling. There was one
+point which he felt of the highest importance, which was, since he had
+his origin from the poor and indigent, it was among them his work ought
+to lie, among paupers and in pauper schools.
+
+One day Johnsen actually found himself hesitating before the door of his
+school, shrinking from going into its tainted atmosphere, when it was
+not actually necessary for him to do so. The discovery caused him at
+first the greatest uneasiness. Now, however, Rachel's society was
+beginning to have more influence over him. It was no longer the comfort
+of Sandsgaard which attracted him--of that he was quite certain; neither
+had he any feeling for the young lady except interest, a deep, earnest
+interest, after all the stirring impressions he had received through
+her. She had a wonderful power over him. Her words seemed to shed a ray
+of light over much which he had hitherto overlooked. He had, like the
+rest of us, the germs of doubt in his heart, and he was still so young
+and fresh that his aspirations were but loosely covered, and had not yet
+had time to wither entirely in his heart. When, therefore, he was
+suddenly thrown into the society of a woman of such intellectual power,
+his mind seemed as it were to awake, and her influence and his own
+reviving energies kindled within him a desire for action which increased
+with each day that passed. The tiresome and uninteresting work of his
+daily life seemed aimless to him. He must find some other means of
+publishing his convictions--this was now clear to him. He went,
+therefore, to his adviser, ready to engage in any combat into which she
+might think fit to send him.
+
+Rachel generally did at home pretty much as she liked. She disdained all
+the hundred restraints which are generally considered so necessary for a
+young girl; they plainly did not apply in her case--she was so different
+to others. As soon, therefore, as Johnsen had exchanged a few words with
+old Mrs. Garman, she said, without further ado, "Come, Mr. Johnsen, let
+us take a turn in the garden," without her mother being in the least
+astonished. Rachel had grown up quite beyond her power of restraint, and
+if it came to the worst, thought Mrs. Garman, this unusual _penchant_
+for a clergyman was not the worst one Rachel could have hit upon.
+
+The two went down into the garden, where they walked as usual up and
+down the central path. He found it rather difficult to lead the
+conversation in the direction he wished. His tone was therefore somewhat
+doubtful, as he said, "I have thought a great deal about our last
+conversation; in fact, I have hardly thought of anything else since,
+and, with your permission, I should like to say a few more words on the
+same subject."
+
+"I am always glad to talk with you," answered Rachel, fixing her eyes
+upon him. Rachel had the same clear blue eyes as her father, to whom, in
+fact, she bore considerable resemblance, even in the slight projection
+of her under jaw. Her dark hair was faintly tinged with red, especially
+at the temples, and her tall and well-built figure rendered her
+appearance rather more imposing than attractive. The young men generally
+were absolutely afraid of her, and she had the reputation of being
+terribly learned and sarcastic, which was considered to be a great pity,
+as in other respects she was a most desirable _parti_. Mr. Johnsen did
+not notice any of these peculiarities: all he thought of was leading the
+conversation into the direction he desired. At length he was successful.
+He spoke with ever-increasing earnestness on the change that had taken
+place in him; how that she had not only roused him to meditation, but
+had also imparted to him a desire for work, for which he must now find
+vent. He had come to her to be told how and where he was to begin.
+
+Rachel seemed somewhat embarrassed. "It is not so easy for me," she
+answered, "who as a woman am debarred from a life of action, if even I
+had the wish for it, to advise you how you ought to begin."
+
+"I am ready for anything," cried he, excitedly. "I am ready to write or
+speak against the abuses I see everywhere around me. I am ready to cut
+myself adrift from the calling I have adopted, if it must be. I will not
+leave a single corner of my innermost heart concealed, but will lay open
+my convictions as a man ought to do."
+
+His young friend was too wary to allow herself to be carried away by
+this sudden outburst, which she could not but regard with some
+misgiving.
+
+"I think you ought to consider," she began, "that what we have hitherto
+been speaking of is a mere matter of scattered detail; there is scarcely
+any irreconcilable want of agreement between your ideas and those of
+Christianity in general."
+
+"But Christianity requires either an entire belief or else none at all,
+and I do not care to continue in my doubtful position any longer."
+
+"Yes; and besides," she continued, "I am quite willing to confess that I
+consider these forms and dogmas of but very slight importance. Our
+conversation has only turned particularly on these points from the fact
+that you hold a position in the Church."
+
+"But that is not what we have been talking about," answered he,
+excitedly; "the real gist of the matter is, that you have been trying to
+rouse in me a consciousness of the personal responsibility which follows
+conviction."
+
+"Yes," answered she, "you are quite right; that is exactly what I was
+aiming at."
+
+"Whether I am in the Church or not, then, is not the question. What is
+really important is to be a man--man enough to have a conviction, and
+man enough to stand by it."
+
+His vehemence and honesty overcame Rachel's scruples, and she answered
+hastily, and almost with a feeling of relief, "Yes, that is the point;
+it is exactly sincerity which is so rarely met with. This is the
+principle which I can myself scarcely hope to carry out to its full
+extent. What weight does the conviction of a woman carry with it, in a
+society like ours? But my whole sympathy is excited whenever I see
+sincerity struggling to the light. And that is why I believe that you
+are on the right path now, that you have entered upon this combat with
+falsehood. It is better to be utterly beaten in the battle than to lead
+a peaceful but insincere life."
+
+Her clear blue eyes sparkled as she spoke. He looked at her with
+rapture, and with a sudden change of manner that was characteristic of
+him, he said in a calm, quiet voice:
+
+"I will live a life of falsehood no longer!" He took a few steps, and
+said slowly and with emphasis, "I will ask the provost's permission to
+preach in the church next Sunday; I have, in fact, already said
+something to him about it. I want to tell the congregation--"
+
+"It would, perhaps, be scarcely worth while," said Rachel, "to go too
+much into details."
+
+"No, that was not my intention. I wish to bring forward the importance
+of sincerity. I will tell them plainly that I have my doubts, and that
+God is to be found in truthfulness, and not in mere forms; and I wish
+especially to examine the position of those of my own calling, who even
+more than others are fettered by forms and ceremonies."
+
+"It may cost you your future; and in any case you will make many
+enemies."
+
+"But perhaps I may make one friend."
+
+"You shall have my friendship," said she, giving him her hand, "if you
+find any support in that. You can count upon me, even if all others turn
+their backs upon you."
+
+"Thank you," said he, with solemnity, as he let go her hand. He left the
+garden hastily, but without going through the house; he took a side
+path, and went through the little wicket gate.
+
+Rachel stood gazing after him as he went down the avenue. At last she
+had met a man who dared to state his convictions. This was more than
+ever Jacob Worse would have the courage to do.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+
+Jacob Worse's mother was regarded as quite a character in the town. When
+her husband died, he was about as insolvent as a man could be. For
+several years he had only kept his business going by means of unlimited
+credit, but up to the very last he managed to keep one of the gayest
+houses in the town. Nothing was left but a mass of bills and liabilities
+when he was gone. People shook their heads, and went one and all to the
+widow to condole with her. There were both friends and enemies among
+them, but all alike were creditors. Some were for selling her up at
+once, and others wished to keep the business going, while one wished to
+buy the horses privately. The "Boston-parti"[A] to which the deceased
+belonged, agreed to give the widow a monthly allowance. For a few days
+Mrs. Worse was quite bewildered and broken down by the ruin she had so
+little expected. She had never had the slightest knowledge of her
+husband's affairs, but she was quite convinced that he was very rich. On
+the evening after the funeral she was sitting alone with her son Jacob,
+who was a boy of about seven or eight, when a little wizened,
+grey-haired man came into the room, who, after respectfully wishing Mrs.
+Worse good evening, laid on the table some account-books and papers. The
+old man was well known to Mrs. Worse: it was Mr. Peter Samuelsen,
+commonly known as Pitter Nilken, the manager of the small shop in the
+back premises. Worse's property had consisted of an entire building, of
+which the front looked out towards the sea and the quay where the
+steamers were moored, and at the back was a little dark lane, where
+Pitter Nilken had his shop. Worse never liked anybody to allude to the
+shop; he considered that he was far too respectable a man of business
+for anything of the sort. He used to say that it was mostly for old
+Samuelsen's sake, that he kept the little shop going; it could have no
+importance in a concern like his.
+
+    [Footnote A: "Boston" is a game of cards, and the
+     "Boston-parti" is a club, the members of which meet and play
+     at each other's houses.]
+
+Mrs. Worse had also believed this story; but that afternoon she learnt
+to think otherwise. It was quite clear to her, after hearing Mr.
+Samuelsen's figures and calculations, that the shop was not at all to be
+despised, and she came at last to perceive that this was what had really
+so long kept everything going.
+
+The two sat over their figures far into the night. At first
+comprehension seemed quite hopeless to Mrs. Worse. The explanations she
+had heard from her husband's friends and creditors during the last few
+days were so complicated, and couched in terms beyond her understanding;
+but with Peter Samuelsen it was quite otherwise. He never went on until
+he was quite sure that she comprehended what he said. At length it all
+began to dawn upon her, and she kept on repeating, "I declare, it is all
+as clear as daylight."
+
+Next morning she ordered her carriage and drove off alone. The scandal
+this excited in the town was beyond description. To think that she, who
+scarcely owned the very clothes on her back, should have the audacity to
+drive in a carriage and pair before the very noses of those whom her
+husband had swindled! The general feeling towards her had hitherto been
+favourable, and several people could not help feeling a mischievous
+delight at the idea of seeing the haughty Mrs. Worse live on a monthly
+allowance. But now all were as hard as stone. Mrs. Worse herself did not
+seem to be so nervous as she was the day before, and when she entered
+Consul Carman's office, with Pitter Nilken's papers under her arm, her
+step was as firm and confident as a man's.
+
+It was now several years since Worse had left the firm, but some
+ill-feeling had long remained on both sides, and the deceased and Mr.
+Garman had never got on well together. It was thus no light matter for
+the widow to betake herself to Consul Garman; but Mr. Samuelsen had
+assured her that it was quite out of the question to think of keeping
+the business going without a guarantee from Garman and Worse.
+
+When the Consul saw Mrs. Worse come into the room, he imagined that she
+was bringing a subscription-list to raise the means for educating her
+son, or something of that sort; and, as he offered her a chair on the
+opposite side of the table, he turned over in his mind how much he
+should subscribe. But when Mrs. Worse began to give an explanation of
+her affairs, according to the calculations of Pitter Nilken, the
+Consul's manner changed, and he got up, walked round the table, and
+seated himself near her. He calmly and patiently examined each paper,
+went through the calculations and figures, and at last read the draught
+of a guarantee which Samuelsen had made, with the greatest attention.
+
+"Who has assisted you with all this, Mrs. Worse?" he asked.
+
+"Mr. Samuelsen," she answered, somewhat anxiously.
+
+"Samuelsen? Samuelsen?" repeated the Consul.
+
+"Yes, that is to say, Pitter Nilken. Perhaps you know him better by that
+name."
+
+"Ah yes! the little man in the shop. H'm! Does Mr. Samuelsen wish to go
+into partnership with you?"
+
+"No. I have asked him, but he prefers to remain in his present position,
+and give me his assistance in the business."
+
+The Consul got up with the guarantee in his hand. It was one of his
+peculiarities that he could not write the signature of the firm except
+when he was sitting in his usual place. But as soon as he had seated
+himself in the old wooden armchair, he wrote in a large and bold hand,
+"Garman and Worse," taking care to adorn the signature with several
+flourishes, which he had inherited from his predecessors.
+
+Armed with this document, Mrs. Worse and Mr. Samuelsen set to work at
+the ruins. The first thing they did was to sell everything there was to
+sell; but, with the assistance of Mr. Garman, they managed to save the
+whole of the valuable premises. The front of the house was let, and the
+old lady moved over to the back, where she took turns in the shop with
+Mr. Samuelsen. She was at her post from early in the morning till late
+in the evening, gossiping with her customers, and selling tobacco,
+tallow candles, salt, coffee, tar-twine, herrings, train oil, paraffin,
+tarpaulins, paint, and many other commodities.
+
+In the course of a few years Mrs. Worse quite lost her manners. People
+in polite society had never forgiven her her drive, but still less were
+they willing to look over the fact that she, a lady, had not more
+self-respect than to sink down into the position of a common shop-woman.
+The lower orders, on the other hand, had quite a fellow-feeling for Mrs.
+Worse, and the dingy little shop was just to their taste; and thus,
+contrary to all expectation, Mrs. Worse's business, common little retail
+affair as it was, went on capitally.
+
+The trustworthy Mr, Samuelsen did the work of three. He was a little
+grey shrivelled man, with a face like a dried fig. He might be forty, or
+he might be sixty, it was not easy to tell. In his monotonous life there
+had only been one single event which he particularly remembered, and
+that was the afternoon when he had taken his books and calculations in
+to Mrs. Worse, and since that time he had, with the greatest honesty,
+helped her to overcome her many difficulties. Mr. Samuelsen had also his
+own private enemies to contend against, and these consisted of nearly
+all the school children in the town. It had always been, and was still,
+a favourite amusement for the children to "Sing for Pitter Nilken." The
+game was carried on in the following manner. Boys and girls all
+assembled, the more the merrier, generally in the dusk of the evening,
+and sneaked quietly down into the alley at the back of the Worses'
+house, and when they got under Samuelsen's shop-window, they began
+singing, to a well-known air--
+
+     "Little Pitter Nilken,
+     Sitting on his chair!
+     He's always growing smaller,
+     The longer he sits there."
+
+This couplet was repeated again and again, each time in a louder tone,
+until the tormented man seized his iron ruler and sprang over the
+counter. Then off flew the crowd, screaming and shouting along the
+narrow lane, for there was an old tradition that the iron ruler had a
+rusty stain of blood on it. Samuelsen would then retire quietly to his
+desk. In the course of years the episode had been of constant
+occurrence, and he well knew that the only way of getting a little peace
+was to make this sally with the ruler.
+
+No one could blame Mrs. Worse for making an idol of her son; he was all
+she had to care for. Although Jacob was a good son, and grew up strong
+and healthy, he had cost his mother many tears when he came home from
+school bruised and untidy after a fight. The boy had almost too much
+spirit, as the principal said, and when he was roused he did not mind
+tackling the biggest and strongest boys in the school. But he got better
+as time went on, and when he came home from abroad to take his place in
+the business, he was, and not only in his mother's opinion, one of the
+best-looking and most agreeable young men in the town.
+
+Jacob Worse took his father's old office in the front of the house,
+which looked on to the market and the quay. He carried on a business
+partly on commission and partly on his own account. He did a good deal
+of trade, particularly in corn, which had hitherto been almost entirely
+in the hands of Garman and Worse. The old firm had established itself so
+securely on every side, that he seemed to meet them whichever way he
+turned.
+
+Morten wished that Garman and Worse should at once use their strength,
+and crush their tiny rival before he had had time to become dangerous,
+but Consul Garman would not hear of it. He seemed to have an
+extraordinary liking for Worse, and even went out of his way to help
+him, and latterly "the rival" had become a constant Sunday guest at
+Sandsgaard.
+
+At first Jacob Worse did not like leaving his mother on Sunday, but Mrs.
+Worse said, "Go along, you great stupid! do you suppose that Samuelsen
+and I care to have you sitting and laughing at us when we are playing
+draughts; and besides," said she, giving him a sly poke with her finger,
+"don't you know there is somebody out there that expects you?"
+
+"Ah, mother, do stop those insinuations of yours; you know perfectly
+well nothing will ever come of it."
+
+"Now, Jacob," said Mrs. Worse, with her arms akimbo, "you think yourself
+very clever, but I tell you you are as stupid as an owl, a barn-door
+owl, when it is anything to do with women. You ought to see it must all
+come right some day. I dare say Miss Rachel is a little bit singular,
+but she is not quite cracked. You see, it will all get straight in the
+end; it will still all come right some day."
+
+This was the refrain of all Mrs. Worse's observations on this head, and
+her son saw plainly it was of no use to contradict her. It was of no use
+either to advise her to give up her shop, or, at any rate, to give up
+the management to somebody else.
+
+"Why, I should die of dropsy," said she, "and Samuelsen would dry up to
+nothing in about a fortnight, if we had not got the shop to attend to."
+
+"Yes," suggested Jacob, "but still you need not work any longer: you
+have earned some rest for your old days; besides, your legs are not so
+young as they were."
+
+"As to my legs," cried Mrs. Worse, with a gesture of impatience, "my
+legs are quite good enough for a shop-woman."
+
+"Well, why not get a horse and carriage? You have every right to have
+one."
+
+"I took a drive once that made stir enough," answered his mother; "I
+hope to take another some day, but that won't be before everything comes
+right."
+
+It was no use trying to persuade her, and so she and Samuelsen remained
+in the back premises they were so fond of, and Jacob set up his
+establishment in the front.
+
+When Mrs. Worse was in her son's rooms, she used to play the fine lady
+to her own great edification; but when she got him into her own
+apartments, her behaviour entirely changed, and her laughter was coarse
+and noisy. Her manners had really quite gone.
+
+One Saturday afternoon Delphin came into Jacob Worse's office with some
+books he had borrowed.
+
+"Have you heard that I have bought a horse?" asked he, in a merry tone.
+
+"No," answered Worse. "What new folly now?"
+
+"Well, you see, I have got an idea that it will make a favourable
+impression on Miss Madeleine if she sees me on horseback. Just fancy me
+on a horse with a long mane and tail, like the picture of General Prim;
+there!" and he went cantering round the room, and pulled up suddenly
+before Worse--"there, like that: a good fierce expression. Is not that
+it? I believe that will do the business."
+
+Worse could not help laughing, although he did not think much of the
+frivolous way Delphin had of paying his addresses to Madeleine.
+
+"You are not going to ride up to Sandsgaard this morning?"
+
+"No, not exactly; it would not do. I can't very well go up there dressed
+for riding, and if I were to ride in these clothes I should look absurd.
+But I thought of riding out there this evening, somewhere about seven
+o'clock. Just fancy me coming in over the garden wall with a flying
+salute, and lighted by the last rays of the evening sun! Why, it would
+be irresistible."
+
+"Well, I am afraid, or perhaps I ought rather to say I hope, that Miss
+Madeleine will not fully appreciate your novel way of paying her your
+addresses," said Worse, half-seriously.
+
+"Ah, my most respected friend, you know very little of woman's heart;
+and how should you, when your ideal is a woman who goes in for her
+rights? a tall bony creature with a moustache under her nose, and
+'Woman's wrongs' under her arm."
+
+"Leave off, will you?" cried Worse. "You are just in your most
+disagreeable vein. You had better go off to young Mrs. Garman. She will
+find you most amusing to-day."
+
+"A good idea, which I was already thinking of," answered Delphin, as he
+took his hat; "and at the same time I will take a place for myself in
+her carriage for to-morrow."
+
+"Won't you drive with me?" cried Worse after him.
+
+"No, thanks; I would rather go with Mrs. Garman, if for nothing else
+than to have the pleasure of seeing her worthy husband on the box," said
+he, as he went out of the door.
+
+Jacob Worse stood watching him. At first he had been very glad to make
+Delphin's acquaintance. There were not many young men in the town with
+whom he could associate. Delphin was intelligent, well read on different
+subjects, and when alone was good company enough. But by-and-by he
+showed more of the frivolous side of his character, and Worse began to
+get a little tired of his friend.
+
+Fanny was sitting all this time in a state of absolute boredom. Little
+Christian Frederick had gone out with his nurse, and the street was
+uninteresting, dusty, hot, and thronged by country people making their
+Saturday purchases. She did not care to look out of the window, but sat
+leaning back in her most comfortable armchair, yawning in front of the
+glass. Would it be better to send for Madeleine? it was several days
+since she had paid her a visit. But then she would have to play the part
+of go-between again. Or should she begin on her own account? Yes; why
+not? But then he never came except when Madeleine was there. It really
+was too tiresome.
+
+When he now came unexpectedly into the room it gave her quite a start,
+but she still remained leaning back in her armchair, and gave him her
+left hand, which was the nearest, as she said, "I am glad to see you. I
+was just thinking of you as I was sitting here all alone."
+
+"It was very kind of you, I am sure," answered he, as he sat down in a
+chair in front of her.
+
+"Yes; all sorts of foolish things come into one's head when one is
+sitting alone."
+
+"I hope I was not the most foolish thing that could come into your
+thoughts," answered Delphin, jestingly. "But it is quite true; you have
+been left a great deal alone lately."
+
+"Yes; but perhaps I have my own reasons for it."
+
+"May I venture to ask what these reasons are?"
+
+"Perhaps it would be better if I were to tell you," said she, regarding
+attentively the point of her shoe, which projected from her dress as she
+lay back in her chair. She had tiny pointed French shoes with straps
+across the instep, through which appeared a blue silk stocking.
+
+"I assure you I shall be very thankful, and at the same time most
+discreet."
+
+"Well, then, Madeleine is so young," said Fanny, as if following the
+train of her own thoughts, "that I feel it to a certain extent my duty
+to look after her, and--"
+
+"I scarcely see that it is absolutely necessary," answered he.
+
+"Yes; but when a girl so inexperienced as Madeleine is brought into
+contact with gentlemen who are--well, who are so clever as, for
+instance, yourself, Mr. Delphin, you see--" She looked at him as she
+paused in her sentence.
+
+"You are paying me too great a compliment," said he, laughing; "and
+besides, you can never imagine that I would take advantage--"
+
+"Nonsense!" rejoined Fanny; "I know all about that. You are just like
+all the rest. You would never hesitate to take advantage of even the
+slightest opportunity; would you, now? Tell me frankly."
+
+"Well," answered he, rising, "if you really wish for an honest answer, I
+must confess that when I see a strawberry that nobody else seems to
+notice, I generally pick it."
+
+"Yes; it is just that greediness that all men have, and which I find, at
+the same time, so dangerous and incomprehensible."
+
+"Yes; but, Mrs. Garman, strawberries are really so delicious."
+
+"Yes, when they are ripe," answered Fanny.
+
+The words fell from her lips as smoothly as butter. Delphin had taken a
+few paces across the room, and just turned in time to see the last
+glimpse of a look which must have been resting on him while she spoke.
+It was not very often that he lost his self-possession in a conversation
+of this kind, but the discovery he had made, or thought that he had
+made, with all its uncertainty, and the feeling of pleased vanity it
+brought with it, confused him, and he stood stammering and blushing
+before her. She still lay stretched in the armchair, a position which
+displayed to the best advantage the lines of her lovely form. Her beauty
+was fully matured, and showed freedom and elegance in every movement.
+She could see that she had said enough for the present, and she got up
+without apparently taking any notice of his confusion.
+
+"You must think," said she quickly, with a smile, "that it is absurd for
+me to preach you a sermon. We all have to attend to our own affairs; and
+if you will excuse me, I have to go and try on a dress. Good-bye, Mr.
+Delphin; I hope you will find your strawberries to your taste."
+
+Delphin was quite confounded; but before he had had time to get his hat
+she put her head in at the door, still smiling, and cried, "You will
+drive over with me to-morrow?" and, without waiting for an answer, she
+nodded her head and disappeared.
+
+Delphin had hardly recovered himself when he went for his ride to
+Sandsgaard, and he quite forgot about the flying salute over the garden
+wall, for there was no one to be seen either at the window or in front
+of the house. The fact was, his adventure had made such an impression on
+him that he did not take very much notice.
+
+Fanny at first repelled his advances haughtily; but he accepted his fate
+with resignation. George Delphin was not the man to lose his time or his
+temper, in a hopeless pursuit. There are many respectable prizes in a
+lottery without aiming at the first. But now here was the chance of
+winning the great prize, the charming Fanny, the admiration of all. His
+heart swelled with pride, and if Jacob Worse could have seen the look
+with which he regarded the passers-by, it would certainly have reminded
+him of General Prim.
+
+The next day at Sandsgaard, Fanny and Madeleine were together during the
+whole afternoon. Delphin could not manage to get an opportunity of
+talking to either separately. Just once he came upon Fanny in the
+morning-room at the piano, but she got up and went out hurriedly as he
+entered. As they drove home that evening scarcely a word passed between
+them. Fanny kept gazing the whole time over the fjord, of which they
+caught glimpses from time to time through the trees of the avenue. It
+was a still, peaceful autumn evening, and Delphin was in an excited
+mood. Each time he moved he felt the rustle of her silk dress, the folds
+of which nearly filled the carriage. Both sat quite silent to the end of
+the drive.
+
+During the next few days Madeleine was again staying with her cousin,
+whom she found more gracious than ever. Delphin came even more
+frequently than before; but she did not meet him during her walks, a
+fact which she related to Fanny. Fanny said with a smile that Delphin
+was perfectly right, and his conduct was only proper, now that people
+had begun to talk about their frequent walks together.
+
+Madeleine thought with regret upon how much there is to be careful of in
+this world; but a short time afterwards she met Mr. Delphin, and during
+the pleasant walk they had together he was most attentive, and in the
+best of spirits.
+
+Fanny was now more beaming than ever. Whenever she saw her own and
+Madeleine's reflection in the glass, which, to tell the truth, was very
+often the case, a smile of satisfaction would pass over her features.
+Without Madeleine having a suspicion, the _rôles_ had been changed, and
+the play was ready to begin, now that Fanny had made up her mind that
+the parts were in the right hands.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+
+All the Miss Sparres, of whom there were five, rushed to the window.
+
+"It is Mr. Johnsen, the new school-inspector! No, it isn't! Yes, it is!
+It _is_ Mr. Johnsen! Do you think I don't know him, although he has got
+a new coat? I declare, he is coming in!"
+
+"Clementine, you have taken my cuffs! Yes, you have! They were on the
+piano. He is only going in to see father. Clara, Clara! you are standing
+on my dress! Here he is! It is a visit! Who can have taken my cuffs?"
+
+Mrs. Sparre was not long in getting them into order. The street door was
+opened. There was a moment's breathless expectation in the room. It was
+agreed that Miss Barbara, the eldest, was to say, "Come in," and as all
+eyes were fixed upon her, she became quite pale with emotion. A knock at
+the door was heard; but it was at the study door, and the dean said,
+"Come in!" The door was heard to open, and a subdued conversation began
+in the room.
+
+"I told you he was only going to see father."
+
+"Yes, and so did I," another said. "What was the good of rushing about
+looking for your cuffs?"
+
+"I didn't rush about!"
+
+"Yes, you did!"
+
+"Hush! I wonder what he wants with father?" said Mrs. Sparre. All were
+silent, but they could not hear anything of the conversation which was
+going on in the other room.
+
+Mr. Johnsen had come to ask the dean to fulfil the promise he had made
+to him some weeks previously, and to kindly give him permission to
+preach in the church the next Sunday. The dean had not forgotten his
+promise, and was only too glad to have an opportunity of fulfilling it.
+He also begged to thank Mr. Johnsen for his goodness in offering to
+assist him in his duties.
+
+As far as that went, answered Mr. Johnsen, he would not conceal from him
+that it was not so much consideration for the weight of his duties which
+had impelled him to make the request. He must confess, that it was
+rather that he wished to have an opportunity of addressing the
+congregation on a personal matter.
+
+The dean could quite feel that his connection with the school would lead
+to the desire of speaking a few words to the parents of the children who
+were entrusted to his care.
+
+But this again was not exactly the subject on which Mr. Johnsen wished
+to speak. There were many things which might weigh on the mind and
+oppress the thoughts. It would be better, once for all, to disburden the
+conscience by coming forward honestly and truthfully.
+
+The dean allowed that the idea was only natural. It was the duty of
+every Christian, and especially of a clergyman, to speak truthfully. But
+sincerity was a rare virtue, and was often hidden under the changing
+circumstances of life. But great care would be necessary. It was of the
+first importance to examine closely both one's mind and one's
+composition.
+
+Johnsen was able to say honestly that he had arrived at his conclusions
+after earnest thought and conscientious inquiry, and that his conviction
+was the result of many lonely hours of self-examination.
+
+The dean could assure him that he well knew these lonely hours of
+thought, and great was the blessing that might be found in them; but he
+would venture to suggest what he knew from his own experience, that the
+problems which a man worked out alone were not always the most
+trustworthy. He would, therefore, remind him of the passage where we are
+recommended to confess to each other, which seemed to suggest working in
+fellowship, and giving each other mutual assistance.
+
+Johnsen answered that that was the very reason why he wished to speak to
+the congregation.
+
+The two sat on opposite sides of the dean's table, regarding each other
+attentively. Johnsen was pale and had something nervous about his
+manner, which seemed to betoken a wish to bring the interview to a
+close.
+
+Dean Sparre sat leaning back in his armchair, and in his hand he held a
+large ivory paper-knife, which he used to emphasize his words; not,
+indeed, for the purpose of gesticulating or striking on the table, but
+every now and then, when he came to some particular point, he drew the
+knife up and down on the sheets of paper which lay before him.
+
+To speak the thoughts plainly before the congregation was certainly
+desirable in itself, and entirely in accordance with Scripture. But it
+was quite easy to imagine that a man might want to make other
+confessions which should not be for every ear. The Church had,
+therefore, another and more restricted form of confession, which was not
+only just as much in accordance with Scripture, but might often be still
+better adapted to ease the troubled heart.
+
+Johnsen got up to take his leave. He felt a great wish to speak before
+the congregation. It was, in his opinion, of the greatest importance
+that he should have a perfectly clear idea of his own views, and that
+there should be nothing obscure or insincere between him and his
+hearers.
+
+The dean also got up, and shook hands on wishing him good-bye. He gave
+his young friend his best wishes for his undertaking, and hoped he would
+bear in mind that he, as dean, was always ready to assist him in every
+way, if he should at any time feel the need of his services.
+
+"You will bear this in mind, my young friend, will you not?" said the
+old dean, with a fatherly look.
+
+Johnsen muttered something about thanks as he hurried out of the room.
+He was no longer in the frame of mind in which he had been during the
+last few weeks. The peaceful, genial air of the dean's study, with its
+well-filled bookshelves, had had a wonderful effect upon him, as had
+also the dean, with his manner, which was at the same time so mild and
+so earnest. The mind of the young clergyman seemed, as it were, softened
+by an influence which he did not clearly understand, and the power of
+which he was not willing to recognize.
+
+After a long walk, Johnsen at length arrived in the large field which
+lay beyond Sandsgaard. From this position he could look down into the
+garden and premises near the house. He could follow with his eye the
+broad path where Rachel and he had so often walked together, and their
+conversation seemed to come before him with the greatest distinctness.
+For a long time he stood there gazing, until he felt strong again in his
+resolve. What would he not have given to have seen her, if only for a
+moment! But he felt he could not approach the house. He would not allow
+any other feeling to mingle with the holy determination with which his
+thoughts were filled, and with an heroic effort he turned away, and bent
+his steps towards the town. His mind had now regained its former tone.
+
+The church was filled to overflowing that Sunday on which Mr. Johnsen
+was to preach his first sermon. There are always plenty of people who
+are glad of the opportunity of hearing a new preacher, and this number
+was increased by the interest which was felt in the earnest young man
+who had attracted so much attention.
+
+Mrs. Garman sat with her daughter in the family seat, in which were also
+Fanny and Madeleine. Dean Sparre, with his wife and daughter Barbara,
+were in the front row of the pew which belonged to them; while behind
+were Pastor Martens with the other Miss Sparres; and behind, again, Mrs.
+Rasmussen, the chaplain's housekeeper.
+
+The congregation was so large that the voices swelled as when the
+Christmas hymn is sung, and as the preacher wended his way towards the
+pulpit, the heads of all the singers were turned as if to follow him.
+
+As Johnsen ascended the narrow winding stair where no eye could see him,
+he felt a momentary weakness, as if he must almost sink under his
+burden, and he never afterwards clearly remembered how he had managed to
+get up the last few steps which led to the pulpit; but when he at length
+reached his place, and the hundred eyes were again fixed on him, he
+forced himself, with that energy which was peculiar to him, to conquer
+his feelings. He looked so calm that many people averred that they had
+never seen a young clergyman more at home in the pulpit.
+
+Johnsen had sharp eyes, and could recognize many of the faces below him;
+but he was conscious of Rachel's presence, as she sat opposite to him in
+the Garmans' pew, more by an instinctive feeling than because he
+actually saw her. He was, in fact, obliged to avert his eyes from her
+direction, lest the sight should unman him. The part of the church in
+which the women sat was immediately under him, just below the pulpit,
+while the private pews were in a kind of gallery opposite. As the
+congregation sang the last verse of the psalm, he gazed deliberately
+over all the upturned eyes. Some were piercing, some curious, some pious
+and devotional, while some appeared as deep and unfathomable as if he
+were looking into unknown depths.
+
+After an introductory prayer, he read his text in a clear and composed
+voice, after which he began a short and clear explanation of the
+passage. It was only in the last part of the sermon that he really
+intended to go into more personal matters, and the nearer he approached
+them the less confidence he seemed to feel. When he had begun his
+sermon, he had fixed his eyes on a certain point, which he sought every
+time he lifted his eyes from his notes; and this point, although he had
+not remarked it at first, was Dean Sparre's head. The snowy hair and the
+white collar stood out in the sharpest contrast against the dark
+background, and the more the speaker gazed at this noble face, the more
+he seemed to dread the conclusion. He was already close upon the point
+where he was first to begin to speak about sincerity, and the necessity
+of a perfectly truthful existence, and although he could not exactly
+tell the reason, he could not but feel that the stirring discourse he
+had set himself to deliver, was but little in keeping with that bright
+and peaceful smile, and with that commanding countenance so full of
+earnestness and harmony.
+
+His head seemed to go round, and not another word could he utter. There
+was a deathlike stillness in the church, as he wiped his brow with his
+handkerchief.
+
+But when he again raised his head, he made an effort, and, looking
+beyond the dean in his need, he sought her who was really the cause of
+his standing where he did. He was not disappointed, for the moment his
+eyes met the calm and determined face, a change seemed to come over him.
+Her eye rested upon him with an inquiring and almost anxious expression,
+which he well understood.
+
+She should not be disappointed of her trust in him, and with renewed
+strength, and without a tremor in his voice, he began upon the last part
+of his discourse. Ever higher and fuller rang his voice, until its
+sonorous tone filled the church, and was re-echoed from the vaulted
+roof. The congregation followed him with attention, while some of the
+old women were moved to tears. And now a sensation of uneasiness seemed
+to pass through those who composed the great assembly. It was indeed an
+extraordinary sermon, with its earnest entreaties to be thoroughly
+upright and sincere, and with its reckless condemnation of all forms and
+ceremonies, all of which were but of secondary consideration. It seemed
+too bold, too exaggerated.
+
+He seemed anxious to confess his sceptical opinions, in holding which he
+did not stand alone. He was only alone in confessing them. He knew only
+too well that fine web of soothing compromise, with which people were in
+the habit of deadening their consciences. He knew it still better, too,
+from his own point of view as a clergyman, who even more than others was
+bound to live in the full glare of truth, even though he might be
+despised, hated, and persecuted by an unreasoning world. If he followed
+the beaten track, whither would it lead? To a position of comfort and
+respectability, in which the first duty was to throw a veil over one's
+own heart and those of others: to suppress all doubt and inquiry, and to
+deaden all real life in the individual, so that the whole machine might
+continue its regular movements without noise or friction. But truth was
+a two-edged sword, sharp and shining as crystal. When the light of truth
+broke into the heart of man, it caused an agony as piercing as when a
+woman brings her child into the world.
+
+But, instead of this, was a man to lead a life of slumber, shut in by
+falsehood and form, without force or courage; giving no sign of firmness
+or power, but stuffed and padded like the hammers of a piano?
+
+He was so carried away by his thoughts that he forgot his notes and said
+many things he would never have dared to write; and after the last
+thundering outburst, he concluded with a short and burning prayer for
+himself and for all, to have power to defy the falsehood by which man
+was bound, and to live a life of sincerity.
+
+He then went on in an entirely changed voice with the rest of the
+service; but Rachel particularly noticed that he left out the prayer for
+the arms of the country, by land and sea; and now, as he read the
+prayers in a calm, quiet voice, the assembly seemed to breathe more
+freely, as if after a storm.
+
+Among the men could be heard whispers, and the prevailing idea seemed to
+be that the sermon was a complete scandal; while those who had to do
+with the law were of opinion that he would be cited before the
+Consistorial Court. Among the women the feeling seemed rather undecided,
+and many inquiring glances were thrown towards where the men were
+sitting, in the hope of divining what the opinion would be, either of a
+husband, or a brother, or, in fact, of that particular person of the
+opposite sex, according to whose decision each woman was in the habit of
+forming her own.
+
+Most eyes, however, sought the dean, who sat as he had done during the
+whole sermon, slightly leaning back on his seat, and holding a large
+hymn-book, which was a gift from his previous congregation, between his
+hands. From the upper windows on the other side of the church a subdued
+light fell on his form. The face had the same exalted and peaceful
+expression; not a sign of uneasiness or annoyance had passed over it
+during the whole sermon, which was not without a soothing effect upon
+the congregation. The feeling of restlessness and excitement was
+universal, but most people seemed inclined to defer, their final
+judgment.
+
+Pastor Martens had left the pew immediately after the sermon, for he had
+to conduct the Communion Service. While he performed it, his somewhat
+unmusical voice trembled with inward emotion. There could be no doubt
+whatever as to what were the inspector's real opinions.
+
+The chaplain could not help being rather pleased at the satisfaction the
+dean would now be obliged to render him, for it had been quite against
+the chaplain's wish and advice, that Johnsen was allowed to preach at
+the morning service. It would have been more advisable to have given him
+a first trial either at a Bible-reading, or at most at the evening
+service. But now the murder was out, and he had shown his feeling of
+antagonism to the Church before the whole congregation. What would the
+dean do? The affair would naturally have to be reported.
+
+As soon as the service was over, Martens left the altar and hurried into
+the sacristy, into which he had already seen the dean enter.
+
+"What do you say to that, sir?" he cried breathlessly, as he shut the
+door after him.
+
+Dean Sparre was sitting in his armchair, reading the hymn-book he had in
+his hand. At the chaplain's question he raised his head with an
+expression of mild reproof at the disturbance, and said abstractedly,
+"To what are you alluding?"
+
+"Why, the sermon; of course I allude to the sermon; it is perfectly
+scandalous!" cried the chaplain, excitedly.
+
+"Well, certainly," answered the dean, "I cannot say that it was a good
+sermon, taken as a whole, but if you take into consideration--"
+
+"But really, sir--" interrupted the chaplain.
+
+"It appears to me, and it is not the first time I have noticed it, my
+dear Martens, that you do not quite get on with our new fellow-worker;
+but is it not to us that he ought really to look for support?"
+
+The chaplain cast down his eyes; there was some extraordinary power
+about his superior. Not an instant before he had formed his opinion
+quite clearly, but the moment he found himself face to face with the
+dean's genial countenance, all his ideas seemed to change.
+
+"It grieves me to be obliged to speak to you thus, my dear Martens, but
+I do so with the best intentions; and, then, we are alone."
+
+"But don't you think, sir, that he was far too bold?" asked the
+chaplain.
+
+"Yes, clearly, clearly so," assented the dean, in a friendly tone. "He
+was unguarded, like all beginners; perhaps the most unguarded I have
+heard. But then we know quite well that the same thing often occurred in
+our own time. It would be quite unreasonable to expect the Spirit's full
+maturity in the young."
+
+This remark caused Martens involuntarily to think of his own first
+attempt. He answered, however, "But he maintained that we ministers,
+above all others, are living a life of falsehood, shut in by meaningless
+forms."
+
+"Exaggeration! a wild and dangerous exaggeration! In that I quite agree
+with you, my dear Martens. But, on the other hand, which of us can deny
+that a ceremonial, be it ever so beautiful and full of meaning, still in
+the course of time, when it is frequently repeated, loses something of
+its influence over us? But who will dare cast the first stone? Is it not
+youth, as we see, who has not yet experienced the wear of that
+continuous labour which strives to be true to the end? And then
+naturally we get exaggeration--dangerous exaggeration. But," continued
+the dean, "before everything, let us agree to look upon his sermon in
+the right light, for the opinion of many will be formed upon ours, and
+if we now allow this young man to slip out of our hands he will, likely
+enough, be entirely lost for the good work; and I must say I have great
+hopes of him. I feel sure that in his right place, which would be in a
+large town--for instance, in Christiania--he will make a name for
+himself in the Church, and I venture to think that his labours will bear
+abundant fruit."
+
+Martens again looked up at the dean as he pronounced these words, and
+for the first time he now perceived what it was that made his manner so
+irresistible. It was the smile, that changing and varying smile, which
+yet never entirely left the noble features. It seemed to mingle in all
+he said, like a warm and soothing sunbeam; and as the chaplain
+constrained himself to alter his opinion under its influence, he felt
+that the muscles of his mouth involuntarily assumed the dean's
+expression.
+
+Madame Rasmussen could not conceal her astonishment at the moderation
+with which the chaplain spoke of Johnsen's sermon. She was herself in
+the highest degree shocked, and when Mr. Martens told her that, in his
+opinion, Mr. Johnsen would be likely to become a clergyman of
+considerable note in Christiania some day, she almost thought that he
+was carrying his forbearance too far. Still she could not but like
+Pastor Martens, who had now lived with her for two years without a
+single ill word having passed between them. Madame Rasmussen was a young
+widow, plump, good-looking, and light-hearted. She had no children, and
+it was quite a pleasure to her to manage for the chaplain--to prepare
+his little dishes, and to keep his things in order. She was the only
+person in the whole town who really knew that Martens wore a wig. This
+was not, however, a thing to be spoken about, and nobody else was
+admitted into the secret.
+
+As Mrs. Garman drove home from church with Rachel and Madeleine, she
+spoke disapprovingly of Johnsen's sermon. She considered that it was
+highly improper for a young man to be so forward and daring; but it was
+quite in accordance with the spirit of the times, as Pastor Martens had
+explained on the previous Sunday.
+
+"Ah, Pastor Martens is quite a different man, is he not?" asked Mrs.
+Garman, addressing Madeleine, as Rachel made no reply.
+
+"Yes--oh yes!" answered Madeleine, abstractedly. She was wondering all
+the time where Delphin could have come from so suddenly, when he
+appeared close to her and Fanny in the crowd at the church door He had
+greeted her in a most friendly way, but when they got to the carriage
+they found that both he and Fanny had vanished without saying good-bye.
+
+Rachel let her mother talk away, as was her wont. She was all the time
+meditating on the importance of the event which had just taken place,
+and was wondering how Johnsen would come out of it all. It was quite
+clear that her mother's was the prevailing opinion, and it was but too
+probable that with most people the ill feeling would take a still more
+bitter form. She could picture him to herself calm and steadfast in the
+midst of it all. Here at length she had found a truly courageous man.
+
+During dinner Delphin gave his own rendering of some extracts from the
+sermon, with as much spirit as his fear of Mrs. Garman would allow, and
+the performance afforded Uncle Richard great amusement. Rachel thought
+it best to contain her feelings, for she knew that conversation with Mr.
+Delphin on a serious subject was nothing else than an impossibility.
+Madeleine, on the contrary, could not help laughing. She always found
+Delphin very amusing, and at the same time so good-natured. She had
+latterly been almost annoyed with Fanny because she treated Delphin
+coolly and distantly. But Delphin seemed scarcely to notice her conduct;
+on the contrary, he seemed even in better spirits than before. He really
+was a good fellow.
+
+Several people also thought that Morten Garman was a good fellow, to
+allow Delphin to carry on with Fanny without interference. It was not
+easy to know if Morten saw anything or not, and whether his confidence
+in his wife, or his own bad conscience, caused his indifference.
+
+Rachel passed the Monday and Tuesday in an anxious state of mind.
+Something, she thought, must happen. The feeling against Johnsen was
+strong, but it must surely take some more decided form. She knew that he
+would come to see her, happen what might, and she expected him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+Fanny and Madeleine had accepted an invitation for the Wednesday in the
+same week. Rachel had simply refused without giving a reason, but people
+were now used to her manner.
+
+"I have such a dreadful headache!" sighed Fanny, as she came into
+Madeleine's room, who was getting ready to go out. Madeleine had come
+into the town on the Sunday evening.
+
+"Poor Fanny!" said Madeleine, feelingly; "have you got that headache
+again?"
+
+"Yes, it came just as if it were on purpose, at the very moment I was
+going to change my dress. Oh, how bad it is!"
+
+"I think you have had a great many of these headaches lately, Fanny; you
+ought to speak to the doctor."
+
+"It is no use," answered Fanny, endeavouring to cool her forehead by
+pressing a little hand-glass against it. "The only thing that does me
+any good is fresh air and perfect quiet. Oh, the noise here from the
+street is dreadful! To think that I have to spend the whole evening in a
+hot room! I can't bear it; it will be too much for me!"
+
+"You shan't go out at all when you are so unwell," said Madeleine,
+decidedly. "I will make such a nice excuse for you."
+
+"Oh, if I could only stop at home, or, even better still, if I could get
+to Sandsgaard; it is so quiet there!" said Fanny, with a sigh.
+
+"Yes, that is just what you shall do," cried Madeleine. "You take the
+carriage when it has left me, and drive out there. I believe it is
+clearing up, and we shall have a lovely quiet moonlight evening."
+
+"Yes; I don't much mind what the weather is," said Fanny, with a sickly
+smile. "But do you think it will do for me--"
+
+"You need not trouble about that. I will make such charming and
+plausible excuses for you, that you will really feel quite rewarded for
+all the trouble you have had in teaching me the ways of society. Look
+now, I will begin like this;" and Madeleine, who had now got on her
+dress, curtsied and smiled, and began a most pathetic story about dear
+Fanny's dreadful headache. Fanny began to laugh, until it gave her head
+so much pain that she could not help crying out. She, however, allowed
+herself to be persuaded, and Madeleine drove off alone.
+
+Madeleine now began to find herself at home in her new life. Fanny was
+so good and kind to her, that the young girl at last got the better of
+her shyness, and told her friend the whole story about Per, and the rest
+of her doings at home.
+
+Fanny did not laugh at her in the least; on the contrary, she said that
+she quite envied Madeleine the romantic little episode, which would be a
+sweet recollection for the rest of her life. But when Madeleine timidly
+said that she considered it more than a recollection, and that she
+regarded herself as really engaged, she met with such a determined
+opposition that she did not know what to think. "Young girls, often have
+these absurd adventures," said Fanny, "when they are not old enough to
+know better." She had herself been madly in love with a chimney-sweep--a
+common chimney-sweep, just think of that!
+
+The more Madeleine became accustomed to town life the easier she found
+it to deaden her recollections of the past. But however successful she
+was in burying them out of sight for the time, they would recur whenever
+she was alone. But she refused to listen to them; they could never
+become realities. Still, she never cared to go home to Bratvold with her
+father, even for a few days. She seemed to dread looking on the sea
+again.
+
+All that day Rachel had waited in vain; she was beginning to be uneasy.
+Why did he not come to see her--she who had been so much the cause of
+his enterprise? He must know how anxious she was to talk with him, and
+to thank him. It was surely impossible for him to think that she also
+believed that he had gone too far. Should he not come to-morrow, she
+would write to him.
+
+There was but little conversation that evening at dinner. The Consul was
+as precise and polite as he generally was when he was alone with the
+ladies. Fanny, who had come in hopes of curing her headache, was silent
+and suffering. By ten o'clock the whole house was perfectly quiet, but
+Rachel was still sitting in her room, lost in thought. She could not
+read, but several times she took up a pen to write, she scarcely knew
+what. She never accomplished her intention, and at last she put out the
+light, and sat down and gazed over the fjord, which lay sparkling in the
+moonlight. If, forsaken by every one, he now came to her and prayed for
+even more than her friendship, for this too she was prepared, and had
+finally decided on her answer. He was a man, and a courageous one, and
+she was determined to follow him. What a joy it had been to her to meet
+such a man! But why was she out of spirits now?
+
+Rachel sat by the window till she heard the carriage which brought home
+Madeleine, and then hurriedly undressed and went to bed.
+
+As Madeleine was driving home the carriage stopped for a moment in front
+of the club, while a boy spoke a few words to the coachman.
+
+The driver that evening was old Per Karl, who many years ago had come
+from Denmark with a pair of horses for the young Consul. Both he and the
+horses were long past their work; but whenever he could get the
+opportunity, he was only too pleased to get the old blacks into the
+carriage, and himself upon the box. This had been the case this evening,
+when it was only the good-natured Miss Madeleine for whom the carriage
+was going, and she was always perfectly satisfied, as the old Jutlander
+well knew, even if the pace was not very terrific.
+
+Per Karl now turned round and said to Madeleine, "What shall we do,
+miss? Now there will be a bother. Mr. Morten is going to drive out with
+us, and when he sees we have got the old horses he will be angry."
+
+A few moments afterwards Morten came out, and, after many apologies for
+the delay, took his place by Madeleine's side. He said he thought he
+would go out and see how Fanny was, she looked so very unwell; and
+besides, what a lovely moonlight evening it was for a drive! He sat
+himself down comfortably in the carriage, and had just taken a long
+whiff of his cigar, when all at once he leant forward and said, "Stop!
+what was that?"
+
+One of the horses had made a slight stumble, and the jar was felt in the
+carriage.
+
+"I declare, it is those old horses and Per Karl!" cried Morten, partly
+standing up. "What is the meaning of this?"
+
+"Oh!" muttered Per Karl, who was quite ready to defend himself, "there
+is nothing the matter with the old horses; but, of course, if we had
+known we were going to have you in the carriage, sir--"
+
+"Rubbish! You know perfectly well the old horses were not to be used any
+more. I will tell my father, and have them shot to-morrow, as sure as
+ever it comes."
+
+Morten was very fond of horses; and besides, he was just in that excited
+and obstinate mood in which people sometimes are, when they have been
+dining at their club.
+
+Madeleine tried to pacify her cousin, but it only made him all the
+worse.
+
+"Just look how lame that one is--the left-hand one!"
+
+"You mean the near one, sir."
+
+"Go to the devil with your near and off! I mean the left-hand one, the
+mare; both her fore legs are as round as apples. Why, I saw that in the
+spring."
+
+"Not both of them," answered the old coachman, doggedly.
+
+"Yes, they are; but I will have this looked to. I will have a stop put
+to it, once for all," said Morten, decidedly. He was just in the humour
+to take everything very much in earnest.
+
+As soon as they arrived, he scarcely gave himself time to help Madeleine
+out of the carriage, so anxious was he to examine the mare's fore legs;
+and she heard the voices disputing and wrangling away in the direction
+of the stable, as she went into the house.
+
+Madeleine's window looked to the westward, and when she reached her room
+she found it open. She was going to shut it, but the sea looked so
+peaceful down below in the clear moonlight, that she knelt down on the
+window-seat, and remained gazing at the lovely scene. The moon had just
+reached the point at which it began to shine upon her window, and the
+shadow fell obliquely from the corner of the house, just beyond the
+hedge below, thus leaving a triangular space in darkness close
+underneath. As Madeleine leant out she could see that Miss Cordsen's
+window was also open. She was just going to call to the old lady, with
+whom she was on the most friendly terms, but on consideration she
+thought it would be nicer to enjoy the delightful moonlight evening
+alone.
+
+In that part of the garden the paths were to a great extent overgrown by
+the spreading trees. The little pond, which had once been full of carp,
+and where even now some remained, only no one seemed to notice them, was
+fringed with tall rushes. On the other side was the old summer-house,
+almost hidden among the shrubs, which were now never clipped. The fact
+is, that part of the garden which was now most cared for was that which
+lay just in front of the house, and the part we are now speaking of was
+left pretty much to itself. Along the inside of the garden-wall there
+stood a row of aspen trees, whose leaves were beginning to turn yellow
+and strew themselves on the paths. Almost all the other trees still kept
+their foliage, although it was already September. The mountain ash
+berries were beginning to redden, and shone in heavy clusters among the
+leaves, while here and there a leaf was to be seen turning from red to
+yellow. The beech trees, which had been planted in the time of the young
+Consul's grandfather, spread out their branches far and wide. The
+shining dark green foliage hung in rich festoons nearly to the ground,
+and the long shoots were fringed with masses of tufted beech-nuts.
+
+A mysterious silence reigned in the garden, while the moonlight came
+rippling noiselessly through the leaves and stealing down the trunks,
+forming patches of radiance on the grass, which were sharply defined by
+the edges of the dark shadows. Goldfinches, bullfinches, a few thrushes,
+and other autumn birds, were sitting in the aspen trees. They were
+mostly occupied in quietly pluming their feathers, and only some of the
+young birds, which had been hatched that spring, were hopping about from
+branch to branch. The parents sat watching them, thinking, doubtless,
+how delightful it was to be young and innocent. All nature seemed to
+have reached maturity, and the restless activity of spring was
+forgotten. The birds were now calm and sober enough. The cocks and hens
+sat peacefully side by side, no advances were made or encouraged.
+Love-making, with all its follies, was at an end for that year. Only the
+curious dragon-flies, with their four long wings and taper bodies, were
+still busy with their love-dances over the pond. August had been so
+rainy and windy that they seemed anxious to make the most of the still
+autumn evening. The males were sitting dotted about among the reeds,
+peering on every side with their prominent eyes, and when one approached
+another too closely, the two would rush at each other till their
+transparent wings, like delicate plates of silver, and their scaly
+bodies, made a tiny rustling when they met in conflict. Then all was
+still again among the rushes, until the arrival of a female dragon-fly.
+She would come slowly and carelessly humming along from some other part
+of the garden, and when she got near the pond would change her course,
+turn off, and fly back again. Her little heart was doubtless beating
+high; but casting aside her fears, she at length took courage, and sped
+on over the pond. Away started five or six males, dashing at each other
+like knights in helm and harness, and battling confusedly amid the clash
+of tiny weapons. But the happy victor soon bid adieu to the conflict,
+and sailed past the others to the side of his lovely prize. Their wings
+met for a moment in mimic combat, and then away they glided in close
+embrace far over the heads of the discomfited champions, each aiding
+other with fairy wings, to seek a lonely spot far away among the rushes.
+
+A plaintive air, sung by some shrill girlish voices in the West End, was
+wafted over by the light evening breeze. It was so still that Madeleine
+could follow every word:
+
+     "I now myself must sever,
+     My little friend, from thee.
+     Let naught oppress thee ever;
+     Soon home again I'll be."
+
+She felt more than usually depressed, and now, just as it had happened
+after church on Sunday, Delphin's image seemed suddenly to spring up
+into her thoughts. Where he came from she knew not. A web of confused
+reveries seemed to weave themselves in her soul, just as the moon shed
+its mysterious network of shadows over the grass.
+
+Her attention was all at once attracted by a noise in the garden. She
+certainly fancied that she heard the door of the summer-house creak on
+its rusty hinges. At the same moment she heard Morten's heavy tread on
+the stone steps leading up to the front door: he must be returning from
+the stable. It was time to go to bed, but still she remained at the
+window, looking towards the summer-house. She now discovered two forms
+that were going slowly down the path which led to the wicket in the
+garden wall. This path was fringed on both sides by high overgrown
+hedges, and she could only see the heads every now and then as they
+passed. In the idea that it was one of the maids with her sweetheart,
+she was just going to shut the window. It was surely nothing which
+concerned her.
+
+The pair had just reached the place at which two paths crossed each
+other, which was illuminated by a broad patch of moonlight. Madeleine
+could not help being curious to see who it might be, and still stood
+leaning out of the window, holding on to the fastening of the sun-blind.
+The lovers stood still for a moment, as if they felt that there was
+danger in passing the place. At length they took courage, and sped
+hastily by. But not hastily enough--Madeleine had recognized them both.
+Her pulse seemed to stop and her heart to sink within her, and without
+uttering a sound she slipped down on the floor under the window. In the
+passage, outside her door, she heard Morten go grumbling back from the
+bedroom which he and Fanny usually occupied, and in which she was not to
+be found.
+
+Madeleine's head became clear in a moment In another instant he would be
+down the staircase, out in the garden, and then--They must be saved, but
+why she did not know, nor how; but save them she must. Her first idea
+was to close the window with a bang, but she did not dare to stand up.
+In her need she saw the water-bottle on the table. She seized it, and,
+without lifting her head, put it on the window-sill. She gave it a push,
+and a second after she heard the crash of the glass, and the splash of
+the water on the paving-stones with which the house was surrounded. She
+lay still, crouched in a heap under the window.
+
+A light hurried step and the rustle of a dress were heard over the lawn.
+All was so still, and her nerves were in such a state of tension, that
+Madeleine could hear one of the French windows carefully opened and
+closed again. The step came upstairs, and as it passed her door she
+heard Morten's voice say, "I am sure you never thought that I should
+come out this evening;" and Fanny's answer, "Oh, one feels that sort of
+thing instinctively!"
+
+Madeleine breathed again. It was indeed Fanny's voice, in its most
+insinuating and deceitful tones.
+
+A short time afterwards she got up and closed her window, and
+withdrawing into the farthest corner of the room, she hastily undressed
+and crept into bed. Her tears flowed the whole time, but she was utterly
+crushed, and soon fell into a heavy slumber.
+
+A good hour after Madeleine had gone to sleep, her door opened
+noiselessly, and a tall shadowy form glided into the chamber. The form
+placed a water-bottle upon the table. The moon had reached the point at
+which it shone obliquely into the window, and down upon the bed where
+Madeleine was sleeping. The apparition drew the curtains more closely,
+and the while a beam of moonlight passed over its features. They were
+furrowed with innumerable small wrinkles, and a night-cap with starched
+strings was knotted tightly under the chin.
+
+Noiselessly as it had entered, the apparition glided out again, and the
+door closed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+
+The next day it rained in torrents. Morten drove into the town
+immediately after breakfast. Madeleine lay in bed with a fever. Rachel
+went in to see her, but she found her in such a curious state that she
+wished to send for the doctor. Miss Cordsen, however, was of opinion
+that it would be better to let her have perfect rest, and that with time
+she would soon come round. Rachel would all the same have sent for the
+doctor, if she had not forgotten it almost before she got downstairs;
+she was so taken up with her own thoughts. Would another day pass
+without his coming?
+
+A carriage drove up to the door. Mrs. Garman, who had just finished a
+little private breakfast in her own room, put down her paper and said,
+"Is it possible? Can it be visitors in this weather?"
+
+Rachel felt that she was blushing. She had recognized his voice in the
+hall, and to conceal her emotion, she sat down at the piano and
+aimlessly struck a few chords.
+
+The door opened and in came Dean Sparre, followed by Mr. Johnsen. Rachel
+turned round on the music-stool, bringing her hand down with a crash on
+some of the bass notes of the piano. Her eye never wandered from
+Johnsen, as if she expected every moment that he would begin to speak,
+and give some explanation as to why he came in such company.
+
+Dean Sparre gave a cordial greeting to the ladies, at the same time
+mildly reproaching Rachel for not having paid them a visit at the
+deanery. He had a great many messages for her from his "little girls."
+
+Mrs. Garman became reconciled as soon as she saw who were the visitors.
+There was nothing she enjoyed more than a gossip with clergymen.
+
+The conversation first turned upon the disagreeable weather, but
+Rachel's eyes never once moved from the inspector. He did not look in
+her direction; his face was pale, and his lips closely pressed together.
+
+"We particularly wished, my young friend and I," at last began the dean,
+"to pay this visit at your house together. There are many things that
+can be explained, and many misunderstandings which can be avoided, if
+one only has an opportunity of talking a matter thoroughly over."
+
+The dean paused and looked at Mr. Johnsen, who made a momentary effort
+to speak, in which he signally failed.
+
+"It would be most unfortunate," continued the dean, "if a few
+ill-considered remarks should leave an impression on our congregation
+that there was any want of agreement, or rather, I should say,
+difference of opinion, among those who have to work together in the
+service of the Church."
+
+Rachel had left her seat, and was now standing before Mr. Johnsen. "Is
+that your opinion?"
+
+"My dear Rachel!" interrupted Mrs. Garman. Rachel's eccentricities
+really exceeded all bounds.
+
+"Is that your opinion?" repeated Rachel, with the severity of a judge
+condemning a criminal.
+
+Johnsen raised his head nervously and looked at her. "Allow me to
+explain, Miss Garman," he began. But he could not withstand the
+penetrating glance of those clear blue eyes, and hung down his head, and
+stopped in the middle of his sentence. Rachel turned round, and without
+saying another word left the room.
+
+"I must really, gentlemen," said Mrs. Garman, "beg you to excuse my
+daughter. Rachel's conduct is sometimes so very extraordinary; in fact,
+I don't understand it at all."
+
+"The behaviour of youth, my dear Mrs. Garman," said the dean, blandly,
+"is undoubtedly somewhat strange in these days; but we ought to consider
+how times have changed." And the pressure of his soft persuasive hand
+was so soothing, that when they were gone, Mrs. Garman felt almost as
+much edified as if she had been listening to a sermon.
+
+That the dean, in the course of three or four days, had been able to
+bring about this entire change in the inspector, was for Martens a new
+source of wonder and admiration; and every one could not but feel
+greatly relieved when they saw the two going about and paying their
+visits together.
+
+The whole of that memorable Sunday Johnsen had spent in pacing up and
+down his room, repeating to himself different parts of his sermon. Some
+of his thoughts he had managed to express clearly enough, while others
+might have been a little more incisive; but on the whole he was
+satisfied. He was not satisfied in the sense that he thought he had
+accomplished a great work, but he was so far satisfied that he now felt
+that he had room to breathe. Wind in one's sails, even if it is a storm,
+is preferable to a dead calm. What emotions he must have stirred in many
+a careless soul! How many of his hearers might not now be struggling
+with the mighty thoughts which he had thrown amongst them? In the mean
+time he looked out upon the street, and he felt almost inclined to
+wonder that the town showed its usual Sunday calm. In the afternoon he
+expected the dean; he felt certain he would come, and he had a speech
+ready with which to receive him. Give way he would not, rather resign
+his position; and besides, he knew of one who had promised him her
+friendship, if all others should turn their backs on him. And now as the
+day went on, and the shadows of evening began to fall, and no dean
+appeared, she came more and more into the foreground of his thoughts. He
+imagined her by his side, battling with him against the whole world, and
+full of hope and courage he laid down to rest.
+
+When he awoke the next morning, he heard the wind whistling, and the
+rain pattering on the window-panes. Empty drays were driving at a trot
+down the street under his windows, and the busy Monday was again alive,
+on that dingy autumn morning. He had to be in the school before eight
+o'clock, and begin the work of the day with a prayer and a hymn.
+Yesterday his ordinary duties had scarcely entered his thoughts; but
+when the faint odour of the children's clothes as they came wet to
+school, their inharmonious singing, and that flagging indifference with
+which the school week opens after Saturday and Sunday's holiday, rose in
+his imagination, his everyday work appeared more than he could bear.
+
+What was it to him? While he was sitting at his breakfast, and was just
+thinking of sending the maid down to the school to say he was unwell, a
+knock was heard at the door, and Dean Sparre entered the room. Johnsen
+at once endeavoured to recollect what he had yesterday arranged to say
+to the dean; but at that early hour, and in the presence of that
+perplexing smile, he might just as well have tried to sing "Lohengrin"
+without notes as to bring to his recollection his ideas of the day
+before.
+
+The dean went straight to the point without any parley, but quite from a
+different point of view to which Johnsen had expected. He was of
+opinion, in fact, without making any further assumption, that Johnsen
+was in love with, and even perhaps engaged to, Rachel Garman, and that
+in his sermon of yesterday he had been expressing her ideas, which,
+although they were certainly original, were still somewhat distorted. At
+the same time, he was quite ready to allow that Miss Garman was no doubt
+a lady of first-rate ability.
+
+All the efforts that Johnsen made to get the dean out of this line of
+thought were entirely thrown away; neither could he make it clear to him
+that his assumption of the possibility of his being engaged to Rachel
+was incorrect.
+
+The dean listened with much patience and with perfect good nature to
+what he had to say, and took up the argument where he had left it. At
+last he said, calmly and plainly, "Are you not in love with this woman?"
+
+Johnsen's first idea was to answer no; but he failed in the effort,
+hesitated, and said, "I don't know."
+
+From that moment the dean had completed his task. Johnsen tried to break
+off the conversation by looking at the clock, which was now nearly
+eight.
+
+"You are thinking of your school, like a conscientious man, are you
+not?" said the dean. "But you need not be anxious about it. I have been
+in and told them that you would be unable to attend. Mr. Pallesen will
+take your place this morning."
+
+Johnsen sat down again, entirely crestfallen. He felt that he had been
+hopelessly outwitted and beaten. The dean's sonorous voice still rolled
+on. He did not directly attack any particular point in the sermon--not
+at all; but he showed how earthly love, although it was but the type of
+a heavenly one, was often apt to lead us mortals into error. This he
+knew of his own experience. He did not wish to make himself out better
+than he was, but he felt that it was of the highest importance for all,
+and especially for the young, to be constantly on their guard against
+the danger. Johnsen could see for himself to what lengths he had allowed
+himself to be carried yesterday.
+
+"There is, however, one thing," continued the dean, "in which you show
+very great merit, my dear young friend, and for this very reason I have
+had, and I may say still have, great hopes of you. What I speak of is
+your integrity, and the natural leaning towards truth and sincerity,
+which seems to pervade your whole nature. But, my dear friend, how can a
+man claim to be sincere when he comes forward and cries, 'I love truth
+beyond everything, and my heart is full of love for what is elevated and
+pure,' and then it appears all the time that the love with which his
+heart was full is nothing more than an earthly love for the woman who
+has put these thoughts into his mind? Now, can you deny that this was
+your case yesterday?"
+
+Johnsen could not exactly deny the accusation, and the dean seized upon
+the half-confession he had made, and continued his homily, without
+betraying a sign of weariness. And when he at last took his leave, which
+was not till nearly twelve o'clock, he said, "I will look in again this
+afternoon. Your thoughts are doubtless so much occupied that you will
+not go out to-day, and perhaps it would look quite as well if you stayed
+at home."
+
+The next day also Johnsen remained in his room, and the dean paid him a
+visit, both morning and afternoon. At length, all at once, his
+conversion was accomplished. In a moment it seemed clear to him by how
+little he had escaped getting on the wrong path, and now all the
+apprehensions which he had felt on his first visit to Sandsgaard again
+reappeared. He felt how near he had been to forgetting and abandoning
+his mission--that mission among the poor, which was really his duty; but
+now his eyes were opened, and that very affection, the strength of which
+he had now only begun to recognize, he would bring as a peace-offering
+for his shortcoming, and for having so nearly been untrue to himself and
+to his calling.
+
+He sprang up and grasped the dean's hand. "Thank you! thank you! You
+have saved me!" His eyes flashed, and his broad, powerful bosom seemed
+to swell. At that moment the dean might have sent him to certain death,
+and he would have obeyed.
+
+As they drove back from Sandsgaard, the dean narrowly observed his young
+friend. The visit at the Garmans' had not passed off quite so
+successfully as some of the others which they had paid, where the
+inspector's calm and genuine manner had made a favourable impression.
+The dean thought, however, that it was better not to carry things too
+far, now that they seemed to have taken a good direction. They did not,
+therefore, pay any more visits, but drove home to the dean's to get a
+cup of chocolate, which Miss Barbara had prepared for them.
+
+Miss Cordsen had now two patients to attend to, for Rachel had also kept
+her room for some days. The old lady went to and fro between the two. It
+was not easy to discover how much she comprehended of it all. Her mouth,
+surrounded by its innumerable wrinkles, was so tightly closed that
+gossip was, for her, out of the question. Calmly and methodically did
+Miss Cordsen carry on her duties. Both upstairs and down were to be seen
+her well-starched cap-strings, and the faint, old-fashioned smell of
+lavender seemed to hang in her very clothes.
+
+Rachel sat for hours looking before her, without caring to do anything.
+To think that this should be the end of all her hopes! Was it, then,
+impossible to find a man with courage in his heart, and blood in his
+veins? She felt that she was precluded from any line of action that
+would really satisfy her, condemned as she was to a life of daily
+drudgery; but her thoughts became more and more embittered, first
+against him who had deceived her, and finally against the whole human
+race.
+
+Madeleine, on the contrary, had no feelings of this nature; but she had
+a feeling of dread, which seemed daily to increase. She felt that the
+duplicity of her friend was so great, so enormous, that it quite passed
+her imagination; and then the thought that it must be he--he, to whom
+alone, among all this world of strangers, she felt herself attracted on
+the very ground of his sincerity! Again and again these thoughts arose
+within her and tortured her. She felt as if her foothold must be
+insecure for evermore. A stain of impurity seemed to have passed over
+her life, which made her timid and apprehensive of all these so-called
+friends who had thus misunderstood and deceived her.
+
+The morning after that night she was awakened by Fanny, who came into
+her room in her dressing-gown before it was quite light. The truth was,
+Fanny had not slept very soundly, tormented as she was the whole time by
+her fears, and by wondering from whence the warning came. It was quite
+certain that it must have proceeded either from Miss Cordsen or
+Madeleine, for the windows of both rooms were open. If it were
+Madeleine, the plot had become so involved that she did not dare to
+think of it. If it were Miss Cordsen, it was bad enough, but still not
+so desperate. From the sound she guessed that it must be a glass of
+water, or something of that sort, and as soon as day began to dawn she
+got up and left her room in the hope of clearing up the mystery.
+Madeleine sat up as she heard Fanny come in.
+
+"I beg pardon, Madeleine. I came to see if you could give me a glass of
+water. There is a spider in our water-bottle."
+
+She drew back the curtains, and there, sure enough, stood the
+water-bottle with its glass. Fanny gave a sigh of relief, and left
+Madeleine still gazing in astonishment. It was more than she could
+understand.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+
+The autumn rains had now begun in earnest. Day after day the water came
+down in streams, and at night it could be heard pattering on the
+window-panes, and dripping from the eaves, every time one woke.
+
+At first the rain came for a long time from the south-west, but there
+was nothing wonderful in that, for the south-west is a rainy quarter.
+But when it rained for a whole fortnight with a north wind, people who
+were weatherwise maintained that if it once began to rain steadily from
+the north, there would be no end to it.
+
+One morning the wind ceased, but the clouds lay heavy and lowering
+overhead; and now the weatherwise averred, with much shaking of heads,
+that it would be worse than ever. The morning, however, actually passed
+without rain, and the air grew lighter and clearer; but just as the
+aspect began to improve, the drizzle again commenced.
+
+The rain now set in with renewed vigour, with all its pleasing varieties
+of shower and deluge; but the worst form it took was when it poured
+persistently and unmercifully from morning to night.
+
+The new moons came in with rain and went out with rain, and every day of
+the calendar was alike wet. The wind veered about to every point of the
+compass, and heaped up banks of fog out to sea, and heavy masses of
+cloud up in the mountains, which finally drifted together, and poured
+down their contents in torrents all along the west coast.
+
+And now the storms began in earnest, and went soughing through the trees
+in the avenue, and whistling in the rigging of the vessels that were
+laid up for the winter.
+
+In the old house at Sandsgaard each separate wind had its own pet
+corner, to which it returned with delight every autumn. The north wind
+came howling along between the warehouses; the south wind took the wet
+leaves from the garden and hurled them in handfuls against the
+window-panes; the east wind whirled down the chimneys till all the rooms
+were full of smoke; while the pet amusement of the west wind was to make
+a clatter with all the loose tiles on the roof, during the whole
+livelong night.
+
+The Consul kept going and looking at the barometer, and tapping it to
+see if the quicksilver was rising or falling: but, to tell the truth, it
+did not seem to make much matter which it did; for the sky, the clouds,
+the rain, and the storm had all got into such a jumble, that the weather
+continued equally abominable, week after week, during the whole winter.
+
+In the ship-yard work went on but slowly, for Garman and Worse were not
+so new-fangled as to build under cover; but Mr. Robson still thought
+that he would be ready by the appointed day, although the weather
+certainly was "the very devil!"
+
+But the person who most of all anathematized the weather, and indeed the
+whole west coast, and everything that belonged to it, was our friend Mr.
+Aalbom. When he left his house in the morning, the wind and rain would
+persist in beating in his face, and when he came out of school, they
+were so obliging as to follow him right up again to his very door. When
+he had gone part of the way down the avenue, the wind managed to blow
+down on the top of his umbrella, which, after many struggles, it finally
+pressed down until his hat got jammed in among the ribs. Then all at
+once it began the same tactics from below, and blew up under the
+umbrella, and between the master's long legs, filling out the closely
+buttoned waterproof, until it bid fair to blow it away altogether.
+
+All October and November went on much in the same fashion, and people
+who were given to jokes began to say that they had quite forgotten the
+sun's appearance.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+
+At last, one day well on in December, the dreadful weather seemed to
+have worn itself out for a time. The sky was perfectly clear, and not
+even the smallest cloud was to be seen which could give rise to
+apprehension. During the night there had been a few degrees of frost,
+and the roads, which had for a long time been nearly impassable, became
+all at once hard and dry. On the puddles lay the first ice, as thin and
+clear as glass, and the meadows were hoary with frost.
+
+The chaplain was on his way to Sandsgaard, with his newly acquired smile
+on his features. The lovely weather enlivened him, and made his thoughts
+cheerful and full of hope; for the chaplain was going a-wooing.
+
+It was fully two years since Martens had lost his first wife; he had
+really regretted his loss, but now it was a long time ago. It would have
+been quite improper, and not at all in accordance with the views of the
+congregation, for so young a widower to remain single longer than was
+absolutely required by the ordinary rules of society. Now, the chaplain
+knew just as well as any one that a particular charm attaches to an
+unmarried clergyman--that is, for a time; and he also fully agreed with
+Dean Sparre, when he said a short time previously, "If a congregation is
+to have the peaceful, comforting feeling that their souls are well cared
+for, they should have the example of a peaceful, homely life before
+their eyes, in the form of a motherly wife at the rectory, and even
+better still, a family of happy children."
+
+And besides, Pastor Martens was really in love. Madeleine Garman had
+long ago, in fact as soon as ever she left Bratvold, taken possession of
+his heart by her modest and natural demeanour; and no worldly
+expectations mingled in the chaplain's affections. He knew that Richard
+Garman had not a shilling, and he was sufficiently free from prejudice
+to disbelieve the general report that Madeleine's father had never been
+properly married to her mother. In Madeleine he hoped to find the
+retiring and simple-minded woman for whom he was seeking, and latterly,
+since her manners had become even more quiet, he had paid her greater
+attention, and it appeared to him that she met him in a modest and
+womanly manner.
+
+On his arrival at Sandsgaard, he met Mrs. Garman in her room, and to her
+he entrusted his secret. At first she did not seem to take to the idea,
+but on second thoughts she appeared more favourably disposed. She
+considered that sooner or later something of the kind must happen, and
+it was perhaps just as well that the chaplain, who was already so dear
+to her should become a member of the family. She therefore said, when
+she had made up her mind--
+
+"Well, Mr. Martens, if you really think that Madeleine will make you a
+good wife in the eyes of God and man, I have nothing to do but give you
+my very best wishes on the choice you have made. You will find Madeleine
+in the green-room."
+
+Pastor Martens went off to the green-room, and returned after a quarter
+of an hour had elapsed; but Mrs. Garman's astonishment defies
+description, when she learnt that he had met with a refusal.
+
+"Tell me," she groaned--"tell me every word. Oh, the poor misguided
+child!"
+
+"I am afraid I cannot tell you every word that passed, Mrs. Garman,"
+answered Martens, pale with emotion; "I am too much shocked and--"
+
+"And surprised too, I am sure," said Mrs. Garman, concluding his
+sentence; "yes, that I can readily believe. What is the matter with the
+child? What reason did she give?"
+
+"She did not say much," answered the pastor; "she seemed to be almost
+afraid of me. She went off to the door and began to cry, and said--"
+
+"What--what did she say?"
+
+"She simply kept repeating 'no,'" answered the chaplain, quite
+crestfallen.
+
+Mrs. Garman could not disguise her astonishment.
+
+The bright sunshine had not the same enlivening effect upon the pastor
+as he returned to his lodgings. He, however, managed to control both his
+feelings and his countenance. This was a trial that he would have to
+receive with humility. The only thing that annoyed him was, that he had
+said anything about it to Mrs. Garman.
+
+Mr. Martens's proposal was the only thing that was wanted to complete
+the life of wretchedness, which Madeleine had passed ever since that
+moonlight autumn evening; and yet the chaplain was to a certain extent
+right, when he thought that Madeleine had met him with some degree of
+warmth. There was, in fact, something in the almost fatherly manner with
+which he treated her, something which seemed to soothe her affrighted
+heart. She had a longing to be able to feel confidence in somebody, and
+the calm, earnest clergyman seemed to her so different from all those
+for whom she had such an abhorrence, since she had made her fatal
+discovery. And now he, too, was to come to her with the same story;
+told, certainly, in a different way--that she was quite willing to
+allow; but still the gist of it was the same--the very same whichever
+way she turned.
+
+Mrs. Garman took her most severely to task for having so unreasonably
+and foolishly rejected such a man as Pastor Martens; and at length, what
+with one thing and another, the poor girl quite lost her health, and the
+doctor had as much as he could do to pull her through an obstinate
+attack of low fever.
+
+George Delphin had soon got to know from Fanny that it was old Miss
+Cordsen who had seen them in the garden, and given them the timely
+warning. This was for him a greater relief than Fanny expected; for,
+after the first feeling of pride and delight at having gained his lovely
+prize, Delphin had felt more and more compunction in his inmost heart
+every time he thought of Madeleine. He was not willing to break off with
+Fanny--this was more than he dared to do; but, careless and clever as he
+was, he thought that he would be able for the present to keep up the
+double game with both.
+
+He could make up his mind when the time came, and he would make up his
+mind, too, if he could win Madeleine, and if he thought she was worth
+the price of breaking off with the lovely Fanny. But within a few days
+after that evening on which they had been so careless, his eyes began to
+be opened. Fanny was not at Sandsgaard that day, for little Christian
+Frederick had got the measles, and Delphin, therefore, attempted to talk
+with Madeleine in the good-natured and patronizing way which he had
+hitherto done. But a single look from her frightened eyes was enough for
+him; he could not endure her glance, and became silent, and immediately
+after dinner made an excuse for taking his leave. He had promised to
+look in at Fanny's during the afternoon, and he found her expecting him,
+as she came from the child's sick-room in a charming demi-toilette. When
+he came in, she ran forwards with her hands stretched out to meet him.
+Delphin did not take them, but said with a serious air--
+
+"I know now who it was that saw us that evening; it was not Miss
+Cordsen."
+
+"That is what I have long suspected," answered Fanny, with a smile; "but
+I did not wish to alarm you. Besides, Madeleine is far too stupid to
+allow of her doing us any harm."
+
+At that moment he was almost afraid of her. He felt he could not remain
+with her any longer, although she besought him to do so.
+
+Fanny stood watching him as he went down the street, biting her lips to
+restrain her feelings; but the tears stood in her eyes, and she kept a
+convulsive hold on the curtains, behind which she was concealing
+herself. For the conquest she had made, which had also on her side been
+at first only mere vanity, had ended by becoming a serious matter. She
+really loved him, and could now see clearly exactly how the situation
+lay.
+
+Christmas came and passed. The ordinary festivities of the season went
+on as usual at the Garmans'; but this year they were less merry than
+usual. There were several members of the family who each had to bear his
+own separate sorrow; and little Christian Frederick, the only hope of
+the family, was lying at home, slowly recovering from the measles. Uncle
+Richard never seemed to gain quite his usual Christmas spirits, for
+Madeleine's appearance caused him considerable anxiety. Since he had no
+longer been able to keep her under his eye by means of the big
+telescope, she had quite got beyond his ken amongst all the others with
+whom she constantly mixed, and whenever they happened by chance to find
+themselves alone together, Madeleine did nothing but cry, and that was
+more than her father could bear.
+
+Morten was dreading the settling of the year's accounts with his father.
+That part of the business which was carried on in the town, and which
+was regarded as a kind of offshoot from Garman and Worse, had to be most
+carefully examined on account of a large amount of private business and
+debts, which the son had incurred during the past year. His housekeeping
+account, which his father always wished to see, had also to be worked
+out carefully by itself. But the worst of it all was, that when they
+were sitting together in the Consul's office, Morten could never get rid
+of the feeling, that however he might twist and wriggle, the clear blue
+eyes still seemed to pierce through his every manoeuvre; and the part he
+had to play was very painful to him. As soon as they had reckoned up the
+result of the year, the Consul put his finger on the gross receipts and
+said, "These are far too small."
+
+"Times have been very bad," answered Morten. "I feel sure that by next
+year--"
+
+"The times have not been so bad," interrupted the father, "but that a
+house with the capital with which we have to work ought to have managed
+to earn double. In my father's time we earned twice as much with half
+our present capital."
+
+"Yes; but times were quite different in those days, father."
+
+"And people were quite different too," answered the Consul, severely.
+"In those days we were contented to move with caution and foresight,
+without ruining our credit by mixing with a lot of speculators in all
+kinds of doubtful undertakings."
+
+Morten felt the rebuke, and answered, "I did not think Garman and Worse
+set such store by its credit in those days."
+
+"The house is no longer what it has been," said the young Consul dryly,
+closing the thick ledger. He then held out his hand to Morten over the
+table, and said, "Best wishes for the new year."
+
+"The same to you, father," said Morten, as their eyes met for a moment.
+
+The young Consul thought upon the time when he himself stood where
+Morten was now standing, and when the old Consul sat in the armchair.
+How utterly different everything was in the old days! However, the
+year's account was over, and Morten was glad of it.
+
+After Christmas there was a succession of balls and parties in the town.
+At Sandsgaard only one large ball was given every year, and that was on
+the old Consul's birthday, which fell on the 15th of May.
+
+Madeleine did not go out that winter, neither did she pay any more
+visits to Fanny. Rachel was, as usual, quite incomprehensible. Sometimes
+she would answer her well-known "No, thanks," and sometimes she would
+take it into her head to make herself smart, go to a dance, and be
+either pleasant or the contrary, just as the fit took her.
+
+The disappointment she had experienced at the hands of Mr. Johnsen made
+her more bitter than ever; but she never gave him another thought. She
+had done her best for him, as she said to herself, and now that it was
+over, she heard with the greatest indifference that his Bible
+explanations at the prayer-meeting were so wonderfully successful; but
+in her innermost heart Rachel often felt a void, which sometimes made
+her uneasy. It seemed as if she was indifferent to everything. She felt
+no pleasure in anything; and it was generally when she was in this mood
+that she felt most inclined to go to a ball.
+
+In February there was a dance given at the Club, at which both Rachel
+and Fanny were present. Fanny was dressed entirely in blue, even to her
+shoes, fan, and blue flowers in her hair; but her eyes were bluer than
+all.
+
+     "Ein meer von blauen Gedanken
+     Ergiesst sich über mein Herz,"
+
+as Delphin said when he came into the room. The pleasure caused her by
+this compliment had to suffice her for the whole evening. She could no
+longer hide from herself that Delphin was in danger of slipping out of
+her hands; but she never reproached him, for she felt instinctively that
+as soon as anything of the kind arose between them, all would be over,
+and part from him she could not.
+
+Jacob Worse danced a waltz with Rachel, and during the pauses he tried
+several times to lead the conversation on to the injustice she had done
+him in calling him a coward. At first she avoided the subject, which
+was, indeed, too serious a one for the ballroom; but Worse was
+persistent--it was not very often that he had the opportunity of
+speaking with her--and at last Rachel promised him half jestingly to
+give him an answer when the dance was over.
+
+As they were sitting by themselves in a corner of one of the rooms
+leading off the ballroom, and while the dancing was still going on, she
+said, "I must beg your pardon for what I said the other day. You are not
+a bit more cowardly than the rest of them."
+
+"If we could manage to define exactly what you mean by cowardice," said
+Jacob Worse.
+
+"But you know perfectly well."
+
+"Well, then, is not this about your idea? When a man, either in
+politics, or in religion, or in any other serious matter, is not at all
+in accordance with the general tone of the society in which he
+lives--then, if he holds his tongue, it can be from no other cause than
+from what you are pleased to call cowardice."
+
+"That is exactly my opinion, and I maintain it is correct."
+
+"But, on the other hand, I am sure you must allow," continued Jacob
+Worse, "that all opposition has not the same weight. In many cases it
+might do more harm--"
+
+"Oh, I know that miserable, cowardly excuse!" broke in Rachel, abruptly.
+"'What is the good,' you say, 'of even my best endeavours when I work
+alone?' and then you lie down and go to sleep. That is indeed cowardice
+_par excellence_."
+
+"I must, however, tell you, Miss Rachel," answered Jacob Worse, who was
+beginning to lose his self-control, "that there is many a man who during
+his whole life is painfully conscious that he has not the power of
+making his views felt, or has even the opportunity of bringing them
+before the world. But it is not in courage that such a man is
+wanting--far from it."
+
+"I could almost believe that you were speaking of yourself," said
+Rachel, with indifference.
+
+"Yes, and so I am!" answered he, hurriedly. "I have always been one of
+those heavy, slow-thinking people, but I have a quality which that kind
+of person would be better without. I am hasty. From my boyhood I have
+known it, and have kept it under to the best of my ability. But,
+notwithstanding my efforts, this hastiness sometimes gets the better of
+me, just when I am most in want of a little cool reflection. I lose my
+head, the words begin to flow like a torrent, and I listen to them
+myself almost with terror. Yes, you have heard me yourself on one
+memorable occasion, Miss Rachel," he added with a smile, "and I am sure
+you will confess that a man of my nature is but little suited to engage
+in a struggle with prejudice. For, for such a struggle, patience and
+coolness are imperative."
+
+"It is quite possible that the attributes of which you speak are most
+desirable," answered Rachel, "but still it seems quite clear to me that
+every man who has a conviction is bound to act up to it. How much he can
+accomplish is not the question he must ask himself, but he is bound to
+make the attempt."
+
+"I will just tell you how my first attempt turned out," said Jacob
+Worse. "When I came home, which is now about two or three years ago,
+still breathing the comparative freedom of other lands, the first thing
+in our own country which attracted my attention was the exceptionally
+bad social condition of our labourers and mechanics. Their houses and
+food, the bringing-up of their children, their teaching and education,
+in fact, everything which belonged to them, fell far short of what I
+thought it ought to be."
+
+"I have often thought upon the same subject," rejoined Rachel. "But
+father says it is the fault of the people themselves; they are so
+greatly opposed to change."
+
+"That is one of your most excellent father's worst prejudices. However,
+I began by getting up a society, which with us is no easy matter. All
+went well at first, and then a president had to be chosen. Some one
+suggested myself, a proposition to which all the others agreed, which
+was quite natural. I thus became president, and took no little trouble
+in instructing the people as to what questions were important for them,
+and what were their requirements. Then I began to hear a whisper here
+and there that it was a curious thing that the president of the society
+had never been properly elected. I did not take much notice of these
+whispers, but still I suggested that there should be an election. The
+day came, and some one else was chosen in my place."
+
+"It was Mr. Martens, was it not?" asked Rachel.
+
+"Yes; you are quite right. I was greatly astonished, and did not attempt
+to conceal my feelings. Martens had not attended a single one of our
+meetings before the afternoon on which he was elected. I found the whole
+thing quite incomprehensible. However, in our state of society, it is
+not difficult to get to know anything if you only give yourself the
+trouble to make a few inquiries; and so I soon got a clear knowledge
+that the person who had got up the whole thing was the dean. So one day
+I called upon him."
+
+"No! I never heard of that!" cried Rachel. "What did the dean say?"
+
+"Nothing. The answer he gave me amounted to nothing. Not that I wish you
+to understand that he held his tongue. On the contrary, he talked
+incessantly in his best-modulated voice, and was smiling, friendly, in
+fact, almost appreciative, but not a single word fell from his lips that
+was really to the point. Do what I would, I could not get him to discuss
+a single question, or to give me a reason as to why he had got me turned
+out of the workman's society, and put his chaplain in my place. He
+denied nothing and confessed nothing, and the end of it was--there,
+again, my misfortune--I got so annoyed to see him leaning back in his
+chair, with his white hair and everlasting smile, that I got into one of
+my worst tempers and poured out a regular volley of thunder at him."
+
+"Well, and the dean--did he lose his temper?" asked Rachel.
+
+Worse laughed. "I might just as well have tried to get a spark out of
+wood, as to get him to lose his temper. No; the dean was bland as ever,
+and when I left he shook my hand, and hoped he might soon have the
+pleasure of seeing me again. But afterwards I got well paid out for that
+visit."
+
+"How was that?" she asked.
+
+"Well, you see, since then I seem to have been under a ban, which shows
+itself in all sorts of little ways--in business, in society, everywhere.
+My mother, poor thing, hears it in her shop from her customers, and it
+always takes the same annoying form: regret about modern disbelief, and
+free-thinking, and so on; and I am certain that most people regard it as
+a stroke of wonderful good luck, that I was prevented in good time from
+corrupting--yes, no less than corrupting--our noble workpeople. So I
+said to myself, 'Since there is such a wide difference between my
+opinions and those of the people whom I wish to assist, and since my
+nature is what it is, there is nothing else to be done but for me to
+keep myself thoroughly occupied with my work, and hold my peace.'"
+
+"Peace! Yes, there it is again!" said Rachel. "But no, no! I am sure you
+are not right."
+
+"Well, let me speak to you about yourself, Miss Garman," said Jacob
+Worse, becoming more courageous. "Neither I nor any one else of your
+acquaintance will be able to comply fully with the conditions you lay
+down. But I know one person who has the power, and that, Miss Garman, is
+yourself. You have all the qualifications we others lack."
+
+"I! a woman! and, worse than all, a lady!" said Rachel, looking at him
+with the greatest astonishment. "And how, if I may ask?"
+
+"You must write!"
+
+Rachel hesitated, and looked at him suspiciously. "That is not the first
+time I have heard this. More than one person has mentioned it to me
+before. I suppose it is that authorship is reckoned as one of the bad
+habits of an emancipated woman."
+
+Jacob Worse again began to lose his self-command. "I don't mind your
+calling me a coward, Miss Garman. But when you think, or pretend to
+think, that I am not speaking more seriously than some of these--"
+
+"No, no; sit down, I beg you," said Rachel, anxiously, putting her hand
+on his arm. "I did not mean any harm, but I am so suspicious. I beg
+pardon. There, now, don't think any more about it. You really do think,
+then, that I ought to write?"
+
+"I am quite sure you ought," answered Worse, who soon became quiet
+again. "You have so much originality and so much energy, that you will
+be able to overcome every difficulty, and in courage you are certainly
+not wanting."
+
+Amid the whirl of the dance around them, these encouraging words sounded
+doubly strange in her ears, and seemed to open out new vistas before
+her.
+
+"But what have I got to write about? What do I know that the world does
+not know already? No, you really must be wrong, Mr. Worse. It is beyond
+me;" and she looked down at her dress, and could not help feeling that
+Worse was becoming rather dull.
+
+"It is not very easy to say beforehand what your subject ought to be,"
+said he; "but it is clear that there are endless things that the world
+can only learn from a woman, and which it seems to be expecting to hear.
+For you it is but to have the will. You are now passing through a crisis
+in your life, and you have such a fund of energy--"
+
+"You seem to be treating me more like a chemical equivalent than like a
+human being, not to say like a lady," said Rachel, laughing.
+
+"Let us be thankful that you have so little of the lady about you," said
+Jacob Worse, bluntly.
+
+The dance now began for which Rachel was otherwise engaged, and her
+partner came and carried her off.
+
+Jacob Worse stood watching her for a few minutes. He then got his coat
+and went home.
+
+He perfectly understood that by awakening these thoughts in her, he
+would make the fulfilment of what was really the dream of his life
+become more distant than ever. But he felt convinced that Rachel's
+splendid abilities would be entirely thrown away in her present narrow
+sphere; and he felt, too, that he was perfectly honest to himself, when
+he said that he would not hinder her from taking the path she ought to
+follow, even if he thereby destroyed his own greatest happiness. But
+when he got home and was alone in his own quiet room, he was even more
+dispirited. He could not but see that when Rachel came to have a proper
+estimate of her own powers, she would find her present home too narrow
+for her, and a marriage such as he could offer would be quite unworthy
+of her.
+
+He saw a light in the rooms at the back of the house. It was not much
+past eleven; so he went over to his mother, whom he found in her
+dressing-gown, busied in arranging her small remnant of hair for the
+night.
+
+It was not astonishing that the worthy Mrs. Worse's eyes kindled with
+pride when she saw her tall, handsome son come in, dressed as he had
+been for the ball: but when he threw himself on the sofa, and hid his
+face in his hands, and said, "Oh, mother! mother!" just as he had done
+in his boyhood when he had done something foolish, Mrs. Worse shook her
+clenched fist against some imaginary foe in the corner of the room, and
+muttered, "Is it decent to send me home a son in such a plight?"
+
+She did not, however, say the words aloud, but went over and took his
+head upon her lap, and, as she passed her fingers through his hair, she
+said with her unwavering constancy, "There, my dear boy, only keep
+yourself calm, and it will all come right, somehow or another."
+
+Rachel would also have been glad enough to have been taken home at once;
+but Mrs. Garman had heard that the new cook had something new in
+_filets_, and they therefore had to wait until after supper.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+
+At length winter went stealing off to the northward, like a weary
+monster, leaving its long train of dirty white snow patches along the
+hedges, and its neutral-tinted ice pitted all over with small holes,
+upon the pools. The spring followed closely on its heels, and had work
+enough to make the earth look green again, and deck it out in all its
+finery for a little time, until the monster came creeping southward
+again with its wreaths of new-fallen snow, and its dark-blue ice shining
+like polished steel.
+
+It was the 14th of May, and Uncle Richard was riding on Don Juan along
+the road from Bratvold. To-morrow was the great day at Sandsgaard. The
+ship was to be launched in the morning, and in the evening was to be
+given the yearly ball.
+
+The old gentleman was deep in thought, and Don Juan went pacing slowly
+along, turning his well-shaped head on every side, while the south wind
+that came swelling up along the coast persisted in lifting the locks of
+his long mane and throwing them on the wrong side, and played with the
+forelock on his brow.
+
+The road led over swelling ground covered with heather, past
+well-stocked farms, over moors, and desolate wastes thickly strewn with
+boulders. Not a tree was to be seen as far as the eye could reach, and
+it reached far, both out to sea and over the country, which sloped
+gradually up to the mountains many a mile inland.
+
+What a wealth of life seemed bursting from the thawing earth! How many
+balmy odours seemed to rise; how many changing colours; how many wreaths
+of mist were gliding over the pools, and hanging in the rushes, or
+spreading themselves over the moorland; while the clear sunny air was
+ringing with the song of larks singing in emulation! There were the
+plovers racing after each other, the sandpipers, the snipes, starlings,
+and ducks. A whole life of joyous bustle; while out to the westward
+could be seen the line of bright yellow sand standing out against the
+dark-blue sea.
+
+Uncle Richard saw but little of all this as he went along. Things had
+not gone well with him during the winter. While at home, Madeleine was
+constantly in his thoughts; and when he went to Sandsgaard and saw her,
+it did not tend to make him more cheerful.
+
+She had told him about Pastor Martens's proposal to her; but there was
+nothing to worry over in that, thought the _attaché_, especially as she
+had refused the offer. There must be some other cause for her
+depression, and to-day he had made up his mind to talk to Christian
+Frederick, who always gave such good advice. He had also determined that
+he would at length take courage, and ask his brother how money matters
+stood between them. It was really too bad not to have a clear knowledge
+of one's own affairs.
+
+At Sandsgaard he found the whole house in an uproar. On the second floor
+the furniture was being moved, dusting was going on, and candles were
+being put in the chandeliers. Downstairs the table was already laid for
+supper; only the old gentlemen's bedrooms and the offices were
+respected; and in the window of the still-room he noticed jellies and
+blancmanges, which had been put there to cool.
+
+"Oh dear me! what a bustle it all is!" said Mrs. Garman, faintly.
+
+She had had her armchair moved into a room at the side of the kitchen,
+where the dishing-up was done.
+
+Here she remained the whole day, and had samples of everything that was
+cooked in the kitchen brought to her. The kitchen-maids were as nervous
+as if they had been undergoing an examination.
+
+Miss Cordsen was everywhere, prim and noiseless as usual, and without
+wasting a word, she gave an eye to the vast amount of knives and forks,
+lights and silver, glass and china. Everything was arranged in her
+experienced head, from the ladies' cloak-room to the supper for the
+musicians.
+
+But if there was a busy stir in the house, it was even greater down at
+the ship-yard. Tom Robson had kept his promise, and the ship stood trim
+and ready, "as a bride," as he put it. And now the whole staff of
+workmen were occupied in getting everything in order for the morrow, and
+clearing out the yard, so that it might look tidy and neat when all the
+visitors came to see the ship "go."
+
+"What time will it be high water, Mr. Robson?" asked the young Consul,
+as he and Uncle Richard were making an inspection of the ship-yard in
+the afternoon.
+
+"At half-past ten, sir," answered the foreman.
+
+"Very well, then, let me see that you have everything ready to-morrow at
+half-past ten, on the stroke, you understand--at half-past ten on the
+stroke."
+
+"All right, sir!" said Mr. Robson, touching his cap.
+
+But Tom Robson was not going to leave anything till the morning. That
+evening he had every intention of making a night of it, and Martin had
+already got the money to make some extensive purchases. There would be
+time enough to sleep it off before half-past ten. He was careful to have
+everything ready that evening. The ways were carefully smeared with
+tallow and soft soap, and put in their places; the props were all ready
+to be removed; and everything that might get in the way in the harbour,
+was hauled out of the way and secured to its moorings.
+
+The ship lay with her stern towards the water, and her stem slightly
+raised above it. Under her bows lay all the material for use the next
+day. The spare pieces of timber that were to be put under her, and the
+wedges which were to be driven in to raise her forward, were ready to
+hand, as were the jacks and levers. Everything, in fact, down to the
+long-handled mauls was in its place.
+
+Gabriel followed at Tom's heels all day. He wanted to take in everything
+clearly, and succeeded fully in so doing. Only one thing, the ship's
+name, that he was so anxious to know, still remained a secret, which Tom
+would not betray. And Tom himself it was who, in accordance with the
+Consul's orders, had spiked on the name-board when it was nearly dark.
+
+The company at Anders Begmand's had been busy that evening, especially
+Tom Robson, and by the time it was about ten o'clock he was pretty well
+tipsy. Woodlouse was no better; but Torpander kept as sober as usual,
+looking towards the door every time he heard a noise. With the darkness
+a fresh breeze began to blow up from the south-west, which swept over
+the open ground above Sandsgaard and down on to the fjord. It made the
+old cottage shake again when the wind came back in eddies from the hill
+behind it, and Torpander got up every moment, thinking that the door was
+opening, to the endless amusement of Mr. Robson.
+
+Martin drank in silence, and looked even more gloomy than usual. The
+whole winter he had been out of work. Tom Robson had lent him money, and
+that made him even more morose, for he was proud after his own fashion,
+and gratitude was not in his nature.
+
+At last Marianne came. Torpander greeted her in his usual respectful
+manner, to which she answered with a faint smile. She looked almost
+ready to fall from weariness, as she passed hurriedly through the room.
+"Hulloa!" cried Tom, who only saw her when she had reached the kitchen
+door, "here comes my sweetheart! Marianne, my darling! the ship is ready
+now, and Tom Robson has got some money. Let's have the wedding;
+to-night, if you like! Come along!" cried he, struggling to get over the
+bench.
+
+Martin thrust him back. "Will you let my sister alone?"
+
+"I suppose she is not good enough for an honest seaman, because of that
+infernal young Gar----"
+
+He did not get any farther, for Martin aimed a blow at him and struck
+him behind the ear. Marianne hastily left the room. Torpander now threw
+himself courageously on his ancient enemy from the other side, and a
+frightful scuffle ensued.
+
+Tom Robson put himself in position like an English boxer, drunk as he
+was, and squared his arms and elbows for the fray.
+
+At first he made a few feints at Martin, which were not meant to be
+serious. But when he had received a few blows which were really painful,
+he sprang away from the table so as to get more room. Torpander had not
+the least idea of using his fists, but hammered away like a blacksmith
+with his long skinny arms, either at Tom or else in the air, just as it
+might happen. Mr. Robson gave him a tap every now and then which made
+his bones rattle again, but on the whole he allowed the Swede to hammer
+away at his back as much as he liked.
+
+Woodlouse looked on for some time with the greatest satisfaction, until
+the idea struck him that he would clear the room. He accomplished his
+object with the greatest perseverance, and what with butting with his
+head and pushing his heavy body between the combatants, he at length
+managed to get the whole lot turned out of doors. Begmand threw their
+hats after them, and shut the door.
+
+The fresh wind had a cooling effect on them all, and on Woodlouse's
+suggestion a truce was concluded. In order to ratify this, it was
+arranged that they should go to Tom Robson's house, and have another
+dram and a bit of English cheese.
+
+They then clambered up the steep path at the back of Begmand's house,
+Tom Robson leading, and as he was helping himself with his hands up the
+steepest places, he chanced to get hold of a loose stone, which, in pure
+drunken wantonness, he threw at Marianne's window, where he happened to
+see a light. The stone struck with such force, just where the bars of
+the window-frame crossed, that all the four panes were smashed, and the
+glass came clattering down.
+
+"That was Tom Robson!" yelled Martin, who was the last. "Let me get up
+to him! Out of the way! Only let me get my hands on him!" and he worked
+his way past the others, and got up to Tom, just as he had reached the
+top of the slope where the flat meadow began.
+
+Martin went at him with such violence that the other had not time to put
+himself in position. Blow after blow rained down on him, until he fell
+to the ground half stupefied. Martin threw himself upon him, put his
+knees on his breast, and struck him in the face, and then continued
+hitting and kicking at random until he could do so no longer.
+
+The others now came up, but did not get between the combatants. Martin
+was now perfectly wild, and went on in front, swinging his arms, cursing
+and swearing horribly. Tom Robson came limping behind; but no sooner did
+Martin catch sight of him, than he threw himself upon him a second time,
+until he again lay apparently dead upon the meadow. They thus continued
+their way over the field, but just as Martin was making a third attack
+upon Tom, a tall, slender boy came springing over the field, and put
+himself in front of Martin. It was Gabriel Garman.
+
+"Will you leave him alone, Martin?" he cried, breathless from running.
+
+"Oh!" cried Martin, "here is one of the bloodsuckers! You have just come
+at the right time. I will wreak my vengeance on you, you infernal young
+scoundrel!"
+
+But just as he was on the point of attacking Gabriel his arms were
+seized from behind.
+
+"Are you mad, Martin? It's Gabriel, the Consul's son. You are out of
+your senses, lad!" cried Woodlouse. Both he and the Swede threw
+themselves upon Martin, and held him fast. Martin yelled and struggled,
+until he at length fell back, wearied with his efforts, and lay still.
+
+Tom Robson did not know much about what was going on, but managed,
+however, to stumble up to his house, which was close by.
+
+"You have no occasion to be afraid, Mr. Gabriel," said Woodlouse, in a
+fawning tone; "we have got him tight."
+
+"That is what you ought to have done before," answered Gabriel. "I
+should have been able to look after myself."
+
+He was so slight and slender that Martin could have crushed him, mad as
+he was; but Woodlouse could not help saying, as he went down the slope,
+"There is good blood in them."
+
+Martin, whom they had now let go, raised his head. "Blood, do you say?
+Yes, there's blood in them--the blood of the poor that they have sucked
+from father to son. And all that blood have they turned to
+gold--shining, blood-red gold; but," added he, mysteriously, "I will tap
+the gold out of them--I will--till it shines as red as blood all over
+Sandsgaard! Just wait a minute!" And off he rushed down the slope with
+the activity of a deer. Woodlouse and the Swede looked at each other
+meaningly, and each went his way without saying a word.
+
+After the window had been broken, Marianne quickly put out the light.
+She took her petticoat, and tried to stop up the window, but the wind
+was blowing so hard that she could not manage to make it tight. She
+shivered with the cold as she stood, and hurriedly got into bed. But
+every time a blast came she felt the cold draught, and could not get
+warm.
+
+In the room below she heard her grandfather stumbling about, drinking up
+what was left in the glasses. Marianne clasped her hands, and prayed
+that she might die; but in the night she got up, and felt herself
+throbbing with heat and shivering with fever. She thought she could hear
+a tumult, and the sound of many voices.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+
+Mrs. Garman had already gone to bed after her long and tiring day.
+Madeleine had also slipped out of the way, as she always tried to do
+when Fanny came. Both Fanny and Morten were at Sandsgaard that evening.
+The latter behaved to Madeleine just as before, and was so smiling and
+kind that Madeleine had often to ask herself if she had not, after all,
+been dreaming on that moonlight evening.
+
+It was nearly eleven o'clock, and Gabriel had just returned from his
+expedition to the field above the West End. He had heard a noise up
+there when he had gone out to see how the wind was.
+
+The Consul and Uncle Richard were playing chess. Morten, Fanny, and
+Rachel were talking of to-morrow's ball, and they every now and then
+addressed themselves to Miss Cordsen, who was sitting by the fireside
+polishing the silver.
+
+"It is a south wind, is it not, Gabriel?" said the Consul, as he
+listened to the sough of the wind through the trees.
+
+"South-west, and blowing fresh, father," answered Gabriel.
+
+"Good!" said the Consul. "It won't do us any harm if only the wind
+doesn't get round to the northward, because that drives the sea right in
+on to the yard."
+
+The ladies were getting up to say good night, and Morten was just
+going to brew himself another glass of toddy, when excited voices
+were heard below. Some one came hurriedly up the staircase, the door
+opened, and in rushed Anders Begmand. His face was as white as it
+could be for sweat and pitch, his stiff hair was standing on end,
+while, hat in hand and with his eyes fixed on the young Consul, he
+began--"The--the--the"--quicker and quicker. It was quite plain that
+it was something of great importance, and his face grew as red as fire
+with the effort. "The--the--the--"
+
+"Sing, will you?" shouted the young Consul, stamping on the floor.
+
+Begmand began singing to a merry little air, "A fire's broken out in the
+pitch-house!"
+
+At the same moment some one in the yard below shouted at the top of his
+voice, "Fire! fire!"
+
+Morten tore aside the blind, and the red glare could be seen on the dewy
+panes. Every one sprang to the window.
+
+"Silence!" cried the young Consul, while every one paused and looked at
+him. The little man was standing as erect as an arrow, his eyes calm and
+clear, and his lower jaw projecting as usual; and as if conscious that
+he was the chief of the house, he said, "A fire has broken out in the
+building-yard. You, Morten, go and get the two engines from the
+warehouse. The keys are hanging in the men's bedroom. Take the
+fire-buckets with you."
+
+Morten dashed off.
+
+"Dick, you must go up to the second floor in the same building. There's
+a large sail there; put it in the sea, and stretch it over the roof of
+the storehouse. You understand? The storehouse must be saved, or else--"
+
+Uncle Richard was already out of the door with Anders Begmand.
+
+"Gabriel! you run up to the farm! Gabriel!" cried the Consul. But there
+was no Gabriel to be seen; he had already vanished through another door.
+
+"Oh! what a wretched boy it is!" said the young Consul, in spite of
+himself.
+
+There was something uncanny about the black smoke, and the dark red
+flame, which seemed every moment to get a surer foothold, and to gather
+strength without a soul to oppose them. Gabriel noticed nothing: he saw
+only the red glare on the ship, which loomed against the dark grey sky,
+and off he ran like a madman over the field above the house. When he saw
+the ship was in danger, Tom Robson was his first and only thought, and
+he went straight into the house where he was so well known.
+
+"Mr. Robson! Tom! Tom!" he shouted into the dark room, which smelt like
+an old rum-cask. "She's on fire, Tom! The ship's on fire!"
+
+He groped his way to the bed, and gave Mr. Robson a good shaking. The
+landlady, a slatternly sailor's wife, now entered with a light. Only a
+few minutes before, she had managed to get Tom undressed, somehow or
+another.
+
+"Oh no! can that be Mr. Gabriel?" said she, drawing her night-dress
+closer to her. "Is it a fire? Mr. Robson!" she cried, and helped Gabriel
+to shake him.
+
+"What's the matter?" muttered he in English, turning round his face, all
+bruised and bloody as he was.
+
+"Oh no, no!" whined the woman, "how beastly drunk he is! Isn't it a
+shame for such a fine fellow to make himself just like a pig? Tom! Tom!
+Oh dear me, how tipsy he is!"
+
+Without a moment's hesitation, Gabriel dashed the contents of the basin
+in his face. Mr. Robson sputtered and blew, and raising himself on his
+left arm, swung the right feebly over his head, and shouted, "Three
+cheers for Morten Garman! Hip--hip---" But before he got to "Hurrah," he
+fell back on his side and was snoring again. Gabriel left the room;
+there was nothing to be done with Tom.
+
+The wind was sweeping down over the meadow, and driving the thick smoke
+from the pitch-house out over the fjord. All round the house it was as
+light as day. Long tongues of flame were flying far away over the
+fields, shedding their glare here and there on the front of a
+whitewashed house, while up above on the level ground it was still dark,
+under the shadow of the vessel. And now a glitter was seen, and a rumble
+was heard in the direction of the town. The fire brigade was on its way.
+And from the farmhouses which lay near, down over the fields, but
+chiefly in the avenue leading from the town, people were to be seen
+running, first singly, then two or three, then several together, until
+the crowd in the avenue appeared like a close black mass, dotted here
+and there with red-and-white specks. When Gabriel got down again to the
+house he was at his wits' ends, and, leaning against the garden wall, he
+sobbed aloud.
+
+Some one came skirting along the wall; it was the schoolmaster, Aalbom.
+He recognized Gabriel, and stopped. "Isn't it what I always said?" cried
+he, triumphantly. "You are a regular Laban, standing here blubbering.
+You might at any rate manage to lend a hand with the water, you lout!"
+
+Gabriel sprang up, as if seized with a sudden inspiration, pushed the
+master aside, and dashed down towards the building-yard.
+
+"An ill-mannered cub," muttered Aalbom, as he continued his way to get a
+good place from which to see the fire.
+
+Rachel was naturally most anxious to make herself useful, but there was
+nothing for her to do. She therefore stood on the steps in front of the
+house, and watched the crowd streaming up from the town, while the fire
+threw its ever-increasing glare down the highroad, which was now
+thronged with people. Suddenly she heard a voice she recognized. "Out of
+the way! Let the engines pass! Look out there--the engines! Out of the
+way!" The crowd opened, and out of the throng came two rows of men,
+dragging the red-painted fire-engine by a long rope. Jacob Worse was
+running in front, shouting and giving his orders. He gave her a hurried
+greeting as he passed, and away rumbled the engine towards the
+ship-yard. It struck Rachel that his face was the only one that showed
+any feeling of sympathy or sorrow; all the rest appeared indifferent,
+and some showed, openly enough, that they thought the fire glorious
+sport. Rachel turned away and went into the house.
+
+All this time the young Consul was standing at the corner window, on the
+north side of the small sitting-room. The pitch-house was now blazing
+inside; the flames came bursting out of the door, and followed the line
+of melted pitch which flowed along the ground. The thick wooden walls
+were glowing with the heat, and he could see the people shrink back when
+they got too near them. The wind was blowing so strongly, that it beat
+down the smoke and shrouded the engines and spectators from his view,
+but upon the roof of the storehouse he could see Uncle Richard, in
+company with some other forms, working away with the wet sail. The
+storehouse was only a few yards distant from the pitch-house, and was
+thus so close under the stern of the ship that she was as good as lost,
+if the fire once happened to catch the former building.
+
+The Consul could see that they had got the sail drawn over the roof; but
+at that instant the tiled roof of the pitch-house fell in, and the
+flames suddenly shot high into the air, and were borne by the wind right
+down on to the storehouse. The _attaché_, and those that were with him,
+had to get down from the roof on the other side as best they might.
+
+A step was heard running up the stairs and through the passage.
+
+"Father! father!" It was Morten, who dashed in breathless and dripping.
+"Father, we must have some powder; the storehouse must be blown up!"
+
+"Nonsense!" answered the Consul, drily. "Why, it is right under the very
+stern of the ship."
+
+"Well, I don't know," answered Morten, "but something must be done. I
+don't see much good in those old fire-engines."
+
+The young Consul drew himself up; he seemed to hear an echo of all the
+disagreements there had been between them. It was the old story, the new
+against the old, and he answered shortly and coldly--
+
+"I am still the head of the firm. Go back and do your duty, as I
+directed."
+
+Morten turned and left the room with an air of defiance. The idea of
+using powder had taken his fancy, although it was not his own. An
+engineer had been standing behind Morten with his hands in his pockets,
+after the manner of engineers, and had said, as engineers do say, "If I
+had my way, I'm blest if I wouldn't do different to this."
+
+"What would you do?" asked Morten.
+
+"Powder!" answered the engineer, curtly, as engineers have a habit of
+answering.
+
+It was hard for Morten to give up his powder, and he muttered many ugly
+oaths as he went down the staircase.
+
+When the Consul again looked out of the window after Morten had gone, he
+involuntarily seized the damask curtains tightly in his grasp, for the
+change which had taken place in these few minutes was only too apparent.
+The wet sail had already turned black, and in another minute was
+beginning to shrivel; while the whole of one side of the storehouse
+burst into a bright yellow flame, which came streaming down over the
+roof, flashing amid the thick smoke, and long fiery tongues began to
+lick underneath the vessel.
+
+The Consul knew what there was in the building--tow, paint, oil, tar.
+The ship was hopelessly lost; the good ship of which he was even more
+proud than any one suspected.
+
+After the first feeling of despair, he began to calculate in his head.
+The loss was heavy, very heavy. The business would be crippled for a
+long time, and the firm would receive an ugly blow.
+
+And yet it was not this which seemed to crush the determined little man,
+until it almost made his knees quiver. This ship was to him more than a
+mere sum of money. It was a work he had undertaken in honour of "the
+old" against "the new;" against the advice of his son, and with his
+father always in his thoughts, under whose eye he almost seemed to be
+working. And now all was thus to come to such an untimely end.
+
+The large engine belonging to the town managed to reach up just so high
+as to keep the ship's side wet as far as the gold stripe which
+surrounded her; but in under the stern the water could not get properly
+to work, and small points of flame soon began to break out, and the
+Consul could now see that the fire had caught the stern-post.
+
+The side of the ship which was towards the fire became so hot that the
+steam rose from it every time the thin stream of water swept over it.
+And now all at once a large part became covered with small sparkling
+flames, just as if sheets of gold leaf had been thrown against it, which
+crackled in the wind, and at last got fast hold in the oakum seams
+between the planking. The hose played upon them and swept them away; in
+another moment they were there again. They broke out in other places,
+ever gaining ground, taking fast hold with their thousand tiny feet
+until they got up to the gold band, and even beyond it; and see! the
+flames now seemed to take a spring, and seize upon the name-board, and
+the shining letters stood out amidst the flames. It could be read by
+all. The Consul saw it. There it stood: _Morten W. Garman_. It was the
+old Consul's name--his ship--and now what was its fate?
+
+"Look at the young Consul; how pale he is!" said one of the spectators
+to his neighbour.
+
+"Where? Where is he? I don't see him."
+
+"He was standing close by the corner window. He looked as pale as death.
+I wonder if he was insured?"
+
+But the young Consul lay stretched upon the floor, and had pulled down
+the heavy damask curtains with him in his fall.
+
+Miss Cordsen came into the room. When she saw the Consul, she pressed
+her hand to her heart, but not a sound escaped her lips. For a moment
+she stood collecting her thoughts, then she knelt down, freed the
+curtain from his grasp, and lifted him in her long bony arms.
+
+He was not heavy, and she managed to raise herself with her burden. At
+this moment her glance fell on the mirror opposite. A shudder passed
+through her, and it was with difficulty she kept herself from falling. A
+whirlwind of recollections swept through her brain as he lay on her
+shoulder; and she bore him along, an aged and withered man. But she
+pressed her lips together, and drawing herself up, she carried him along
+like a child; and, as all the doors were open, she was able to get as
+far as the staircase. There she called to one of the maids, who came to
+her assistance.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+
+After Uncle Richard had been driven from the roof of the storehouse, and
+could see that all hope was over, he went off to take his turn at the
+engines. He worked at the pumps with all his-might and main, as if to
+deaden his sorrow; but now and again he looked towards the house and
+thought, "Poor Christian Frederick!"
+
+Jacob Worse was directing the operations, and had had the planking,
+which surrounded the building-yard on the side where the warehouses lay,
+pulled down in order to get room for the engines. He managed to get some
+order among the men who were handing the water, and drove the idle
+spectators up into the yard near the house. As he happened to pass Uncle
+Richard, the latter asked him, "Do you think there is any hope, Worse?"
+
+"No!" answered Worse, in a low tone; "I am working in sheer
+desperation."
+
+"So am I," said the _attaché_, with a nod; "but think of poor Christian
+Frederick."
+
+Just then a murmur went through the crowd, who could read the name of
+the vessel--_Marten W. Garman._
+
+"Why, that's the old Consul's name," said several voices.
+
+Uncle Richard had already heard the name from his brother, and, looking
+up, he saw the name of their father standing out in its gold letters
+amidst the flames, which were curling up the vessel's side. Jacob Worse
+seized the nozzle of the hose, and with one sweep forced the water to
+such a height that the fire was quenched for the moment.
+
+But now it was plain to all that the ship's fate was sealed, and even if
+there were some among the spectators who might owe Garman and Worse a
+grudge, still they could not but feel that it was a pity for the proud
+ship to be thus doomed to destruction.
+
+Morten had returned after his interview with his father, and was
+standing close by Uncle Richard. Every eye was fixed on the ship. The
+fire increased every second, and with a loud roar the flames burst out
+above the roof of the storehouse, and at each blast of wind the
+conflagration waxed higher and higher, until the heat by the engines
+became almost intolerable. The more furiously the fire raged, the more
+silent grew the crowd. No orders were heard, and the shouts of
+encouragement from the seamen died away; while the strokes of the pump
+no longer fell with the same determined regularity. Even Jacob Worse
+lost heart.
+
+But now a shout is heard from a small boy belonging to the West End, who
+had climbed up into the rigging of a coaster which lay off one of the
+warehouses. "She's giving way! She's off! Hurrah! She's off!"
+
+A murmur of disapproval went through the crowd at this ill-timed joke.
+But see! it almost seems as if the joke were a reality. The excitement
+increases every moment, and with it are heard cries of hope and fear.
+Yes!--no!--yes! she really is moving. She's off! The pumps are deserted
+amidst breathless expectation, while the sound of voices waxes higher
+and higher, not only in the yard itself, but among the crowd who
+surround it, till it becomes a cheer, a joyous cry of hundreds; men,
+women, boys, all shouting they know not what, till all is mingled in one
+tumultuous roar.
+
+For see! she's starting. The huge dark mass begins to move; and inch by
+inch, with ever-increasing speed, the massive hull glides out through
+the flames; her shining sides disappear foot by foot through the smoke;
+the golden band flashes in the glare, and high as if in triumph does the
+bow rear itself heavenwards, while the stern dives deep into the waves.
+Then is heard a hissing and a crackling as if a hundred glowing irons
+had been cast into the water, as the burning stern cleaves its way into
+the billows, which come foaming up over the sides, and in under the
+counter, while the tiny flames which were flickering along the seams are
+quenched by the rush of air.
+
+The wind, which got more power now that the ship was away, swept down on
+to the still burning buildings, and, spreading out over the ground, hid
+from view the vessel, which was gliding out into the harbour, by a
+curtain of dark smoke fringed with flame; and in the midst of the place
+where she had stood, which looked vast indeed now she was gone, stood a
+little band of bent and tar-stained men, fanning their faces with their
+caps. In the midst of the band was seen the form of a tall and slender
+youth, his face glowing red in the light of the fire.
+
+"Gabriel!" shouted Uncle Richard. "Gabriel!" was repeated by a hundred
+voices. The _attaché_ elbowed his way towards him, followed by some of
+the crowd, who, however, stopped and formed a respectful ring round the
+hero of the day. Uncle Richard gave Gabriel a hearty embrace, and then
+turning round to the crowd he cried, "Three cheers for Gabriel Garman!
+Hurrah!" He was about to wave his hat, when he discovered that he was
+bareheaded.
+
+"Hurrah!" shouted the spectators with a mighty cheer; they were just in
+the humour for cheering.
+
+"Three cheers for the carpenters!" shouted Gabriel; but his boy's voice
+broke into a discordant scream in the effort. But it did not matter; a
+wild hurrah was given for the shipwrights, another for the ship, and
+another for the firm. There was cheering and rejoicing without end.
+
+"Come with me," said Gabriel to the workmen. "Father was going to give
+you a breakfast, but now it will have to be a supper."
+
+The shipwrights laughed heartily at this joke, but the laughter was even
+louder when Uncle Richard added, "I think you have earned your breakfast
+as well." They thought the remark so wonderfully witty, that they
+laughed as if they would never stop, and the joke about "Uncle Richard's
+breakfast" was a proverb both with them and their successors ever after.
+
+In the mean time, the storehouse, and everything the yard contained
+which was burnable, was on fire. The flames began stealing down the
+ways, but no one took any notice of them. The ship was saved. Nothing
+else was of much consequence, and fortunately the wind was blowing off
+the land. Morten was busy setting a watch for the night, and the engines
+were kept ready in case the wind might change.
+
+As Uncle Richard and Gabriel were walking back arm-in-arm to the house,
+the latter had to relate how it had all happened. Gabriel told his uncle
+how he had found the shipwrights all beginning to assemble under the
+ship, and so he had thought he had better take command.
+
+"Take command!" cried Uncle Richard; "why, what a boy you are, Gabriel!"
+And then Gabriel went on to explain how they got the ways in their
+places, loosened the cradle, and wedged up the fore part of the vessel;
+then the stays were hastily removed; it was Begmand who had taken away
+the last from the stern amidst the fire and smoke, and so away went the
+ship just in the nick of time. Tom Robson ought really to have all the
+praise, since everything was ready to hand, and in the most perfect
+order.
+
+Rachel came to meet them on the steps; she went straight up to Uncle
+Richard and whispered in his ear, "Be calm, uncle; don't let us spoil
+Gabriel's evening. Father has had a stroke. He is in bed, and the doctor
+is here."
+
+The _attaché_ entered without saying a word, and Rachel threw her arms
+round her brother's neck and said, "Who would have thought of your being
+such a clever boy, Gabriel?"
+
+"Boy!" said Gabriel.
+
+"Or man, I shall have to say in future," answered Rachel, with a smile.
+"But what have you done with your workmen?"
+
+They were not far behind; and Rachel distributed among them beer, wine,
+sausages, bacon, white bread, and other delicacies, until Gabriel
+remarked, "You are much more liberal than Miss Cordsen; but had you not
+got some chickens for the ball?"
+
+Yes, indeed! She had forgotten the ball. Rachel's feelings were so
+pained by seeing Gabriel in such high spirits, that she could not
+contain them any longer, so she said quietly, "Gabriel, there will be no
+ball to-morrow. Father is ill."
+
+Gabriel had not to ask why. He saw it was something serious. The workmen
+were standing by the steps, laden with the good things, and uncertain
+where they should take them.
+
+"Come, let us go back to the ship-yard," said Gabriel; "we shall be all
+to ourselves there, and besides, it will be nice and warm."
+
+Rachel could hear from his voice that there were tears in his eyes, and
+the thought occurred to her, how he had grown from a boy to a man in the
+last few hours.
+
+The storehouse had now fallen in, and the ruins were still burning on
+the ground. The yard, thanks to Mr. Robson, had been so well cleared,
+that the watchmen had but little difficulty in keeping the fire
+isolated. After midnight the wind lulled, and the thick clouds of smoke
+soared up into the air, and were driven slowly over the fjord.
+
+As the ship took the water, she drove across the wind a little way from
+the shore, and fouled an old brig belonging to the firm; and for the
+rest of the night was heard the shouting and singing of the numerous
+volunteers, who were hard at work clearing the vessels, and mooring the
+newly launched one.
+
+The shipwrights sat comfortably in the yard, just near enough to the
+fire to feel its warmth. They had got far more than they could fairly
+take on board, and, every now and then, they treated one of the watchmen
+to something as he passed.
+
+The only flaw in their pleasure was that Gabriel could not be with them.
+He had been obliged to tell them that the Consul was ill, and that he
+must, therefore, remain in the house. No one thought of accusing Gabriel
+of pride, and they all drank his health, and as many other healths as
+they could find an excuse for, in bumpers of the wine to which they were
+so little accustomed. Of the food which had been given to them, they ate
+as much as they could, and when they could eat no more, they divided the
+remainder by lot, just as they shared the shavings for their fires,
+laughing the whole time heartily at the sport. Then away they all
+wandered homewards to the West End, carrying sausages, chickens, bottles
+of wine, and other delicacies. The sun was just rising over the corner
+of the mountain to the east of the town, and lit up the window-panes of
+the cottages, till it looked as if the whole West End was illuminated.
+
+That morning there was not a wife who had the heart to find fault with
+her husband because he had had a little drop too much. Eating and
+drinking went on merrily, combined with gossiping and running from house
+to house. The children sat up in bed, blinking at the sunlight, and
+stuffing themselves with sausages, still half in doubt whether it was
+real tangible sausage they were eating, or whether it was not one of
+those lovely dreams which sometimes visit the hungry.
+
+The sun was shining over the bay of Sandsgaard, where the new ship now
+lay securely moored with hawsers both ahead and astern. The sounds of
+activity from West End could be heard far out into the fjord.
+
+In Begmand's cottage Marianne lay raving in delirium, and the neighbour
+who attended her said she had the fever. Anders, who had burnt himself
+on the side of the face at the fire, was sitting with her, a
+handkerchief tied round his head.
+
+The townspeople managed to get home by degrees. Some pretended that they
+did not see the sun, and went to bed. Others stayed up, and went yawning
+about all day. More than half the town had been at Sandsgaard that
+night, or else on the heights above the house, looking on the fire.
+
+One of the few people who had not been at the fire was our friend
+Woodlouse. When he and the Swede parted, after the fight between Martin
+and Robson, he went straight off to his home in the town. As he passed
+the first house, he met some people who were running, and deaf as he
+was, he heard the two cannon-shots which gave warning of a fire. When he
+got to the church, he saw that the door was open, and that there was a
+light in the place from whence the bells were pulled. Woodlouse looked
+in and saw a pair of legs, now bending, now straightening again, now
+going up, and now down. From what he saw, he drew the conclusion that
+some one was tolling the big bell. He observed carefully what time it
+was by the church clock, and as he went along, he was already making up
+his mind how he should answer the inquiries of the police, for he fully
+expected the cause of the fire would be the subject for investigation.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+
+Consul Garman was in bed, now three days after the fire. The left side
+was almost powerless; but the doctor said there was still a chance of
+recovery, since the patient had managed to get through the first few
+days. The Consul had not hitherto spoken a word, but the eyes moved
+occasionally, and especially the right one, for the left was half
+closed, and the mouth remained crooked.
+
+Uncle Richard sat constantly by the bed, watching his brother, until
+their eyes happened to meet, when he would look away with an expression
+that was meant to be unconcerned, for the doctor had particularly said
+that the patient was not to be excited.
+
+When the _attaché_ was alone with his brother, he was always anxious
+lest he should begin to speak, and it so happened that he began to do so
+one day just after the doctor had been, as if he had been waiting for
+him to leave the room.
+
+"Richard," said he all at once, "there will have to be a great many
+changes."
+
+"There, now he is off!" thought the _attaché_.
+
+The Consul waited a little before he continued. "It was a heavy loss,
+which will affect us all. The ship was not insured."
+
+"Yes; but, you see," answered Uncle Richard, in a tone that was most
+unbecoming in its frivolity, "it is extraordinary what may possibly
+happen; in the case of a ship, for instance."
+
+The Consul regarded him expectantly.
+
+"How shall I get on?" thought his brother, looking round vainly for
+assistance.
+
+"What do you mean, Richard?"
+
+"Yes, he is a wonderful boy, Gabriel is," said the _attaché_, trying to
+smile. "I don't mean in school, but I mean--well, I hardly know; well,
+he knows a good deal about ship-building."
+
+"What's the matter with Gabriel?" asked the Consul, quickly.
+
+"Oh, nothing is the matter with Gabriel; he is all right--quite right.
+Did you think there was anything wrong?"
+
+At this moment Rachel entered the room, and Uncle Richard gave a sigh of
+relief.
+
+Rachel saw in a moment that her father had begun to talk, and went over
+to the bed.
+
+"Tell me all about it, Rachel," said the invalid. "I should like to tell
+you the whole story, father; everything has turned out so well. But I am
+not sure that you could bear the surprise--and such a joyful surprise,
+too." As she said these words she looked at him calmly.
+
+The invalid began to get impatient, and Rachel took hold of his hand as
+she continued her story. "You see, the ship was ready for launching,
+quite ready, and so away she went just at the very nick of time--without
+being burnt, you understand--out into the fjord; and now she is quite
+safe, and everything is all right. Now, father, you know it all."
+
+"But what about Gabriel?" said the Consul, looking at his brother.
+
+"Oh, it was Gabriel who managed everything, because Tom Robson never
+came," said Rachel.
+
+"Drunk, you know; drunk as a lord. In bed all the time. Dead
+drunk--don't you see?" said Uncle Richard, explaining his words with
+signs and gestures.
+
+"There, now, father, you mustn't ask any more questions," said Rachel,
+decidedly. "Now we have told you the whole story."
+
+Her father looked at her, and she could just feel the light pressure of
+his hand on hers. She then took Uncle Richard with her out of the
+sick-room, and gave him strict orders not to be there alone in future;
+an injunction which he found most unreasonable.
+
+Miss Cordsen's time was fully occupied, both with the invalid, who would
+have none but her and Rachel near him, and also with getting everything
+into order again after the preparation for the ball. In those few days,
+however, the old lady formed a far higher opinion of Rachel than she had
+hitherto done.
+
+Pastor Martens had not had an opportunity of speaking to Madeleine by
+herself since his proposal. But at this time of anxiety and excitement
+he came very frequently to Sandsgaard. Mrs. Garman kept her bed, for
+what reason it was not easy to know; and so it chanced that several
+times, when he came, no one but Madeleine happened to be in the room. At
+first she was very shy and timid, but when she found that he was not in
+the least offended with her, she could not help appreciating his
+conduct. Of all others, he was certainly the person who showed her the
+most attention; for her father's thoughts were entirely engrossed with
+her uncle's illness.
+
+A few days after this, when the Consul had been quiet for some time, he
+said to Rachel, "Send Gabriel in here."
+
+Mr. Garman gave Gabriel his right hand, which he was now able to move a
+little. "Thanks, my boy; you have saved us from a heavy loss, and shown
+yourself a man. If what I hear from Rachel is true, that you would
+prefer to give up your studies--"
+
+"Not without you wish it, father," stammered the boy.
+
+"I should wish you to go to the commercial school in Dresden, and then
+take your place in the firm, when you have gained sufficient
+instruction."
+
+"Father! father!" cried Gabriel, bending down over the Consul's hand.
+
+"There, my boy, let me see that you are able to work, and then you may
+turn out good for something after all. And now will you do me the favour
+of finding another name for the ship? For I wish her to have a new one,"
+said the Consul, calmly.
+
+This great honour was almost too much for Gabriel, but with a sudden
+inspiration he cried, "_Phoenix_!"
+
+A faint smile flitted over the right side of the Consul's face. "Very
+well; we will call her _Phoenix_. And will you see the name painted on
+her stern?"
+
+As Gabriel left the room he met Miss Cordsen. He threw his arms round
+her neck, and began hugging and kissing her, repeating all the time,
+incoherently, the words, "_Phoenix_--Dresden--the firm."
+
+Miss Cordsen scolded and struggled. She was afraid to scream; but he was
+too strong for her, and the old lady had to resign herself to her fate.
+At length he ran off, and Miss Cordsen was left, arranging her
+cap-strings, and saying to herself, "They are all alike, one and all."
+But when Gabriel ran across the yard, and, meeting the fat kitchen-maid
+Bertha, gave her a friendly slap on the back, the old lady clapped her
+hands together, and exclaimed, "Well, I declare, he is the worst of the
+whole lot!"
+
+The Consul had several long interviews with Morten, who put on an air of
+importance before the clerks and workpeople. But his feelings, when he
+took his father's place in the old armchair in the office, are not
+easily described.
+
+Fanny saw little of her husband, and noticed him even less. Her
+connection with Delphin had obtained a power over her, which she could
+not previously have believed possible, and she strove by every means at
+her command to keep him fast. But since the day on which Delphin had
+discovered that Madeleine knew of his intimacy with Fanny, his position
+became almost unbearable. He would gladly have done with it, but had not
+the will, and he lacked the courage to leave the place, and be quit of
+it all for ever. And so deeper and deeper he fell into the snare. He was
+weary of lying and living a life of shame, but the effort required was
+more than he could command. And often, when conversation flagged, he
+felt instinctively that she knew what was passing in his mind; as if
+their secret was determined to make its voice heard, although Fanny
+kissed him, and went on talking and laughing incessantly in order to
+deafen it.
+
+One thing was a source of wonder to every one, and that was, how
+lukewarm the authorities were in endeavouring to discover how the fire
+had arisen; for that it was malicious no one doubted for a moment. It is
+true there were a few inquiries made at long intervals, but nothing came
+to light. This was not, however, much to be wondered at, considering
+that it was only a pack of old women and children from the West End who
+were questioned, while those to whom suspicion really attached were
+allowed to go unexamined.
+
+Anders Begmand had been brought up, but the magistrate stated that his
+evidence could not be received, on the ground of his mental deficiency
+and general infirmity. So there the matter ended.
+
+Woodlouse's expectation was not fulfilled; neither he, nor the Swede,
+nor Martin were examined, and after a few ill-natured remarks in the
+papers, the affair died out and was forgotten. But in the West End, and
+indeed also in the town amongst the lower orders, people would smile and
+shake their heads mysteriously when the matter was mentioned. They might
+say what they liked about Garman and Worse in other ways, but the firm
+must be allowed the credit generally of not placing their people in an
+uncomfortable position. And since the ship had so fortunately been
+saved, there was no more use in raking up the matter any further. Every
+one knew the story about Marianne, so now the best thing for both
+parties was to cry quits, and start fair for the future. It was all very
+well for the police magistrate to sit there looking so serious, bullying
+and questioning as if he meant to get at the point; but this was really
+only for the sake of appearances. One thing was perfectly plain--that it
+must all end as the grand folks chose it should; and when Garman and
+Worse were determined that nothing should come out, the magistrate might
+do whatever he liked, but he would certainly never discover anything.
+
+This kind of thing might be unpleasant enough sometimes, but in this
+particular instance it was most fortunate, and the lesson to be learnt
+from it all was--if, indeed, there was any one who did not know it
+already--that it is as well to be on good terms with grand folks, even
+if it does cost something.
+
+But no one would have anything to do with Martin. He had escaped
+scot-free from those common enemies of mankind, the law and the police,
+but he was a marked man, even among his own friends, and they did not
+scruple to let him know plainly, that the sooner he packed himself off
+out of the country the better.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+
+There was no hope of the young Consul's recovery. For a fortnight he had
+been wavering to and fro. Sometimes it appeared as if the right side
+would prevail, but then the left got the upper hand again; and each time
+the paralysis seemed to get a firmer hold.
+
+Miss Cordsen heard the doctor say to Richard, "He may perhaps linger for
+a few hours, but he cannot live through the night." The old lady
+remained for a few minutes in the sick-room, and then went upstairs. Her
+own apartment was a picture of old-fashioned neatness. Carpets and
+chairs carefully covered, boxes locked, nothing lying about; everything
+trim, well cared for, and shielded from prying eyes.
+
+There arose an odour of clean linen and lavender she opened the press,
+and in a little secret drawer behind a bundle of well-starched
+nightcaps, there lay carefully wrapped up, a miniature portrait in a
+black frame. It represented a young man dressed in a green frock-coat,
+with a broad velvet collar. The hair was slightly red, and brushed back
+in the fashion of the time, in two locks in front of the ears. The eyes
+were blue and clear, and the under jaw was slightly projecting. Miss
+Cordsen sat a long time gazing at the portrait, and tear after tear
+dropped down among the other secrets which lay cherished in the old
+press among the linen and dry lavender.
+
+Uncle Richard sat gazing at his brother. The doctor's words had deprived
+him of all hope, but even yet he could not bring himself to believe that
+the end could be so near.
+
+"It will soon be all over, Richard," said the invalid, in a feeble
+voice.
+
+The _attaché_ sat down by the side of the bed, and after a short
+struggle broke into tears, and laid his head on the coverlid.
+
+"Here am I, so strong and well," he sobbed, "and can't do even the
+smallest thing to help you! I have never been anything to you but a
+trouble and a burden."
+
+"Nonsense, Dick!" answered the Consul; "you have been everything to
+me--you and the business. But I have something for which to ask your
+forgiveness before I die."
+
+"My forgiveness?" Uncle Richard thought he was wandering, and looked up.
+
+"Yes," said the Consul, as what was almost a smile passed over the
+half-stiffened features. "I have made a fool of you. Your account does
+not exist. It was only a joke. Are you angry with me?"
+
+How could he possibly be angry? He laid his face down again on the
+withered hand, and as he lay there in his sorrow, with his curly head
+buried in the pillows, he looked almost like a great shaggy
+Newfoundland.
+
+The doctor came into the room.
+
+"I really cannot permit your brother to lie so close to you--it will
+interfere with your breathing; and if you don't wish--"
+
+"My brother," said the young Consul, interrupting him in a voice which
+bore some resemblance to his business voice. "I wish my brother, Mr.
+Richard Garman, to remain exactly where he is." He then added with an
+effort, "Will you summon my family?"
+
+The doctor left the room, and a few minutes afterwards the invalid drew
+a long breath, and said, "Good-bye, Dick! How many happy days we have
+had together since our childhood! You shall have all the Burgundy. I
+have arranged it all. I should have wished to have left you better off,
+but--" A movement came over the features, which feebly reminded Richard
+of the gesture he used when adjusting his chin in his neckcloth, and he
+said slowly and almost noiselessly, "The house is no longer what it has
+been."
+
+These were the last words he spoke, for before the doctor had got the
+family assembled in the sick-chamber, the young Consul was dead; calm
+and precise as he had lived.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+
+The same morning Torpander was seen, going along the road which led to
+Sandsgaard. Contrary to his usual custom, he had taken a holiday that
+Monday. On his head he wore a grey felt hat of the particular shape
+which was called in the trade "the mercantile." The hatter had assured
+him that it had been originally made for Mr. Morten Garman, but that it
+was unfortunately just a trifle too small. The hat, however, exactly
+fitted Torpander, and dear as it was, he bought it; and he could not
+help noticing the coincidence, that he was that day wearing a hat which
+Morten Garman had rejected. He had also bought a coat for the occasion,
+not quite new, it is true, but of a most unusual light-brown hue. The
+trousers were the worst part of the costume, but the coat was long
+enough, in a great measure, to hide them. Torpander could well enough
+have bought trousers as well, but he did not wish to trench too deeply
+on his savings, before he saw how it fared with him that day. If all
+went well she should have everything he possessed, and if it went badly
+he would return at once to Sweden, for he could bear the suspense no
+longer. He had not, truth to say, great hopes as to his ultimate
+success. He had heard a report that Marianne was unwell, but perhaps she
+was upset by the disgrace which Martin had brought upon the family. The
+fact that he was making his proposal at that particular time might be a
+point in his favour; but no, he could not help feeling that such
+happiness was almost bewildering.
+
+It was a lovely sunshiny day, and the tall light-brown form went briskly
+on its way, moving its arms unconsciously, as if rehearsing the scene
+which was shortly to follow. In the left-hand pocket of his coat he had
+a silk handkerchief, which had long been his dream, of a bright orange
+colour with a light-blue border, and of which the corner was seen
+protruding from his pocket. It was not at all his intention to put the
+handkerchief to its legitimate use; for that purpose he had a red cotton
+one, adorned with Abraham Lincoln's portrait. The silk handkerchief was
+to be used only for effect, and every time he met any one in the avenue
+before whom he thought it worth while to show off, and that was nearly
+every passer-by, he drew the brilliant handkerchief from his pocket,
+raised it carefully to his face, and let it fall again. He derived the
+greatest satisfaction from feeling the rough surface of the silk cling
+to the hard skin on the inside of his hands.
+
+At the building-yard he met Martin, who was coming hastily along in the
+opposite direction.
+
+"Is your sister at home?" asked Torpander.
+
+"Yes, you will find her at home," answered Martin, with an ominous
+smile.
+
+In the yard close to the house at Sandsgaard, Martin met Pastor Martens,
+who was on his way from the town, dressed in cassock and ruff.
+
+Martin touched his cap. "Will you come and see my sister, sir? She is at
+the point of death."
+
+"Who is your sister?" asked the pastor.
+
+"Marianne, sir; Anders Begmand's granddaughter."
+
+"Oh yes, I remember now," answered the pastor, who knew her history
+perfectly well. "But I cannot come just now; I have to go in here first.
+Consul Garman is also on his death-bed. But I will come afterwards."
+
+"Oh yes, this is just what I might have expected," muttered Martin,
+turning to go away.
+
+"Wait a moment, young man," cried the pastor. "If you think that time
+presses, I will go and see your sister. It's the last house, is it not?"
+Upon which he went on past Sandsgaard, and on towards West End.
+
+Martin was astonished, if not almost disappointed. The pastor meanwhile
+continued his way, which he did not find very pleasant when he had to
+pass among the cottages. Ragged urchins waylaid him, the girls and the
+old women put their heads out of the doors and gaped after him, while a
+group of children who were grovelling on the shore cheered him lustily.
+Wherever he turned, all reeked of filth and poverty.
+
+As Torpander could get nothing out of Anders Begmand, whom he found
+huddled up in a corner of the room, he went upstairs and knocked at
+Marianne's door. No one said "Come in," and he therefore ventured to
+open the door slightly and look into the room.
+
+Poor man! he was so appalled that he could scarcely keep his feet. There
+she lay, his own beloved Marianne; her mouth half open, and moaning
+incessantly. Her cheeks, which were sunken, were of an ashy white, and
+in the dark hollows round her eyes were standing small drops of
+perspiration. He had no idea that her state was so hopeless; and this
+was the time he had chosen for making his proposal! Marianne lifted her
+eyes. She knew him--of that he felt assured, for she smiled faintly with
+her own heavenly smile; but he could not help remarking how conspicuous
+her teeth appeared. She could no longer speak, but her large eyes moved
+several times from him to the window, and he thought that she was asking
+for something. Torpander went to the window, which was a new one Tom
+Robson had had made, and laid his hand on the fastening. She smiled
+again, and as he opened the window, he could see a look of thankfulness
+pass over her features. The midday sun, which was shining over the hill
+at the back of the house and falling obliquely on the window, threw a
+ray of light for a short distance into the room. Away in the town the
+bells were tolling for a funeral, and their sound, which was re-echoed
+from the hill, was soft and subdued in its tone.
+
+Marianne turned towards the light; her eyes were shining brilliantly,
+and a delicate shade of red mantled her cheeks. Torpander thought he had
+never seen her look so lovely.
+
+When Pastor Martens entered the room, he was as much struck by the
+appearance of the dying woman as Torpander had been, but in quite a
+different manner. It was impossible she could be so near death; and he
+could not help feeling annoyed with Martin, who had thus exaggerated his
+sister's danger, and had perhaps been the cause of his arriving too late
+at Consul Garman's death-bed. The extraordinary figure dressed in the
+long light-brown coat, which kept ever and anon bowing to him, did not
+tend to calm his feelings, and it is possible that something of his
+annoyance showed itself in the words which he now addressed to Marianne.
+
+The clergyman was standing by the bed in such a position as to shield
+the light of the window from Marianne, who was gazing at him with her
+large eyes. He did not wish to be severe, but it was well known that the
+woman at whose death-bed he was standing, was fallen. At the close of
+such a life, it was only his duty to speak of sin and its bitter
+consequences. Marianne's eyes began to wander uneasily as she turned
+them, now on the clergyman, and now on Torpander. At length she made an
+effort, and turned her face in the other direction.
+
+The pastor did not intend to finish his discourse without holding out a
+hope of reconciliation with God, even after such a life of sin; but
+while he continued speaking about repentance and forgiveness, the
+neighbour, who had been at her dinner, entered the room.
+
+The woman went to the foot of the bed, but when she looked at Marianne's
+face she said quietly, "I beg your pardon, sir, but she is dead."
+
+"Dead!" said the minister, rising hastily from his chair. "It is most
+extraordinary!" He took up his hat, said good-bye, and left the room.
+
+The woman took Marianne's hands and folded them decently across her
+breast; she then put her arms under the bedclothes and straightened the
+legs, so that the corpse should not stiffen with the knees bent. The
+mouth was slightly open. She shut it, but the chin fell again. Torpander
+could see what the woman was looking for, and handed her his silk
+handkerchief. How rejoiced he was that he had not used it! The woman
+regarded the handkerchief suspiciously, but when she saw that it was
+perfectly clean, she folded it neatly and tied it round Marianne's head.
+
+Torpander stood gazing at the little weary face, bound round with his
+lovely silk handkerchief, and he felt at length as if he had some part
+in her. He had received her last look, her last smile, and as a reward
+she had accepted his first and last gift. After all, his courtship had
+had the best ending he could possibly have hoped for. He bent his head,
+and wept silently in Abraham Lincoln's portrait.
+
+Begmand came upstairs, and sat gazing at the body. Since the fire he had
+not been altogether himself.
+
+"Shall I go to Zacharias the carpenter, and order the coffin?" asked the
+woman. But as she did not get any answer, she went off and ordered the
+coffin on her own account. It was not to be any more ornamental than was
+usual in the West End.
+
+Meanwhile Pastor Martens was continuing his journey. Marianne's death
+had made a most disagreeable impression upon him, which probably added
+to his former ill humour.
+
+The women, both old and young, were again on the look-out for him. A
+clergyman was not often to be seen in West End. The boys, who had found
+a dead cat on the shore, and which the eldest was dragging after him,
+came marching along like little soldiers. Behind them followed a tiny
+little creature not higher than one's knee, with his mother's wooden
+shoes on his feet, and wearing a paper cap on his head. The whole band
+was in high spirits, and sang with a ringing voice a national air,
+according to the comic version which was in use in West End:
+
+     "Yes, we love our country;
+       Yes, indeed we do!
+     He who dares deny it,
+       We will let him know!"
+
+The pastor had to pass the children, whose song went through his head.
+The cat, of which he just caught a glimpse, was half putrid, and its
+skin was hanging in rags. Parson Martens pressed his handkerchief to his
+mouth; he was afraid that the unhealthy atmosphere would be injurious to
+his health.
+
+He hurried out of West End and up to the house, as fast as his cassock,
+and having to pick his way among the dirty puddles, would allow; but he
+came too late. The Consul had already been dead half an hour, and so
+Pastor Martens turned and went back to the town. It was very hot walking
+in the long black garment, and already well past dinner-time.
+
+Madame Rasmussen came running to meet him. "My dear Mr. Martens, dinner.
+Why, it's half-past two! Why, how exhausted you look!"
+
+"Let us rejoice, Madame Rasmussen," answered the clergyman, with a bland
+smile, "when we are thought worthy to endure trials."
+
+He was indeed a heavenly man, was the pastor. How pious and amiable he
+looked as he sat at table! No one could ever have suspected that he wore
+a wig.
+
+Madame Rasmussen sat down to embroider some cushions to put in the
+window, for the chaplain could not bear the slightest draught.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+
+Consul Garman's death caused a great sensation in the town. The
+wonderful escape of the ship was already material enough for several
+weeks' gossip; and now there came this death, with all its immediate
+circumstances and possible consequences. The whole town was fairly
+buzzing with stories and gossip.
+
+The business men gave each other a knowing wink. The old man at
+Sandsgaard had been a hard nut to crack, but now they would have more
+elbow-room, and Morten was not so dangerous.
+
+The preparations for the funeral were on the grandest scale. The body
+was to be taken from Sandsgaard and laid in the church, where Dean
+Sparre was to deliver a discourse, while the chaplain was to conduct the
+funeral service at the cemetery.
+
+All the different guilds were to follow with their banners, and the town
+band was busy practising till late at night. A regular committee of
+management was formed, and there was almost as much stir as if it was
+the 17th of May.[B]
+
+    [Footnote B: Anniversary of the declaration of the
+     Norwegian Independence in 1814.]
+
+Jacob Worse did not take any part in all this. He truly regretted the
+Consul, who had always been almost like a father to him.
+
+Mrs. Worse was more annoyed than sorry. "It was too bad, it was really
+too bad," she grumbled, "of the Consul to go and die!" She was sure that
+he would have arranged the match, such a sensible man as he was; but now
+that there were nothing but a lot of women in the house--for the
+_attaché_ was little better than an old woman himself--And so on, and so
+on, thought the old lady, and she wondered that Rachel, who had such a
+clever father, had not inherited a little more sense.
+
+Sandsgaard was silent and desolate from top to bottom. The body lay
+upstairs in the little room on the north side, and white curtains were
+hanging in front of all the windows of the second story. Not a sound was
+heard, except the monotonous step of one, who went pacing unceasingly to
+and fro in the empty rooms. Thus had Uncle Richard been wandering every
+day since his brother's death. Restlessly he passed in and out of one
+room after another, then up and down the long ballroom; now and again
+into the room where the body lay, ever to and fro, in and out, the whole
+livelong day, and far into the night.
+
+Rachel was more grieved at the loss of her father than she could have
+believed possible during his lifetime. But a change had lately taken
+place in her nature; she, who was so exacting towards others, was now
+brought to examine herself, and could see how much there was in her own
+nature which required reform. She could now see plainly enough, that it
+was principally her own fault that she and her father had not understood
+each other better. It was only during his illness, that they had both
+come to know how many ideas they had in common, and what they might have
+been to each other. Now it was too late, and she looked back on her
+wasted life with regret; for Jacob Worse's idea seemed to her quite
+impracticable.
+
+The day before the funeral, Madeleine was sitting in the room which
+looked on to the garden. It was a raw, cold spring morning, with a
+drizzling rain from the south-west, and she had been obliged to close
+the window. Upstairs she could hear her father's heavy footfall, which
+came nearer, passed overhead, and then became lost in the distance.
+Never had she felt so oppressed, sick at heart, and lonely as in that
+house, in which there reigned the silence which always seems to
+accompany death.
+
+A knock was heard at the door, and Pastor Martens entered the room. Mrs.
+Garman had particularly invited him to pay them a visit every day.
+
+"Good morning, Miss Madeleine. How do you feel to-day?"
+
+"Thanks," answered she, "I am pretty well; I mean about as well as I
+usually am."
+
+"That means, I am afraid, not particularly well," said the clergyman,
+sympathetically. "If I were your doctor I should order you to go
+somewhere for a change this summer."
+
+He still kept his hat in his hand, and remained standing near the window
+which led into the garden. Madeleine was sitting on the end of the sofa
+at the other end of the room.
+
+"This is a gloomy day for so late in the spring," observed Mr. Martens,
+looking into the garden; "and a house like this, to which Death has
+brought his sad tidings, is a mournful place."
+
+She listened to him, keeping her eyes fixed on the ground, and without
+returning a word.
+
+"A house like this," he continued, "in which death is lying, is a
+picture of the lives of many of us. How many of us carry death at our
+hearts! Some hope or another that for us has long passed away, or some
+bitter disappointment that we have buried in the depths of our soul."
+
+He could see that she bent her head lower over the sofa, and he went on
+speaking earnestly and soothingly, and almost to himself.
+
+"Since it is a good thing for us not to be alone; since it is good for
+us to have some one to cling to, when the bitter experiences of life
+cast their shadows over us, so--"
+
+Madeleine suddenly burst into tears, and her sobs reached his ears.
+
+"I beg your pardon," said he, coming close to the sofa. "I was but
+following the bent of my own thoughts, and I fear I have made you
+unhappy, when my object ought rather to have been to endeavour to cheer
+you. Poor child!"
+
+Her sobbing had now become so violent that she did not any longer try to
+conceal her emotion.
+
+"Dear Miss Madeleine," said the pastor, seating himself on the sofa at a
+little distance from her, "I am sure you are not well--I have observed
+it for some time; and you may imagine how painful it is for me to see
+you thus suffering, without having any right to offer you my
+assistance."
+
+"You have always been so good to me," sobbed Madeleine. "But no one can
+help me, I am so wretched--so wretched!"
+
+"Do not indulge such thoughts, my dear young lady; do not allow yourself
+to think that any feeling of wretchedness is so great that it cannot be
+mitigated. Intercourse with the friend who understands our nature has a
+wonderfully soothing power over the sick heart. And for that very
+reason," added he, with a sigh, "I feel it doubly painful that you will
+not allow me to be such a friend to you."
+
+"I cannot," stammered Madeleine in dismay. "Do not be angry with me. I
+do not mean to be ungrateful. You are the only one--But I am so
+nervous--I don't understand it all. But don't be angry with me;" and she
+held her hand a little nearer to him.
+
+Pastor Martens took the hand, and pressed it gently between his own.
+
+"You know I mean to be kind to you, Miss Madeleine," said he, in an
+earnest and soothing tone.
+
+"Yes, yes, I know you do. But do you believe--" and her eye rested on
+him with an earnest expression.
+
+"I am afraid your mind is disturbed; but I hope that I may be able to be
+a trustworthy guide for you through life. You have been unwilling to
+accept me, and I will not importune you; but I must tell you that
+everything I have is at your service."
+
+"But if I am unable--but if it is too much for me. No, I cannot!" she
+replied, hiding her face in her hands.
+
+His voice was kind, almost fatherly in its tone, as he moved nearer to
+her and said, "Tell me, Madeleine, do not you feel as if it was almost a
+dispensation of Providence? When I asked you for your hand, you rejected
+my offer hastily--without consideration, may I venture to say? That hand
+now lies in mine." She made an attempt to withdraw it, but he held it
+fast. "Here are we again brought together. Is it not as if you were
+destined to be mine--you who are so lonely and forsaken amongst your own
+relations? You do feel lonely, Madeleine, do you not?"
+
+"Oh yes; I do feel lonely--so dreadfully lonely," said she,
+disconsolately; and whether he now drew her to him, or whether she gave
+way of herself, she now lay with her head on his shoulder, wearied and
+helpless. And, as his voice sounded bland and soothing in her ears, she
+seemed to recover her breath, as if after a long period of oppression.
+
+In a moment she was on her feet: he had ventured to kiss her brow. He
+also rose, but still retained his grasp of her hand.
+
+"We will not tell any one about it to-day," he said reassuringly,
+"because of the affliction which has come upon your family. But we had
+better go to Mrs. Garman, and ask her blessing. With respect to your
+father----"
+
+"No! no!" she cried; "father must not know anything about it! Oh,
+heavens! what have I done?" she murmured, holding her hand before her
+eyes.
+
+A bland smile passed over his face as he took her arm in his. "You are
+still a little discomposed, child, but it will soon pass away." He then
+led her to Mrs. Garman's room.
+
+"Could not we wait till to-morrow? My head is so painful," entreated
+Madeleine.
+
+"We will only just show ourselves to your aunt," said he, quietly but
+decidedly, as he opened the door.
+
+They found Mrs. Garman in her room, sitting comfortably in her armchair.
+Before her she had a tray, on which stood a bottle of water and a small
+straw-covered flask of curaçoa. On a plate was some chicken, which had
+been cut into small pieces and neatly arranged round the edge, and in
+the middle was a little shape of asparagus butter, garnished with some
+chopped parsley.
+
+When Madeleine and the pastor entered the room, she was just in the act
+of holding a piece of chicken on a fork and dipping it into the butter,
+but when she saw them she put down her fork with an air of indifference,
+and said, "I hope, Madeleine, you will not forget to thank the Lord for
+thus changing your obstinate heart; and for you, Mr. Martens, I will
+hope and pray that you will never have to repent the step you have
+taken."
+
+For a moment Madeleine's eyes seemed to flash, but Mr. Martens hastened
+to observe, "My dear Madeleine is quite overcome. Would you not rather
+go to your room? We shall meet again to-morrow."
+
+Madeline felt really thankful for his suggestion, and gave him a feeble
+smile as he followed her to the door.
+
+When the pastor had gone, Mrs. Garman could not help thinking how
+differently people behave as soon as they are engaged. She suspected
+that she would not find the chaplain's society so agreeable for the
+future.
+
+Pastor Martens was so overjoyed that he could scarcely take his usual
+midday nap. Later in the day it began to clear up; it was only a sea-fog
+which had come up during the night, as is frequently the case in the
+spring. Everything appeared radiant and bright to Martens as he came
+along the street from the jeweller's, where he had been to order the
+ring, but he took care not to show his feelings; it would not do to look
+too pleased on the day before the funeral of his intended's uncle.
+
+In the market-place he met Mr. Johnsen.
+
+"You are coming to the funeral to-morrow?" said Martens, insensibly
+leading the conversation into the direction of his own thoughts.
+
+"No," answered Johnsen, drily; "I have to give an address at the Mission
+Bazaar."
+
+"What, between twelve and two? Why, the whole town will be following the
+funeral."
+
+"It is for the women, my address," said the inspector, as he continued
+his way.
+
+"Well," thought Martens, "he is indeed changed! Prayer-meetings,
+missions, Bible-readings--quite a different kind of work!" said the
+chaplain mysteriously to himself. His feelings were almost too much for
+him.
+
+A little farther up the street he met Delphin on horseback. There was
+such an unusual expression on the clergyman's face, that Delphin pulled
+up his horse and called out, "Good morning, Mr. Martens! Is it the
+thought of the discourse you have to deliver to-morrow that makes you
+look so pleased?"
+
+"Discourse! discourse!" thought the chaplain. He had never prepared it.
+It was well indeed he had been thus reminded. However, he answered, "If
+notwithstanding my--or perhaps I ought to say our--sorrow, I do look
+rather more cheerful than I ought under the circumstances, I only do so
+from something which has happened to myself. It is purely on personal
+grounds."
+
+"And may I venture to ask what the circumstances are which make you look
+so happy?" asked Delphin, carelessly.
+
+"Well, it ought not really to be told to any one to-day, but I think I
+may venture to tell you," said the pastor, in a calm voice. "I have
+proposed to a lady, and have had the good fortune to be accepted."
+
+"Indeed? I congratulate you!" cried the other gaily. "I think, too, I
+can guess who it is." His thoughts turned on Madam Rasmussen.
+
+"Yes, I dare say you can," answered Martens, quietly. "It is Miss
+Garman--Madeleine, I mean."
+
+"It's a lie!" shouted Delphin, grasping his riding-whip.
+
+The pastor cautiously took two or three steps backwards on the footpath,
+raised his hat, and continued his way.
+
+But Delphin rode off rapidly down the road, and away past Sandsgaard,
+ever faster and faster, till his steed was covered with foam. He had
+ridden four miles without noticing where he was going. The coast became
+flat and sandy, the patches of cultivation ceased, and the open sea lay
+before him. The sun shone on the blue expanse, while far out lay the
+mist like a wall, as if ready to return again at night.
+
+Delphin put his horse up at a farmhouse, and went on foot over the sand.
+The vast and peaceful ocean seemed to attract him. He felt a longing to
+be alone with his thoughts, longer, indeed, than was his usual custom.
+George Delphin was not often given to serious thought--his nature was
+too frivolous and unstable; but to-day he felt that there must be a
+reckoning, and on the very verge of the sea he threw himself on the
+sand, which was now warmed by the afternoon sun. At first his thoughts
+surged like the billows over which he gazed. He was furious with Pastor
+Martens. Who could have believed that he, George Delphin, should have
+suffered himself to be supplanted by a chaplain, and, more than that, a
+widower? And Madeleine! how could she have accepted him? And the more
+his thoughts turned upon her, the more he felt how truly he loved her.
+
+How different it might have been! Yes, many things might have been
+different in his life, when he came to review it fairly. His thoughts
+then fell upon Jacob Worse, who had lately quite given him up. It had
+often happened to Delphin that people did not remain friends with him
+long. It was only Fanny who did not give him up. He made one more effort
+to bring up her image in his thoughts, in all its most enchanting
+beauty, but he failed in the effort. Madeleine seemed to overshadow
+everything. Then his thoughts reverted to Martens, and his agony
+returned. He seemed no longer to have any aim in life, which had been so
+utterly wasted, useless and desolate, and he began to regard himself
+with loathing, friendless as he was, and thus entangled in an intrigue
+with one for whom he had no affection, and despised by her whose love he
+really longed for.
+
+All this time the mist was stealing in light wreaths over the shore; it
+came gliding beyond the line of the waves, and on over the sand. It
+paused for an instant at the man who was thus lying in despair, then
+stole on further, and finally settled behind the sand-hills. The grey
+wall of mist had now attained such a height that it obscured the evening
+sun, so that the landscape became all at once cold and grey, whilst the
+fog went scudding along, denser and denser every moment.
+
+Delphin stretched himself on the sand, wearied with his long ride and
+his bitter thoughts. The long white breakers came curling ever nearer
+and nearer, as they broke on the beach with their subdued and monotonous
+roar.
+
+He could not but think how easy it would be to have done with the life
+altogether, which now seemed to him of so little worth. He had but to
+roll himself down the sandy slope, and the waves would take his body
+into their embrace, and, after rocking him on their bosom, perhaps bear
+him far away and leave him on a distant shore. But he felt full well
+that he had not the courage; and as he lay there, thus pondering over
+his past life, he fell into a reverie, while the breakers murmured their
+monotonous song, and the mist, which was borne up on the light evening
+breeze, breathed over him cold and chill.
+
+The landscape assumed a general tone of grey. The mist stole on, still
+more close and compact, and the form of him who lay by the waves became
+more and more indistinct. At last he was gone; the sea raised her mantle
+and wiped him out, while the fog drifted inland thick as a wall, and,
+reaching the first dwellings, swept round the corners of the houses, and
+sent cold gusts in at the open doors and windows.
+
+But swifter than the mist, closer and ever more penetrating, swept the
+report of the chaplain's engagement through the town. It crept in
+through cracks and keyholes, filled houses from cellar to garret, and
+stood so thick in the street that it stopped the traffic.
+
+"Have you heard the news? They are engaged? Guess! where? who? Miss
+Garman; I heard it an hour ago! Have you heard the news? It's the
+chaplain who is engaged! Well, I am surprised! They might have waited
+till after the funeral. Are you sure? He has been at the jeweller's!
+Have you heard the news?"
+
+Thus it spread, buzz, buzz, from house to house; and when at length the
+weary town went to its bed, there was certainly not a soul who had not
+heard of the engagement from at least five separate people. It was a
+wonderful time, rich in important events.
+
+But just as one sometimes sees a little brawling and muddy brook flowing
+into a clear stream, and following along in its course, but ever keeping
+its little band of dirty brown water separate from the translucent
+river, even so there followed with the news of the great event, a little
+whisper of uncomfortable gossip. It always accompanied the main story,
+cropping up everywhere, whispered, muttered, doubted, but never
+contradicted; and this little bit of intelligence was, that Pastor
+Martens wore a wig. It was scarcely credible, but it was undeniable;
+Madame Rasmussen herself was the authority.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+
+Like all wise rulers, who feel that they ought to mark the epoch of
+their arrival at power with certain merciful actions, Morten had given
+permission to Per Karl to drive the hearse with the old blacks, which
+were, however, condemned to be shot on the following day.
+
+The old coachman had got them into "funeral trim," as he said, and for
+three days had groomed them incessantly. The last night he had passed in
+the stable, so that they should not lie down and spoil their coats. They
+were therefore shining as they never shone before, when, at eleven
+o'clock on Saturday morning, they drew up with the hearse at the door.
+
+There are three kinds of hearses, so that one has the option of driving
+to the churchyard just as one travels by rail--in a first, second, or
+third class carriage. Unless, indeed, one manages to quit life in such
+an abject state of poverty, that one has to get one's self carried on
+foot by one's friends. Consul Garman drove first class, in a carriage
+adorned with angels' heads and silver trappings. Per Karl sat under the
+black canopy, with crape round his hat, and looking with pride and
+sadness on his old blacks.
+
+When the coffin, which was adorned with flowers and white drapery, was
+carried down from upstairs, Miss Cordsen stood at the foot of the
+staircase, with the servants assembled in a group behind her. The old
+lady folded her hands on her breast, and bowed low as they bore him
+past; she then went up to her room, and locked the door.
+
+The ladies of the family followed in the close carriage with Uncle
+Richard, so as to be present at the ceremony in the church. Morten and
+Gabriel were in the open carriage. The whole staff of workmen belonging
+to the firm, and many of the townspeople who were not contented with
+following from the church to the grave, joined the procession on foot
+when the hearse set itself in motion. The spring sunshine was reflected
+from the silver trappings and angels' heads, and from the sleek and
+well-groomed horses, who were going on their last drive with a step full
+of pride and solemnity. It happened most awkwardly that Marianne had
+also to be buried that day. Martin had tried his best to prevent the
+_contretemps_, but the answer which he had received from the authorities
+was, that it was impossible to make an exception on his account; that
+the present arrangement would be most convenient for all parties, and
+particularly so, because it would save the clergyman a double journey to
+the cemetery; besides, there would be only the simple funeral service,
+and no address would be given.
+
+Very well, then; since there would be no address the funeral would take
+place on Saturday, between twelve and two.
+
+Outside Begmand's cottage a group of young seafaring men were
+assembling. There were a few relations from the town, and some of
+Marianne's acquaintances, such as Tom Robson, Torpander, and Woodlouse.
+Anders Begmand was not there: no amount of persuasion could prevent him
+from following the Consul's funeral.
+
+At Marianne's funeral there was no undertaker to regulate the pace of
+the procession, and the young sailors stepped out briskly with the
+coffin. They thus managed to arrive at the town just as the Consul's
+remains were being carried into the church. Now, it would scarcely do
+for them to go through the town along the road leading to the cemetery,
+which was strewn with green leaves, and with lilac and laburnum
+blossoms, for Mr. Garman. There was, therefore, nothing for it but to
+wait until the service was over. It was hot work carrying a coffin,
+dressed in Sunday clothes, and they therefore put down their burden on
+the steps of a cottage hard by, whilst several of them took off their
+jackets in order to get a bit cooler.
+
+On the opposite side of the street there was a small beerhouse. There
+were several of them to whom a pint of beer would have been very
+grateful, and who had the money in their pockets to pay for it; but
+perhaps it would hardly do.
+
+The sailors stood talking together, and turning their quids in their
+mouths; dry in the throat were they, and opposite was the open door of
+the beerhouse, with jugs and bottles on the counter. It looked so cool
+and moist in there, and the street was perfectly empty, for all the
+world was crowding to the cemetery. At length one slunk across the
+street and sneaked in; two more followed. It seemed but too probable
+that all the bearers would give way to the same temptation; so Tom
+Robson went over to the group, and, putting a five-kroner note into the
+hand of the eldest, said, "There! you can drink that, but on condition
+that only two go in at a time."
+
+The stipulation was agreed to without a murmur, and they took their
+turns in the most orderly way. A great many pints of beer go to a
+five-kroner note. Martin and Tom Robson resolutely turned their backs on
+the temptation. Woodlouse resisted it for a long time, but in the end he
+was obliged to give way. Torpander was sitting on a stone at the corner
+of the cottage, gazing at the coffin. His silk handkerchief had, in
+accordance with his earnest request, been allowed to follow Marianne to
+the grave; and on the lid of the coffin, over her heart, lay a garland
+which had cost him three kroner. This was the only adornment the coffin
+possessed, for most of the flowers from the West End had been bought by
+the townspeople for the Consul's funeral. Marianne would otherwise have
+had plenty.
+
+At length the people began to stream out of the church; those who were
+with Marianne had to wait till the main procession arrived at the
+cemetery. The seamen then, after moistening their palms in the usual
+way, went on with their burden with renewed vigour. There was no change
+from the five-kroner note.
+
+No one could remember to have seen so long a funeral procession as that
+which followed the young Consul. It reached almost from the church door,
+to the gate of the cemetery, which lay in a distant part of the town. As
+they began to move slowly along the road, a whole crowd of hats came
+into view, hats of all kinds and shapes. There was Morten's new hat
+fresh from Paris, and the well-known broad brim of Dean Sparre. There
+were hats of the old chimney-pot shape, with scarcely any brim at all,
+while others had brims which hung over almost like the roof of a Swiss
+cottage. Some hats had a red tinge when they came into the glare of the
+sunshine, while others were brushed as smooth as velvet. Twenty years'
+changing fashions were blended together like a packet of "mixed drops."
+Only old Anders was still constant to his cap, which was covered with
+pitch as usual. A crowd of boys and children followed on both sides of
+the road, and the cemetery, which lay on the slope of the hill, was
+already thronged at the part near the Garmans' tomb.
+
+At the entrance of the churchyard were planted two large flag-staves
+decorated with wreaths; the flags, which were at half-mast, hung down to
+the ground, waving gently in the light breeze. The town band was now
+allowed a moment's rest. The whole way from the church it had played
+incessantly an indescribable air; and it was only in the evening, when
+an account appeared in the papers, that the air was recognized as
+Chopin's Funeral March.
+
+The precentor, with his choristers, "Satan's clerks," as he used to call
+them when he was annoyed, begun to intone a psalm. The coffin was lifted
+from the hearse, and carried through the cemetery, by the principal
+merchants of the town.
+
+It was a magnificent spectacle, as the long funeral procession, with
+here and there a uniform, and its many flower-decorated banners, moved
+majestically along through the seething crowd of women and children,
+which stood closely packed on and among the graves on both sides of the
+path.
+
+The funeral party now assembled round the grave, into which the coffin
+was lowered. The merchants who had carried it looked relieved when he
+was laid to rest; he had been an equally heavy burden to them both in
+death and in life. The singing ceased, and a silence ensued, as the
+clergyman ascended the little heap of earth which had been thrown up at
+the side of the grave.
+
+During the latter part of the preparation of his discourse, the chaplain
+had felt keenly in what a difficult position he was placed in regard to
+the deceased. Since his engagement with Madeleine, his first duty was to
+be strictly impartial, and not to allow himself to be led into any
+flattering expressions, which would be quite out of place from the lips
+of one who had, in point of fact, become one of the family.
+
+The dean had, in his discourse in the church, dwelt entirely on the
+merits of the deceased, as a fellow-citizen and as a good man of
+business, who had, almost like a father, found daily bread for hundreds,
+and who had shed happiness and prosperity all around him. The chaplain
+began his address as follows:--
+
+"My sorrowing friends, when we look into this grave--six feet long and
+six feet deep, when we look at this dark coffin, when we think of this
+body which is going to decay, we naturally, my dear friends, say to
+ourselves, 'Here lies a man of riches, of great riches.' But let us
+search the depths of our own hearts. For where is now the glitter of
+that wealth which dazzles the eyes of so many? Where is now the
+influence which to us, short-sighted mortals, appears to attach to
+earthly prosperity? Here in this dark tomb, six feet long and six feet
+deep, it is buried from our sight.
+
+"Oh, my friends! let us learn the lesson which is taught by this silent
+tomb. Here all is finished, here is the end of all inequality, which is,
+after all, but the result of sin. Here, in the calm peace of the
+churchyard, they rest side by side, rich and poor, high and low, all
+alike before the majesty of death. All that is perishable on earth is
+swept aside like a used garment. Six feet of earth, that is all; it is
+the same for each one of us."
+
+The gentle spring breeze breathed on the silk banners of the various
+guilds, lifting the heavy folds out from the staff, and making a glad
+rustle in the silk. And the same breeze also carried the words over the
+cemetery, to the old crones who were sitting on the tombstones, and the
+girls and women who were grouped along the slope. Yes, even to the far
+distant edge of the cemetery did the wind bear the eloquent discourse,
+so that the words could be distinctly heard at the grave in which
+Marianne was about to be laid. And those words about equality and the
+evanescence of worldly wealth, were indeed words of comfort for the
+poor, as well as for the rich. But those who stood by Marianne's grave
+scarcely listened to them--not even Torpander, who stood gazing intently
+at his solitary wreath, which lay on the simple coffin.
+
+Woodlouse was guiltless of inattention, for he could not hear; but
+instead, he made his observations and gave vent to his philosophical
+reflections as was his wont.
+
+There lay, in the gravelly heap which had been thrown up from the grave,
+a few bones and skulls. The story was, that that part of the churchyard,
+which was especially devoted to the poor, had been a burying-place at
+some former period, and the graves which had not been paid for for
+twenty years were, after the lapse of that time, again made use of,
+according to the rule and custom of the Church. It was thus no unusual
+thing to find coffins while a new grave was being dug, which fell to
+pieces under the spade. The bodies had been packed closely, and often
+several had been placed in the same grave.
+
+It was, however, a scandal that the bones should be allowed to lie out
+in the light of day, until the new corpse came to be buried. Abraham the
+sexton had his orders, to take such bones at once to the house which was
+appointed for them, and which was a mere shed in one corner of the
+cemetery, where it was left to each skull to discover the bones
+belonging to it as best it might. But when any of the officials found
+fault with Abraham for his neglect, he would stand leaning on his spade,
+and cocking his red nose knowingly on one side, would answer with a
+smile, "Well, you see, what are we to do? The poor are just as much
+trouble in death as they are in life. They never will die like
+respectable people, one by one, now and again; but they all die at the
+same time, you see, and then come out here and want to get buried.
+Particularly all through the winter, when the ground is hard, and then
+in the early spring, what are we to do? It is really too bad. Yes, at
+those seasons they bring such shoals of children--ah, preserve us from
+the children!--yes, and grown-up people too, for that matter; and they
+all want graves just at the wrong time of year! They always choose the
+wrong time! It would not be so bad if one could only skimp the
+measurements a bit; but, you see, no one is so particular as the poor
+about the measurements. Six feet long and six feet deep--they will have
+it, never an inch less. And so, you see, it is not always so easy to get
+these bones out of sight in time for one of these pauper funerals. No,
+no! it is quite true what I say. The poor are just as much trouble in
+death as they are in life!"
+
+There was once a new manager of the cemetery who wished to get rid of
+Abraham, who caused general indignation when he went tumbling about
+tipsy among the graves. But the dean said, "What is to become of the
+poor man? He will remain as a burden either to you or to me; and
+besides, he has been with us as long as I have been here, and I have
+always been able to bear with his sad infirmity. It would really go to
+my heart to drive him away." And so the public were content to keep
+Abraham as an evidence of Dean Sparre's kindness of heart.
+
+As Woodlouse stood looking at the bones, he was absorbed in
+philosophical meditation, and he could not help thinking that there was
+a sort of air of defiance in the grin, with which one of the skulls
+returned his gaze. It struck him that this skull might perhaps be
+thinking how peaceful it was to rest here in the sacred earth of the
+churchyard. But surely it was just as peaceful over there in the house
+in which the bones were placed; and if neither church nor provost,
+chaplain nor sexton, gravedigger nor organist, bell-ringer nor acolyte,
+no, not one of them had got his due, it was quite impossible that it
+should be otherwise. And when he came to consider further, he thought
+that he could discover in these bare bones and these bleached skulls, an
+expression he knew only too well in life; a kind of cleared-out
+expression, which seems to cling to those who have not paid their debts.
+
+Meanwhile Pastor Martens's sonorous voice echoed over the cemetery as he
+was approaching the end of his discourse. "The six feet of earth" was
+repeated again and again, like the refrain upon which a good composer
+will hang a whole symphony; and each time it seemed to make a deeper
+impression. The account in the evening papers might perhaps be slightly
+exaggerated, when it said that not an eye was dry; but certain is it
+that many wept, and not only women, but men also. Some even of the
+merchants, who had carried the coffin, were seen using their
+pocket-handkerchiefs.
+
+It was really an extraordinary address. Just at the commencement it had
+caused an uneasy feeling, when Martens began to speak about the great
+riches of the deceased. There was some apprehension lest he should make
+some ill-timed application of the parable of the camel and the needle's
+eye; but the speaker had just managed to say the right thing. There is
+nothing which gives the poor so much pleasure, as to hear how little
+power really belongs to earthly wealth, and how little there is to
+grudge when it comes to the last. And so this allusion to "the six feet
+of earth" had a good effect throughout.
+
+When the funeral discourse was over, Abraham came forward with the box
+which was to hold the earth to be thrown on the coffin.
+
+Struggling with his inmost feelings, the pastor seized the box, filled
+it with mould, and uncovered his head. Off in a moment came all the
+various hats, and just as many various heads were disclosed to view.
+Some were smooth, some were rough, some had long hair, and on others the
+hair was clipped as close as the top of a hair trunk, while here and
+there appeared a skull as smooth as a billiard ball.
+
+The clergyman threw the earth into the grave, deeply moved, and almost
+mechanically, as if the task were too much for him. The loose mould
+could be heard rustling down on the flowers and silk ribbons. One more
+short and thrilling prayer was heard; the service was over, and the hats
+appeared again.
+
+The bandsmen, who had been standing in a group among the mourners,
+keeping their instruments under their coats, so that they might not get
+cold, suddenly broke out into music, at a mysterious sign from the
+bandmaster. The effect was striking. Just as when a stone is thrown into
+the water, and the ripples roll outwards in an ever-widening circle, so
+did the mighty waves of sound drive back the bystanders in all
+directions, until there was quite an open place around the players. The
+undertaker turned the opportunity to advantage, and took his place at
+the head of the procession, which returned in the same order as it came.
+
+At a short distance behind the musicians, came the precentor with his
+choristers. He was terribly annoyed by the band, and in a great state of
+anxiety, lest the sorrowing relatives of the deceased should not notice,
+how much extra trouble he had taken with the singing.
+
+The undertaker, on the contrary, was extremely pleased with the band,
+which had made such a nice clear space for him, and when he got home to
+his wife he said, "Even if the drums of my ears are nearly broken, I
+must say I fully appreciate the effect of a brass band. Nothing can be
+more opportune, when one has to lead a procession through a large crowd
+at a respectable funeral."
+
+At a short distance from the grave, the clergyman left the _cortége_ and
+went in a different direction across the cemetery. As soon as he was out
+of sight of the crowd, he took a short cut over the graves, which in
+that part of the cemetery were low and overgrown with grass, and every
+now and then he held up his cassock, and stepped over one which lay in
+his path.
+
+Abraham the sexton had got an extra lurch on, in honour of the grand
+funeral, and came stumbling along after the pastor, carrying the black
+box, which was the same that was used for all burials, without
+distinction.
+
+When the pastor arrived at Marianne's grave, he found Anders Begmand and
+some others from the West End, who had already been in the Consul's
+procession. The chaplain took off his hat and wiped his brow, as he
+stood looking round for Abraham. The others also uncovered their heads.
+At length Abraham came up, and the three handfuls of earth fell,
+hurriedly and mechanically, on the simple coffin. "Of earth thou art, to
+earth thou shalt return, and from the earth thou shalt rise again.
+Amen."
+
+The pastor went scrambling along farther over the graves. There were
+still some other poor people to be buried, and it was getting late.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+
+The young Consul's death did not bring with it any great changes, either
+in the household or in the business. Everything was in such a solid and
+well-regulated condition, that it kept on going like a good machine. The
+new driver had as much as he could manage, and there were some who
+thought that the more delicate parts of the complicated mechanism would
+be likely to suffer under his hands.
+
+At the same time, no one could say of Morten that he did not bring great
+energy to bear on his new duties. Now, indeed, it was almost impossible
+to find him; he was continually on the go between the town and
+Sandsgaard. His carriage might be seen waiting at the most unlikely
+corners, or all of a sudden he would pop up out of a boat at the quay,
+tear off to the office, call out something to the bookkeeper, and flash
+out of the door again. But when the bookkeeper hurried after him, to ask
+what the instructions were, all he saw was a glimpse of the dogcart as
+it turned the corner.
+
+The business men in the town used to say, quietly among themselves, that
+it was easier to work against Morten than with him. Garman and Worse's
+predominance began to grow weaker, and what had been the central power
+was now distributed in several hands. The year which followed was not a
+prosperous one for shippers; most of the ships belonging to the firm had
+been working either at a loss or at a very small profit. The most
+successful was the _Phoenix_, which had been put on the guano trade. She
+still continued to be a favourite, and her voyages were followed with
+great interest in the newspapers. The poet of the town had written some
+verses in her honour:--
+
+     "Rock proud, thou fire's daughter,
+     Thy flame-enshrouded helm!"
+
+It was doubtless this allusion to the helm, which had been most in
+danger at the time of the fire, which caused the success of the poem,
+and insured it a permanent position in all the concerts.
+
+In accordance with the express wishes of the deceased, Jacob Worse had
+been chosen as guardian for Rachel and Gabriel. Mrs. Garman was still to
+remain in the position of partner, with Morten as manager of the
+business. For each of the younger children a considerable sum was set
+apart; a sum, in fact, which was just about equal to that with which
+Morten had entered the firm.
+
+Rachel had thus to go to Jacob Worse for an explanation of her affairs,
+for she wanted to have a clear idea of what she really possessed, and
+what her exact position was. Worse answered her in a calm and measured
+business tone.
+
+"Well, then, this money," said she, one day, in Worse's office, "is my
+own, and is entirely under my own control?"
+
+"Yes, in addition to your share in the business," added Worse, in
+explanation; "and if your mother should die, your part of her property
+will come to you at the division which will follow. It will then depend
+upon you or your future husband--"
+
+"My future husband will surely allow me to manage my own property," said
+Rachel.
+
+"It is to be hoped he will; but, as you perhaps know, in the event of
+your marrying, you will lose the entire control."
+
+"Then I will never marry!"
+
+"I am of opinion myself that you might do something better than
+marriage," said Jacob Worse.
+
+Rachel observed him closely, but failed to fathom his thoughts.
+
+"How I envy you your clear intelligent head!" said she, somewhat
+scornfully. "You lay out for yourself some plan or another in life, and
+then your object is forthwith accomplished. You quietly follow your
+plans, and in the same way you expect that those to whom you give your
+advice, will follow it without wavering. You are just like father. You
+really are too precise."
+
+"I regard that as the greatest compliment I have ever received,"
+answered Worse, smiling.
+
+"But father was in many respects an old-fashioned and somewhat
+prejudiced man. It was just these very modern ideas that you find so
+attractive, which were to him strange or even positively distasteful."
+She made this remark more for the purpose of drawing out Worse than
+because she wished to disparage her father.
+
+"Consul Garman," said Worse, rising from his chair, "was a dissatisfied
+man. His whole life was an ill-concealed struggle between the old and
+the new. He placed extraordinary confidence in me, and I found in him
+ideas, which no one would have expected to meet with in such a precise
+and old-fashioned man of business. But to reconcile the two incongruous
+currents was beyond his power; the immature and impetuous want of
+exactitude of modern times was repugnant to his nature; and when his
+great sense of justice forced him to recognize certain fundamental
+truths, it was still always a source of annoyance to him to be obliged
+to do so. It appears to me that he sought a counteracting influence to
+all this, in his boundless admiration for old Consul Garman."
+
+"But was not my grandfather a remarkable man? Don't you think so?" asked
+Rachel, with interest.
+
+"I will tell you my opinion, Miss Garman. He was a man who lived in a
+time to which he was suited, and in which, on the whole, existence was
+far more easy."
+
+"You mean to say, then, that existence was easier in those times than in
+the present?"
+
+"Yes, I am sure of it," continued Worse, pacing hurriedly up and down
+the room, as was his custom when he was excited. "Do you not see how
+existence becomes more difficult with each year as it passes? New
+discoveries and experiences are springing up every hour, and doubts and
+inquiry are burrowing under, and undermining the whole fabric. Revered
+and well-grounded truths are falling to the ground, and those who are
+too timid to advance with the times, are gathering confusedly about the
+rotten framework, supporting, preserving, and terrified, denouncing
+youth, and predicting the destruction of society. Your grandfather stood
+on the very summit of the cultivation of his day, living as he did in a
+state of society which was peaceful and conscious of its security, with
+aristocratic intelligence above and aristocratic ignorance below. Your
+father, on the other hand, had grown to manhood when the movement
+reached us, and he had already a fixed understanding as to his own line
+in life, when the new ideas came streaming in upon him. Then followed
+the long and painful struggle. But we who are a generation younger, and
+who enter upon life from school, with the old maxims only half rooted in
+our minds, feel the whole fabric tottering. Doubt and uncertainty reign
+on every side, and we find ourselves now in a state of eager
+expectation, and now plunged in gloomy apprehension. Wheresoever we
+place our foot, the ground gives way beneath us, and if we wish to sit
+down and rest awhile, the chair is drawn from under us by some invisible
+hand. Thus are we whirled to and fro in a struggle for which we were
+never prepared, and in which numbers of us miserably perish. Fathers
+scold and threaten, while mothers weep because we have forsaken the
+traditions of our childhood. Bitter words and party names are caught up
+in the continuous strife, and find their way into family life; the one
+no longer understands the motives of the other; we stand railing at each
+other in the pitchy darkness; no distinction is made between sincere
+conviction and restless love of change. All strive blindly together,
+whilst society becomes interwoven with a tissue of hostility, mistrust,
+falsehood, and hypocrisy."
+
+Rachel looked at him with open eyes, and at length she exclaimed, "I
+cannot imagine how you can be content with your present existence, so
+silent and so reserved, when such a tumult of thought is passing through
+your brain."
+
+Jacob Worse stopped, and his face grew calm as he said, "I have a simple
+remedy, which I have learnt from my mother, and which your father also
+employed--and that is, work. To keep at it from morning to evening; to
+begin the day with a large packet of foreign letters here on my desk,
+and to leave off in the evening, tired but content--content for that
+day. That is my remedy--that keeps the life in me; so far it suffices;
+higher I cannot attain."
+
+"I said a short time ago that I envied you your calm and logical mind. I
+now regret the tone in which the words were spoken. I often, somehow or
+another, I don't know why, but I often find myself speaking to you
+somewhat--" She faltered, and her face became suffused with blushes.
+
+"Somewhat plainly, you mean," said Worse, smiling.
+
+"May I hope it is because you think me worthy of your confidence?"
+
+She looked at him again, but his eyes were now fixed on the map which
+hung over her head.
+
+"Well," said Rachel, "perhaps that is the reason; but what I really envy
+you is your love of work, or, I should say, not so much the love of
+work--for that I have myself--but your having discovered an employment
+which keeps you calm. But you are able to work, that's where it is," she
+added, meditatively.
+
+"My opinion about you, Miss Garman, has always been, that the aimless
+life a lady in your position is obliged to lead here at home, must
+sooner or later become unbearable to you."
+
+"I cannot work," said she in a crestfallen tone.
+
+"Well, but at least you can try."
+
+"How am I to begin? You remember that time when father would not receive
+my offer of assistance."
+
+"Your father did not understand you; nor will you find it easy to
+discover satisfactory employment in your own country. But travel, look
+around you. You are rich and independent, and there are other lands
+where work is to be had, and in them you ought to find suitable
+occupation."
+
+"Do you really advise me to travel elsewhere, Mr. Worse?" said Rachel.
+
+"Yes; that is to say--yes, I think it would be best for you. Here you
+have little opportunity of development, and, to speak plainly, I think
+you ought to travel." As he said the last words he regained his
+self-possession, and could now look her in the face calmly, and without
+flinching.
+
+"But where shall I go--a lonely woman without friends? I am afraid you
+over-estimate my powers," said Rachel, with a reluctant air. It was as
+if she did not fancy his advising her to go away.
+
+"I may as well tell you what I think now," he began, hurriedly. "I have
+some acquaintances in Paris. In fact, an American firm--Barnett Brothers
+they are called--who have a house in Paris; and Mr. Frederick Barnett is
+a personal friend of mine."
+
+"You seem to have been arranging to get rid of me for some time," said
+Rachel; "why, you have the whole plan ready prepared."
+
+He showed some signs of confusion, for it was a scheme he had carefully
+considered, but which he had always hoped he would not have to put into
+execution.
+
+"Yes," answered he, endeavouring to laugh; "as your guardian, it is my
+duty to assist you, to the best of my ability, to arrange for your
+future."
+
+"But are you going to send me to Paris alone?"
+
+"No; I have been thinking of offering you Svendsen as an escort. You
+surely know old Svendsen, my bookkeeper? He has been several times in
+Paris, and is a most trustworthy man. I am sure you will be contented
+with Mr. Barnett's house, which is more like an English one. And that, I
+think, will suit you better than a purely French household."
+
+"Does your friend take boarders?" asked Rachel, quickly.
+
+"Not as a rule, as far as I know. You will thus find it more expensive
+than at an ordinary _pension;_ but I am almost certain that both Mr. and
+Mrs. Barnett, who is a French lady, are the sort of people you will
+like. And it is exactly in the American society of Paris that you will
+have the best opportunity of finding employment if you wish for it. At
+any rate, you can stay some time in Mr. Barnett's house, until you find
+something else you prefer."
+
+His tone was deliberate and decided, as if he already regarded the
+matter as finally settled; and when Rachel got up to take her leave she
+found that her mind was already made up, without being conscious of how
+she had arrived at her conclusion. She looked forward to a new and more
+active life, with mingled feelings of expectation and pleasure. But at
+the same time she was somewhat hurt--no, not hurt, but sad--no, not
+exactly sad, either; but she could not help thinking it was
+extraordinary, that he should show himself so eager to get her away.
+
+Jacob Worse followed her to the door leading into the street, but when
+she had gone he did not go back to the office, but crossed over the yard
+to his mother's.
+
+A month later, Gabriel and Rachel set off under the escort of old
+Svendsen; Gabriel to Dresden, and Rachel to Paris. Madeleine also
+quitted Sandsgaard. Her intended had arranged, with the assistance of
+the doctor, that she should go to the baths of Modum, where Martens's
+mother, who was the widow of a clergyman from the east coast, was to
+take care of her.
+
+Uncle Richard was utterly confounded when he heard Madeleine was going
+to marry a clergyman, and he had a kind of dim feeling that he would
+have done better to have kept her under the observation of the big
+telescope. But the old gentleman, who had never been very strong-minded,
+had become still more feeble in his sorrow, and now that he could no
+longer go to Christian Frederick for advice, he gave way in everything.
+
+As for Madeleine herself, the exhaustion which followed her illness had
+produced a feeling of indifference; and now that the important step had
+once been taken, she allowed herself to be led without offering any
+opposition, and did not find it disagreeable, when the pastor took upon
+himself to think and act for her in everything. But when it came to
+saying good-bye to her father she gave way, and was carried senseless to
+the carriage.
+
+Martens soon found that if he wished to educate Madeleine to be a
+pattern wife after his own heart, he must get her away from Sandsgaard.
+With the same object in view, he sought, and standing as well as he did
+with those in authority, soon obtained, a living at some distance in the
+country; and, a year after his betrothal, he celebrated his marriage at
+his mother's house.
+
+After his ride along the shore, George Delphin suffered from a dangerous
+attack of inflammation of the lungs. His illness lasted so long that a
+substitute had to be provided for the time in the magistrate's office;
+and as soon as he recovered sufficiently to write, he informed the
+magistrate that he wished to resign his situation. The magistrate
+accepted his resignation with alacrity, for George Delphin had never
+been the kind of man he liked.
+
+During the whole time of the illness, Fanny was in a state of nervous
+excitement. To visit the invalid, or put herself in any sort of
+communication with him, was quite out of the question. She had thus to
+content herself with such news as she could pick up, either accidentally
+or through Morten; but she dared not ask as many questions as she could
+have wished. One day when she was standing before the glass, she
+discovered three small wrinkles at the corner of her left eye. When she
+laughed, they improved her; but when she was serious, they made her look
+old. Nothing seemed to suit her any longer, not even mourning, in which
+she had always looked her best. Fanny, in fact, suffered as much as she
+was capable of suffering, and one day she received a note from him, in
+which he said adieu.
+
+"I start to-night, and say farewell thus to spare us both a painful
+parting. Farewell!" This was all the note contained.
+
+Her lovely complexion turned almost to an ashen grey, but only for a
+moment. The whole night she lay awake, listening to her husband, who lay
+breathing heavily by her side; but the next morning found her sitting by
+her window, as calm and bright as ever. Many of her friends, as she had
+expected, came to visit her, but she disappointed them all. Delphin's
+sudden departure was a subject of conversation in which she joined,
+jesting and laughing as usual. Her friends could perceive no change in
+her, and yet how much scandal had been talked about her and Delphin! It
+was a lesson to people to keep their tongues to themselves.
+
+But Fanny herself noticed several changes in her appearance, and was
+reminded of it every time she saw her reflection in the glass.
+
+In small circles great events seem to come all at once, one after
+another in startling succession. The worthy town had been quite upset by
+all those remarkable events, of a joyful, mournful, or mixed nature,
+which followed after the night of the fire at Sandsgaard; and while busy
+tongues kept reverting to the materials for gossip thus provided, the
+years rolled by without anything further taking place.
+
+Tom Robson had taken Martin with him to America, where they disappeared.
+
+Contrary to his intention, Torpander did not travel home to Sweden. He
+put off his departure from time to time. _Her_ grave never seemed pretty
+enough, and he never felt perfectly certain that it would be kept
+properly in order. He thus remained where he was, and at last moved over
+to old Anders Begmand's cottage. The old man's head had become somewhat
+affected. He received his week's pay every Saturday, without, however,
+doing any work to earn it. And now Torpander grew to be quite a fixture
+in the cottage, and the two would sit for many a winter's evening over
+the fire, repeating to each other the same stories, which never varied
+year after year, about her who had been, and still continued for both,
+the very sunshine of their lives.
+
+Uncle Richard soon gave up the lighthouse at Bratvold, and he and Mrs.
+Garman shared Sandsgaard between them. Downstairs the lady went about in
+her wheel-chair, and she had had all the thresholds of the doors
+removed, so that she might be able to have herself rolled into the
+kitchen.
+
+Upstairs Uncle Richard continued his ceaseless wanderings, in and out,
+to and fro, just as he had begun on the day after his brother's death.
+Once only he had had Don Juan saddled; but when he was brought round to
+the door, the old gentleman, thought he was too fresh for him. He put
+his hand before his eyes, and had Don Juan taken back again, to the
+stable.
+
+Summer and winter, day after day, the sound of his footfall overhead
+never ceased. A long strip of soft carpet had been put down the whole
+length of the house, partly for warmth, and partly to deaden the sound
+of his step.
+
+In winter he wore a long coat lined with fur, a fur cap, and a pair of
+deerskin gloves; and there were some people who confidently maintained
+that he carried an open umbrella when the weather was wet. In the little
+room on the north side, there was a cupboard in which a bottle of
+Burgundy was always kept standing. When the old gentleman got to this
+point he would pause, drink a glass of the wine, and look thoughtfully
+in the large mirror. He then shook his head and continued his
+wanderings.
+
+No change took place in Miss Cordsen. The well-starched cap-strings and
+the odour of dry lavender still followed her wherever she went; while
+all the secrets of the family lay carefully preserved, together with her
+own, to both of which the closely pressed mouth, with its innumerable
+wrinkles, formed a lock of the safest description.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+
+Thus passed six years. According to Martens's prediction, Dean Sparre
+had been made a bishop. His predecessor in office had been a strict and
+haughty prelate, and there was, therefore, no little disturbance in the
+camp when he departed. But from the moment Dean Sparre mounted the
+vacant seat, all friction ceased, and everything went on evenly and
+smoothly. It was like covering the hammers of an old piano with new
+felt. The hitherto sharp tone gives place to a soft and agreeable sound;
+and after Dean Sparre's patent felt had been introduced into the
+mechanism, it all worked silently and noiselessly, and gave the greatest
+pleasure to all parties concerned.
+
+The bishop did not forget his young friend, Inspector Johnsen, of whom
+he had always had such "good hopes." He obtained for Johnsen a
+chaplaincy in his cathedral town; and some people were so mischievous as
+to assert that the bishop's "good hopes" were now fulfilled, for Pastor
+Johnsen was shortly after engaged to Miss Barbara Sparre.
+
+A great change had taken place in the _ci-devant_ school inspector. When
+the turning-point was once reached, he set to work in his new line in
+real earnest, as was only to be expected from one of his energetic
+character. He never dabbled any more in advanced philosophy, and had but
+little to do with grand society; on the contrary, he grew to be a
+clergyman to whom the women were particularly attracted. His sermons
+were always severe, very severe; and those who cared to listen closely,
+might remark that he never repeated the prayer for the arms of the
+country by land and by sea.
+
+Down at Mrs. Worse's shop, in the dark corner of the lane, trade went on
+regularly and well. Little Pitter Nilken had arrived at that stage of
+shriveldom, at which both fruits and people cannot hold out much longer
+without a change. He still managed to swing himself over the counter as
+lightly as a cork when the enemy became too troublesome, and the
+redoubtable iron ruler had lost none of its gruesome terrors.
+
+Mrs. Worse, on the contrary, had become rather stout in the course of
+years. Her legs would no longer "balance" her properly, as she said. But
+still she refused to buy a carriage until all had "come right," which
+she thought could not be long now.
+
+When all had come right! It required a faith as blind as Mrs. Worse's to
+reckon on such a possibility. Rachel had now been six years in Paris
+without saying a word about coming home. What her occupation there
+really was, Jacob Worse could never discover. Each time he sent her
+money--and it was marvellous how much she used--he wrote her a few
+lines. She always answered briefly and reservedly. Through his friend
+Mr. Barnett he did not learn anything explicit. He only knew that Rachel
+was still living in the house, and that they were much attached to her.
+Mrs. Barnett's _salon_ was quite a place of assembly for the American
+colony, among which were many rich and accomplished men. Any day might
+bring the intelligence of her approaching marriage.
+
+Worse was in the habit of reading the papers every morning as they sat
+at breakfast in his mother's room. One day Mrs. Worse, who usually
+occupied herself half the morning with her paper, read out to her son
+that Pastor Martens had been nominated as clergyman in the town.
+
+"Just fancy! So they are coming westward again!" ejaculated Mrs. Worse.
+"I should like to know how little Madeleine has got on in married life,"
+sighed the old woman, who knew but too well the uncertainty which
+marriage brings with it. The news awoke many painful recollections in
+Worse's breast, and he paced up and down in his office for a long time,
+before he could bring himself to begin upon the foreign post, which lay
+in a formidable packet on his desk.
+
+Among the letters there was one from Barnett Brothers in Paris; he knew
+the handwriting, but the office stamp was missing. As he opened it, it
+struck him that it was longer than usual. He turned it over hastily.
+What was this? Rachel Carman's signature stood at the foot of the
+letter! Jacob Worse read as follows:--
+
+"DEAR MR. WORSE,
+
+"As I sit down to write to you, and thus carry out a long-formed
+resolution, I feel so overcome by emotion, that I find it difficult to
+control myself sufficiently, to express my thoughts _verbatim_. But now,
+as I have made up my mind, I will endeavour to make my letter clear and
+concise.
+
+"I have, as you now perhaps perceive, carried on the Norwegian
+correspondence of Messrs. Barnett Brothers for several years. In my
+private letters to you I have disguised my handwriting, so as not to
+betray my secret. I wished, in fact, to see first if I could make myself
+useful, and am at length satisfied I that I can. I have learnt to adopt
+your mother's homely maxim--remember me kindly to her--I can work.' In
+your kind letters, for which receive my best thanks, I have sometimes
+thought that I could perceive a feeling of astonishment, as to how I
+could be employing all the money you have sent me. It is placed in our
+business. I say our business, because Messrs. Barnett Brothers have
+offered me a share in their Paris house. I have thus attained the object
+of my ambition in that direction.
+
+"You once gave me some advice. You see, I attack each point separately,
+so as to prevent confusion, to avoid wasting words, or forgetting
+anything important. But to return. When you advised me to come forward
+as an authoress, I did not at that time think that your idea was
+reasonable. Since then I have, however, thought the subject carefully
+over, and have indeed made some small attempts that way, and now I beg
+to thank you for the good advice you gave me. I have indeed much to
+thank you for.
+
+"Now that I am able to work, I no longer feel so apprehensive about the
+future. It is true, as you said long ago, that there are many things
+which a woman may have to write about, and this is more especially true
+with us in our own country. I am fortunately in an independent position,
+_bonheur oblige_, and I have courage, so I will make the attempt. But I
+must first get home, not only because I am as homesick as a child--for I
+know perfectly well that when I have been at home for a short time, I
+shall be anxious to start again on my travels--but I feel that if I am
+to accomplish anything, I must be among those I wish to help. I also
+wish to be able to go abroad again, and thus make existence more
+interesting; but I must at the same time have a _pied à terre_ at home,
+so as to be able to return whenever I may desire to do so. And now comes
+the great 'but' which is, in fact, the chief point in this letter--and
+that, Mr. Worse, is yourself.
+
+"I do not wish to return home before I know clearly in what position we
+stand to each other. Of this I feel convinced, that you have no ill
+feeling towards me on account of my former behaviour to you. But still I
+know nothing further; and if there is nothing more to know, I hope we
+may meet as good friends. If there should be anything further, kindly
+let me have a few lines.
+
+"There, now! you see how the matter lies; let us now understand each
+other plainly, and I beg that you will be honourable and straightforward
+towards me. On one thing you can count for a certainty, which is, that I
+am, in any case,
+                     Your very sincere friend,
+                               RACHEL GARMAN."
+
+When Jacob Worse had read this letter, he sprang up, seized his hat and
+umbrella, and went into the clerk's office.
+
+"Has the Hamburg steamer started?"
+
+"No, sir, but the first bell has just rung," was the answer.
+
+"Have you any gold?"
+
+"Yes; that is to say, not very much," answered the cashier.
+
+"Let me have what you have got, and send Thomas over to the bank for
+some more. A couple of thousand kroner or so will do."
+
+The boy ran off with a bundle of notes and a little canvas bag.
+
+"I am going abroad, Svendsen, for a fortnight or so--I cannot say for
+certain. Look, here is my address. And with that he snatched the pen
+from behind Svendsen's ear and wrote across a large sheet of paper, on
+which the unfortunate man had just begun a magnificent letter:
+
+                 "_Pavilion Rohan_,
+                     "_Paris_.
+
+The second bell was now heard on board the steamer.
+
+"All right, Svendsen. Now you must manage as well as you can; telegraph
+if you want anything--my keys are in my desk." When he reached the door
+he turned round and cried, "Yes, I forgot, Svendsen; run over to my
+mother and tell her--yes, just tell her that it's all 'come right;'" and
+with that away he ran.
+
+Old Svendsen stood perfectly speechless, staring through the open door,
+as he rubbed his thumb and forefinger together, which was a habit of his
+when anything unusually perplexing occurred. Every door was open, a
+chair upset in the inner office, and Mr. Worse on the road to Paris with
+a hat and umbrella, Thomas after him in full career with the canvas bag.
+The cashier was sitting with the coin and notes scattered on the table
+in front of him, looking as if he had been robbed; and as old Svendsen's
+eye rested on the ruined letter, he discovered that he had a smudge of
+ink on one of his fingers. Now, it was thirty years since old Svendsen
+had had any ink on his fingers. Mr. Worse must have made a splutter with
+his pen when he snatched it so hurriedly; and as the old bookkeeper's
+eye wandered from the smudge of ink, to the frightful confusion which
+reigned in the office, and back again to the smudge, he repeated, slowly
+and majestically, the magic words which were to awake him from this
+horrible nightmare: "Tell my mother it has all come right." But matters
+grew still worse when, a short time afterwards, he presented himself
+before Mrs. Worse in the back room; for scarcely had he pronounced the
+fatal words, "It has all come right!" than Mrs. Worse flew at him and
+kissed him right on his lips.
+
+This kiss, in connection with the smudge of ink, made this day a
+memorable one for old Svendsen, and he used to reckon from it as an
+epoch which he could never forget.
+
+The same post brought, among other things, a note for Morten Garman. He
+opened it, smiled in a singular manner, and sent it upstairs to his
+wife. Fanny took the two enclosed cards, on one of which was written the
+name of a lady, which she recognized as belonging to a wealthy family in
+Christiania, and on the other was the name of George Delphin.
+
+She stood before the looking-glass with his card in her hand, observing
+narrowly the expression on her face, while the genuine sorrow she had
+hitherto felt, now turned to mortification and bitterness. There was
+scarce a shadow to be seen on her brow while these sensations passed
+through her heart. She had accustomed herself to these exercises before
+the glass; this was a grand rehearsal, and she bore it bravely. Only the
+delicate wrinkles round her eyes quivered slightly; but when she smiled
+again they made her as charming as ever. No emotion should spoil her
+beauty; and while these six years of pain and sorrow seemed again to
+burst forth, she stood as lovely and undisturbed as ever, without losing
+anything of her self-command.
+
+At this moment the doctor entered the room.
+
+"Have you spoken to my husband, doctor?"
+
+"No, Mrs. Garman. Is there anything the matter with him?"
+
+"Has he anything the matter with him! I am really surprised that you
+should ask such a question," replied Fanny, sharply. "Can you not see
+that he is weary--overworked? He must go to Carlsbad this year, or his
+health will suffer severely."
+
+"Oh yes!" said the doctor, good-humouredly, "it might perhaps have a
+good effect; but you know yourself that his answer always is that he has
+no time, and so--"
+
+"Bah!" answered Fanny; "as if a doctor ought to listen to rubbish of
+that sort!"
+
+The doctor went off straight to the office, and succeeded in frightening
+Morten to such a degree that the journey was arranged for the next week.
+
+Jacob Worse's "disappearance," as it was called, caused a great
+sensation, and the astonishment did not diminish when a telegram
+arrived, announcing his engagement to Rachel Garman. At the same time he
+begged Morten to arrange everything for the wedding, as they intended to
+be married shortly after their return home.
+
+Morten, after consulting his wife, answered that the doctor had ordered
+him off to Carlsbad at once; but he proposed to meet them both in
+Copenhagen, where the wedding might take place. He received an answer
+assenting to his proposal, and the day was fixed. Although he had not
+been consulted, Morten was much pleased with the match.
+
+During the last six years, he had often thought upon the advice his
+father had given him before his death, when he had advised him to take
+Jacob Worse into partnership. Morten had never mentioned the idea to any
+one. He could not reconcile himself to such a humiliation. Now the
+opportunity came of itself, and at a most fortunate time, when he was on
+the point of starting for abroad. Worse would, therefore, be able to get
+an insight into everything during his absence, and there were some weak
+places in the business which were causing Morten much uneasiness.
+Matters of this nature are more easily got over when they can be
+explained by letter.
+
+The wedding thus took place in Copenhagen. Gabriel was present at the
+ceremony. He had been for some time in an office in England, whither
+they had telegraphed to him from Paris, and he joined them at Cologne.
+It was already more than half settled, that Gabriel should take Rachel's
+place with Barnett Brothers in Paris, a prospect at which he was quite
+overjoyed.
+
+The wedding-breakfast was served at the Hôtel d'Angleterre, in one of
+the large _salons_ looking out on the Kongen's Nytorv. Every one was in
+the highest spirits, and Morten made a speech in which he remarked, that
+Garman and Worse would now again become a reality.
+
+"And my old enemy Aalbom?" asked Gabriel at dessert.
+
+"Oh, he is the same as ever," answered Morten. "The other day he made a
+virulent speech somewhere about the Garman dynasty. He is terribly
+bitter since we have ceased inviting him to Sandsgaard."
+
+"Poor Aalbom!" said Gabriel, thoughtfully. He was so happy himself, and
+in such a forgiving mood, that he sat down at a table by the window, and
+began sketching, with the greatest care and attention, the equestrian
+statue on the Kongen's Nytorv. The sketch was intended as a present for
+Mr. Aalbom.
+
+A few days after each went to his own place; Morten and Fanny to
+Carlsbad, Gabriel to England to arrange his change of quarters, and the
+newly married couple home to Norway.
+
+On the quay where the steamers landed their passengers was to be seen a
+shining new carriage, with a new coachman and a new pair of horses. In
+the carriage sat Mrs. Worse, wearing a new silk mantle and a new bonnet.
+She had telegraphed for the whole set-out to Worse's agent in
+Copenhagen, with whom the money had for some time been lying ready.
+
+On the box of the carriage, huddled up in a heap, sat Mr. Samuelsen.
+Mrs. Worse's efforts to make him take his place by her side had been
+unavailing; he thought it was quite bad enough as it was.
+
+A group of small boys were naturally standing round the carriage, partly
+to see the horses, and partly to have a good look at the dreaded Pitter
+Nilken. Suddenly one of the young rascals took it into his head to
+repeat the well-known irritating verse--not exactly singing out loud,
+but only barely moving his lips. The idea was soon caught up by his
+comrades, and wherever the unhappy Mr. Samuelsen turned his head he
+could read the couplet on the busy lips, and follow the song--
+
+     "Little Pitter Nilken,
+     Sitting on his chair"--
+
+It was enough to drive one mad.
+
+     "He's always growing smaller
+     The longer he sits there."
+
+The newly married couple got in, and the carriage rolled off through the
+town. Mrs. Worse laughed boisterously with tears in her eyes the whole
+way; she kept bowing in all directions, and her face was radiant with
+smiles. As they turned into the yard, the new bonnet had slipped so far
+over to one side that it fell off when the carriage stopped at the door;
+and as the worthy Mr. Samuelsen jumped down, in his great anxiety to
+help the ladies to alight, he came with both feet right on top of the
+bonnet, notwithstanding that he had seen the danger when he was making
+his spring.
+
+It was quite a business to get Mrs. Worse "balanced" upstairs, she
+laughed so immoderately. They all laughed; the coachman laughed; the
+maids laughed; the newly married couple laughed; every one laughed
+except the unfortunate Mr. Samuelsen, who followed the others upstairs,
+carrying, with averted eyes, his mistress's bonnet by one string, and
+dragging the other after him up the staircase. The lovely new bonnet,
+which was scarcely recognizable as a bonnet any longer!
+
+They had dinner in the young people's apartments, where Mrs. Worse did
+the fine lady to her own intense satisfaction, and persisted in talking
+something which she called French. In the evening, when Rachel and her
+husband returned from a visit from Sandsgaard, the whole party moved
+over to Mrs. Worse's room at the back of the house.
+
+And there, there was laughing, story-telling, drinking of healths, and
+rejoicing, until Pitter Nilken was quite overcome, and offered of his
+own accord to sing "The Knife-Grinder's Courtship"--a song which had
+been a great favourite in the days of his youth. He sang amidst rounds
+of applause, in a curious thin voice, which sounded as if he had all at
+once recovered his boy's treble, and which was high, squeaky, and
+cracked. He, however, rendered the air with a great deal of feeling, and
+his eye rested on Mrs. Worse as he sang--
+
+     "Maiden, oh list! With those sweet winning glances,
+     Thy looks nought but goodness and kindness betide!
+     Oh, couldst thou but smile on my timid advances!
+     Say, wilt thou be thine own knife-grinder's bride?"
+
+Mrs. Worse beat time with her knitting as she joined in the chorus--
+
+     "Whirr! whirr!
+     Blithely we go. Never say no!
+     My foot's on the treadle,
+     which rocks to and fro!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+
+In the bright sunshine the yellow sand, dotted here and there with
+patches of bent grass, stretched away to the northward as far as the eye
+could reach. The coast-line, with its succession of bays and
+promontories, was here and there enlivened by a cluster of boats, or a
+flock of gulls, or wild geese, busily at work on the shore, while the
+sea came curling in with its small crested ripples, which sparkled in
+the clear sunshine. Over the heather-covered heights, which rolled away
+far inland, came a carriage, in which were sitting a lady and a
+gentleman. They had left the post-road, and were making their way along
+the narrow sandy track which led down towards the village of Bratvold.
+
+It had been much against Madeleine's wish, but as her husband happened
+to hear from the coachman, that the _détour_ only made a difference of
+about an hour, the order was given to drive down to Bratvold, where they
+would be able to rest for a little time on the road.
+
+The pastor and his wife were on their way westward, on a visit to the
+new living, although they would not come into actual residence till
+August. They wished to take a house, and visit their relations and old
+acquaintances in the town. Pleased as Madeleine was at the prospect of
+again seeing her father, she was still far from glad when she heard that
+her husband was endeavouring to obtain the living. He did so, however,
+in accordance with the express wish of Bishop Sparre, and it was
+moreover looked upon as a great piece of advancement. Madeleine had, as
+usual, made but little opposition to the project. Pastor Martens had at
+length succeeded in educating her into a wife after his own heart.
+
+As she sat there, somewhat crowded in one corner of the carriage, for
+her husband had grown rather stout with the lapse of time, she resembled
+but little that Madeleine whose home had once been among the
+surroundings they were now approaching. She was not ill, but her look
+suggested weariness--great weariness. In a large country rectory there
+is much work to be done, and three children are pretty well to begin
+with.
+
+For the first few years she was almost in a state of despair, and
+several times her old violent temper broke out. But her husband had his
+own particular method of dealing with her. He never lost his temper, and
+the more Madeleine flared up, the more gentle his answers became, as
+with a quiet smile he gently placed his hand upon her shoulder.
+
+But when Madeleine began to calm down, he would speak to her in an
+admonishing tone, and by degrees he succeeded wonderfully in getting her
+into the groove he desired, until at last she got accustomed to the
+method.
+
+Pastor Martens's genial and open countenance did not look its best that
+day. He had, to tell the truth, been dreadfully sea-sick, and so for
+that reason they had left the steamer, preferring to travel the last
+part of the journey by land. His sleek face wore a decidedly green hue,
+and he made a grimace ever and anon, as he looked out of the carriage
+window towards the element they had quitted.
+
+He was, however, a fortunate man, and he was thankful for it. Madeleine
+had improved beyond all expectation under his hands. Her violent temper
+now seldom appeared, and if it did, he was perfectly certain of his
+method of dealing with it. Many a time he remembered with thankfulness
+his dear Bishop Sparre, from whom he had learnt so much, and whose
+fatherly kindness seemed to follow him wherever he went.
+
+The nearer they approached the sea-shore, the broader grew the dark-blue
+line out to the westward, where the sea lay glittering in the sunshine.
+Madeleine gazed and gazed, and thoughts of the past came surging up in
+her heart.
+
+The plovers had their young, and followed after the carriage, swooping
+down in front of the horses with their well-known cry. Larks in hundreds
+filled the air with their joyous warble, which went straight to her
+heart, and the breeze began to waft to her the fresh salt flavour of the
+sea. There was something in it of seaweed, something of fish, but all
+was so wonderfully rich in recollection. Madeleine leant towards the
+breeze and drew in a deep breath; it seemed like a greeting from the sea
+she knew so well, and which recognized her in return; it was a
+reminiscence of her short day of love and happiness. She longed to fill
+her lungs with the pure fresh sea air, so that it might purify all the
+dark and dusty corners in her fettered soul. All the time she had been
+away from Bratvold a taint of impurity seemed to have rested on her; and
+now that she found herself once again face to face with the ocean, she
+seemed almost ashamed thus to return. Oh that she were lying out there
+in its cool depths, with the fresh salt billows dashing over her!
+
+The carriage now approached the top of the last hill, and the village of
+Bratvold, with its lighthouse, burst upon her view. She hid her face in
+her hands and groaned aloud.
+
+It was probable that her husband had not noticed this sudden outburst.
+He had kept his eyes turned to the landward side, for he did not yet
+feel sufficiently strong to bear the sight of the waves as they came
+rolling in.
+
+"Where shall we put up?" asked the driver. "Per Bratvold's is the best
+house, but there are several others that will do well enough."
+
+"Let us go to Per's," said the clergyman.
+
+For a long time Madeleine had not been certain whether Martens knew of
+her adventure with Per; but after a short time of married life, she
+found that a story does not travel very far, without reaching the
+clergyman, and without looking up she felt that his eye was resting upon
+her, with the smile with which he used to bend her to his will.
+
+Per was in the peat-shed when they drove up, and saw her as he peeped
+through a chink in the boards. The moment he did so, he involuntarily
+took the quid of tobacco out of his mouth and threw it from him. After
+waiting a long time, he had begun again to chew tobacco, and after a
+still longer time he had married. It was thus Per's wife who, with
+numberless excuses, conducted the clergyman and his lady into the best
+room. She repeated that it was not what such people were accustomed to.
+While she went out to find Per, and introduce him to the strangers, the
+pastor went round the room examining the curiosities it contained.
+Madeleine sat gazing out of the window. The sight of Per's wife, looking
+so fresh and happy, had pained her--she knew not why.
+
+"Look here, Lena!" he cried, every time he found something of interest.
+
+Lena was a name of his own invention, and which he had given her in
+spite of all her entreaties. Lena sounded so homely, and was well suited
+to a clergyman's wife; while Madeleine had a foreign, French ring, which
+was quite out of place in a rectory.
+
+In the room were several things worthy of his attention. In the first
+place there were two pictures, representing Vesuvius by day, and
+Vesuvius by night; then came a drawing of a coasting vessel called _The
+Three Sisters of Farsund_; then Frederick VII. with his red uniform and
+hook nose; and over the bed, which was heaped up with eider-downs as
+high as one's head, hung a huge horn of plenty, made of white cardboard,
+and on which was the motto, in gilt paper letters, "Be fruitful and
+multiply," which had been given them as a wedding-present. On one end of
+the chest of drawers stood a yellow canary on a red pear, and on the
+other end a red bullfinch on a yellow pear. The floor was dazzlingly
+clean and neatly sanded. The window-panes were small, and the glass of
+different tints; while over one of the windows was nailed a board, on
+which was painted in gold letters the words "_L'Espérance_," which was
+the name of the vessel to which it had belonged. At length Per came in.
+He held out his hand first to the pastor and then to Madeleine, and
+said, "How do you do?" to both. As Madeleine touched the hard and
+powerful hand, she involuntarily drew back her own, and turned away
+without pronouncing the usual greeting. The words seemed to stick in her
+throat.
+
+At that moment Per's wife entered and asked him in a whisper to cut her
+a few chips to make the peat fire burn more quickly, as she wished to
+prepare some coffee. Per went out of the room, and the pastor followed
+the prosperous little peasant woman to inspect the house.
+
+Madeleine took a few steps to and fro in the room, and then went to the
+door. As she stood on the stone steps under the porch, she could see
+down into the little harbour, and her eye could follow the path which
+led across the flat meadow, and up across the steep slope as far as the
+lighthouse. There lay her old home, with its solid stone walls, and the
+lantern with its red-painted cover. She turned away: the sight was more
+than she could bear. Her ear now caught the sound of Per chopping the
+wood in the peat-shed, and almost without knowing what she did, she
+found herself in the shed, standing by his side. He ceased for a moment
+from his work, raised himself up, and looked beyond her over the sea.
+Per wore a stiff sailor's beard, and his face had grown older and
+coarser with the lapse of time, but still every feature was familiar to
+her. Madeleine made a step towards him and endeavoured to take his hand.
+In this she was unsuccessful, for he drew it away from her. She could no
+longer command her feelings, and, throwing her arms round his neck, she
+laid her head on his breast.
+
+Delphin's remark was perfectly true about the mixture of fish, tobacco,
+and damp woollen clothing; but she felt that this was her place, and
+here she ought to rest. At that moment, too, she perceived why the pang
+had passed through her heart when she met Per's wife. She envied her
+everything. Husband, home, even her very existence,--all belonged to
+her. Here was her place, and here the man she loved and understood. Oh,
+how all her so-called friends had mocked and deceived her! What a life
+was hers!--a life which consisted only in being the wife of a man she
+did not love, in keeping his house, and bearing his children, surrounded
+on every side by an unwholesome atmosphere of form, ceremony, and
+selfishness.
+
+Closer and closer she clung to the broad breast whereon she lay, and
+that heart, so well drilled and confined, ran over in one supreme moment
+of mingled happiness and anguish, while the recollections of her
+youthful love passed through her sobbing heart.
+
+"It was not my fault--it was not my fault!" she repeated plaintively,
+like a child who has had the misfortune to break something.
+
+He lifted his hard heavy hand, and laying it on her head, passed it
+gently over her hair. Now he understood it all, but not a word passed
+his lips.
+
+"Lena, Lena!" cried the pastor from the door, "you must come and see
+what I have found. Here are twins. Lena, Lena! where are you? Make
+haste! What a good wife! Just think, twins the first time!"
+
+It was not easy to tell what Per's thoughts were as he stood again alone
+looking over the sea. Thus had the billows rolled to and fro in storm
+and sunshine, whilst he had waited and waited. And this was what he had
+waited for! He drew a long breath, and his face seemed to grow clearer
+again as he slowly nodded his head several times towards the ocean.
+
+Per's wife made many apologies, as is but right and proper on such
+occasions, for the repast, which, however, consisted of coffee, with
+cream and sugar, bread and butter and cakes, and lastly a dish of small
+lobsters. She insisted that it was a shame to offer such small lobsters
+to her guests. It was a pity they had not some larger ones.
+
+But now it was just one of the pastor's favourite theories, and which he
+always defended with much energy and conviction, namely, that small
+lobsters are really better and more delicate than large ones. He was,
+therefore, in the best of humours, and made several innocent jokes with
+the friendly peasant woman.
+
+Per now came in and begged they would begin their meal, as everything
+was ready. He then sat down by the side of the fireplace, with his
+elbows resting on his knees.
+
+The sun shone so brightly through the small window-panes, the room was
+so clean and comfortable, the table-cloth so white, the cream so yellow,
+and the small lobsters so red and appetizing, that the pastor felt
+constrained to improve the occasion.
+
+He chose as his text a fact which he had heard from the woman, namely,
+that Per had built the house entirely of the wreckage of a French brig,
+which had been stranded on the coast a little way to the northward. This
+was the vessel to which the board over the window had belonged.
+
+The pastor dwelt on the uncertainty of human affairs, how often we are
+disappointed, but how there is a leading thread which seems to run
+through our existence.
+
+"And look," said he, "on that proud ship, fitted out in the sunny land
+of France, and bearing a name which points to hope and expectation; for
+_L'Espérance_, my friends, signifies hope, only to be lost on our
+desolate coast. So it is with us mortals. How many a vain hope sails out
+with flag and banner, only to be miserably wrecked in the storms of
+life! But observe! that which has been dashed to pieces by the tempest,
+has been refashioned by humble hands into a new dwelling-place. Thus
+does life spring from death, comfort from desolation, and happiness from
+shattered hopes, and thus our whole career may be but a patchwork of
+mere wreckage!"
+
+It was with the last remains of her old impetuosity that Madeleine
+repeated the words, "Thus live we all!"
+
+At this moment Per got up and went out. His wife could not understand
+why his behaviour was so unseemly.
+
+Pastor Martens saw it all; but explanations, if any were necessary,
+might follow later on. It was not worth while to spoil the delightful
+meal. He handed his wife the cream, as, with a friendly smile, he placed
+his hand upon her shoulder.
+
+He then set to work on his small lobsters, which he found excellent.
+
+
+
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+<html>
+<head>
+<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=ISO-8859-1">
+<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Garman and Worse, by Alexander Lange Kielland</title>
+<STYLE type=text/css>
+   .speaker {FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-STYLE: italic}
+   .verse1 {MARGIN-LEFT: 2em}
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+<body>
+<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook,<br>Garman and Worse,<br>by Alexander Lange
+Kielland,<br>Translated by W. W. Kettlewell</h1>
+<pre>
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at <a href = "https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a></pre>
+<p>Title: Garman and Worse</p>
+<p>       A Norwegian Novel</p>
+<p>Author: Alexander Lange Kielland</p>
+<p>Release Date: May 19, 2005  [eBook #15864]</p>
+<p>Language: English</p>
+<p>Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1</p>
+<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GARMAN AND WORSE***</p>
+<br><br><h3>E-text prepared by Clare Boothby, Jim Wiborg,<br>
+            and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team</h3><br><br>
+<hr class="full" noshade>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<H1>GARMAN AND WORSE</H1>
+
+<h2><i>A NORWEGIAN NOVEL</i></h2>
+
+<h2>BY ALEXANDER L. KIELLAND</h2>
+
+<br>
+<br>
+<h3><I>AUTHORIZED TRANSLATION BY</I> W. W. KETTLEWELL</h3>
+
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<center><h5>LONDON KEGAN PAUL, TRENCH &amp; CO., 1, PATERNOSTER SQUARE<br>
+PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWS AND SONS, LIMITED, LONDON AND BECCLES.</h5>
+
+<h4>1885</h4>
+</center>
+
+
+<P> </P>
+<BR>
+<BR>
+<HR>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<center>
+<table border="0" summary="Table of Contents" class="box">
+<tr><td><A HREF="#I">Chapter I</A></td><td><A HREF="#XI">Chapter XI</A></td><td><A HREF="#XXI">Chapter XXI</A></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><A HREF="#II">Chapter II</A></td><td><A HREF="#XII">Chapter XII</A></td><td><A HREF="#XXII">Chapter XXII</A></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><A HREF="#III">Chapter III</A></td><td><A HREF="#XIII">Chapter XIII</A></td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><A HREF="#IV">Chapter IV</A></td><td><A HREF="#XIV">Chapter XIV</A></td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><A HREF="#V">Chapter V</A></td><td><A HREF="#XV">Chapter XV</A></td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><A HREF="#VI">Chapter VI</A></td><td><A HREF="#XVI">Chapter XVI</A></td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><A HREF="#VII">Chapter VII</A></td><td><A HREF="#XVII">Chapter XVII</A></td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><A HREF="#VIII">Chapter VIII</A></td><td><A HREF="#XVIII">Chapter XVIII</A></td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><A HREF="#IX">Chapter IX&nbsp;&nbsp;</A></td><td><A HREF="#XIX">Chapter XIX</A></td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td><A HREF="#X">Chapter X&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</A></td><td><A HREF="#XX">Chapter XX</A></td><td>&nbsp;</td></tr>
+</table>
+</center>
+
+
+<P> </P><A NAME="I"></A>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<HR>
+<h4>CHAPTER I.</h4>
+
+<P>
+Nothing is so boundless as the sea, nothing so patient. On its broad
+back it bears, like a good-natured elephant, the tiny mannikins which
+tread the earth; and in its vast cool depths it has place for all mortal
+woes. It is not true that the sea is faithless, for it has never
+promised anything; without claim, without obligation, free, pure, and
+genuine beats the mighty heart, the last sound one in an ailing world.
+And while the mannikins strain their eyes over it, the sea sings its old
+song. Many understand it scarce at all, but never two understand it in
+the same manner, for the sea has a distinct word for each one that sets
+himself face to face with it.</P>
+
+<P>It smiles with green shining ripples to the barelegged urchin who
+catches crabs; it breaks in blue billows against the ship, and sends the
+fresh salt spray far in over the deck. Heavy leaden seas come rolling in
+on the beach, and while the weary eye follows the long hoary breakers,
+the stripes of foam wash up in sparkling curves over the even sand; and
+in the hollow sound, when the billows roll over for the last time, there
+is something of a hidden understanding--each thinks on his own life, and
+bows his head towards the ocean as if it were a friend who knows it all
+and keeps it fast.</P>
+
+<P>But what the sea is for those who live along its strand none can ever
+know, for they say nothing. They live all their life with face turned to
+the ocean; the sea is their companion, their adviser, their friend and
+their enemy, their inheritance and their churchyard. The relation
+therefore remains a silent one, and the look which gazes over the sea
+changes with its varying aspect, now comforting, now half fearful and
+defiant. But take one of these shore-dwellers, and move him far landward
+among the mountains, into the loveliest valley you can find; give him
+the best food, and the softest bed. He will not touch your food, or
+sleep in your bed, but without turning his head he will clamber from
+hill to hill, until far off his eye catches something blue he knows, and
+with swelling heart he gazes towards the little azure streak that shines
+far away, until it grows into a blue glittering horizon; but he says
+nothing.</P>
+
+<P>People in the town often said to Richard Garman, "How can you endure
+that lonely life out there in your lighthouse?" The old gentleman always
+answered, "Well, you see, one never feels lonely by the sea when once
+one has made its acquaintance; and besides, I have my little Madeleine."</P>
+
+<P>And that was the feeling of his heart. The ten years he had passed out
+there on the lonely coast were among the best of his life, and that life
+had been wild and adventurous enough; so, whether he was now weary of
+the world, or whether it was his little daughter, or whether it was the
+sea that attracted him, or whether it was something of all three, he had
+quieted down, and never once thought of leaving the lighthouse of
+Bratvold. This was what no one could have credited; and when it was
+rumoured that Richard Garman, the <i>attach&eacute;</i>, a son of the first
+commercial family of the town, was seeking the simple post of
+lighthouse-keeper, most people were inclined to laugh heartily at this
+new fancy of "the mad student." "The mad student" was a nickname in the
+town for Richard Garman, which was doubtless well earned; for although
+he had been but little at home since he had grown to manhood, enough was
+known of his wild and pleasure-seeking career to make folks regard him
+with silent wonder.</P>
+
+<P>To add to this, too, the visits he paid to his home were generally
+coincident with some remarkable event or another. Thus it was when, as a
+young student, he was present at his mother's funeral; and even more so
+when he came at a break-neck pace from Paris to the death-bed of the old
+Consul, in a costume and with an air which took away the breath of the
+ladies, and caused confusion among the men. Since then Richard had been
+but little seen. Rumour, however, was busy with him. At one time some
+commercial traveller had seen him at Zinck's Hotel at Hamburg; now he
+was living in a palace; and now the story was that he was existing in
+the docks, and writing sailors' letters for a glass of beer.</P>
+
+<P>One fine day Garman and Worse's heavy state carriage was seen on its way
+to the quay. Inside sat the head of the firm, Consul C.F. Garman, and
+his daughter Rachel, while little Gabriel, his younger son, was sitting
+by the side of the coachman. An unbearable curiosity agitated the groups
+on the quay.</P>
+
+<P>The state carriage was seldom to be seen in the town, and now at this
+very moment the Hamburg steamer was expected. At length an <i>employ&eacute;</i> of
+the firm came to the carriage window, and, after a few irrelevant
+remarks, ventured to ask who was coming.</P>
+
+<P>"I am expecting my brother the <i>attach&eacute;</i>, and his daughter," answered
+Consul Garman, while with a movement peculiar to himself he adjusted his
+smoothly shaven chin in his stiff neckcloth.</P>
+
+<P>This information increased the excitement. Richard Garman was coming,
+"the mad student," "the <i>attach&eacute;</i>" as he was sometimes called; and with
+a daughter, too! But how could they belong to each other? Could he ever
+have been really married? It was hardly likely.</P>
+
+<P>The steamer came. Consul Garman went on board, and returned shortly
+after with his brother and a little dark-haired girl, who doubtless was
+the daughter.</P>
+
+<P>Richard Garman was soon recognized, although he had grown somewhat
+stouter: but the upright, elegant bearing and the striking black
+moustache were still the same; while the hair, though crisp and curling
+as in the old days, was now slightly necked with grey at the temples. He
+greeted them all with a friendly smile as he passed to the carriage, and
+there was more than one lady who felt that the glance of his bright
+brown eye rested smilingly on her for a moment.</P>
+
+<P>The carriage rolled off through the town, and away down the long avenue
+which led to the large family mansion of Sandsgaard.</P>
+
+<P>The town gossipped itself nearly crazy, but without any satisfactory
+result. The house of Garman took good care of its secrets.</P>
+
+<P>So much was, however, clear: that Richard Garman had dissipated the
+whole of his large fortune, or else he would never have consented to
+come home and eat the bread of charity in his brother's house.</P>
+
+<P>On the other hand, the relation between the brothers was, at least as
+far as appearances went, a most cordial one. The Consul gave a grand
+dinner, at which he drank his brother's health, adding at the same time
+the hope that he might find himself happy in his old home.</P>
+
+<P>There is nothing so irritating as a half-fulfilled scandal, and when
+Richard Garman a short time afterwards calmly received the post of
+lighthouse-keeper at Bratvold, and lived there year after year without a
+sign of doing anything worthy of remark, each one in the little town
+felt himself personally affronted, and it was a source of wonder to all
+how little the Garmans seemed to realize what they owed to society.</P>
+
+<P>As far as that went, Richard himself was not perfectly clear how it had
+all come about; there was something about Christian Frederick he could
+not understand. Whenever he met his brother, or even got a letter from
+him, his whole nature seemed to change; things he would otherwise never
+have thought of attempting appeared all at once quite easy, and he did
+feats which afterwards caused him the greatest astonishment. When, in a
+state of doubt and uncertainty, he wrote home for the last time, to beg
+his brother to take charge of little Madeleine, his only thought was to
+make an end of his wasted life, the sooner the better, directly his
+daughter was placed in safety. But just then he happened to get a
+remittance enclosed in an extraordinary letter, in which occurred
+several puzzling business terms. There was something about
+"liquidation," and closing up an account which required his presence,
+and in the middle of it all there were certain expressions which seemed
+to have stumbled accidentally into the commercial style. For instance,
+in one place there was "brother of my boyhood;" and further on, "with
+sincere wishes for brotherly companionship;" and finally, he read, in
+the middle of a long involved sentence, "Dear Richard, don't lose
+heart." This stirred Richard Garman into action: he made an effort, and
+set off home. When he saw his brother come on board the steamer the
+tears came to his eyes, and he was on the point of opening his arms to
+embrace him. The Consul, however, held out his hand, and said quietly,
+"Welcome, Richard! Where are your things?"</P>
+
+<P>Since then nothing had been said about the letter; once only had Richard
+Garman ventured to allude to it, when the Consul seemed to imagine that
+he wished to settle up the accounts that were therein mentioned. Nothing
+could have been further from the <i>attach&eacute;'s</i> thoughts, and he felt that
+the bare idea was almost an injury. "Christian Frederick is a wonderful
+man," thought Richard; "and what a man of business he is!"</P>
+
+<P>One day Consul Garman said to his brother, "Shall we drive out to
+Bratvold, and have a look at the new lighthouse?"</P>
+
+<P>Richard was only too glad to go. From his earliest days he had loved the
+lonely coast, with its long stretches of dark heather and sand, and the
+vast open sea; the lighthouse also interested him greatly.</P>
+
+<P>When the brothers got into the carriage again to drive back to the town,
+the <i>attach&eacute;</i> said, "Do you know, Christian Frederick, I can't imagine a
+position more suitable to such a wreck as myself than that of
+lighthouse-keeper out here."</P>
+
+<P>"There is no reason you should not have it," answered his brother.</P>
+
+<P>"Nonsense! How could it be managed?" answered Richard, as he knocked the
+ashes off his cigar.</P>
+
+<P>"Now listen, Richard," replied the Consul, quickly. "If there is a thing
+I must find fault with you for, it is your want of self-reliance. Don't
+you suppose that, with your gifts and attainments, you could get a far
+higher post if you only chose to apply for it?"</P>
+
+<P>"No; but, Christian Frederick--" exclaimed the <i>attach&eacute;</i>, regarding his
+brother with astonishment.</P>
+
+<P>"It's perfectly true," replied the Consul. "If you want the post, they
+must give it to you; and if there should be any difficulty, I feel
+pretty certain that a word from us to the authorities would soon settle
+it."</P>
+
+<P>The matter was thus concluded, and Richard Garman was appointed
+lighthouse-keeper at Bratvold, either because of his gifts and
+attainments or by reason of a timely word to the authorities. The very
+sameness of his existence did the old cavalier good; the few duties he
+had, he performed with the greatest diligence and exactitude.</P>
+
+<P>He passed most of his spare time in smoking cigarettes, and looking out
+to sea through the large telescope, which was mounted on a stand, and
+which he had got as a present from Christian Frederick. He was truly
+weary, and he could not but wonder how he had so long kept his taste for
+the irregular life he had led in foreign lands. There was one thing that
+even more excited his wonder, and that was how well he got on with his
+income. To live on a hundred a year seemed to him nothing less than a
+work of art, and yet he managed it. It must be acknowledged that he had
+a small private income, but his brother always told him it was as good
+as nothing; how much it was, and from what source it was really derived,
+he never had an idea. It is true that there came each year a current
+account from Garman and Worse, made out in the Consul's own hand, and he
+also frequently got business letters from his brother; but neither the
+one nor the other made things clearer to him. He signed his name to all
+papers which were sent to him, in what appeared the proper place.
+Sometimes he got a bill of exchange to execute, and this he did to the
+best of his ability; but everything still remained to him in the same
+state of darkness as before.</P>
+
+<P>One thing, however, was certain: Richard got on capitally. He kept two
+assistants for the lanterns; he had his riding horse Don Juan, and a
+cart-horse as well. His cellar was well filled with wine; and he always
+had a little ready money at hand, for which he had no immediate use.
+Thus, when any one complained to him of the bad times, he recommended
+them to come into the country; it was incredible how cheaply one could
+live there.</P>
+
+<P>In the ten years they had passed at Bratvold, Madeleine had grown to
+womanhood, and had thriven beyond general expectation; and when she had
+got quite at home in the language (her mother had been a Frenchwoman),
+she soon got on the best of terms with all their neighbours. She did not
+remain much in the house, but passed most of her time at the farmhouses,
+or by the sea, or the little boat haven.</P>
+
+<P>A whole regiment of governesses had attempted to teach Madeleine, but
+the task was a difficult one; and when the governesses were ugly her
+father could not abide them, and when one came who was pretty there were
+other objections. Richard paid frequent visits to Sandsgaard, either on
+Don Juan or in the Garmans' dogcart, which was sent to fetch him. The
+chilly, old-fashioned house, and the reserved and polished manners of
+its inmates, had made a repellant impression on Madeleine. For her
+cousin Rachel, who was only a few years her elder, she had no liking.
+She preferred, therefore, to remain at home, and her father was never
+absent for more than a few days at a time. She spent most of her time on
+the shore or in the neighbouring cottages, in the society of fishermen
+and pilots. Merry and fearless as she was, these men were glad to take
+her out in fine weather in their boats. She thus learnt to fish, to
+handle a sail, or to distinguish the different craft by their rig.</P>
+
+<P>Madeleine had one particular friend whose name was Per, who was three or
+four years older than herself, and who lived in the cottage nearest to
+the lighthouse. Per was tall and strongly built, with a crop of stiff,
+sandy hair, and a big hand as hard as horn from constant rowing; his
+eyes were small and keen, as is often seen among those who from their
+childhood are in the habit of peering out to sea through rain and fog.</P>
+
+<P>Per's father had been a widower, and Per his only child, but he managed
+to get married again, and now the family increased year after year. The
+neighbours were always urging Per to get his father to divide the
+property with him, but Per preferred to wait the turn of events. The
+longer he waited the more brothers and sisters he had to share with. His
+friends laughed at him, and somebody one day called him "Wait Per," a
+joke which caused great amusement at the time, and the nickname stuck to
+him ever afterwards. Beyond this, Per was not a lad to be laughed at; he
+was one of the most active boatmen of the community, and at the same
+time the most peaceable creature on earth. He did not trouble to
+distinguish himself, but he had a kind of natural love for work, and, as
+he was afraid of nothing, the general feeling was that Per was a lad
+that would get on.</P>
+
+<P>The friendship between Per and Madeleine was very cordial on both sides.
+At first some of the other young fellows tried to take her from him, but
+one day it so happened that when she was out with Per, a fresh
+north-westerly breeze sprang up. Per's boat and tackle were always of
+the best, so that there was no real danger; but nevertheless her father,
+who had seen the boat through the big telescope, came in all haste down
+to the shore, and went out on to the little pier to meet them.</P>
+
+<P>"There's father," said Madeleine; "I wonder if he is anxious about us?"</P>
+
+<P>"I think he knows better than that," said Per, thoughtfully.</P>
+
+<P>All the same the <i>attach&eacute;</i> could not help feeling a little uneasy as he
+stood watching the boat; but when Per with a steady hand steered her in
+through the fairway, and swung her round the point of the pier, so that
+she glided easily into the smooth water behind it, the old gentleman
+could not help being impressed by his skill. "He knows what he's about,"
+he muttered, as he helped up his daughter; and instead of the lecture he
+had prepared, he only said, "You are a smart lad, Per; but I never gave
+you permission to sail with her alone."</P>
+
+<P>There was no one near enough to hear the old gentleman's words, but when
+the spectators who were standing near saw that Per shook hands with both
+Madeleine and her father in a friendly manner, they could all perceive
+that Per was in the lighthouse-keeper's good books for the future, and
+from that day it was taken for granted that Per alone had the right to
+escort the young lady.</P>
+
+<P>Per thought over and over whom he should take with him in the boat. He
+saw well enough that the whole pleasure would be spoilt if one of his
+friends came with them. At length he hit upon a poor half-witted lad,
+who was also hard of hearing into the bargain. No one could make out
+what Per wanted with "Silly Hans" in his boat; but there! Per always was
+an obstinate fellow. Both he and Madeleine were well contented with his
+choice; and when, a few days after, she put her head in at the door, and
+called to her father, "I'm just going for a little sail with Per," she
+was able to add with a good conscience, "Of course, he has got some one
+with him, since you really make such a point of it." She could not help
+laughing to herself as she ran down the slope.</P>
+
+<P>Richard, in the mean time, betook himself to the big telescope. Right
+enough: Per was sitting aft, and he saw Madeleine jump down into the
+boat. On the forward thwart there sat a male creature, dressed in
+homespun, with a yellow sou'wester on its head.</P>
+
+<P>"<i>Bien!</i>" said the old gentleman, with a sigh of relief. "It is well
+they have got some one with them--in every respect."</P>
+
+<P>
+</P><P></P><A NAME="II"></A><HR>
+
+<h4>CHAPTER II.</h4>
+
+<P>The highest point on the seven miles of flat, sandy coast was the
+headland of Bratvold, where the lighthouse was built just on the edge of
+the slope, which here fell so steeply off towards the sea as to make the
+descent difficult and almost dangerous, while in ascending it was
+necessary to take a zigzag course. The sheep, which had grazed here from
+time out of mind, had cut out a network of paths on the side of the
+hill, so that from a distance these paths seemed to form a pattern of
+curves and projections on its face.</P>
+
+<P>From the highest and steepest point, on which the lighthouse was built,
+the coast made a slight curve to the southward, and at the other end of
+this curve was the large farm of Bratvold, which, with its numerous and
+closely packed buildings, appeared like a small village.</P>
+
+<P>On the shore below the farm lay the little boat harbour, sheltered by a
+breakwater of heavy stone.</P>
+
+<P>The harbour was commanded by the windows of the lighthouse, so that
+Madeleine could always keep her eye on Per's boat, which was as familiar
+to her as their own sitting-room. This was a large and cheerful room,
+and into its corner was built the tower of the lighthouse itself, which
+was not higher than the rest of the building. The room had thus two
+windows, one of which looked out to sea, while from the other was a view
+to the northward over the sandy dunes, which were dotted with patches of
+heather and bent grass. In the sitting-room Madeleine's father had his
+books and writing-table, and last, but not least, the large telescope.
+This was made to turn on its stand, so that it commanded both the view
+to the north and that out to sea. Here also Madeleine had her flowers
+and her work-table; and the tasteful furniture which Uncle Garman had
+ordered from Copenhagen, and which was always a miracle of cheapness to
+her father, gave the room a bright and comfortable appearance.</P>
+
+<P>In the long evenings when the winter storms came driving in on the
+little lighthouse, father and daughter sat cosy and warm behind the
+shelter of their thick walls and closed shutters, while the light fell
+in regular and well-defined rays over the billows, which raged and
+foamed on the shore below. The ever-changing ocean, which washed under
+their very windows, seemed to give a freshness to their whole life,
+while its never-ceasing murmur mingled in their conversation and their
+laughter, and in her music.</P>
+
+<P>Madeleine had inherited much of her father's lively nature; but she had
+also a kind of impetuosity, which one of her governesses had called
+defiance. When she grew up she showed, therefore, the stronger nature of
+the two, and her father, as was his wont, gave way. He laughed at his
+little tyrant, whose great delight was to ruffle his thick curling hair.
+When, in his half-abstracted way, the old gentleman would tell her
+stones which threatened to end unpleasantly, she would scold him well;
+but when, from some cause or other, he was really displeased with her,
+it affected her so much that the impression remained for a long time.
+Her nature was bright and joyous, but she yearned for the sunshine, and
+when her father was out of spirits she could not help fancying that it
+was her fault, and became quite unhappy.</P>
+
+<P>Madeleine had also her father's eyes, dark and sparkling, but otherwise
+her only resemblance to him lay in her slight figure and graceful
+carriage. Her mouth was rather large, and her complexion somewhat dark.
+None could deny that she was an attractive girl, but no one would have
+called her pretty; some of the young men had even decided that she was
+plain.</P>
+
+<P>One fine afternoon early in spring, Per lay waiting with his boat off
+the point of the Mole. Silly Hans was not with him, for both he and
+Madeleine had agreed that it was not necessary when they were going only
+for a row; and to-day all there was to do was to provide the
+lobster-pots with fresh bait for the night.</P>
+
+<P>One after another the fishermen rowed out through the narrow entrance.
+Each one had some mischievous joke to throw on board Per's boat, and
+more than once the annoying "Wait" was heard. He began to lose his
+temper as he lay on his oars, gazing expectantly up at the lighthouse.</P>
+
+<P>But there all was still. The solid little building looked so quiet and
+well cared for in the bright sunshine, which shone on the polished
+window-panes and on the bright red top of the lantern, where he could
+see the lamp-trimmer going round on his little gallery, polishing the
+prisms.</P>
+
+<P>At last, after what seemed endless waiting, she came out on to the
+steps, and in another moment she was across the yard, over the enclosure
+which belonged to the lighthouse, out through the little gate in the
+fence, and now she came in full career down the slope. "Have you been
+waiting?" she cried, as she came on to the extreme point of the
+breakwater. He was just going to tell her not to jump, but it was too
+late; without lessening her speed, she had already sprung from the pier
+down into the boat. Her feet slipped from her, and she fell in a sitting
+posture on the bottom of the boat, while part of her dress hung in the
+water.</P>
+
+<P>"Bother the women!" cried Per, who had told her at least a hundred times
+not to jump; "now you have hurt yourself."</P>
+
+<P>"No," answered she.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, you have."</P>
+
+<P>"Well, just a little," she replied, looking stubbornly at him as the
+tears came into her eyes; for she really had bruised her leg severely.</P>
+
+<P>"Let me see," said Per.</P>
+
+<P>"No, you shan't!" she answered, arranging her dress over her.</P>
+
+<P>Per began to make for the shore.</P>
+
+<P>"What are you going to do?"</P>
+
+<P>"Going to get some brandy to rub your foot."</P>
+
+<P>"That you certainly shan't."</P>
+
+<P>"Well, then, you shan't go with me," answered Per.</P>
+
+<P>"Very well, then; let me get out."</P>
+
+<P>And before the boat quite touched the ground, she sprang on to the
+shore, climbed on to the breakwater, and went hurriedly off homewards.
+She clenched her teeth with the pain as she went, but still without
+raising her eyes from the ground she followed the well-known path. As
+she passed in front of the boat-houses, she had to step over oars,
+tar-barrels, old swabs, and all sorts of rubbish, which was scattered
+among the boats. All around lay the claws of crabs and the half-decayed
+heads of codfish, in which the gorged and sleepy flies were crawling in
+and out of the eye-sockets.</P>
+
+<P>She reached the lighthouse without turning her head; she was determined
+not to look back at him. At the top, however, she was obliged to pause
+to get her breath; she surely might look and see how far he got.
+Madeleine knew that the other fishermen had had a long start, and
+expected, therefore, to find Per's boat far behind, between the others
+and the shore. But it was not to be seen, neither there nor in the
+harbour. All at once her eye caught the well-known craft, which was not,
+however, far behind, but almost level with the others. Per must have
+rowed like a madman. She was well able to estimate the distance, and
+could appreciate such a feat of oarsmanship, and, entirely forgetting
+her pain and that she was alone, she turned round as if to a crowd of
+spectators, and pointing at the boats she said, with sparkling eyes,
+"Look at him! that's the boy to row!"</P>
+
+<P>Meanwhile Per sat in his boat, tearing at his oars till all cracked
+again. It was as though he wished to punish himself by his gigantic
+efforts. Her form grew smaller and smaller as he rowed out to sea, till
+at length she was out of sight; but he had deserved it all. "Deuce take
+the women!" and each time he repeated the words he sprang to his oars
+and rowed as if for bare life.</P>
+
+<P>The next day the same lovely weather continued, and the sea lay as
+smooth as oil in the bright sunshine. An English lobster-cutter was in
+the offing, with sails flapping against the mast, and the slack in the
+taut rigging could be seen as the craft heaved lazily to and fro on the
+gentle swell. Madeleine sat by the window; she did not care to go out.
+Her eye followed the lobster-cutter, which she knew well: it was the
+<i>Flying Fish</i>, Captain Crab, of Hull.</P>
+
+<P>So Per must have been out with lobsters that morning: she wondered if he
+had caught many. Perhaps he might have done himself harm by his efforts
+of yesterday. She went out on to the slope, and looked down into the
+harbour. Per's boat was there; it was quite likely he was not well.</P>
+
+<P>Suddenly Madeleine made up her mind to run down and ask a man whom she
+saw by the boat-houses, but half-way down the slope she met some one who
+was coming upwards. She could not possibly have seen him sooner, because
+he was below her at the steepest part of the hill, but now she
+recognized him, and slackened her pace.</P>
+
+<P>Per must also have seen her, although he was looking down, for at a few
+paces from her he left the main path, and took one that was a little
+lower. When therefore they were alongside each other, she was a little
+above him. Per had a basket on his back, and Madeleine could see there
+was seaweed in it.</P>
+
+<P>Neither of them spoke, but both of them felt as if they were half
+choking. When he had got a pace beyond her, she turned round and asked,
+"What have you got in the basket, Per?"</P>
+
+<P>"A lobster," answered he, as he swung the basket off his back and put it
+down upon the path.</P>
+
+<P>"Let me see it," said Madeleine.</P>
+
+<P>He hastily drew aside the seaweed, and took out a gigantic lobster,
+which was flapping its broad, scaly tail.</P>
+
+<P>"That is a splendid great lobster!" she cried.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, it isn't a bad un!"</P>
+
+<P>"What are you going to do with it?"</P>
+
+<P>"Ask your father if he would like to have it."</P>
+
+<P>"What do you want for it?" she asked, although she knew perfectly well
+that it was a present.</P>
+
+<P>"Nothing," answered Per, curtly.</P>
+
+<P>"That is good of you, Per."</P>
+
+<P>"Oh, it's nothing," he answered, as he laid the seaweed back in the
+basket; and now, when the moment came to say good-bye, he said, "How's
+your foot?"</P>
+
+<P>"Thanks, all right. I got the brandy."</P>
+
+<P>"Did it hurt much?" asked Per.</P>
+
+<P>"No, not very much."</P>
+
+<P>"I am glad you did that," he said, as he ventured to lift his eyes to
+the level of her chin.</P>
+
+<P>Now they really must separate, for there was nothing more to be said,
+but Madeleine could not help thinking that Per was a helpless creature.</P>
+
+<P>"Good-bye, Per."</P>
+
+<P>"Good-bye," he answered, and both took a few steps apart.</P>
+
+<P>"Per, where are you going when you have been up with the lobster?"</P>
+
+<P>"Nowhere particular," answered Per.</P>
+
+<P>He really was too stupid, but all the same she turned round and called
+after him, "I am going to the sand-hills on the other side of the
+lighthouse, the weather is so lovely;" and away she ran.</P>
+
+<P>"All right," answered Per, springing like a cat up the slope.</P>
+
+<P>As he ran he threw away the seaweed so as to have the lobster ready, and
+when he got to the kitchen door he flung the monster down on the bench,
+and cried, "This is for you!" as he disappeared. The maid had recognized
+his voice, and ran after him to order fresh fish for Friday, but he was
+already far away. She gazed after him in amazement, and muttered, "I
+declare, I think Per is wrong in his head."</P>
+
+<P>Northward stretched the yellow sand-hills with their tussocks of bent
+grass as far as the eye could reach. The coast-line curved in bights and
+promontories, with here and there a cluster of boats, while the gulls
+and wild geese were busy on the shore, and the waves rolled in in small
+curling ripples which glistened in the' clear sunshine. Per soon caught
+up Madeleine, for she went slowly that day. She had pulled a few young
+stalks of the grass, which, as she went, she was endeavouring to arrange
+in her hat.</P>
+
+<P>The difference of the preceding day hung heavily over both of them. It
+was really the first time that anything of the sort had occurred between
+them. Perhaps it was that they felt instinctively that they stood on the
+brink of a precipice. They therefore took the greatest pains to avoid
+the subject which really occupied their thoughts. The conversation was
+thus carried on in a careless and desultory tone, and in short and
+broken sentences. At last she made an effort to bring him to the point,
+and asked him if he had caught many lobsters that night.</P>
+
+<P>"Twenty-seven," answered Per.</P>
+
+<P>That was neither many nor few, so there was no more to be said about
+that.</P>
+
+<P>"You did row hard yesterday," said she, looking down, for now she felt
+that they were nearing the point.</P>
+
+<P>"It was because--because I was alone in the boat," returned he,
+stammering. He saw at once that it was a stupid remark, but it was said
+and could not be mended.</P>
+
+<P>"Perhaps you prefer to be alone in the boat?" she asked hastily, fixing
+her eyes upon him. But when she saw the long helpless creature standing
+before her in such a miserable state of confusion, strong and handsome
+as he was, she sprang up, threw her arms round his neck, and said, half
+laughing, half crying, "Oh, Per! Per!"</P>
+
+<P>Per had not the faintest idea how he ought to behave when a lady had her
+arms round his neck, and so stood perfectly still. He looked down upon
+her long dark hair and slender figure, and, trembling at his own
+audacity, he put his heavy arm limply round her.</P>
+
+<P>They were now out on the dunes, and she sat down behind one of the
+largest tussocks, on the warm sand. He ventured to place himself by her
+side, and looked vacantly around him. Every now and then he cast his eye
+upon her, but still doubtfully. It was clear that he did not grasp the
+situation, and at length he appeared to her so absurd that she sprang
+up, and cried, "Come, Per, let's have a run!"</P>
+
+<P>Away they went, now running, now at a foot's pace. His heavy sea-boots
+made a broad impression upon the sand, and the mark of her shoe looked
+so tiny by the side of it that they could not help turning round and
+laughing. They jested and laughed as if they knew not that they were no
+longer children, and she made Per promise to give up chewing tobacco.</P>
+
+<P>Away along the curving shore, with the salt breath of ocean fresh upon
+them, went these young hearts, rejoicing in their existence, while the
+sea danced in sparkling wavelets at their feet.</P>
+
+<P>The <i>attach&eacute;</i> had just finished a letter to his brother; it was one of
+these wearisome business letters, enclosing some papers he had had to
+sign. He never could make out where the proper place was for him to put
+his name on these tiresome, long-winded documents. But, wonderful to
+relate, his brother always told him that it was perfectly correct, and
+Christian Frederick was most particular in such matters. The old
+gentleman had just sent off the letter, and was beginning to breathe
+more easily, when he went to the window and looked out. He discovered
+two forms going in a northerly direction over the sand-hills.</P>
+
+<P>Half abstractedly, he went to the other window and directed the large
+telestope upon them.</P>
+
+<P>"Humph!" said he, "I declare, they're there again."</P>
+
+<P>Suddenly he took his eye from the telescope.</P>
+
+<P>"Hulloa! the girl must be mad."</P>
+
+<P>He put his eye down again to the telescope, and threw away his
+cigarette. There was no doubt about it--there was his own Madeleine
+hanging round Per's neck. He rubbed the glass excitedly with his
+pocket-handkerchief. They were now going respectably enough side by
+side; now they were among the grassy knolls, and behind one of them they
+disappeared from his sight. He thoughtfully directed the telescope to
+the other side of the hillock and waited. "What now?" muttered he,
+giving the glass another rub. They had not yet come from behind the
+hillock. For a few minutes the father was quite nervous. At last he saw
+one form raise itself, and immediately after another.</P>
+
+<P>The telescope was perfect, and the old gentleman took in the situation
+just as well as if he had himself been sitting by their side.</P>
+
+<P>"Ah! it's well it's no worse," he murmured; "but it's bad enough as it
+is. I shall have to send her off to the town."</P>
+
+<P>When they were at dinner, he said, "You know, Madeleine, we have long
+been talking about your staying a little while at Sandsgaard."</P>
+
+<P>"Oh no, father," broke in Madeleine, looking beseechingly at him.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, child; it's quite time now in my opinion." He spoke in an
+unusually determined tone.</P>
+
+<P>Madeleine could see that he knew everything, and all at once the events
+of the morning stood in their true light before her. As she sat there,
+in their well-appointed room, opposite her father, who looked so refined
+and stately, Per and the shore, and everything that belonged to it, bore
+quite a different aspect, and instead of the joyful confession she had
+pictured to herself as she went homewards, she looked down in confusion
+and blushed to the very roots of her hair.</P>
+
+<P>The visit was thus arranged, and Madeleine was delighted that her father
+had not observed her confusion; and he was glad enough to escape any
+further explanation on the subject, for it was just in such matters that
+the old gentleman showed his weakest point. The next day he rode into
+the town.</P>
+
+<P>
+</P><A NAME="III"></A>
+<HR>
+
+
+<h4>CHAPTER III.</h4>
+
+<P>
+<i>"Avoir, avant, avu</i>--that's how it goes! That's right, my boy; <i>avoir,
+avant</i>."</P>
+
+<P>The whole class could see clearly that the master was lost in thought.
+He was pacing up and down, with long steps and half-closed eyes,
+gesticulating from time to time, as he kept repeating the ill-used
+auxiliary. On the upper benches the boys began to titter, and those on
+the lower ones, who had not such a fine ear for the French verbs, soon
+caught the infection; while the unhappy wretch who was undergoing
+examination, sat trembling lest the master should notice his wonderful
+method of conjugating the verb. This unfortunate being was Gabriel
+Garman, the Consul's younger son. He was a tall, slender boy of about
+fifteen or sixteen, with a refined face, prominent nose, and upright
+bearing.</P>
+
+<P>Gabriel was sitting in the lower half of the class, which was, in the
+opinion of the master, a great disgrace for a boy of his ability. He
+was, however, a curious, wayward boy. In some things, such as arithmetic
+and mathematics generally, he distinguished himself; but in Greek and
+Latin, which were considered the most important part of his education,
+he showed but little proficiency, although he was destined for a
+university career.</P>
+
+<P>At last the general mirth of the class burst out in sundry half-stifled
+noises, which roused the master from his reverie, and he again resumed
+the book, to continue the examination. As ill luck would have it, he
+once more repeated, "<i>Avoir, avant</i>," and then half abstractedly,
+"<i>avu</i>." "Ah, you young idiot!" cried he, in a discordant voice, "can't
+you manage <i>avoir</i> yet? Whatever is to become of you?"</P>
+
+<P>"Merchant," answered Gabriel, bluntly.</P>
+
+<P>"What do you say? You dare to answer your master? Are you going to be
+impertinent? I'll teach you! Where's the persuader?" and the master
+strode up to his seat, and, diving down into his desk, began routing
+about in it.</P>
+
+<P>At this moment the passage door opened, and an extraordinary and most
+unscholarly looking head intruded itself into the room. The head had a
+red nose, and wore a long American goat's-beard and a blue seaman's cap.
+"Are you there?" said the head, addressing Master Gabriel in a
+half-drunken voice. "Is that where you are, poor boy? Bah! what an
+atmosphere! I only just came in to tell you to come down to the
+ship-yard when you get out of school; we are just beginning the
+planking."</P>
+
+<P>He did not get any further, for at the sight of the long-legged master,
+who stalked down from the desk, quite scandalized at this disturbance of
+order, the head suddenly stopped in its harangue, and with a hearty,
+"Well, I'm blest! what a ghost!" disappeared, closing the door after it,</P>
+
+<P>It did not take very much to provoke the laughter of the boys, and when
+at the same moment the bell rang to announce that the school-hour was
+over, the class broke up in confusion, and the master hastened, fuming
+with rage, to complain to the rector.</P>
+
+<P>Gabriel hurried off as fast as he could, in hopes of catching up his
+friend who had caused the disturbance, but he had already disappeared;
+he had probably gone down to the town to continue his libations. This
+friend was a foreman shipwright, who, since his return from America, had
+borne the name of Tom Robson. His real name when he left home was Thomas
+Robertsen, but it had got changed somehow in America, and he kept to it
+as it was.</P>
+
+<P>Tom Robson was the cleverest foreman on the whole west coast, but his
+drinking propensities tried to the utmost both the patience and the
+firmness of his employers. He had already built several vessels for
+Garman and Worse, but he was determined that the one he was now
+superintending at Sandsgaard should be his masterpiece.</P>
+
+<P>This vessel was of about nine hundred tons burden, and was the largest
+craft that had been built at that port up to the present time, and
+Consul Garman had given orders that nothing should be spared to make it
+a model of perfection.</P>
+
+<P>Tom Robson was thus only able to get drunk by fits and starts, which he
+did when they came to any important epoch in the building. On that day,
+for instance, the time had just arrived for beginning to lay the
+planking upon the timbers.</P>
+
+<P>As Gabriel neither found his friend nor saw anything of the carriage
+from Sandsgaard, which generally met him on his way from school, he set
+off to walk homewards, down the long avenue which led to the family
+property. It was a good half-hour's walk, and while he sauntered along,
+swinging his heavy burden of the books he so cordially hated, he was
+lost in gloomy thought. Every day, on his way from school, he met the
+younger clerks going to their dinner in the town. They looked tired and
+weary, it is true; still, he envied them their permission to sit working
+the whole day in the office--a paradise with which he, although his
+father's son, had no connection whatever. He was obliged to confine his
+energy to the building-yard, where there were plenty of hiding-places,
+and where the Consul was seldom seen of an afternoon. The ship on the
+stocks was at once his joy and his pride; he crept all over her, inside
+and out, above and below, scrutinizing every plank and every nail. At
+length he had begun to have quite a knowledge of the art of
+ship-building, and had gained the friendship of Tom Robson, Anders
+Begmand, and the other shipwrights. The ship was to be the finest the
+town had yet produced, and when this fact came into his thoughts it
+almost enabled him to forget his burden of Greek and Latin.</P>
+
+<P>From conversations he had partly overheard at home, Gabriel knew that
+there had been a difference of opinion between his father and Morten,
+the eldest son, who was a partner in the firm, ever since the building
+of this ship was first mentioned.</P>
+
+<P>Morten maintained that they ought to buy an iron steamer in England,
+either on their own account or in partnership with some of the other
+houses of the town. He insisted, particularly, that the time could not
+be far distant when sailing ships would be entirely superseded by
+steamers. But the father held by sailing ships on principle; and,
+moreover, the idea that Garman and Worse should have anything in common
+with the mushroom houses of the town was to him quite unbearable. In the
+end, the will of the elder prevailed; the ship was built of their own
+materials, in their own ship-yard, and by the workmen who from
+generation to generation had worked for Garman and Worse.</P>
+
+<P>When Gabriel reached the point from which he could see down into the bay
+on which lay the property of Sandsgaard, the ship was the first thing
+which caught his eye. She stood on the slip below the house, and he
+could not help remarking the beauty of her bow, and the elegant rake of
+her stern. It was the dinner-hour, and all the workmen were either at
+home, in the cottages which stretched along the west side of the bay, or
+lay asleep among the shavings. As he stood on the crest of the rising
+ground, which sloped gradually down towards the buildings, and gazed at
+all these dominions, which from time out of mind had belonged to Garman
+and Worse, Gabriel became more and more out of spirits.</P>
+
+<P>There lay the old-fashioned house, with white painted walls, and its
+blue slate roof, which was adorned by dormers and gables. In front of
+the house, on its southern side, lay the garden, with its paths and
+clipped hedges, and the little pond half overgrown by sedge and thick
+bushes. On the northern side, towards the sea, he could discern the
+carriage drive, and the extensive level yard with the ancient lime tree
+standing in the middle of it. Beyond that came four warehouses standing
+in a row, all painted yellow, with brown doors; and further on still,
+close down to the innermost curve of the bay, was the building-yard.
+Higher up, on the road which led to the southward along the coast, lay
+the farm, as it was called. This consisted of a byre, the bailiff's
+house, and other buildings; for the property of Sandsgaard was
+extensive, and comprised a mill, a dairy, and such like.</P>
+
+<P>That part of the property had never had much interest for Gabriel, but
+all the same, if he had only been allowed to be a farmer, he could have
+turned his attention to agriculture, and still have been near the
+counting-house, the ships, and the sea; but he was destined for the
+university, and there was no possibility of escape.</P>
+
+<P>It was not easy to persuade Consul Garman. His father had brought up his
+elder son to the business, and sent the younger to the university, and
+he was determined to do the same. The thought sometimes occurred to the
+wilful Gabriel, that Uncle Richard had had but a poor return from his
+university career, but he did not dare to express his thoughts openly.</P>
+
+<P>Mrs. Garman believed firmly that it was most desirable, as a cure for
+self-will, that a young man should battle against his inclinations;
+nothing could be more baneful than pampering the flesh. No help, then,
+was to be expected from any quarter.</P>
+
+<P>Gabriel was sauntering down the alley, quite crestfallen under his heavy
+burden of books, when at some distance his eye caught sight of some one
+on horseback, whom he soon recognized, and who was coming along the road
+behind the farm. It was Uncle Richard on Don Juan.</P>
+
+<P>Gabriel started off at once, forgetting in a moment his heavy burden of
+books and care, and thinking only on the merriment and good cheer which
+Uncle Richard always brought with him. He determined to hasten off to
+the kitchen to tell Miss Cordsen, and then to go in to his father; for
+Gabriel knew well that the bearer of the news of his uncle's arrival was
+always welcome.</P>
+
+<P>"Lord save us!" cried Miss Cordsen. "Make up the fire, Martha;" and off
+she ran to get a clean cap.</P>
+
+<P>"All right, my boy!" said Consul Garman, giving Gabriel a friendly nod.</P>
+
+<P>Gabriel was well pleased at the effect of his intelligence. He had
+actually surprised Miss Cordsen into an impropriety, in which he seldom
+succeeded; and his father, who was generally undemonstrative, had
+greeted him with more than usual warmth.</P>
+
+<P>The young Consul, as he was generally called from the time when his
+father, the old Consul, was alive, was not so tall as his younger
+brother, and while the latter had grown stouter in the course of years,
+the former seemed to have got thinner and smaller. His hair was smooth,
+thin, and slightly grey, carefully brushed so as to make the most of it.
+His eyes were keen, and of a light blue colour; and his lower jaw was
+somewhat prominent. Smoothly shaved and well brushed, with stiff white
+neckcloth, shining boots, and silver-headed cane, there was something
+about his whole appearance which told of prosperity. Every word, every
+movement, even the peculiarly characteristic one with which he adjusted
+his chin in his stiff neckcloth, was the picture of propriety and
+precision. Precision was, in fact, a word which seemed made for the
+young Consul; both his appearance and his career reflected it to the
+uttermost fibre.</P>
+
+<P>With his extensive business and large fortune, Consul Garman had also
+inherited a boundless admiration and respect for his father, Morten W.
+Garman, the old Consul, who had come into the property of Sandsgaard at
+a time when it was of little value, and considerably encumbered by
+debts, and when the business itself was in rather a confused condition.
+In order to keep the business afloat during the disastrous years of the
+war, Morten W. Garman took into partnership a rich old skipper, by name
+Jacob Worse, from whence sprang the name of the firm. Thanks to old
+Worse's money, life came again into the tottering business, and Garman's
+great ability made the firm, in a few years, one of the most important
+on the west coast. But when old Worse died, and his son took his place
+in the firm, it was soon evident that Morten Garman and young Worse
+would not be able to work together. Under a friendly arrangement,
+therefore, Worse retired with a considerable fortune, while Garman
+retained the business and the old family property of Sandsgaard.</P>
+
+<P>It was from that time that the great wealth of the Garmans really dated,
+while Worse in a few years squandered his money and died insolvent.</P>
+
+<P>It was whispered that Worse had left the business rather hastily, just
+as the good times were beginning, but that was the usual luck of the
+Garmans.</P>
+
+<P>At first it looked as if Worse's widow and son, who carried on a small
+business in the town, would work themselves up again, and this was
+especially the case in recent years. Whatever might be the opinion as to
+the arrangement between Garman and Worse, no one could ever accuse
+Morten Garman of any want of straightforwardness in his business
+arrangements; and his son Christian Frederick followed closely in his
+steps, observing always the maxim, "What would father have done under
+the circumstances?"</P>
+
+<P>All went on thus prosperously and uniformly, until the young Consul
+began to get old, and his elder son Morten came home from abroad and
+became a partner in the firm. From that time many changes showed
+themselves. The son had his head full of new foreign ideas; he was all
+for rushing about, writing and telegraphing, ordering and
+counter-ordering--a course of action that was quite foreign to Garman
+and Worse's mode of procedure.</P>
+
+<P>"Let them come to us," said the Consul.</P>
+
+<P>"No, my dear father," answered Morten. "Don't you see that the times are
+leaving you behind? It's of no use in these days to sit still; you must
+keep your eyes open, or else run the risk of losing the best of the
+business, and get nothing but just the residue."</P>
+
+<P>Morten so far prevailed that the Consul was at length obliged to let him
+set up an office in the town, but under his own name; for Garman and
+Worse were still to be found only at Sandsgaard, and there those who
+wished to do business with the firm had to betake themselves.</P>
+
+<P>Meanwhile a considerable amount of business passed through Morten's
+office in the town. This did not altogether please the Consul, but he
+felt bound to uphold his son, which was what his father had always done,
+and the firm thus became mixed up in many transactions which the father
+would never have cared to enter upon.</P>
+
+<P>To the clerks the young Consul was a being of quite another sphere.
+Every head was bowed to him whenever he passed through the office, and
+each one seemed to feel that the cold blue eyes penetrated everything
+and everywhere--books, accounts, and letters, even into their own
+private secrets. It was believed that he knew every page in the ledger,
+and that he could quote intricate accounts, column by column, and if
+there was even the slightest irregularity to be found anywhere, they
+would wager that it could not escape the young Consul's eye. The general
+conviction was, that if every creditor of the firm, or even the devil
+himself, should some day take it into his head to come into the office,
+there would not be found even the slightest error in one of the
+ponderous and well-bound account books.</P>
+
+<P>There was, however, one account which was a sealed book to them all, and
+that was the one of Richard Garman. No mortal eye had ever seen it. Some
+thought it might possibly be in the Consul's own red book; others
+thought that no such thing existed. True it was undoubtedly, that the
+chief carried on personally all the correspondence with his brother;
+and, wonderful to relate, these letters were never copied. This was food
+for much speculation among the clerks, and at last they came to the
+conclusion that the young Consul did not wish any one to know in what
+relation Richard Garman stood to the firm.</P>
+
+<P>One thing was plain, and confirmed by long experience, and that was,
+that the Consul attached great importance to the letters that came from
+his brother. He read them before the rest of the post, and if any one
+happened to come in when he was thus engaged, he always covered the
+correspondence with a sheet of paper. One of the younger clerks once
+asserted that he had seen a bill of exchange in one of the aforesaid
+letters, but the statement found but little credence in the office; for
+it was a recognized fact that not one single paper existed which bore
+Richard Garman's signature. Another story, which was even less worthy of
+credit, was one told by the office messenger, who stated that one day he
+had brought a letter from Bratvold, and that as he came in with the
+portfolio he had found the young Consul standing by the key-drawer, with
+a letter in one hand and two bills of exchange in the other, quite red
+in the face, and apparently bent double, as if he was on the point of
+choking. The messenger thought at first that it was a fit, but it was
+plain to the meanest understanding that there was not a word of truth in
+the story, for the messenger had the audacity to aver that he had heard
+the young Consul give vent to a short but unmistakable laugh. There was
+plainly a misapprehension somewhere; every one knew that the young
+Consul was unable to laugh.</P>
+
+<P>
+</P><P></P>
+<A NAME="IV"></A><HR>
+
+
+<h4>CHAPTER IV.</h4>
+
+<P>
+When Gabriel had shut the door after announcing his uncle's arrival, the
+Consul got up and went off to the key-drawer, from whence he took a
+gigantic key, to which was attached a wooden label black with age. He
+then brushed his coat, and, after adjusting his chin in his neckcloth
+and arranging his scanty locks, left the office.</P>
+
+<P>The house was large and old fashioned, with long passages and broad
+staircases. In the western wing were the offices, having a separate
+entrance on the side towards the sea. On the southern side, and
+overlooking the garden, were the bedrooms of the family, and the
+apartments which were generally used as sitting-rooms.</P>
+
+<P>The second floor consisted entirely of reception-rooms, which were so
+arranged as to have the large ballroom in the middle, with <i>salons</i> at
+the side. In one of these rooms the family generally dined on Sunday, or
+when they had guests, and it was the small <i>salon</i> at the north-west
+corner, looking over the building-yard and the sea, in which the dinner
+was usually served.</P>
+
+<P>On the third floor, or, more correctly, in the garrets, was an endless
+number of spare rooms, whose windows looked out of the quaint dormers
+which embellished the roof.</P>
+
+<P>The furniture was mostly of mahogany, now dark with age, while chairs
+and sofas were covered with horsehair. Against the walls stood tall dark
+presses, and mirrors with the glass in two pieces, and having their
+gilded frames adorned with urns and garlands. The rooms were lit by
+old-fashioned chandeliers and girandoles.</P>
+
+<P>The Consul met one of the servants in the passage. "Has Mr. Garman
+arrived?"</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, sir; and he has gone upstairs, to my mistress," answered the girl.</P>
+
+<P>When the weather was warm, Mrs. Garman usually preferred one of the airy
+rooms upstairs. She was a very fat lady, who lived in a continual state
+of strife with dyspepsia. From whatever side you looked at her, she
+presented a succession of smoothly rounded curves covered with shining
+black silk.</P>
+
+<P>It was wonderful that Mrs. Garman got so stout; it must have been, as
+she herself said, "a cross" she had to bear. She seemed to eat very
+little at her meals, and could not control her astonishment at the
+appetites of the rest of the company. Only at times, when she was alone
+in her room, she seemed to have a fancy for some little delicacy, and
+Miss Cordsen used to bring her a little bit of just what happened to be
+handy.</P>
+
+<P>When the Consul entered her room, his wife was sitting on the sofa,
+engaged in conversation with her brother-in-law.</P>
+
+<P>"How are you? how are you, Christian Frederick?" said Richard, gaily.
+"Here I am again!"</P>
+
+<P>"You are welcome, Richard. I am charmed to see you," answered the
+Consul, keeping his hands behind his back.</P>
+
+<P>Richard seemed quite confused, as he generally was when he met his
+brother, who sometimes could be as gay and cheerful as when they were
+boys, and at others would put on his business manner, and be cold,
+repellant, and so abominably precise.</P>
+
+<P>"Is any one coming to dinner to-day, Caroline?" asked Consul Garman.</P>
+
+<P>"Pastor Martens has announced his kind intention of introducing the new
+school inspector to us," answered the lady.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, I dare say, another of your parson friends," said the Consul,
+drily; "then, I'll just send the coachman with the carriage for Morten
+and Fanny, and ask them to bring some young people with them: they might
+find Jacob Worse, perhaps."</P>
+
+<P>"What for?" answered the lady, in a tone which showed an inclination to
+dispute the proposition.</P>
+
+<P>"Because neither Richard nor I care to have our dinner with nothing but
+a lot of parsons," answered the Consul, in a tone which brought his wife
+to her senses. "And will you be so kind as to arrange with Miss Cordsen
+about the dinner?"</P>
+
+<P>"Oh! the dinner, the dinner!" sighed Mrs. Garman, as she left the room.
+"I cannot understand how people can think so much about such trifles."</P>
+
+<P>Uncle Richard followed his sister-in-law to the door, and when he turned
+round after making his most polite bow, he saw his brother standing in
+the middle of the room, with his legs far apart, and one hand behind his
+back. With the other he held up the monster key like an eyeglass before
+his eye, and through it he regarded his brother with a knowing look.</P>
+
+<P>"Do you know that?" asked the Consul.</P>
+
+<P>"<i>Mais oui</i>!" answered Richard, in a tone which showed his delight at
+finding his brother in a mood which betokened a visit to the
+wine-cellar.</P>
+
+<P>The two old gentlemen went off arm-in-arm, until they reached the top of
+the kitchen stairs. At the kitchen door they stopped, and the Consul
+called for the lights. A commotion was heard inside, and in a few
+seconds Miss Cordsen appeared with two ancient candlesticks.</P>
+
+<P>Each took his own light--they never made any mistake as to which was
+which--and descended the stairs which led to the dark cellar. They first
+arrived at a large outer cellar, where it was comparatively light, in
+which were stored the wines which were in ordinary use, such as St.
+Julien, Rhine wine, Graves, and brandy. This was all under the charge of
+Miss Cordsen, who, in accordance with the <i>r&eacute;gime</i> which had come down
+from the old Consul's time, produced the different wines according to
+the number and importance of the guests. In the darkest corner of the
+cellar there was an old keyhole, only known to the Consul, but he could
+find it in the dark. All the same, both of them held out their lights to
+look for it, and the young Consul never omitted to remark upon the
+clever way in which his father had concealed the secret door.</P>
+
+<P>The key turned twice in the lock with a rusty sound, which the brothers
+could distinguish from any other sound in the world, and an atmosphere
+redolent of wine and mould met them as they entered. The Consul shut the
+door, and said, "There now, the world will have to get on without us for
+a little while." The inner wine-cellar looked as if it were considerably
+older than the house itself, and the groined roof had a resemblance to
+the cloister of an old monastery. It was so low that Richard had to bend
+his head a little, and even the Consul felt inclined to stoop when he
+was down there.</P>
+
+<P>In the old bins lay bottles of different shapes covered with dust and
+cobwebs, and in the recess of what had been a grated window, but was now
+walled up on the outside, there stood two old long-stemmed Dutch
+glasses, while in one corner there lay a large wine-cask. In front of
+the cask was placed an empty tub, between an armchair without a back,
+and from the seat of which the horsehair was protruding, and an ancient
+rocking-horse that had lost its rockers.</P>
+
+<P>The brothers put down their lights on the bottom of the tub, and took
+off their coats, which they hung each on their own peg.</P>
+
+<P>"Well, what's it to be to-day?" said Christian Frederick, rubbing his
+hands.</P>
+
+<P>"Port wouldn't be bad," suggested Richard, examining the bin.</P>
+
+<P>"Port wine would be first-rate," answered the Consul, holding out his
+light. "But look, there's a row of bottles lying in here that we have
+never tried. I should like to know what they are."</P>
+
+<P>"I dare say it is some of my grandmother's raspberry vinegar," suggested
+Richard.</P>
+
+<P>"Nonsense! Do you suppose father would have hidden away raspberry
+vinegar in this cellar?"</P>
+
+<P>"Perhaps he was as fond of old things as some other people I know,"
+answered Richard.</P>
+
+<P>"You always are so sarcastic," muttered the Consul. "I wish we could get
+at these bottles."</P>
+
+<P>"You'll have to creep in after them, Christian Frederick. I am too
+stout."</P>
+
+<P>"All right," answered his brother, taking off his watch and heavy bunch
+of seals. And the old gentleman crept into the bin with the utmost care.
+"Now I've got one," he cried.</P>
+
+<P>"Take two while you are about it."</P>
+
+<P>"Yes; but you will have to take hold of my legs and pull me out."</P>
+
+<P>"<i>Avec plaisir</i>!" answered Richard. "But won't you have a drop of
+Burgundy before you come out?"</P>
+
+<P>There must have been some joke hidden in the question, for the Consul
+began to laugh; but before long he stammered out, "I am choking, Dick;
+will you pull me out, you fiend?"</P>
+
+<P>The joke about the Burgundy was as follows. Once when the young Consul
+had crept in among the bottles, to look for something very particular,
+he managed to knock his head against one which lay in the rack above so
+hard that it broke, and the whole bottle of Burgundy ran down his neck.
+Every time any allusion was made to this mishap, a meaning smile passed
+between the brothers, and Richard was even so careless as sometimes to
+allude to it when others were present. For instance, if they were
+sitting at dinner, and the conversation turned upon red wines, he would
+say, "Well, my brother has his own peculiar way of drinking Burgundy;"
+and then would follow a series of mysterious allusions and laughter
+between the two, which usually ended in a fit of coughing.</P>
+
+<P>The young people had several times tried to get at this joke about the
+Burgundy, but always in vain. Miss Cordsen, who had been obliged that
+day to get a clean shirt for the Consul, was the only one in the secret;
+but Miss Cordsen could hold her tongue about more serious matters than
+that.</P>
+
+<P>At last the Consul came out again, laughing and sputtering, his
+waistcoat covered with dust, and his hair full of cobwebs. When they had
+had a good laugh over their joke--it was well the walls were so
+thick--Richard, on whom the duty always devolved, uncorked the first
+bottle with the greatest care and skill.</P>
+
+<P>"H'm! h'm!" said the Consul, "that is a curious bouquet."</P>
+
+<P>"I declare, the wine has gone off," said Richard, spluttering.</P>
+
+<P>"Bah! right you are, Dick," said Christian Frederick, spluttering in his
+turn.</P>
+
+<P>Uncle Richard opened the second bottle, put his nose to it, and said
+approvingly, "Madeira!" and in a moment the golden wine was sparkling in
+the old-fashioned Dutch glasses.</P>
+
+<P>"Ah! that's quite another thing," said the young Consul, taking his
+usual place astride of the old rocking-horse.</P>
+
+<P>The rocking-horse was a relic of their childhood. "They used to make
+everything more solid in those days," said Christian Frederick; and when
+some years previously the horse had been found amongst a lot of rubbish,
+the Consul had had it brought down to the cellar. For many a long year
+he had sat on this horse, drinking the old wine out of the same old
+glasses with his brother, who sat in the rickety armchair, which cracked
+under his weight, laughing and telling anecdotes of their boyhood. He
+never got such wine anywhere else, and no room ever appeared so
+brilliant in his eyes as the low-vaulted cellar with its two smoky
+lights.</P>
+
+<P>"I declare, it's a shame," said the young Consul, "that you have never
+had your half of that cask of port. However, I will send you some wine
+out to Bratvold one of these days, so that you may have some, till we
+can get it tapped."</P>
+
+<P>"But you are always sending me wine, Christian Frederick. I am sure I
+have had my half, and more too, long ago."</P>
+
+<P>"Nonsense, Dick! I declare, I believe you keep a wine account."</P>
+
+<P>"No, I am sure I don't."</P>
+
+<P>"Well, if you don't, I do; and I dare say you've remarked that in your
+account for last year--"</P>
+
+<P>"Yes; that's enough of that. Here's to your health, Christian
+Frederick," broke in Uncle Richard, hastily. He was always nervous when
+his brother began about business.</P>
+
+<P>"That's a great big cask."</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, it is a very big one."</P>
+
+<P>And the two old gentlemen held out their lights towards it, and each of
+them thought, "I am glad my brother does not know that the cask is
+nearly empty;" for it returned a most unpromising sound when it was
+struck, and the patch of moisture beneath it showed that it had
+evidently been leaking for many years.</P>
+
+<P>At the end of the bottle, they got up and clinked their glasses
+together. They then took each his bottle of Burgundy for dinner, hung
+their coats on their arms, and went up into the daylight. It was
+strictly forbidden for any one to meet them when they came out of the
+cellar, and Miss Cordsen had trouble enough to keep the way clear. They
+presented a most extraordinary spectacle, especially the precise
+Christian Frederick, coming up red and beaming, in their shirtsleeves,
+covered with dust, and each carrying his bottle and his light.</P>
+
+<P>An hour later they met at the dinner-table--Richard, trim and smart as
+usual, with his conventional diplomatic smile; the Consul precise,
+haughty, and correct to the very tips of his fingers.</P>
+
+<P><A NAME="V"></A>
+</P><P></P><HR>
+
+
+<h4>CHAPTER V.</h4>
+
+<P>
+Dinner was served in the small room on the north side of the house, and
+the company assembled in the two so-called Sunday-rooms, which looked
+over the garden.</P>
+
+<P>Mrs. Garman always dressed in black silk, but to-day she was more
+shining and ponderous than usual. She had been looking forward to a nice
+quiet little dinner with Pastor Martens and the new school inspector;
+and now here came a whole posse of worldly minded people. Mrs. Garman
+was thus not in the best of tempers, and Miss Cordsen had to display all
+her tact. But Miss Cordsen had had long practice, for Mrs. Garman had
+always been difficult to manage, especially of late years since
+"religion had come into fashion," as the careless Uncle Richard
+declared.</P>
+
+<P>Mrs Garman did not really manage her own house; everything went on
+without change, according to the immutable rules which had come down
+from the old Consul's time, and she very soon gave up the attempt to
+bring in new ideas, according to her own pleasure. But now, since she
+was as it were without any positive influence, she contented herself
+with saying "No" to everything that she observed the others wished to
+do. In this way she acquired a kind of negative authority, for although
+her "No" did not always prevail, it still seemed to give her a right to
+show her annoyance, by meeting it with an expression full of unmerited
+suffering and Christian forbearance.</P>
+
+<P>It was thus, with this expression, that Mrs. Garman was listening to Mr.
+Aalbom, the tall assistant master, who was holding forth about the
+delicacy and effeminacy of the rising generation. Mrs. Aalbom sat by the
+window, pretending to listen to the Consul, who was describing with
+great clearness, and in carefully chosen language, how the garden had
+been arranged in his late father's time. But the lady was in reality
+listening to her husband, for whom she had a most unbounded admiration.
+Mrs. Aalbom was extremely tall, lean, bony, and angular; her lips were
+thin, and her teeth long and yellow.</P>
+
+<P>The pastor and the carriage from the town had not yet arrived. The
+Consul's only daughter, Rachel, was standing by the old-fashioned stove,
+talking merrily with Uncle Richard, and as the door opened, and the
+pastor and the new inspector entered the room, she was laughing still
+more gaily, and her mother gave her a reproving look.</P>
+
+<P>As this was Mr. Johnsen's first visit to Sandsgaard, Mr. Martens took
+him round and introduced him to each guest in succession, beginning with
+the ladies. When they came to the fireplace, Uncle Richard received them
+with his usual affability; but Rachel only gave a momentary glance at
+the new acquaintance, and, almost without turning her head, continued
+her conversation with her uncle. To her astonishment, however, she
+remarked that the strange gentleman still remained standing by her side,
+and, raising her calm blue eyes, she looked fixedly at him. What
+followed was for her most unusual: she was obliged to withdraw her
+glance, for, contrary to her expectation, she did not find Mr. Johnsen
+shy, awkward, and impressed with the strange surroundings. It was plain,
+however, that he was conscious that his behaviour was unconventional,
+but he did not therefore desist. This caused Rachel to lose somewhat of
+her usual self-possession.</P>
+
+<P>"Have you been on the west coast before?" said Uncle Richard, coming to
+her assistance.</P>
+
+<P>"Never," replied the young man; "all I have as yet seen of the sea has
+been Christiana Fjord."</P>
+
+<P>"And what do you think of our scenery?" continued the old gentleman. "I
+have no doubt that you have already seen some of the finest views in the
+neighbourhood."</P>
+
+<P>"It has made a deep impression on me," answered Mr. Johnsen; "but Nature
+here is so grand and so impressive as to make one feel insignificant in
+its presence."</P>
+
+<P>"Perhaps you find it too dull here?" said Rachel, a little disappointed.</P>
+
+<P>"Oh no, not exactly that," replied he, quietly. "The idea I wished to
+convey is that Nature here has something--how shall I express
+it?--something exacting about it, by which one seems, as it were,
+impelled to activity, to perform some deed which will make a mark in the
+world."</P>
+
+<P>She looked at him with astonishment; but her uncle said
+good-humouredly--</P>
+
+<P>"For my part, I find our desolate and weather-beaten coast tends rather
+to lead the mind to meditation and thought than to excite it to
+activity."</P>
+
+<P>"When I come to your years," answered Mr. Johnsen, "and have done
+something in the world, I dare say I shall look upon life as you do."</P>
+
+<P>"I hope not," sighed Uncle Richard, half smilingly and half sadly. "As
+to having done anything, I--"</P>
+
+<P>At that moment the door opened and young Mrs. Garman entered the room.
+She looked so lovely that all eyes were turned upon her. Her French grey
+silk with its pink trimmings had a cut quite foreign to those parts, and
+it was difficult to look at her or her toilette without feeling that
+both were out of the common in that society.</P>
+
+<P>But the first glance told that the beautifully fitting dress, and the
+graceful and bright-eyed woman who wore it, were well suited to each
+other; and as she stepped lightly across the room and gave a sprightly
+nod to her uncle, there was a natural ease about her gait and manner
+which contrasted favourably with the self-consciousness with which young
+ladies exhibit themselves and their smart dresses when first entering
+into society.</P>
+
+<P>"I declare, she has got another new one!" muttered Mrs. Aalbom.</P>
+
+<P><i>"Mais, mon Dieu, comme elle est belle!"</i> whispered Uncle Richard,
+enchanted.</P>
+
+<P>After Fanny followed the short but active-looking Mr. Delphin, secretary
+to the resident magistrate, then Jacob Worse, and lastly Morten Garman.</P>
+
+<P>Morten was tall and stoutly built. It would appear that he had inherited
+something of his mother's "cross," which did not, however, seem to
+oppress him. He had a good-looking face, which was, however, rather
+weak; and his eyes were too prominent and slightly bloodshot.</P>
+
+<P>George Delphin had been about six months in the town, as secretary to
+the magistrate, and since Fanny Garman was the magistrate's daughter,
+Delphin soon got an <i>entr&eacute;e</i> into the Garmans' house, and was a frequent
+guest at Sandsgaard. Morten had picked him up at his father-in-law's
+office, when the carriage was sent to the town to find the young people;
+they had met Jacob Worse accidentally, and Fanny had called to him when
+they were already seated in the carriage.</P>
+
+<P>Morten had no great liking for Jacob Worse, although they had been much
+thrown together in their boyhood. Consul Garman, on the other hand, was
+particularly well disposed towards him, and there were some who
+maintained that the young Consul would gladly have the name of Worse
+back in the firm, perhaps as his son-in-law; who could tell?</P>
+
+<P>But those who had an opportunity of closer observation declared that
+there was no truth in the story. Rachel herself appeared to dislike
+Jacob Worse, and Mrs. Garman could not bear the sight of him, since
+Pastor Martens had assured her that he was a freethinker.</P>
+
+<P>The Consul took in Mrs. Aalbom, and George Delphin was so fortunate as
+to get Fanny Garman. Rachel, to his astonishment, turned to her uncle
+and said, "I beg pardon, but I am going to ask you to-day to give me up
+to our new acquaintance. Mr. Johnsen, will you be so kind?"</P>
+
+<P>He offered her his arm stiffly, but not awkwardly, and they followed the
+others into the dining-room.</P>
+
+<P>"What can be up with Rachel?" muttered Morten to Worse; "she generally
+can't bear these parsons of mother's."</P>
+
+<P>Jacob Worse made no reply, but, with a polite bow, gave his arm to Miss
+Cordsen.</P>
+
+<P>For the <i>habitu&eacute;s</i> of the house, it was not difficult to foresee what
+the <i>menu</i> would be. It consisted of Julienne soup, ham, and pork
+cutlets with <i>sauer kraut</i>; then roast lamb and roast veal, served with
+chervil and beet-root; and lastly, meringues and Vanilla cream.</P>
+
+<P>At the head of the table the conversation was mostly carried on between
+Mr. Aalbom and Delphin, both of whom came from the neighbourhood of
+Christiania, and Aalbom tried his best to induce the other to say
+something disparaging of the west coast and its surroundings. This he
+did in the hope that it would cause annoyance to the Consul and his
+brother, and also that it would put the speaker, as a new guest at
+Sandsgaard, in an unfavourable light. Delphin was, however, too quick
+for him. Either he noticed his intention, or else he really meant what
+he said. The scenery, he declared, was most interesting, and he was
+particularly pleased with the acquaintances he had hitherto made in the
+neighbourhood.</P>
+
+<P>Richard Garman had his usual place on the left of the Consul, who sat at
+the head of the table, and, leaning over beyond Rachel and Mr. Aalbom,
+who sat next to him, and raising his glass to the new school inspector,
+he said--</P>
+
+<P>"As you are of the same opinion as Mr. Delphin with regard to our
+scenery, I hope you will also receive the same favourable opinion of our
+society. May I have the honour of drinking your health?"</P>
+
+<P>The Consul regarded his brother with some astonishment. It was seldom
+that he took much notice of the young people who came to the house,
+especially if they belonged to the Church.</P>
+
+<P>"Well, you see," whispered Uncle Richard, "I don't think this one's so
+bad."</P>
+
+<P>Fanny also noticed the attention that was shown to the new guest, who
+sat opposite to her, and, glancing at him, thought he might prove not
+interesting. True, he was not so refined as Delphin, nor so good looking
+as Worse, but still her eyes often wandered in his direction. Neither
+Worse, who sat on her right hand, nor Delphin, who was on her left, had
+much attraction for her. Worse, although perfectly polite, paid her but
+little attention; and that Delphin was at her feet was only natural--it
+was a fate that, without exception, had befallen all her father's
+secretaries since her girlhood.</P>
+
+<P>Mr. Johnsen was now drawn into the conversation. Delphin met him at
+first with an air of superiority, but after receiving a few cutting
+answers, he was glad to draw in his horns and become more affable.
+Aalbom, on the contrary, did not change his manner so readily. He was
+annoyed that Delphin had not fallen into the trap he had laid for him,
+and was now eager to break a lance with the new guest. He began his
+attack on the inspector in a half-respectful, half-jesting tone, and
+with the greater gusto because he knew the aversion which the two Mr.
+Garmans had to the clergy generally, and Mrs. Carman was deep in
+conversation with Pastor Martens, who was sitting beside her at the
+other end of the table.</P>
+
+<P>"I dare say you expect a rich harvest out here, now that there is so
+much religious excitement," said Aalbom, with a grin to the others.</P>
+
+<P>"Harvest?" asked Johnsen, shortly.</P>
+
+<P>"Or draught of fishes; I don't know under which simile you prefer to
+regard your calling," replied Aalbom.</P>
+
+<P>"I regard my calling very much in the same light as you do yours. We are
+both here to teach the young, and I prefer to see my duty plain before
+my eyes without any simile," answered Johnsen, quietly; but there was
+something in his voice which rather disconcerted his opponent.</P>
+
+<P>Fanny and Delphin could not restrain a slight laugh; and Mrs. Aalbom
+muttered, "To think of answering a man in my husband's position in that
+way!"</P>
+
+<P>The Consul now endeavoured to give a peaceable direction to the
+conversation, by consulting Johnsen on several matters relating to the
+National School. Mr. Garman had been for some years chairman of the
+school committee; for Sandsgaard was included within the limits of the
+town, although it was situated at a considerable distance from it.</P>
+
+<P>Rachel heard with pleasure the terse and forcible answers which her
+neighbour gave to the Consul's questions. She was especially pleased to
+hear the new inspector insist upon certain changes being made in the
+school, and upon an increase of expenditure, which her father thought
+unnecessary and altogether too lavish.</P>
+
+<P>It was not often Rachel had met a man who showed such power and energy
+as their young guest, and each time he spoke as to the necessity of
+something or another being done for the school, she could not help
+looking half disdainfully at Delphin, who was now quite taken up with
+teaching Fanny a trick with a piece of cork and two forks. But when her
+eye fell on Jacob Worse, an inquiring expression seemed to come over her
+face, to which, however, he appeared to pay little attention. He was
+quite occupied in talking half jestingly with old Miss Cordsen.</P>
+
+<P>Ever since Jacob Worse had begun to be a constant guest at Sandsgaard,
+quite a friendship had sprung up between him and the old lady. She was
+usually cold and reserved in her manner, but he had a particular knack
+of getting her into conversation, so that he became quite a favourite of
+hers.</P>
+
+<P>Aalbom was so annoyed that he ate nearly all the beet-root, and Uncle
+Richard was amusing himself by quietly working him up. Gabriel, too,
+devoted all the time that he could spare from his dinner to staring at
+the master; and every time the latter looked over to that part of the
+table where Gabriel was sitting, by the side of Miss Corsden, the young
+scapegrace took up his glass and emptied it with a careless, grown-up
+air, which he knew would irritate his natural enemy.</P>
+
+<P>Morten, who sat between Mr. Johnsen and Pastor Martens, amused himself
+by keeping both their glasses well filled. He paid otherwise but little
+attention to what went on at the table, especially as he had managed to
+get one of the bottles of Burgundy close by his side.</P>
+
+<P>It was a still, warm day in spring, and at dessert the sun, which shone
+in obliquely through the two open windows, just reached as far as the
+table. First it was reflected from Mrs. Garman's black silk, and then
+shed a faint halo around Pastor Martens's blond head. The rays fell on
+those of the company who were sitting with their backs to the light,
+and, casting their shadows over the white cloth, sparkled in the
+polished decanters. Morten held up his glass to the light, and enjoyed
+its brilliancy.</P>
+
+<P>"See how lovely your sister-in-law looks in the sunlight!" whispered
+Delphin to Fanny.</P>
+
+<P>"Oh! do you really think so?" she answered.</P>
+
+<P>Shortly after she told one of the maid-servants, who was waiting, to
+pull down the blind a little, as she did not like the glare in her eyes.</P>
+
+<P>The conversation now became lively at the upper end of the table. The
+subject on which it turned was education. Aalbom held forth on his
+hobby, which was, that it was quite impossible for young people to get a
+proper insight into learning without the use of corporal punishment, and
+maintained that there would be an end of all intellectual cultivation if
+a limit were not placed to modern humanitarianism, which he preferred to
+call indulgence. His wife took the same side from conviction, and
+Richard Garman from mischief, while the Consul was impartial. He set the
+greatest store by the good old times, but still he could not help
+thinking that they might get on with a little less of the stick than he
+had experienced. Johnsen was very strong on the importance of religious
+instruction and home influence.</P>
+
+<P>"As to home influence," broke in Mrs. Aalbom, "school and home ought to
+go hand-in-hand."</P>
+
+<P>"Of course they ought," rejoined her husband. "If a boy is punished at
+school, he ought to be punished also at home."</P>
+
+<P>"But then, homes are so different," said Johnsen. This was the first
+time he had made a remark that Rachel found rather feeble.</P>
+
+<P>"Well, I don't know," cried Mrs. Aalbom, putting her head on one side
+and looking up to the ceiling. "It is possible to have too much of
+natural affection, mother's influence, home feeling, and that sort of
+thing."</P>
+
+<P>"It entirely depends what sort of home it is, Mrs. Aalbom," broke in
+Jacob Worse, suddenly.</P>
+
+<P>Every eye was turned upon him. He had drawn himself up, and his face was
+red and his eyes gleaming.</P>
+
+<P>There came a slight pause in the conversation, of which the Consul
+availed himself, and, taking up his glass, he said, with a smile, "Now
+we must mind what we are about. This is not the first time I have seen
+Jacob Worse join in a conversation like this; and if we do not want him
+to make it too warm for us, we had better change the scene of action to
+another room, where we can carry on the conflict in the shade. So if the
+ladies and gentlemen are of the same opinion as myself, we had better
+retire."</P>
+
+<P>The company broke up. Uncle Richard laughed heartily as he thanked
+Worse, while they were going downstairs, for having joined in so
+opportunely. Worse himself could not help a laugh, in which all joined,
+except Aalbom and his wife, who were too much annoyed to do so.</P>
+
+<P>Rachel was quite astonished at the anxiety displayed by her father when
+Worse began to speak. She had herself once or twice heard him take part
+in a discussion, and had been surprised at the way in which his feelings
+suddenly seemed to get the better of him. There was, it is true, an
+originality in his views; but for all that there was no reason why he
+should be silent, and she thought it mean of Jacob Worse to allow
+himself to be put down so easily.</P>
+
+<P>During dinner Pastor Martens had made several attempts to state his
+views on the subject, but hitherto without success. The others were too
+much taken up with their new and interesting guest, and besides, his
+neighbour fully engrossed his attention. After dinner was over, he had
+again to take his place beside Mrs. Garman on the sofa, while the young
+people went down to the croquet lawn, which was shaded by the dense
+avenue of limes.</P>
+
+<P>Mr. Aalbom was walking up and down the broad path in front of the house,
+encircled by his wife's bony arm, as Mr. Delphin kindly put it, while
+they were waiting for coffee. He was still annoyed at his failure, and
+at the slights he had endured, and his wife was doing her utmost to
+pacify him.</P>
+
+<P>"How can a man of your standing bother about such nonsense? These young
+upstarts will only be here for a time. They will soon make themselves
+unwelcome in some way or another. There is no doubt that we are
+considered superior to the rest. You must have noticed that the Consul
+took me in to dinner."</P>
+
+<P>"Nonsense!" answered her husband. "What have I in common with these
+tradesmen and their moneybags? But for a man of my intelligence, and of
+my attainments in literature and education, to have to put up with such
+impertinent answers from a set of youngsters, from such--" and from his
+rich <i>r&eacute;pertoire</i> of abuse the master poured out a choice stream of
+invective, which afforded some relief to his feelings.</P>
+
+<P>The Aalboms lived about half-way between Sandsgaard and the town, which
+had been the original cause of their being invited to the Garmans'
+house.</P>
+
+<P>Since then they had shown themselves such good neighbours that the
+Garmans were generally glad to fall back upon them when they wanted to
+get a few people together in a hurry. Mr. Garman had also assisted the
+master in some unexpected difficulties he had encountered in writing a
+short paper on the origin of the French language, and its connection
+with history. The pamphlet was headed "For Use in Schools," but from
+want of perception and appreciation on the part of the authorities, this
+pearl of literature had not been taken into use in a single school in
+the country.</P>
+
+<P>Both the elder Garmans were in the habit of retiring to their rooms and
+taking a short nap after dinner; but on this occasion they did not sleep
+long, as they were engaged in talking over Madeleine's projected visit
+to the town. It was arranged that she was to come in two or three days,
+and have a room upstairs, close by Miss Cordsen's.</P>
+
+<P>Gabriel, having annexed a cigar, had wandered off to the ship-yard, in a
+happy and contented mood, to make an inspection of the vessel and talk
+English with Mr. Robson.</P>
+
+<P>
+</P><P></P><A NAME="VI"></A><HR>
+
+
+<h4>CHAPTER VI.</h4>
+
+<P>
+The first acquaintance Madeleine made in her new home was with the
+sewing-maid, for naturally there were a good many repairs of various
+kinds to be seen to. She had already made some acquaintance with the
+family by previous short visits to Sandsgaard, and the same impression
+of coldness which she had hitherto received from her relations still
+oppressed her. Not that Madeleine was of a timid nature--far from it;
+but the change from a free and open-air life to the regularity of a
+well-ordered house was too abrupt. She tried in vain to adapt herself to
+her new surroundings, and during the first few weeks she fretted herself
+quite out of health. For a reason she could scarcely define, she
+concealed this fact from her father when writing to him.</P>
+
+<P>Her cousin Gabriel was the only person who seemed to have a friendly
+word for Madeleine; the others were so reserved that she could not help
+thinking they were selfish. With Rachel she could never get on friendly
+terms, and the two cousins had but little in common. Although Rachel was
+only a few years the elder, she was greatly superior to her cousin in
+knowledge and experience. Whilst Madeleine was bright and radiant as
+sunshine, there was something in Rachel's cold and commanding nature
+which betokened an uneasy longing for employment, and a desire to take
+an active part in whatever she could find to occupy her.</P>
+
+<P>Not long previously Rachel had had a sharp dispute with her father. She
+came one day into the office, and desired him to give her some
+employment in the business. Consul Garman never lost his self-command,
+but on this occasion he was on the very point of doing so. The dispute
+was short, it is true, and soon ended, like every other conflict that
+was carried on against the father's principles, in a decided victory for
+his side; but from that time the daughter became still more cold and
+reserved in her manner.</P>
+
+<P>It was a light task for Rachel to read her little country cousin through
+and through, and when she made up her mind that Madeleine had nothing in
+her except perhaps some undefined longings, but at the same time no real
+desire for work, she let her go her own way, and the relation between
+them became almost that of a child to a grown person--friendly, but
+without intimacy.</P>
+
+<P>Mrs. Garman was not particularly well disposed towards her new guest,
+because she had not been originally consulted as to her visit; and even
+the good-natured Miss Cordsen frightened Madeleine at first, with her
+tall, spare figure and well-starched cap-strings.</P>
+
+<P>The sewing-maid was a pale, weakly creature, with large wondering eyes
+which wore a deprecatory expression. She was still pretty, but the first
+look told that her face had once been still prettier, and there was
+something stunted and faded about her appearance. Her cheeks were
+somewhat sunken, and it could be seen that she had lost some of her
+teeth.</P>
+
+<P>During the first few days Madeleine had to spend much of her time with
+the sewing-maid, for Mrs. Garman was anxious that her dress should be in
+keeping with the rest of the establishment, and the Consul had given
+Miss Cordsen strict orders on the subject. It was a great relief to
+Madeleine, in her loneliness, to show herself kindly and almost
+affectionately disposed towards the timid girl. One evening when she had
+gone, Madeleine asked Miss Cordsen who she was, and the old lady, after
+scrutinizing her sharply, answered, "that Marianne was a granddaughter
+of old Anders Begmand, and that some years before she had had a baby.
+Her sweetheart," said Miss Cordsen, fixing her eyes again sharply on
+Madeleine, "had gone to America, and the child was dead, and as she had
+been in service at Sandsgaard, the Garmans had had her taught
+dressmaking, so that now she had constant employment in the house."</P>
+
+<P>This was all Madeleine found out, and she did not ask any more questions
+on the subject, which was a relief to Miss Cordsen.</P>
+
+<P>The old lady's story was, however, not Strictly correct in its details;
+a secret of the Garman family was hid in the sempstress's history--a
+secret which Miss Cordsen concealed with the greatest jealousy.</P>
+
+<P>As Marianne went home that evening this event came into her thoughts; it
+was, in fact, never entirely absent from them. The bright and friendly
+manner of Madeleine, who was so unlike the rest of her family, had awoke
+in her many reminiscences. She felt quite sure that Madeleine did not as
+yet know all her history; it was impossible that she could know it, for
+she seemed so kindly disposed towards her, and Marianne dreaded that any
+one should tell her. There were, indeed, plenty of people who could tell
+her story, but none knew what she had suffered. As she went on her way
+all the sad events of her life's misfortune seemed to pass in review
+before her. Her first thought was, how handsome he looked when he came
+home from abroad, before there was any talk about his marriage with the
+magistrate's daughter! how long he had prayed and tormented her, and how
+long she had striven against him; and then came the dreadful day, when
+she had been called into the Consul's private office. She never could
+imagine how any one had found it out; the only one who could know
+anything was Miss Cordsen: but still less could she now understand how
+she had allowed herself to be talked over, and compelled to agree to
+what had since been arranged. There must be truth in what people said,
+that it was impossible to resist the young Consul, and so she allowed
+herself to be betrothed to Christian Kusk, one of the worst men she
+knew, who shortly after went to America; then the child was born, and
+was christened Christian. Then again she recalled that night when the
+child died; but all further impressions became indistinct and hazy as
+mist. She had hoped that her shame might kill her, but it had only
+tortured her. To Sandsgaard, where she had vowed never again to set her
+foot, she now went daily. Whenever she chanced to meet one of the
+family, and especially Fanny, her heart seemed to cease beating; but
+they passed her with as much unconcern as if they knew nothing, or as if
+she had nothing to do with them.</P>
+
+<P>Many a time also she had met him. At first they passed each other
+hurriedly, but after a time he also seemed to have forgotten, and now he
+greeted her with a friendly nod, and the well-known voice said, "How are
+you, Marianne?"</P>
+
+<P>It was as if these people lived surrounded by a thick wall of
+indifference, against which her tiny existence was shattered like
+fragile glass.</P>
+
+<P>Marianne took a short cut through the ship-yard, where the carpenters
+were busy dividing the shavings and putting them into sacks. She found
+her grandfather, who had finished his work in the pitch-house, and they
+set off homewards together.</P>
+
+<P>Anders Begmand lived in the last of the little red-painted cottages
+which lay below the steep slope on the western side of the bay of
+Sandsgaard. The road along the shore was only a footpath leading to the
+door of each cottage, and then on to the next. Seaweed and half-decayed
+fish refuse lay on the shore, while at the back of the houses were heaps
+of kitchen refuse, and other abominations. The path itself consisted of
+a row of large stones, on which people had to walk if they wished to
+keep out of the accumulation of dirt. The houses were mostly crowded,
+but especially so in the winter, when the sailors were home from sea.</P>
+
+<P>They were all in the employ of Garman and Worse, and the firm owned
+everything they possessed, even to their boats, their houses, and the
+very ground under their feet. When the boys grew old enough, they went
+to sea in one of the vessels belonging to the firm, and the brightest of
+the girls were taken into service, either at the house or at the farm.
+Otherwise the cottagers were left pretty much to themselves. They paid
+no rent, and there was no interference on the part of the firm with the
+"West End," which was the name by which the little row of cottages was
+generally known amongst the workpeople.</P>
+
+<P>Anders Begmand's house was both the last and the smallest, but now that
+he was alone with his two grandchildren, Marianne and Martin, he did not
+require much room. Before, when his wife was alive, and they had three
+grown-up sons at home, one of whom was married, it was often close work
+enough; but now all were dead and gone. The wife lay in the churchyard,
+and the sons in the deep sea.</P>
+
+<P>Anders was an old man, bent by age. His curly white hair covered his
+head like a mop, and stood out under his flat cap, which looked more
+like the clot of pitch it really almost was, than anything else. In his
+youth Anders had made one voyage to the Mediterranean, in the <i>Family
+Hope</i>, but he had then been discharged; for he had a failing, and that
+was--he stammered. Sometimes he could talk away without any hesitation,
+but if the stammering once began, there was nothing for it but to give
+up the attempt for that time. There he would stand, gasping and gasping,
+till he got so enraged that he nearly had a fit. When he was young it
+was dangerous to go near him at such times, for the angrier he got the
+more he stammered, and the more he stammered the more his anger
+increased. There was only one way out of it, and that was by singing;
+and so whenever anything of more than usual importance refused to come
+out, he was obliged to sing his intelligence, which he did to a merry
+little air he always used on these occasions. It was said that he had to
+sing when he proposed to his wife, but whether there was any truth in
+the statement is not quite clear. It was certain, however, that he did
+not often have to sing, and woe to any one who dared to say, "Sing,
+Anders." This was, of course, when he was young; he was now so broken
+down that any one could say what they liked to him. There was,
+therefore, no longer any pleasure in teasing him, and he was allowed to
+go in peace. Among the workmen he was held in the greatest respect, not
+only because he had been in the shop for more than fifty years, but
+because he had had so much sorrow in his old age, and especially because
+of the misfortune of Marianne, who was the apple of his eye and the
+light of his life. Martin, too, had brought him nothing but trouble: he
+was quite hopeless, and the captain with whom he had returned on his
+last voyage had complained of him, and refused to take him out again; so
+now he stayed at home, drinking and getting into mischief.</P>
+
+<P>The evening was dull and rainy, and a light already shone in the cottage
+as Begmand and Marianne approached.</P>
+
+<P>"There they are, drinking again," said she.</P>
+
+<P>"I believe they are," answered Begmand.</P>
+
+<P>She went to the window, the small panes of which were covered with dew,
+but she knew one which had a crack in it, through which she could look.</P>
+
+<P>"There they are, all four of them," whispered Marianne. "You'll have to
+sit there, in front of the kitchen door, grandfather."</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, child; yes!" answered the old man.</P>
+
+<P>When they entered the room, there was a pause in the conversation, which
+was carried on by four men who sat drinking round the table. They had
+not long begun, and were only in the first stage of harmless elevation.</P>
+
+<P>
+Martin greeted them in a cheerful tone, which he thought would hide his
+guilty conscience. "Good evening, grandfather. Good evening, Marianne,
+Come, let me offer you a drop of beer."</P>
+
+<P>The thick smoke from the freshly lighted pipes still lay curling over
+the table, and round the little paraffin lamp without a globe. On the
+table were tobacco, glasses, matches, and half-empty bottles, while on
+the bench stood several full ones awaiting their fate.</P>
+
+<P>Tom Robson, who sat opposite the door, lifted the large mug which had
+been standing between him and his friend Martin, and, with his hand on
+his heart, began to sing--</P>
+
+<P><SPAN class=verse1>"Oh, my darling! are you here,</span><br>
+<SPAN class=verse1>Marianne I love so dear?"</span></P>
+
+<P>He had composed this couplet himself, in honour of Marianne, to the
+great annoyance of the hungry-looking journeyman printer who sat in the
+corner close by him.</P>
+
+<P>Gustaf Oscar Carl Johan Torpander was a most remarkable Swede, inasmuch
+as he did not drink; but otherwise there was about him that exaggerated
+air of politeness, and that imitation of French manners, which seems
+generally to attach to the shady individuals of that nation. He had
+risen when Marianne came into the room, and was now making a low bow,
+with his shoulders, and especially the left one, well over his ears. His
+head was on one side, and he kept his eyes the whole time fixed on the
+young girl. While Tom Robson was singing his poetry, the Swede shook his
+head with a sympathetic smile to Marianne, by which he meant to express
+his regret that they met in such bad company.</P>
+
+<P>The fourth person of the group was sitting with his back to the door,
+and did not move, for he was deaf; but when at length the Swede, who was
+still bowing, attracted his attention, he turned round heavily on his
+chair and nodded deafly to the new-comers. This person's real name had
+almost disappeared from the memory of man, for he had been nicknamed
+"Woodlouse" among his acquaintance. Mr. Woodlouse passed his time in a
+dingy den in the magistrate's office, where he either slept or occupied
+himself in sorting documents and papers. But there he had grown to be
+almost a necessity, for he had the special gift of knowing the contents
+of every paper, and the name of every single person who for years had
+sought information at the office. He could stand in the middle of the
+room and point to the different shelves, and say, apparently without
+effort, what each contained, and what was missing. He had thus gone down
+as a kind of living inventory from magistrate to magistrate, and as his
+special knowledge increased he endeavoured to get his salary raised, so
+that he might give himself up recklessly to his two ruling passions,
+which were drinking beer and reading novels at night.</P>
+
+<P>As Marianne went through the room she moved her grandfather's chair
+close to the kitchen door, and gave him a meaning look. He nodded to
+show that he understood her wishes. She then said good night to the old
+man, and went into the kitchen, from whence a little dark staircase led
+upstairs to her room.</P>
+
+<P>Marianne locked her door and went to bed. She was so tired every night
+that she could scarcely keep her eyes open while she undressed, and she
+fell asleep the moment she got into bed. Under her the noise of voices
+continued, varied by quarrelling and cursing, which mingled with the
+dreams of her heavy and broken slumber. In the morning her hair and
+pillow were damp with perspiration; she was chilled with cold, and was
+even more tired than when she went to rest.</P>
+
+<P>The talking soon went on again as briskly as ever. Martin related how he
+had been up to the office that morning, intending to speak to the young
+Consul personally. He wished to complain of the captain who had told
+tales about him.</P>
+
+<P>He did not, however, get so far as the Consul, but one of the clerks, a
+stupid lout with an eyeglass, had come out and told him that he would
+get no employment on a ship belonging to the firm, until he had been to
+the Seamen's school, and gave up drinking. As he told his story there
+was an evil glare in his eyes, which were large and bright like
+Marianne's, but piercing and cruel. In the pale face there was also the
+same trace of weakness as in his sister's; but Martin was tall and bony,
+and his arms were strong and powerful, and he gesticulated with them as
+he talked, and gave force to his words by striking the table with his
+fist. He became every moment more violent, as he got heated by drink and
+argument.</P>
+
+<P>He was not going to the school to please Garman and Worse; and as to his
+drinking, what had the young Consul got to do with that? But they should
+see what he would do. And with a mighty oath, he shook his clenched fist
+in the direction of Sandsgaard.</P>
+
+<P>"Right you are, my boy!" cried Tom Robson, laughing; "good again. Let us
+see what you are made of."</P>
+
+<P>Robson was never so happy as when he could get Martin to talk himself
+into a fury, which was not a very difficult task.</P>
+
+<P>Ever since his childhood Martin had shown himself of a worthless and
+cross-grained nature. His character at school was, that he was one of
+the cleverest and at the same time the most quarrelsome among the boys,
+and since then he had done nothing but fall foul of everything and
+everybody he came in contact with. Martin did most of the talking of the
+four, who already began to be excited by drink. It would perhaps be more
+correct to say, of the three, for Torpander was not there to drink, but
+only to be near Marianne. Woodlouse did not say much, for he heard but
+little; and when Mr. Robson, who had taken on himself the duty of
+chairman, gave him an opportunity of speaking, Woodlouse used so many
+strange expressions that the others did not understand him.</P>
+
+<P>Neither did Torpander do much of the talking: for him the event of the
+evening was Marianne's return, after which he preferred to sit in silent
+rapture. This afternoon, however, Torpander joined Martin in his attack
+on the Garmans, whom he also hated, and poured forth a lot of newspaper
+tirade about the tyranny of capital, and such like.</P>
+
+<P>"Oh, stop that infernal Swedish jargon!" cried the chairman, "and let us
+hear what Woodlouse is mumbling about."</P>
+
+<P>"You see, gentlemen," began Woodlouse, eagerly, "the right of the
+proletariat--"</P>
+
+<P>"What does he mean?" shouted Martin.</P>
+
+<P>Woodlouse did not hear the remark, and paused in his speech, as his eyes
+wandered inquiringly from one to another to see if they were listening.</P>
+
+<P>But Martin could not keep silent any longer, and broke out into a volley
+of oaths and curses against Garman and Worse, capital, captain, and the
+whole world, only interrupting himself occasionally to take a drink or
+light his pipe over the lamp.</P>
+
+<P>Old Anders had at first taken his place by the kitchen door, but that
+evening they seemed to be pretty quiet, and he was always anxious to
+hear what they said when the conversation turned upon the firm. He
+therefore left the door and came up to the table, where Tom Robson made
+room for him, and at the same time offered him a drink from his mug.</P>
+
+<P>"Thanks, Mr. Robson," said Begmand, as he put the mug to his lips.</P>
+
+<P>Tom Robson was not only the chairman, but at the same time the host of
+the company, for it was he who paid for the liquor. By his side on the
+bench he kept a bottle of rum, from which he every now and then poured
+out a glass for each. He generally put a good drop of rum into his own
+beer, "to kill the insects," he said. He was now occupied in cutting up
+some cake tobacco to fill his pipe.</P>
+
+<P>"Beautiful tobacco that, Mr. Robson," said Begmand.</P>
+
+<P>"Take a bit," answered Tom, good naturedly.</P>
+
+<P>"Thanks, Mr. Robson," said the old man, overjoyed, as he took out his
+pipe, the stem of which was not more than half an inch long, while the
+whole was as black as everything else which belonged to Anders.</P>
+
+<P>He pressed down the moist tobacco as hard as he could, in the hope of
+getting as much as would last for a day or two; he then picked up a
+burning ember from the turf fire, which he applied to the bowl.</P>
+
+<P>It was no easy matter to get the tobacco to light, but the smoke, when
+it began to draw, seemed warm and comforting to the old man. He sat
+there, crouching on the edge of the bench, eagerly watching Tom each
+time he passed him the mug, and not forgetting to say "Thank you, Mr.
+Robson," before he took his drink.</P>
+
+<P>Martin grew more and more violent. "Isn't it enough," he yelled, "for us
+to work ourselves to death for these creatures? Are they going to watch
+every bit we eat, and every drop we drink? Just look at their houses!
+look how they live up there! Who has got all that for them? We, I tell
+you, grandfather; we who have been toiling here fishing, and going to
+sea year after year, son after father, in storm and tempest, watching
+night after night in wind and snow, so as to bring back wealth for these
+wretches! Just look what we get for it all! What a pig-stye we live in!
+And even that does not belong to us. Nothing does! It all belongs to
+them--clothes, food, and drink, body and soul, house and home, every
+bit!"</P>
+
+<P>Begmand sat rocking himself to and fro, and drawing hard at his pipe.
+Woodlouse saw that there was a pause, and so began again.</P>
+
+<P>"Property is robbery--"</P>
+
+<P>But Martin would not let him continue. "There is no one in the whole
+world," he shouted, "who puts up with what we do! Why don't we go up and
+say, 'Share with us, we who have done all the work'? There has been
+enough of this blood-sucking! But no; we are not a bit better than a lot
+of old women; not one of us! They would never put up with that sort of
+thing in America."</P>
+
+<P>"Ha! ha! good again!" laughed Tom Robson. "I dare say you think people
+are willing to share like brothers in America? No, my boy; you would
+soon find out you were wrong."</P>
+
+<P>"Do you mean to tell me that workmen in America live like we do?" asked
+Martin, somewhat abashed.</P>
+
+<P>"No; but they do what you can't do," answered Tom.</P>
+
+<P>"What do they do?" asked Martin.</P>
+
+<P>"They work; and that is what you and no one else does here!" shouted
+Tom, bringing his fist down heavily on the table. He was beginning to
+feel the effects of the rum.</P>
+
+<P>"What's that about work? Do you mean to say--?" began the Swede.</P>
+
+<P>"Hold your jaw!" cried Tom. "Let the old un have his say!"</P>
+
+<P>"You are quite wrong, Martin," said Begmand, and this time without
+stammering. The watery look of his old eyes told that the beer was
+beginning to work. "It's shameful of you to talk like that about the
+firm. They have given both your father and your grandfather certain
+employment; and you might have had the same if you had behaved yourself.
+The old Consul was the first man in the whole world, and the young
+Consul is a glorious fellow too. Here's his health!"</P>
+
+<P>"Oh!" broke in Martin, "I don't know what you are talking about,
+grandfather. I don't see that you have got much to boast of. What about
+my father, and Uncle Svend, and Uncle Reinert,--every one lost in the
+Consul's ships; and what have you got by it all? Two empty hands, and
+just as much food as will keep body and soul together. Or perhaps you
+think," continued he, with a fiendish laugh, "that we have some
+connection with the family because of Marianne!"</P>
+
+<P>"Martin, it's--it's--" began the old man, his face crimsoning up to the
+very roots of his hair, and struggling vainly with his infirmity.</P>
+
+<P>"Have a drink, old un," said Tom, good naturedly, handing Begmand the
+mug.</P>
+
+<P>The old man paused for breath. "Thanks, Mr. Robson," said he, taking a
+long breath.</P>
+
+<P>Tom Robson made signs to the others to leave him alone. Begmand put his
+pipe into his waistcoat pocket, got up, and went into the little room by
+the kitchen, where he slept. The unwonted drink had roused again the
+fire of his youth, and never had he felt his helplessness so keenly as
+he did that evening.</P>
+
+<P>The others still sat drinking till there was no more, and the lamp began
+to grow dim as the oil gave out. Then they staggered off; Woodlouse away
+through West End, while Tom clambered up a steep path that led over the
+hill at the back of Begmand's cottage. He lived with a widow in a small
+house near the farm buildings of Sandsgaard.</P>
+
+<P>Torpander went with Robson, because he was afraid to go through West End
+alone, and because he wanted to have a last glance at Marianne's window,
+which looked on to the hillside.</P>
+
+<P>Martin shut the door after them, and managed to lift up the lid of a
+sort of locker in which he was going to sleep. He did not see that there
+were some empty bottles on the locker, and they rolled down on the
+floor, and one of them was broken against the spittoon. The lid slipped
+out of his hand, and, without trying to undress, he let himself fall
+just as he was into the bedclothes.</P>
+
+<P>The last remaining drop of oil in the lamp was now gone, and the last
+blue flame flickered up through the chimney and was quenched. Then
+followed a thick grey smoke, which came curling up from the still
+glowing wick, and wreathed itself in graceful spirals through the glass
+and glided out into the room, until it looked like a maze of fairy
+threads in the faint light from the window.</P>
+
+<P>Nothing was heard but the sound of heavy breathing. The old man's
+respiration was short and broken, while Martin, after turning over a few
+times, lay quiet, and at length began to snore. Before long he started
+up again uneasily, heated as he was by drink and passion.</P>
+
+<P>Still a little longer smouldered the red glow of the wick, while the
+smoke wreathed up thinner and thinner through the glass and spread
+itself in the darkness.</P>
+
+<P>
+</P><P></P><A NAME="VII"></A><HR>
+
+
+<h4>CHAPTER VII.</h4>
+
+<P>
+Fanny Garman had from the first shown herself particularly well disposed
+towards Madeleine, and had more than once invited her to come and pay
+her a visit in the town. Nothing had hitherto come of the invitation,
+for even Madeleine, unversed as she was in the ways of society, could
+see that nothing more was meant than a compliment.</P>
+
+<P>One Sunday, however, Madeleine was standing before the looking-glass,
+only partially dressed, and with her thick dark hair hanging in curls
+over her shoulders. Fanny happened to pass, and caught sight of her
+reflection by the side of Madeleine's. She stopped and noticed the
+contrast. The dark hair and slightly gipsy complexion of her cousin set
+off her own fair skin and light hair most admirably. It is true that
+Madeleine was taller, and her figure rather more stately, but the face
+itself had only very slight pretensions to beauty. Fanny closely
+observed the effect as she helped Madeleine to arrange her hair, and
+when she had finished her observations she threw her arm round
+Madeleine's waist, and they left the room together.</P>
+
+<P>"Listen now, my dearest Madeleine," began she, arching her eyebrows. "I
+am really very much annoyed with you, for never coming down to see us in
+the town. As a punishment, I shall take you with me this afternoon.
+Morten can sit on the box."</P>
+
+<P>Madeleine looked into the small and delicate face, and could not help
+thinking how lovely it was. The large blue eyes looked so charmingly out
+through their lashes; the pose of the head was so elegant; while round
+the mouth played so many changing expressions, which seemed to rivet the
+attention when she was speaking.</P>
+
+<P>"What are you staring at?" asked Fanny, mischievously.</P>
+
+<P>"You really are too pretty," answered Madeleine, with sincerity.</P>
+
+<P>"Well, that's a rustic compliment," laughed her cousin, turning colour a
+little, but looking still more charming.</P>
+
+<P>Madeleine went down with them to the town, and stayed a few days;
+afterwards she paid short visits there more frequently. Fanny took her
+to the few amusements the town offered, and occasionally there were
+small <i>r&eacute;unions</i> either in their own house, or in those of some of their
+acquaintances. Wherever they went the two seemed to set each other off
+by the wonderful contrast in their appearance, or by some coquettish
+similarity or difference in their toilets.</P>
+
+<P>It was the rule in the Garmans' house, that any one who was staying
+there could do exactly as they liked. They could come or go, ride or
+drive, just as the fancy took them. The house was so large, and there
+were so many guests, and so many business acquaintances who came either
+to dinner or supper, that the absence of any particular person attracted
+but little attention. Madeleine, therefore, soon perceived that no one
+seemed to miss her very much if she was away. Mrs. Garman was as usual
+more or less peevish; and Rachel kept to herself, which Fanny maintained
+was because she had taken up with a new father confessor.</P>
+
+<P>The Consul was the only person who seemed to care for her, and when she
+came back from a visit in the town, he would pat her on the head and
+say, "Well, my dear, I am glad to see you back again."</P>
+
+<P>One day, just as she was getting into Fanny's carriage to drive down to
+the town, the Consul happened to pass the door.</P>
+
+<P>"Are you going to run away from us again?" said he, with a friendly
+smile, as he passed.</P>
+
+<P>Madeleine felt she had a guilty conscience, and, after much stammering
+and hesitation, she at last managed to ask her uncle if he did not like
+her to go.</P>
+
+<P>"Oh no! I didn't mean that," said the Consul, as he patted her on the
+cheek. "I wish you always to do exactly what you like best."</P>
+
+<P>As Madeleine sat in the carriage she could not help thinking that she
+was one of the dullest creatures on earth. How could she be so foolish
+as to imagine that any one in the house cared whether she were there or
+not? More probably she was only in the way. She could not help
+regretting her defective education, and a few days after, when she
+returned to Sandsgaard, she noticed that her uncle did not pat her on
+the cheek. The fact was, she did not yet quite understand her new life;
+everything had turned out so different to what she had expected.</P>
+
+<P>When Madeleine and her friend Per had met for the last time, but few
+words had passed between them, but when he went down the hill towards
+Bratvold, she stood gazing after him till he was out of sight. She had
+then made a vow to keep true to him, no matter what her relations might
+say, and she knew well enough they would all be against her; but as she
+looked over the sea, she felt herself so strong and so determined, that
+she could not doubt her courage and her constancy to her first love.</P>
+
+<P>But now, as it so turned out, her constancy was never called in
+question. She felt certain that a rumour of her connection with Per must
+have reached Sandsgaard, for she well knew that there were stories
+enough about her free and unrestrained life at Bratvold, and so at first
+she always dreaded the slightest allusion to it. She had at the same
+time quite made up her mind to confess openly how matters stood, and to
+say plainly that although he was nothing but a simple peasant and
+fisherman, she, Madeleine Garman, would be true to him. But in the
+course of conversation she could not discover even the most distant hint
+at her adventure; it did not even appear that anything really was known
+about it; her past life was, in fact, never mentioned in any way, and it
+seemed to be taken for granted that she could never have conducted
+herself otherwise than naturally became a Miss Garman. It was this very
+assumption that seemed to shake her in her resolution.</P>
+
+<P>Everything about Fanny's pretty and artistic house was always kept in
+the best of order. Old mahogany and horsehair were here quite
+inadmissible.</P>
+
+<P>The furniture, which was mostly of carved walnut, and plush, had all
+come from Hamburg. <i>Porti&egrave;res</i> hung before the doors, and the windows
+and the corners of the rooms were gay with <i>jardini&egrave;res</i>, and vases
+containing flowers and choice foliage plants; while small tables and
+luxurious armchairs were grouped about the room. The rooms were not
+large, but when all the doors stood open the general effect was very
+pleasing, enhanced by its china, paintings, bright carpets, and gilded
+mirrors.</P>
+
+<P>Sandsgaard, with its large and lofty rooms, where the furniture was all
+arranged round the walls, was so cold and stiff that Madeleine could not
+help feeling she must move about noiselessly, or sit demurely in a
+corner. At Fanny's her feelings were very different; everything seemed
+so inviting; and the difficulty was to choose a seat among the many
+comfortable armchairs and sofas.</P>
+
+<P>Morten never seemed to be perfectly at home in his own house, where his
+heavy form was quite out of place. Fanny took but little notice of him,
+and his opinion was never consulted. However, he was easy-going, and
+preferred to keep pretty much to himself.</P>
+
+<P>Morten Garman had the reputation of being a good-natured fellow, but at
+the same time of not being very easy to get on with. To do business with
+him required the greatest circumspection; a single word might spoil
+everything, and if once anything upset him, it was almost impossible to
+get him right again. Old-fashioned people, therefore, preferred going
+out to Sandsgaard, and dealing with the young Consul personally; it was
+a slower process, but the result might be reckoned on with the greatest
+certainty. The young man had a habit of suddenly looking at his watch,
+breaking off the negotiations, getting into his carriage, and driving
+off to Sandsgaard or elsewhere, leaving behind him nothing but loose
+statements and half-concluded business.</P>
+
+<P>Fanny had never troubled her husband with any demonstrative affection,
+and certainly never with jealousy. She understood him well enough to
+know that if at any time she should have occasion for his forbearance,
+there were quite faults enough on his side to weigh down the balance in
+her favour.</P>
+
+<P>"There goes your admirer, Pastor Martens. Look, Madeleine, how he is
+eyeing us, the worthy man! He is taking off his hat.--Good morning,"
+said Fanny, bowing, and at the same time beckoning to him to come in.</P>
+
+<P>The pastor was at the other side of the narrow street, and seemed to
+consider a moment before he made up his mind to cross. In the mean time
+Fanny rang the bell and ordered chocolate. She dearly loved these
+morning visits, with a cup of chocolate or a glass of wine, and
+accordingly always kept her eye upon the street. Martens, who was the
+resident chaplain, was among her most frequent guests, especially since
+she had taken it into her head that he admired Madeleine. There was
+nothing remarkable that Fanny should have her attention taken up in
+finding a suitable <i>parti</i> for the chaplain. The whole congregation was,
+in fact, busy in the same direction; for Martens was a man of about
+thirty, not otherwise than prepossessing in appearance, and it was now
+more than a year and a half since he had lost his first wife, so that
+nothing could be more natural than that he should be thinking about
+another.</P>
+
+<P>"Good morning, ladies; good morning, Miss Garman. I hope you are both
+well," said the chaplain, as he came into the room. "I could not resist
+your kind invitation, although I knew by experience that a visit to you
+is far too agreeable to be of very short duration."</P>
+
+<P>"You are really too kind, Mr. Martens; and your complaisance to such a
+child of the world as I am, always causes me great astonishment," said
+Fanny, giving Madeleine a look.</P>
+
+<P>"A great many people are astonished at it," answered the chaplain, not
+understanding her meaning.</P>
+
+<P>"No, really! Who? who?" cried Fanny, curiously.</P>
+
+<P>"Ah, you can scarcely understand," Martens began to explain, "to what an
+extent we poor clergymen are observed by the hundred eyes of our
+congregation; and the fact is, there are several most respectable old
+ladies who have taken offence at my frequent visits to Sandsgaard and to
+yourself."</P>
+
+<P>
+"No! How amusing! Do listen, Madeleine!" cried Fanny, beaming.</P>
+
+<P>"It's all very well for you to laugh," said the chaplain, good
+humouredly; "but it might be very embarrassing for me, were it not that
+I can rely on the support of the good dean."</P>
+
+<P>"So Dean Sparre and you get on now. I was under the impression that the
+relation--"</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, at first; only just at first. But I am not ashamed to confess that
+the fault was on my side. You see, when I first came I took up with some
+of our so-called Evangelical neighbours; respectable, worthy people,
+too--I should be sorry to say otherwise--but still, not exactly
+such--such--"</P>
+
+<P>"<i>Comme il faut</i>?" suggested Fanny.</P>
+
+<P>"Well," answered he, smiling, "that was not exactly the expression I was
+looking for; but still, you understand what I mean."</P>
+
+<P>"Perfectly!" said Fanny, laughing, as she took the cup of chocolate
+which Madeleine had poured out for her.</P>
+
+<P>"I am sorry to say I took up a false position with regard to the dean,
+which led to many annoyances until I learnt to know him; then everything
+smoothed itself down so nicely that, if I may venture to say so, the
+relations between us became almost that of father and son. He is an
+extraordinary man," repeated the chaplain several times.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, is he not?" said Fanny. "I think he is the nicest clergyman I have
+ever seen; and if one did not understand a word of his sermon, it would
+still be most edifying only to hear him read the service. Then the
+charming poems he writes!"</P>
+
+<P>"Yes. For my part, I consider his last poem, 'Peace and Reconciliation,'
+the best thing of the kind that has appeared in our literature for the
+last ten years. Can you imagine anything more charming than the lines--</P>
+
+<P><SPAN class=verse1>"'I sat, in silent peace of even,</span><br>
+<SPAN class=verse1>On humble bench before my cot'?"</span></P>
+
+<P>"Was he poor once?" asked Madeleine, quickly.</P>
+
+<P>Fanny laughed; but the chaplain explained, in a clear and good-natured
+way, that the poem had been written after Sparre had become dean, and
+that the cottage was merely a poetical way of expressing his great
+simplicity.</P>
+
+<P>Madeleine felt that she had asked a foolish question, and went to the
+window and looked out into the street.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes," continued the chaplain, "there is something about the dean I can
+never quite understand. I never can quite make up my mind exactly where
+it lies; but when you are face to face with him, you feel his power and
+superiority. I might almost say he seems to fascinate you. When he is
+made a bishop--"</P>
+
+<P>"A bishop?" asked Fanny.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, indeed; there is no doubt that the dean will have the first
+bishopric that becomes vacant. I have heard it publicly mentioned."</P>
+
+<P>"No, really! I should never have thought of it," said Fanny. "But you
+are quite right. Won't he look noble with his imposing figure and white
+hair, and the gold cross shining on his breast? It is a pity ours is not
+a cathedral town; a bishop is really so interesting. For instance, in
+'Leonardo.' Madeleine, have you ever seen a bishop?"</P>
+
+<P>Madeleine turned towards her with a deep blush on her face, as she
+stammered out, "What were you asking, Fanny?"</P>
+
+<P>But Fanny's quick eye had already caught sight of Delphin, who was
+coming over from the other side of the street. She returned his bow,
+and, observing Madeleine closely, said to her, "Will you be so good as
+to go and get a cup for Mr. Delphin?"</P>
+
+<P>"Is he coming in?" said the chaplain, looking for his hat.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes. But I have not given you leave to go, Mr. Martens; we were getting
+on so nicely."</P>
+
+<P>Delphin came in, and Fanny gave him a friendly nod, and continued, "Now,
+in your position as clergyman, you really must assist us to effect Mr.
+Delphin's conversion."</P>
+
+<P>"No necessity! no necessity, I assure you, Mrs. Garman," said Delphin,
+gaily. "My conversion is already about as perfect as it can be. Mr.
+Johnsen and I have been conversing on the subject in a most serious
+manner for the last half-hour."</P>
+
+<P>"We were also talking on religious subjects," said Fanny.</P>
+
+<P>"Have you just left Mr. Johnsen?" asked the chaplain, who had got his
+hat, and was on the point of taking his leave.</P>
+
+<P>"I walked with him a little way on the road to Sandsgaard. It appears
+that he had an invitation to go there," answered Delphin.</P>
+
+<P>"To-day, again!" said Fanny.</P>
+
+<P>"Good morning, ladies, good morning! No, you really must allow me. I
+have already been here longer than I ought. Good morning, Miss Garman."</P>
+
+<P>Madeleine was just coming into the room, and the chaplain took a step
+towards her in order to shake her hand; but, as she was carrying the
+tray with the cups upon it, he was obliged to content himself with
+giving her a warm and respectful look. As he went downstairs, he thought
+how unfortunate it was that Delphin should always be coming in his way.</P>
+
+<P>Severin Martens was naturally very good-natured, but Delphin was a man
+he could not bear. If the two got into conversation, everything seemed
+to go wrong for the chaplain. The other had a particular way of taking
+up his words, turning them into ridicule, and exciting laughter among
+the hearers, which was most unpleasant. The chaplain did not care very
+much, either, for Mr. Johnsen. That apparently helpless young man had
+shown that he knew how to look after himself only too well. "Invited
+nearly every day to Sandsgaard! Hum!" muttered Martens, as he went down
+the street.</P>
+
+<P>No sooner had Delphin taken the clergyman's place, than the conversation
+changed its tone.</P>
+
+<P>"Our worthy chaplain did not much like Johnsen's going to Sandsgaard,"
+said Fanny.</P>
+
+<P>"That was just the reason I mentioned it," said Delphin.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, I could see that very well. You are always so dreadfully
+mischievous. But can you make out what is the matter with my learned
+sister-in-law? Rachel, who is generally as cold and unsympathetic as an
+iceberg, becomes all at once quite taken up with what appears to me the
+most unlikely person."</P>
+
+<P>"Your sister-in-law always appears attracted towards any one who shows
+originality."</P>
+
+<P>"Well," objected the lady, "I don't see much in him; at first I thought
+he was rather interesting. He reminded me somewhat of Brand in Ibsen's
+play, or something of that sort; but really, how tiresome he is, with
+his short, cutting remarks, which come plump into the middle of a
+conversation like so many stones!"</P>
+
+<P>"I am a man of the people! my place is among the people!" said Delphin,
+imitating Johnsen's voice and manner.</P>
+
+<P>Fanny laughed, and clapped her hands. Madeleine laughed too; she could
+not help it when Delphin said anything amusing. It is true she liked him
+better when he was serious, as he was when they were alone; he had then
+a frank, genuine manner that she found particularly attractive. She
+could talk to Mr. Delphin on many subjects which she would never have
+had the courage to mention to others. It was plain enough--that is to
+Fanny, though not to Madeleine--that he always paid his visits, quite
+accidentally, of course, whenever Madeleine was in the town.</P>
+
+<P>As they sat chatting merrily on different subjects, Fanny, who always
+kept her eye on passers-by, suddenly cried, "Just look! there is Jacob
+Worse. I declare, he is passing the house without looking up; but I saw
+him speak to some one at the door. I wonder who it could have been?"
+and, with a woman's curiosity, she hurried over to the window.</P>
+
+<P>"Ah!" said she, laughing, "I declare it was my little Frederick he was
+talking to. Freddy," she cried, looking out of the window, "come up to
+mother, and you shall have some chocolate."</P>
+
+<P>Little Christian Frederick, a white-haired, sturdy little fellow of
+between six and seven, came scrambling up the stairs. The maid opened
+the door for him, and his mother asked, as she poured him out some
+chocolate, "Who was it my Freddy was talking to downstairs there by the
+door?"</P>
+
+<P>"It was the big man," answered the child, looking at the cup with eager
+eyes.</P>
+
+<P>"The big man is Jacob Worse, and the little man is yourself, Mr.
+Delphin," explained Fanny, laughing. "My son's manners are not yet quite
+perfect. Did the big man ask who was up here with mother?"</P>
+
+<P>"He asked if Aunt Rachel was in town," answered the child, putting out
+his hand for the cup.</P>
+
+<P>Madeleine did not exactly see what the others found so amusing, but she
+joined in the laugh, because little Freddy was her darling.</P>
+
+<P>"You are a dangerous woman," said George Delphin, as he took his leave;
+"I must go and warn my friend Worse."</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, you dare!" cried Fanny, holding up her taper finger threateningly
+at him.</P>
+
+<P>There was something which Madeleine could not exactly define, that she
+did not quite like, about Fanny. She noticed it most when they were in
+the society of men, but even when they were alone the same unpleasant
+manner would sometimes appear. She was not accustomed to all these
+questions, innuendoes, and allusions, which always seemed to take the
+same direction; but at last she became so fascinated by her lively and
+talkative friend, that she began to lose some of her self-possession,
+and a feeling of anxiety which she could not comprehend, came over her
+lest some fate was in store for her which she was unable to avert.</P>
+
+<P>Fanny stood by the window, looking at Delphin as he left the house. He
+was not such a little man, after all! He had a nice figure, and his
+clothes fitted as if he had been melted into them. There was an air of
+distinction about his black moustache and curly hair. He was, in fact, a
+man that you would look twice at anywhere. It was wonderful she had
+never remarked it before!</P>
+
+<P>Fanny turned to Madeleine, who was clearing the table, and observed her
+narrowly.</P>
+
+<P>
+</P><P></P><A NAME="VIII"></A><HR>
+
+
+<h4>CHAPTER VIII.</h4>
+
+<P>
+"I notice, Mr. Johnsen," said Rachel, "that in almost all the
+conversations we have had on serious subjects, we seem to come to some
+point or another which all at once gives rise to a whole army of doubts
+and questions in us both; or perhaps, to speak more correctly, in you
+rather than in myself."</P>
+
+<P>"The reason is that your extraordinary acuteness leads the conversation
+into certain lines of thought," answered the inspector.</P>
+
+<P>Rachel paused for a moment, and looked at him. At every turn of their
+interesting acquaintance she had been on her guard against any word
+which had the slightest resemblance to a compliment. But when she saw
+before her the earnest and somewhat plain features of her friend, she
+felt that her caution was unnecessary, and she answered, "It does not
+require any extraordinary acuteness to perceive that when two people
+make an attempt in common to thoroughly understand any subject, they are
+more likely to be successful than if each were to work for himself. But
+what appears to me most remarkable is really this, that you did not long
+ago work out these problems for yourself."</P>
+
+<P>"You have opened my eyes to many things which hitherto--"</P>
+
+<P>"But hear what I have to say," broke in Rachel, with some impatience.
+"We have been going backwards and forwards here certainly for half an
+hour, talking about the many difficulties which must beset a clergyman,
+who is at the same time the servant of both God and the State, and
+continually, or at least several times, you have told me that I was
+right, or that you had not thought of such and such things before, or
+something of that sort." Rachel stopped in the broad path between the
+hedges in front of the house, where they were walking, and, looking him
+full in the face, said, "How is it possible, Mr. Johnsen, that you who
+have studied theology, and intend in the course of time to take priest's
+orders, have not already long ago made the subject clear to yourself,
+and taken your line accordingly?"</P>
+
+<P>Johnsen's eyes fell before her clear and penetrating glance as he
+answered, "I have been quite enough troubled by doubts and anxieties,
+which are things none of us can escape; but if it now appears to
+you--and I must confess that it is the fact--that I have neglected
+certain points, I must plead that this negligence has been caused by my
+peculiar education. I come from a poor home, a very poor home"--he
+seemed to regain his confidence as he spoke--"and I have raised myself,
+without any special abilities, by sheer hard work. My time has,
+therefore, been fully occupied during my studies, and, as far as my
+opinion goes, a person who is working in real earnest has but little
+time for speculation. Besides, there is something about the subject
+itself, and about the men with whom one is brought into
+contact--something, what shall I call it?--something soothing,
+reassuring, which has the effect of making the doubts which from time to
+time appear bring, as it were, their own solution with them. But life's
+experience, and even more, my aquaintance with you, Miss Garman, has
+caused me to waver on many points."</P>
+
+<P>"Do you remember our first conversation?" she asked.</P>
+
+<P>"I don't think I have forgotten a single word that has passed between
+us."</P>
+
+<P>"It was one of the first Sundays you were at Sandsgaard."</P>
+
+<P>"The conversation at dinner turned upon the subject of war. Was not that
+the day you mean?" asked he.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, exactly," answered Rachel. "Mr. Delphin was maintaining, in his
+foolish, superficial way, that the spirit of the time would soon get rid
+of the evil of war, if we could only have done with kings and priests.
+You may remember Mr. Martens got quite excited, and insisted that
+priests were distinctly men of peace, and that their work was the work
+of peace. And then Mr. Delphin made the adroit answer, that any one who
+liked could go to church any Sunday, and hear how devoutly this man of
+peace, Mr. Martens, prays for the arms of the country by land and by
+sea."</P>
+
+<P>"I remember it very well," answered Johnsen, with a smile; "it was just
+there I joined in the conversation."</P>
+
+<P>"Yes; you declared that you would never, if you were ordained, mention
+the arms of the country in your prayers."</P>
+
+<P>"Neither will I; nothing shall ever make me."</P>
+
+<P>Rachel looked at him: he was in just the humour she liked to see him.</P>
+
+<P>"I bring this to your recollection," she went on, "because I know now
+that there are many other duties which fall to the lot of a clergyman,
+that you will not be able altogether to reconcile with your convictions.
+In the course of our conversations you have expressed many decided
+opinions--for instance, about the Marriage Service, about Absolution,
+Confirmation, and several other matters; so that it now appears clear to
+me that you must either give up the idea of being ordained, or else be
+false to yourself."</P>
+
+<P>"False to myself I cannot be," cried he; "I would rather give up my
+future prospects."</P>
+
+<P>"But is that sufficient?"</P>
+
+<P>"I don't understand you, Miss Garman."</P>
+
+<P>"Do you think that you would be doing yourself justice by thus evading
+the responsibility that your convictions give rise to? If I were a
+man"--Rachel drew herself up--"I would go and seek the conflict, and not
+shirk it."</P>
+
+<P>"Neither will I shirk it, Miss Garman," answered Johnsen.</P>
+
+<P>"I hope you won't; there are quite enough who do." She looked towards
+the house to which they were approaching, and through the open window
+saw Fanny and Delphin carrying on a flirtation. Pastor Martens and
+Madeleine were going towards the croquet lawn, and Jacob Worse stood
+watching them with a cigar in his mouth.</P>
+
+<P>Rachel turned quickly round to her companion and said, "I don't know
+anything more despicable than when a man does not dare, either by word
+or deed, to declare plainly what he feels in his inner consciousness to
+be in opposition with generally received opinions. A man who sneaks
+through life in this manner is, in my opinion, a coward."</P>
+
+<P>She went towards the house, and Johnsen remained standing for a moment,
+and then wandered down the path again, lost in deep thought.</P>
+
+<P>Jacob Worse said to her as she passed him, "Would you like to join the
+croquet? I hardly think it is right to leave your cousin to play alone
+with the chaplain."</P>
+
+<P>"I think you might have spared yourself that well-meant remark, Mr.
+Worse," answered Rachel, in a tone which made him look at her with
+astonishment. "It seems to me, on the contrary, that Madeleine is in
+very good company--just the company that suits her."</P>
+
+<P>"I beg your pardon," answered Worse, good humouredly. "I did not mean to
+be indiscreet; but I cannot help feeling that your cousin is in reality
+of such a lively nature, it is hard for her to find vent for her
+spirits."</P>
+
+<P>"I did not know that Madeleine had such a concealed fund of spirits. As
+a general rule, I do not much care for people who are afraid to show
+their feelings."</P>
+
+<P>"Afraid?" asked he, in astonishment.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes; I said afraid. What else is it but want of courage which makes a
+man sit down quietly and hide his thoughts, conceal his convictions,
+live a false life, and play a part from morning to night? It were better
+to do like your friend out there"--and she gave a toss of her head
+towards Delphin--"to talk so grandly about one's principles, and to
+illustrate them by paradoxes and witticisms."</P>
+
+<P>Jacob Worse now saw that he had found Rachel in a more earnest mood than
+he had expected.</P>
+
+<P>"I have often observed," said he, seriously, "that you always think that
+it is a man's duty to speak out boldly when he finds his convictions are
+in danger; but allow me to explain--"</P>
+
+<P>"I don't want to hear any explanations," rejoined Rachel, "and you are
+not bound to give me any; but I repeat what I said. It is cowardly."</P>
+
+<P>She regretted the word the moment it was spoken. She said it because she
+had just used the same expression in her conversation with Johnsen; but,
+however, without saying anything further, she went into the house.</P>
+
+<P>Jacob Worse remained thoughtfully contemplating his cigar. At last,
+then, the storm had burst. The ill humour he had so long noticed in her
+had found vent. He knew she meant what she said. She thought he was a
+coward. There had hitherto been a kind of friendly comradeship between
+them, which excluded any attempts at courtesy. She had told him that
+their friendship must be on this footing, if he wished it to continue.
+He had accepted his position, and they had often talked freely together,
+but latterly less than had formerly been the case.</P>
+
+<P>Jacob Worse turned round, and found himself face to face with Mr.
+Johnsen, who was coming up the path with his eyes fixed on the ground.
+He at once perceived that here was to be found the cause for Rachel's
+extraordinary conduct, and the discovery did not tend to put him in a
+better humour.</P>
+
+<P>Mr. Hiorth the magistrate, and Mr. Aalbom the schoolmaster, were seated
+together in the old summer-house near the pond. They were generally to
+be found together on these Sunday afternoons at Sandsgaard. The
+opportunity for talking scandal was one not to be neglected.</P>
+
+<P>Hiorth's family had been for a long time in the service of the State, a
+fact of which he was not a little proud; and after his daughter's
+marriage with Morten Garman, who was one of the most eligible young men
+of the district, his somewhat sensitive feelings began to revolt against
+the self-satisfaction which the Garman family seemed to have inherited
+with their solid prosperity.</P>
+
+<P>Aalbom was, therefore, not afraid to give free play to his bitter
+tongue, and after a good dinner he was just in the vein for so doing.</P>
+
+<P>"They are asleep," said he. "I dare bet they are both of them fast
+asleep. Have you not noticed that both the Consul and his brother
+disappear after dinner every Sunday?"</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, I have remarked that I don't generally see them when the coffee
+comes; but it is only for about a quarter of an hour," answered the
+magistrate, as he brushed some cigar-ash off his coat, just where his
+new North Star Order hung.</P>
+
+<P>"They are not treating you properly," continued Aalbom; "especially when
+Richard calls himself an <i>attach&eacute;</i>, and has some pretensions to good
+manners."</P>
+
+<P>"Oh! well, as far as he is concerned," answered the other, "he means to
+show his contempt for people in office. Richard Garman, like all people
+who have led shady lives, is an ultra-Radical."</P>
+
+<P>"No doubt, sir. And I am not very certain about the Consul either; he
+has no respect for a cultivated intellect."</P>
+
+<P>"But can you expect anything better from a man in trade?"</P>
+
+<P>"A shopkeeper, you might say," whispered Aalbom, looking cautiously
+around. "There, now," he added, "I declare if it is not raining! Just
+what one might have expected. We had a little sunshine in the morning,
+and so of course it must rain in the afternoon. What a climate! what a
+country!" and, amid a torrent of ejaculations and anathemas, they both
+went hurriedly round the pond, and reached the house just as the rain
+began to fall in earnest.</P>
+
+<P>The company generally sat downstairs when the weather was fine, in the
+room with the French windows opening into the garden; but now, as it had
+begun to rain, and the wind began to rustle through the flowers and the
+Virginian creeper on the railings, they went upstairs.</P>
+
+<P>Whether it was that the two Garmans had really wished to show their
+contempt for people in office by taking a nap, or whether their absence
+had been accidental, they had both returned to the company, and Richard
+was standing with his back to the fireplace, and the Consul was under
+the old clock, in conversation with Jacob Worse.</P>
+
+<P>It was generally supposed that it was to these Sunday afternoon
+conversations with Worse that the Consul owed his perfect knowledge of
+every event that took place in the town.</P>
+
+<P>Madeleine was sitting by the window, looking out at the rain. She was
+quite astonished to find how agreeable Pastor Martens could be. Her
+knowledge of clergymen had hitherto been confined to her father's
+descriptions of them, which were amusing enough, but far from
+flattering.</P>
+
+<P>But Mr. Martens was quite lively, if not merry. He had not attempted to
+say anything serious, and she had nothing against him except that he hit
+very hard at croquet; but he played really well, and seemed to enjoy it.
+It was a pity that the rain had come before they had finished their
+game.</P>
+
+<P>It was one of those evenings when it is not dark enough to light the
+candles, but is still too dark for any one to see to work; and a wet
+evening, even in summer, can become very tiresome before lights, cards,
+and such like make their appearance.</P>
+
+<P>Mrs. Garman and Mrs. Aalbom sat gossiping on the sofa; and Fanny, who in
+the course of the day had received more than one reproving look from her
+mother-in-law for flirting with Delphin, was now doing penance with the
+old ladies, to whom Pastor Martens had also attached himself.</P>
+
+<P>Quite a group had gathered round the fireplace by the <i>attach&eacute;</i>,
+consisting of the magistrate, Mr. Aalbom, and Delphin. Morten had
+disappeared, no one knew whither.</P>
+
+<P>Delphin was anxious to slip away, so as to get an opportunity of having
+a chat with Madeleine; but Richard would not let him go--he was just the
+man after the <i>attach&eacute;'s</i> heart. He reminded him of his own youth, with
+his polite assurance and ready wit. The old diplomatist had a weakness
+for getting up little disputes among his acquaintances, while he
+himself, by alternately assisting the two sides, took care to preserve
+the balance between them, and maintain a good tone in the discussion.
+From this point of view George Delphin was quite a treasure. He had just
+that irritating manner which sometimes became very nearly offensive, but
+was at the same time so polished, that it would indicate a want of good
+breeding to be annoyed at it. It was thus a real treat for Uncle Richard
+to see the magistrate, with all his aplomb, writhe under Delphin's
+adroit and sarcastic rejoinders. Aalbom, on the other hand, was not so
+well bred, and often, therefore, broke through conventionalities, to the
+great delight of both the <i>attach&eacute;</i> and the magistrate.</P>
+
+<P>Uncle Richard had on this occasion led the conversation in a direction
+which he knew would be at the same time entertaining and interesting.
+The subject was the position of the country with regard to other
+nations. Mr. Hiorth had been in Paris under Louis Philippe, and Delphin
+had two years previously made a summer tour through Europe, while the
+schoolmaster had been at the University of Copenhagen. Delphin's account
+of his travels was most animated, and culminated in the greatest
+admiration for Paris. The magistrate maintained that Paris was a
+dangerous, restless, and vicious town. This was the result of his
+observation in 1847, and it was generally allowed that since that time
+it had become even worse. Aalbom vainly tried to get in something about
+Thorwaldsen's museum.</P>
+
+<P>The conversation began to get lively. The <i>attach&eacute;</i> distributed his aid
+with the greatest impartiality, and winked knowingly at Delphin, when to
+all appearances he had quite gone over to the magistrate's side. Each
+point as it arose was discussed with the greatest eagerness, until they
+arrived at woman's position in society. The magistrate was very strong
+on the subject of French immorality, but he was unluckily obliged to
+curtail his remarks on account of the ladies. Aalbom, who was able to
+take up a firm position on the ground of his acquaintance with "The
+Origin and History of the French Language," came to the assistance of
+his friend with a string of the most frightful quotations from Rabelais
+to Zola. Both then began to compare the women of their own country with
+those of Northern Europe generally, and managed to make the comparison a
+very favourable one, holding up their countrywomen as veritable
+heroines; and as both Richard Garman and Delphin were far too gallant to
+dispute their theory, so the other two had full enjoyment of their
+triumph.</P>
+
+<P>Jacob Worse now got up and joined the group. He had not been able to
+help partly overhearing the conversation, and ruffled as he was by
+Rachel's accusations, he could no longer keep silence. The Consul smiled
+as he joined the others, and said in a low tone, "I will keep my eye
+upon you, and if it gets too hot, will come to your assistance."</P>
+
+<P>From the moment Jacob Worse began to take part in the conversation, the
+<i>attach&eacute;</i> felt that the reins were slipping out of his hands. Worse went
+at it hammer and tongs; not that he raised his voice, or used unbecoming
+expressions, but his views were so subversive and so original, that the
+others were forthwith reduced to silence. At the first onset he brushed
+aside all the nonsense about Norwegian women, and that sort of thing,
+and went on boldly to consider the position of woman generally with
+regard to man. The magistrate asked him superciliously if he meant them
+to understand that he was in favour of emancipation; and when Worse
+answered that he was, the magistrate asked him with a smile how he
+thought he would be treated by an "emancipated wife." Worse, however,
+maintained that it was not a question how a man was treated, but what
+the relation really was which existed between the two. The time must be
+drawing to a close when the sole consideration was, what a man found
+most agreeable, and it was to be hoped that the young men of the future
+would be ashamed to argue from that basis. This was plainly a hit, not
+only at the magistrate, but at all married men of his generation. Aalbom
+protested warmly against Worse's theory, and his wife could be heard
+ejaculating in the distance. Pastor Martens now came and joined the
+disputants.</P>
+
+<P>Jacob Worse was becoming excited; he spoke hurriedly, and his tone
+showed that he only restrained himself by an effort. On what absurd
+principles, he maintained, was the education of women generally
+conducted! How many thousands ended their career, worn out by the
+drudgery of household duties! Their intellect was wasted, and their
+strength exhausted for nothing. It was quite easy to talk so glibly of
+purity in a state of society where man was to know everything and have a
+right to everything, while woman was to be debarred from all
+intellectual knowledge.</P>
+
+<P>At the first pause in the conversation, Aalbom came to the front as
+woman's champion, and the magistrate and Martens joined him. The
+conversation now waxed warmer, and Delphin wandered off to Madeleine,
+leaving Worse struggling alone against the arguments which both sides
+brought to bear on him. The disputants became heated and excited, and
+all went on talking at once, without giving time for the others to
+finish their sentences.</P>
+
+<P>The <i>attach&eacute;</i> stood with his hands behind his back, regarding with
+apprehension the storm he had raised, and which was now out of his power
+to quell.</P>
+
+<P>Mr. Johnsen made several attempts to join in the conversation, which
+had, however, become so warm that no one could be got to listen to his
+measured and carefully worded remarks. Rachel followed the arguments
+with the greatest interest, but she could not help feeling annoyed. She
+was annoyed when the others said anything stupid, and even still more so
+when she was obliged to confess that Worse was in the right. Everything
+seemed to irritate her. She could not bear to hear these men discussing
+her and her position as if she were some strange animal, and without
+ever having the grace to ask her opinion. The conversation had now gone
+far beyond woman's position, although Jacob Worse tried in vain to keep
+them to the point. Off they went through recent literature, foreign
+politics, home politics, ever with increasing earnestness, and with the
+same division of parties. Latterly the pastor had come more to the
+front. Aalbom's voice began to fail him, and the magistrate was unable
+any longer to get beyond the beginning of his sentences, and could do
+little else than point to his decorations and say, "For God and the
+King!" And before they knew where they were, they found themselves on
+the subject of modern scepticism.</P>
+
+<P>Jacob Worse protested against this digression; but Martens, whose voice
+was just as calm as when he began, maintained that this lay at the
+bottom of the whole question, and that modern unbelief formed, as it
+were, a background to all the questions they had been discussing, and
+that all the arguments that were adduced from a "certain point of view"
+had their roots in this very principle.</P>
+
+<P>The magistrate and Aalbom were agreed on this point, but Jacob Worse,
+with a pale face and excited gestures, began, "Gentlemen--!"</P>
+
+<P>The Consul here made a sign to Miss Cordsen, who opened the doors into
+the dining-room, from whence the bright light shone suddenly into the
+room. The disputants only now remarked that it had become quite dark as
+they were talking. The company then adjourned to the dining-room,
+thankful enough to have a little breathing-time, but the voices still
+retained traces of the excitement.</P>
+
+<P>"Where did you get those splendid lobsters, mother?" asked Morten, who
+had suddenly turned up, no one knew from whence. He never missed his
+meals.</P>
+
+<P>"Uncle Richard brought them," answered Mrs. Garman. "I think he has a
+fisherman at Bratvold, who always brings him the finest lobsters that
+are to be got." She had taken care to help herself to some of the coral,
+which looked most appetizing in its contrast to the white meat.</P>
+
+<P>Madeleine got almost as red as the lobster, and bent down over her
+teacup. Per, and everything connected with her old home, now seemed so
+distant, that when she thought upon her original intention of making an
+open confession, the idea seemed mere folly. She was indeed thankful
+that none of those around her guessed how near she had been to such an
+absurd engagement.</P>
+
+<P>The two brothers, when they were going to bed that evening, had a chat
+over the events of the day. Richard's room opened into the Consul's, and
+notwithstanding that his habit of smoking cigarettes was an abomination
+to his brother, the door between the rooms always remained open at
+night. Each had his own particular method of undressing. The Consul took
+off each garment in due order, folded it up, and laid it in its
+appointed place. Richard, on the other hand, tore off his things and
+threw them about anyhow. He then wrapped himself in his dressing-gown,
+and sat down and smoked till his brother was ready.</P>
+
+<P>"He is the very devil, that Worse!" said the <i>attach&eacute;</i>, leaning back in
+the armchair; "but it does me good to hear any one speak out his mind so
+plainly."</P>
+
+<P>"He is too violent; he forgets conventionalities."</P>
+
+<P>"It is possible to have too much conventionality. It is well for young
+people to air their views; it does them good."</P>
+
+<P>"What nonsense you are talking, Dick!" cried the Consul, entering his
+brother's room. "What the deuce would become of the world if youngsters
+were allowed to jabber like that on every possible occasion?"</P>
+
+<P>But Uncle Richard was not nervous when they were <i>t&ecirc;te-&agrave;-t&ecirc;te</i>. He got
+slowly up from his chair, and let his dressing-gown slip off his
+shoulders; and the two brothers now stood opposite each other, in very
+different <i>d&eacute;shabille</i>. The young Consul was in his night-shirt, and a
+pair of flannel drawers tied at the knees with broad tape. His thin legs
+were thrust into long grey stockings, which Miss Cordsen alone knew how
+to knit. Richard had a pair of Turkish slippers, thread stockings, which
+fitted closely to his well-formed leg, and a shirt of fine material
+stiffly starched, in which he always slept. There were none of his
+brother's failings which the Consul disliked more than this.</P>
+
+<P>"I tell you what, Christian Frederick," said Uncle Richard, as he laid
+his hand on his brother's shoulder, "I don't say that young people will
+do the world a great deal of good by making a noise, but I am quite
+certain that none of us have done it much good by holding our tongue."</P>
+
+<P>"What do you mean? Nonsense, Richard!" said the Consul, contemptuously,
+as he turned back into his room.</P>
+
+<P>They both got into bed and put out their lights.</P>
+
+<P>"Good night, Christian Frederick."</P>
+
+<P>"Good night," answered the Consul, rather drily; but just as Uncle
+Richard was on the point of falling asleep, he heard his brother say--</P>
+
+<P>"Dick, Dick! are you asleep?"</P>
+
+<P>"No, not quite," answered the other, sitting up in bed.</P>
+
+<P>"Well, then, perhaps there was something in what you said just now. Good
+night."</P>
+
+<P>"Good night," said the <i>attach&eacute;</i>, lying down with a smile on his face. A
+few minutes after the two old gentlemen were snoring peacefully in
+unison.</P>
+
+<P>
+</P><P></P><A NAME="IX"></A><HR>
+
+<h4>CHAPTER IX.</h4>
+
+<P>
+Gustaf Torpander was still consumed by his silent passion. Every penny
+he could save he devoted either to heightening his personal attractions
+or to treating Marianne's brother; for hitherto he had never had the
+courage to offer her any presents personally. The circuitous course he
+was thus driven to follow in his courtship, was not altogether agreeable
+to the Swede, and the drinking bouts at Begmand's cottage, in which he
+was obliged to take part in order to get a glimpse of his sweetheart, he
+found particularly distasteful.</P>
+
+<P>At first Marianne was greatly annoyed by the attentions of the
+journeyman printer. From her earliest childhood, the knowledge of her
+exceptional beauty had made her careful to be on her guard against any
+advances from the other sex; but since her misfortune, she had come to
+regard every attention as a kind of persecution. But her shyness was
+generally received with an incredulous smile or a coarse joke. What
+shocked her most was, that men seemed no longer to believe that she
+really meant to shun them in earnest, and she was therefore quite
+nervous if any of them approached her. When, however, she saw that
+Torpander did not presume on his acquaintance, and preserved his polite
+and even respectful manner, she became at last used to his society, and
+had even a kind of sympathetic feeling for him. For Tom Robson she had
+always an unconquerable aversion. It is true that she saw Tom only from
+his worst side, when he was drinking. In the morning, when Robson was
+sober, there was something of the gentleman about him. He was always
+neatly dressed in a blue serge suit, coloured shirt, and in dry weather
+wore canvas shoes. It was a great pleasure for the young Consul to go
+his morning round in the shipyard with Mr. Robson. The work went on
+bravely, and the ship bid fair to be both handsome and well built. Mr.
+Garman knew Tom's weakness as well as any one, but as long as he
+attended to his work he was free to use his leisure as he liked. The
+firm had always worked on the principle that the less the workpeople
+were interfered with the better. They worked all the better for it, and
+gave far less trouble generally.</P>
+
+<P>"I think she ought to be ready next spring," said the Consul one day in
+the beginning of July.</P>
+
+<P>"In about eight or nine months, if the winter is not too wet," answered
+Tom.</P>
+
+<P>"I should be very pleased if we could manage to launch her on the 15th
+of May," said the Consul, in a low tone; "but you must not mention the
+day to any one; you understand, Mr. Robson?"</P>
+
+<P>"All right, sir," answered Tom.</P>
+
+<P>Tom did not betray the day, even to his friend Master Gabriel; he only
+said it was to be some time in the spring, and with that Gabriel had to
+be content: but he still showed great curiosity as to what the name of
+the ship was to be. Tom swore that he knew nothing about it, and Morten
+answered that it was "a thing which did not concern schoolboys." From
+which Gabriel inferred that neither of them knew much about it, and, at
+all events, not Morten.</P>
+
+<P>During the summer Gabriel got on but poorly at school; it seemed really
+too hard that he should have to pore over his books, while the work was
+going on with all its noise and bustle in the ship-yard. His
+character-book showed a sad spectacle, and each month when he had to
+take it in to his father, he made up his mind to make a little speech,
+of which the burden was to be, that he did not wish to continue his
+studies, but to be employed in the office, or be allowed to go to sea,
+or anywhere his father chose to send him. But each time when he stood
+before those cold blue eyes, every word seemed to vanish from his
+memory, and he looked so helpless and confused that his father shook his
+head as he left the room, and said--</P>
+
+<P>"I can't make the boy out. I don't think he will ever grow into a man."</P>
+
+<P>When first Madeleine came to Sandsgaard, Gabriel had found it a great
+relief to confide his woes to her. But now she had got too clever for
+him, and refused to be frightened by his threats of running away to sea,
+or giving his master, Mr. Aalbom, some rat-poison in his toddy, and he
+ended by feeling jealous of Delphin.</P>
+
+<P>Fanny had for some time remarked that Delphin was openly paying his
+attentions to Madeleine, and the more plainly her sharp eyes took in the
+situation, the more clearly did she perceive that she had been relegated
+to the unenviable position of third person. She knew that Delphin had
+been used to the society of Christiania; he was neither so young nor so
+green as most of her father's assistants, and she therefore found his
+society agreeable. But when she found that, as usual, he began at once
+to show his admiration for her, she thought to herself he was no
+different to the rest. But now she began to take a little more notice of
+him; perhaps it was hardly worth while to let him slip entirely out of
+her hands; and when she looked at herself in the glass, she could not
+help laughing and thinking how absurd it was for any one, with her
+pretensions to beauty, to be contented to accept her present humiliating
+position.</P>
+
+<P>Fanny had arranged that Madeleine should take music lessons in the town,
+and Delphin had got to know exactly when these music lessons took place.
+Madeleine met him very frequently, and they generally managed to go a
+little out of the way on her return, either in the streets, or in the
+park. Madeleine found these meetings rather amusing, and talked gaily
+and openly with her admirer.</P>
+
+<P>"Now, Mr. Delphin," she said to him one day, "how is it you are so
+sarcastic and critical when you are in society? When we are alone you
+are much more agreeable."</P>
+
+<P>"The reason is, Miss Madeleine, that when I am talking alone with you, I
+show more of my natural character; when I am in conversation with other
+people, I rather prefer to conceal my opinions."</P>
+
+<P>"So you conceal your opinions?" said she, laughing.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes. What I mean is, I don't care for every passer-by to pry into my
+mind. I generally keep the blinds down."</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, now I understand," she answered seriously; not that she remarked
+the preference shown her, but she could not help thinking how much of
+her own life was also concealed by a curtain.</P>
+
+<P>In one of the small streets near the sea they had to pass through a
+crowd of fishermen, who had been out all night, and were carrying home
+their lines, tarpaulins, and large baskets full of fish.</P>
+
+<P>"Bah!" said Delphin, when they had passed, "I can't bear that smell of
+fish. But I forgot, Miss Garman; you must have had plenty of it when you
+lived at Bratvold."</P>
+
+<P>"Oh yes!" answered Madeleine, with some confusion.</P>
+
+<P>"Well, for my part," he continued, in a merry tone, "I can say with
+truth that I am a friend of the people, but I must confess that when the
+dear creatures come too near my nose my affection for them somewhat
+cools. There is something about that mixture of fish, tobacco, tar, and
+wet woollen clothes that I can't get over."</P>
+
+<P>Madeleine could not but feel what a vivid description this was of the
+people among whom she had lived, and of him to whom she had so
+nearly--Ah, it was well she had not betrayed the secret to any one.</P>
+
+<P>As they were crossing the market Delphin pointed to some one going in
+the direction of Sandsgaard.</P>
+
+<P>"I declare, there is Mr. Johnsen going to Sandsgaard again to-day. Do
+you know, Miss Garman, he has gone a little wrong in his head?" But
+Madeleine had heard nothing about it.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, he is quite wrong in his head," continued her companion; "but it
+is not yet perfectly clear whether he is in love or whether it is
+religious mania. In favour of the first theory, that he is in love, we
+have the fact that he rushes over to Sandsgaard nearly every day, and is
+seen talking <i>t&ecirc;te-&agrave;-t&ecirc;te</i> with Miss Rachel. In favour of the other
+theory, that he has gone wrong on the subject of religion, it is said
+that he intends to give us no end of a sermon one of these Sundays.
+Won't you go to hear him?"</P>
+
+<P>"Well, I don't know; but if the others go, I dare say I may go too."</P>
+
+<P>"No! now promise me you will go to church that Sunday," said he, looking
+at her imploringly.</P>
+
+<P>There was no time for an answer; they were close to the door, and
+Madeleine had caught a glimpse of Fanny behind the curtains of the
+sitting-room.</P>
+
+<P>In the mean time Mr. Johnsen went on his way. It was quite true that he
+was going to Sandsgaard, but Delphin's statement that he was there every
+day was an exaggeration. Since that Sunday, when the conversation had
+waxed so warm, he had not been at Sandsgaard; but his thoughts had been
+occupied ever since by the recollection of his last conversation with
+Rachel in the garden.</P>
+
+<P>Eric Johnsen came, as he often said, of a poor family. At the Garmans'
+he was first brought into contact with that luxury which he had hitherto
+despised, and he had made up his mind beforehand that he would not allow
+himself to be dazzled by it, and therefore on his first introduction had
+made his best endeavour to put on an air of severity, and to show
+himself superior to its attractions. But now he was not only astonished
+by the well-ordered and unpretentious comfort of the house, but he was
+also shaken in his preconceived notions about the rich, when he came to
+make the acquaintance of the Garmans. Johnsen had expected to find
+something more ostentatious, especially at table; but the solid tone of
+the household, and the easy and polished manners of the family, perhaps
+most of all the presence of Rachel, finally caused him to change his
+original ideas. He regarded with suspicion the satisfaction he felt,
+after having been at Sandsgaard a few times. He was on his guard against
+everything that tended to draw him away from his calling. There was one
+point which he felt of the highest importance, which was, since he had
+his origin from the poor and indigent, it was among them his work ought
+to lie, among paupers and in pauper schools.</P>
+
+<P>One day Johnsen actually found himself hesitating before the door of his
+school, shrinking from going into its tainted atmosphere, when it was
+not actually necessary for him to do so. The discovery caused him at
+first the greatest uneasiness. Now, however, Rachel's society was
+beginning to have more influence over him. It was no longer the comfort
+of Sandsgaard which attracted him--of that he was quite certain; neither
+had he any feeling for the young lady except interest, a deep, earnest
+interest, after all the stirring impressions he had received through
+her. She had a wonderful power over him. Her words seemed to shed a ray
+of light over much which he had hitherto overlooked. He had, like the
+rest of us, the germs of doubt in his heart, and he was still so young
+and fresh that his aspirations were but loosely covered, and had not yet
+had time to wither entirely in his heart. When, therefore, he was
+suddenly thrown into the society of a woman of such intellectual power,
+his mind seemed as it were to awake, and her influence and his own
+reviving energies kindled within him a desire for action which increased
+with each day that passed. The tiresome and uninteresting work of his
+daily life seemed aimless to him. He must find some other means of
+publishing his convictions--this was now clear to him. He went,
+therefore, to his adviser, ready to engage in any combat into which she
+might think fit to send him.</P>
+
+<P>Rachel generally did at home pretty much as she liked. She disdained all
+the hundred restraints which are generally considered so necessary for a
+young girl; they plainly did not apply in her case--she was so different
+to others. As soon, therefore, as Johnsen had exchanged a few words with
+old Mrs. Garman, she said, without further ado, "Come, Mr. Johnsen, let
+us take a turn in the garden," without her mother being in the least
+astonished. Rachel had grown up quite beyond her power of restraint, and
+if it came to the worst, thought Mrs. Garman, this unusual <i>penchant</i>
+for a clergyman was not the worst one Rachel could have hit upon.</P>
+
+<P>The two went down into the garden, where they walked as usual up and
+down the central path. He found it rather difficult to lead the
+conversation in the direction he wished. His tone was therefore somewhat
+doubtful, as he said, "I have thought a great deal about our last
+conversation; in fact, I have hardly thought of anything else since,
+and, with your permission, I should like to say a few more words on the
+same subject."</P>
+
+<P>"I am always glad to talk with you," answered Rachel, fixing her eyes
+upon him. Rachel had the same clear blue eyes as her father, to whom, in
+fact, she bore considerable resemblance, even in the slight projection
+of her under jaw. Her dark hair was faintly tinged with red, especially
+at the temples, and her tall and well-built figure rendered her
+appearance rather more imposing than attractive. The young men generally
+were absolutely afraid of her, and she had the reputation of being
+terribly learned and sarcastic, which was considered to be a great pity,
+as in other respects she was a most desirable <i>parti</i>. Mr. Johnsen did
+not notice any of these peculiarities: all he thought of was leading the
+conversation into the direction he desired. At length he was successful.
+He spoke with ever-increasing earnestness on the change that had taken
+place in him; how that she had not only roused him to meditation, but
+had also imparted to him a desire for work, for which he must now find
+vent. He had come to her to be told how and where he was to begin.</P>
+
+<P>Rachel seemed somewhat embarrassed. "It is not so easy for me," she
+answered, "who as a woman am debarred from a life of action, if even I
+had the wish for it, to advise you how you ought to begin."</P>
+
+<P>"I am ready for anything," cried he, excitedly. "I am ready to write or
+speak against the abuses I see everywhere around me. I am ready to cut
+myself adrift from the calling I have adopted, if it must be. I will not
+leave a single corner of my innermost heart concealed, but will lay open
+my convictions as a man ought to do."</P>
+
+<P>His young friend was too wary to allow herself to be carried away by
+this sudden outburst, which she could not but regard with some
+misgiving.</P>
+
+<P>"I think you ought to consider," she began, "that what we have hitherto
+been speaking of is a mere matter of scattered detail; there is scarcely
+any irreconcilable want of agreement between your ideas and those of
+Christianity in general."</P>
+
+<P>"But Christianity requires either an entire belief or else none at all,
+and I do not care to continue in my doubtful position any longer."</P>
+
+<P>"Yes; and besides," she continued, "I am quite willing to confess that I
+consider these forms and dogmas of but very slight importance. Our
+conversation has only turned particularly on these points from the fact
+that you hold a position in the Church."</P>
+
+<P>"But that is not what we have been talking about," answered he,
+excitedly; "the real gist of the matter is, that you have been trying to
+rouse in me a consciousness of the personal responsibility which follows
+conviction."</P>
+
+<P>"Yes," answered she, "you are quite right; that is exactly what I was
+aiming at."</P>
+
+<P>"Whether I am in the Church or not, then, is not the question. What is
+really important is to be a man--man enough to have a conviction, and
+man enough to stand by it."</P>
+
+<P>His vehemence and honesty overcame Rachel's scruples, and she answered
+hastily, and almost with a feeling of relief, "Yes, that is the point;
+it is exactly sincerity which is so rarely met with. This is the
+principle which I can myself scarcely hope to carry out to its full
+extent. What weight does the conviction of a woman carry with it, in a
+society like ours? But my whole sympathy is excited whenever I see
+sincerity struggling to the light. And that is why I believe that you
+are on the right path now, that you have entered upon this combat with
+falsehood. It is better to be utterly beaten in the battle than to lead
+a peaceful but insincere life."</P>
+
+<P>Her clear blue eyes sparkled as she spoke. He looked at her with
+rapture, and with a sudden change of manner that was characteristic of
+him, he said in a calm, quiet voice:</P>
+
+<P>"I will live a life of falsehood no longer!" He took a few steps, and
+said slowly and with emphasis, "I will ask the provost's permission to
+preach in the church next Sunday; I have, in fact, already said
+something to him about it. I want to tell the congregation--"</P>
+
+<P>"It would, perhaps, be scarcely worth while," said Rachel, "to go too
+much into details."</P>
+
+<P>"No, that was not my intention. I wish to bring forward the importance
+of sincerity. I will tell them plainly that I have my doubts, and that
+God is to be found in truthfulness, and not in mere forms; and I wish
+especially to examine the position of those of my own calling, who even
+more than others are fettered by forms and ceremonies."</P>
+
+<P>"It may cost you your future; and in any case you will make many
+enemies."</P>
+
+<P>"But perhaps I may make one friend."</P>
+
+<P>"You shall have my friendship," said she, giving him her hand, "if you
+find any support in that. You can count upon me, even if all others turn
+their backs upon you."</P>
+
+<P>"Thank you," said he, with solemnity, as he let go her hand. He left the
+garden hastily, but without going through the house; he took a side
+path, and went through the little wicket gate.</P>
+
+<P>Rachel stood gazing after him as he went down the avenue. At last she
+had met a man who dared to state his convictions. This was more than
+ever Jacob Worse would have the courage to do.</P>
+
+<P>
+</P><P></P><A NAME="X"></A><HR>
+
+<h4>CHAPTER X.</h4>
+
+<P>
+Jacob Worse's mother was regarded as quite a character in the town. When
+her husband died, he was about as insolvent as a man could be. For
+several years he had only kept his business going by means of unlimited
+credit, but up to the very last he managed to keep one of the gayest
+houses in the town. Nothing was left but a mass of bills and liabilities
+when he was gone. People shook their heads, and went one and all to the
+widow to condole with her. There were both friends and enemies among
+them, but all alike were creditors. Some were for selling her up at
+once, and others wished to keep the business going, while one wished to
+buy the horses privately. The "Boston-parti"[A] to which the deceased
+belonged, agreed to give the widow a monthly allowance. For a few days
+Mrs. Worse was quite bewildered and broken down by the ruin she had so
+little expected. She had never had the slightest knowledge of her
+husband's affairs, but she was quite convinced that he was very rich. On
+the evening after the funeral she was sitting alone with her son Jacob,
+who was a boy of about seven or eight, when a little wizened,
+grey-haired man came into the room, who, after respectfully wishing Mrs.
+Worse good evening, laid on the table some account-books and papers. The
+old man was well known to Mrs. Worse: it was Mr. Peter Samuelsen,
+commonly known as Pitter Nilken, the manager of the small shop in the
+back premises. Worse's property had consisted of an entire building, of
+which the front looked out towards the sea and the quay where the
+steamers were moored, and at the back was a little dark lane, where
+Pitter Nilken had his shop. Worse never liked anybody to allude to the
+shop; he considered that he was far too respectable a man of business
+for anything of the sort. He used to say that it was mostly for old
+Samuelsen's sake, that he kept the little shop going; it could have no
+importance in a concern like his. [Footnote A: "Boston" is a game of cards,
+and the "Boston-parti" is a club,the members of which meet and play at each
+other's houses.]
+</P>
+
+<P>Mrs. Worse had also believed this story; but that afternoon she learnt
+to think otherwise. It was quite clear to her, after hearing Mr.
+Samuelsen's figures and calculations, that the shop was not at all to be
+despised, and she came at last to perceive that this was what had really
+so long kept everything going.</P>
+
+<P>The two sat over their figures far into the night. At first
+comprehension seemed quite hopeless to Mrs. Worse. The explanations she
+had heard from her husband's friends and creditors during the last few
+days were so complicated, and couched in terms beyond her understanding;
+but with Peter Samuelsen it was quite otherwise. He never went on until
+he was quite sure that she comprehended what he said. At length it all
+began to dawn upon her, and she kept on repeating, "I declare, it is all
+as clear as daylight."</P>
+
+<P>Next morning she ordered her carriage and drove off alone. The scandal
+this excited in the town was beyond description. To think that she, who
+scarcely owned the very clothes on her back, should have the audacity to
+drive in a carriage and pair before the very noses of those whom her
+husband had swindled! The general feeling towards her had hitherto been
+favourable, and several people could not help feeling a mischievous
+delight at the idea of seeing the haughty Mrs. Worse live on a monthly
+allowance. But now all were as hard as stone. Mrs. Worse herself did not
+seem to be so nervous as she was the day before, and when she entered
+Consul Carman's office, with Pitter Nilken's papers under her arm, her
+step was as firm and confident as a man's.</P>
+
+<P>It was now several years since Worse had left the firm, but some
+ill-feeling had long remained on both sides, and the deceased and Mr.
+Garman had never got on well together. It was thus no light matter for
+the widow to betake herself to Consul Garman; but Mr. Samuelsen had
+assured her that it was quite out of the question to think of keeping
+the business going without a guarantee from Garman and Worse.</P>
+
+<P>When the Consul saw Mrs. Worse come into the room, he imagined that she
+was bringing a subscription-list to raise the means for educating her
+son, or something of that sort; and, as he offered her a chair on the
+opposite side of the table, he turned over in his mind how much he
+should subscribe. But when Mrs. Worse began to give an explanation of
+her affairs, according to the calculations of Pitter Nilken, the
+Consul's manner changed, and he got up, walked round the table, and
+seated himself near her. He calmly and patiently examined each paper,
+went through the calculations and figures, and at last read the draught
+of a guarantee which Samuelsen had made, with the greatest attention.</P>
+
+<P>"Who has assisted you with all this, Mrs. Worse?" he asked.</P>
+
+<P>"Mr. Samuelsen," she answered, somewhat anxiously.</P>
+
+<P>"Samuelsen? Samuelsen?" repeated the Consul.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, that is to say, Pitter Nilken. Perhaps you know him better by that
+name."</P>
+
+<P>"Ah yes! the little man in the shop. H'm! Does Mr. Samuelsen wish to go
+into partnership with you?"</P>
+
+<P>"No. I have asked him, but he prefers to remain in his present position,
+and give me his assistance in the business."</P>
+
+<P>The Consul got up with the guarantee in his hand. It was one of his
+peculiarities that he could not write the signature of the firm except
+when he was sitting in his usual place. But as soon as he had seated
+himself in the old wooden armchair, he wrote in a large and bold hand,
+"Garman and Worse," taking care to adorn the signature with several
+flourishes, which he had inherited from his predecessors.</P>
+
+<P>Armed with this document, Mrs. Worse and Mr. Samuelsen set to work at
+the ruins. The first thing they did was to sell everything there was to
+sell; but, with the assistance of Mr. Garman, they managed to save the
+whole of the valuable premises. The front of the house was let, and the
+old lady moved over to the back, where she took turns in the shop with
+Mr. Samuelsen. She was at her post from early in the morning till late
+in the evening, gossiping with her customers, and selling tobacco,
+tallow candles, salt, coffee, tar-twine, herrings, train oil, paraffin,
+tarpaulins, paint, and many other commodities.</P>
+
+<P>In the course of a few years Mrs. Worse quite lost her manners. People
+in polite society had never forgiven her her drive, but still less were
+they willing to look over the fact that she, a lady, had not more
+self-respect than to sink down into the position of a common shop-woman.
+The lower orders, on the other hand, had quite a fellow-feeling for Mrs.
+Worse, and the dingy little shop was just to their taste; and thus,
+contrary to all expectation, Mrs. Worse's business, common little retail
+affair as it was, went on capitally.</P>
+
+<P>The trustworthy Mr, Samuelsen did the work of three. He was a little
+grey shrivelled man, with a face like a dried fig. He might be forty, or
+he might be sixty, it was not easy to tell. In his monotonous life there
+had only been one single event which he particularly remembered, and
+that was the afternoon when he had taken his books and calculations in
+to Mrs. Worse, and since that time he had, with the greatest honesty,
+helped her to overcome her many difficulties. Mr. Samuelsen had also his
+own private enemies to contend against, and these consisted of nearly
+all the school children in the town. It had always been, and was still,
+a favourite amusement for the children to "Sing for Pitter Nilken." The
+game was carried on in the following manner. Boys and girls all
+assembled, the more the merrier, generally in the dusk of the evening,
+and sneaked quietly down into the alley at the back of the Worses'
+house, and when they got under Samuelsen's shop-window, they began
+singing, to a well-known air--</P>
+
+<P><SPAN class=verse1>"Little Pitter Nilken,</span><br>
+<SPAN class=verse1>Sitting on his chair! </span><br>
+<SPAN class=verse1>He's always growing smaller,</span><br>
+<SPAN class=verse1>The longer he sits there."</span></P>
+
+
+<P>This couplet was repeated again and again, each time in a louder tone,
+until the tormented man seized his iron ruler and sprang over the
+counter. Then off flew the crowd, screaming and shouting along the
+narrow lane, for there was an old tradition that the iron ruler had a
+rusty stain of blood on it. Samuelsen would then retire quietly to his
+desk. In the course of years the episode had been of constant
+occurrence, and he well knew that the only way of getting a little peace
+was to make this sally with the ruler.</P>
+
+<P>No one could blame Mrs. Worse for making an idol of her son; he was all
+she had to care for. Although Jacob was a good son, and grew up strong
+and healthy, he had cost his mother many tears when he came home from
+school bruised and untidy after a fight. The boy had almost too much
+spirit, as the principal said, and when he was roused he did not mind
+tackling the biggest and strongest boys in the school. But he got better
+as time went on, and when he came home from abroad to take his place in
+the business, he was, and not only in his mother's opinion, one of the
+best-looking and most agreeable young men in the town.</P>
+
+<P>Jacob Worse took his father's old office in the front of the house,
+which looked on to the market and the quay. He carried on a business
+partly on commission and partly on his own account. He did a good deal
+of trade, particularly in corn, which had hitherto been almost entirely
+in the hands of Garman and Worse. The old firm had established itself so
+securely on every side, that he seemed to meet them whichever way he
+turned.</P>
+
+<P>Morten wished that Garman and Worse should at once use their strength,
+and crush their tiny rival before he had had time to become dangerous,
+but Consul Garman would not hear of it. He seemed to have an
+extraordinary liking for Worse, and even went out of his way to help
+him, and latterly "the rival" had become a constant Sunday guest at
+Sandsgaard.</P>
+
+<P>At first Jacob Worse did not like leaving his mother on Sunday, but Mrs.
+Worse said, "Go along, you great stupid! do you suppose that Samuelsen
+and I care to have you sitting and laughing at us when we are playing
+draughts; and besides," said she, giving him a sly poke with her finger,
+"don't you know there is somebody out there that expects you?"</P>
+
+<P>"Ah, mother, do stop those insinuations of yours; you know perfectly
+well nothing will ever come of it."</P>
+
+<P>"Now, Jacob," said Mrs. Worse, with her arms akimbo, "you think yourself
+very clever, but I tell you you are as stupid as an owl, a barn-door
+owl, when it is anything to do with women. You ought to see it must all
+come right some day. I dare say Miss Rachel is a little bit singular,
+but she is not quite cracked. You see, it will all get straight in the
+end; it will still all come right some day."</P>
+
+<P>This was the refrain of all Mrs. Worse's observations on this head, and
+her son saw plainly it was of no use to contradict her. It was of no use
+either to advise her to give up her shop, or, at any rate, to give up
+the management to somebody else.</P>
+
+<P>"Why, I should die of dropsy," said she, "and Samuelsen would dry up to
+nothing in about a fortnight, if we had not got the shop to attend to."</P>
+
+<P>"Yes," suggested Jacob, "but still you need not work any longer: you
+have earned some rest for your old days; besides, your legs are not so
+young as they were."</P>
+
+<P>"As to my legs," cried Mrs. Worse, with a gesture of impatience, "my
+legs are quite good enough for a shop-woman."</P>
+
+<P>"Well, why not get a horse and carriage? You have every right to have
+one."</P>
+
+<P>"I took a drive once that made stir enough," answered his mother; "I
+hope to take another some day, but that won't be before everything comes
+right."</P>
+
+<P>It was no use trying to persuade her, and so she and Samuelsen remained
+in the back premises they were so fond of, and Jacob set up his
+establishment in the front.</P>
+
+<P>When Mrs. Worse was in her son's rooms, she used to play the fine lady
+to her own great edification; but when she got him into her own
+apartments, her behaviour entirely changed, and her laughter was coarse
+and noisy. Her manners had really quite gone.</P>
+
+<P>One Saturday afternoon Delphin came into Jacob Worse's office with some
+books he had borrowed.</P>
+
+<P>"Have you heard that I have bought a horse?" asked he, in a merry tone.</P>
+
+<P>"No," answered Worse. "What new folly now?"</P>
+
+<P>"Well, you see, I have got an idea that it will make a favourable
+impression on Miss Madeleine if she sees me on horseback. Just fancy me
+on a horse with a long mane and tail, like the picture of General Prim;
+there!" and he went cantering round the room, and pulled up suddenly
+before Worse--"there, like that: a good fierce expression. Is not that
+it? I believe that will do the business."</P>
+
+<P>Worse could not help laughing, although he did not think much of the
+frivolous way Delphin had of paying his addresses to Madeleine.</P>
+
+<P>"You are not going to ride up to Sandsgaard this morning?"</P>
+
+<P>"No, not exactly; it would not do. I can't very well go up there dressed
+for riding, and if I were to ride in these clothes I should look absurd.
+But I thought of riding out there this evening, somewhere about seven
+o'clock. Just fancy me coming in over the garden wall with a flying
+salute, and lighted by the last rays of the evening sun! Why, it would
+be irresistible."</P>
+
+<P>"Well, I am afraid, or perhaps I ought rather to say I hope, that Miss
+Madeleine will not fully appreciate your novel way of paying her your
+addresses," said Worse, half-seriously.</P>
+
+<P>"Ah, my most respected friend, you know very little of woman's heart;
+and how should you, when your ideal is a woman who goes in for her
+rights? a tall bony creature with a moustache under her nose, and
+'Woman's wrongs' under her arm."</P>
+
+<P>"Leave off, will you?" cried Worse. "You are just in your most
+disagreeable vein. You had better go off to young Mrs. Garman. She will
+find you most amusing to-day."</P>
+
+<P>"A good idea, which I was already thinking of," answered Delphin, as he
+took his hat; "and at the same time I will take a place for myself in
+her carriage for to-morrow."</P>
+
+<P>"Won't you drive with me?" cried Worse after him.</P>
+
+<P>"No, thanks; I would rather go with Mrs. Garman, if for nothing else
+than to have the pleasure of seeing her worthy husband on the box," said
+he, as he went out of the door.</P>
+
+<P>Jacob Worse stood watching him. At first he had been very glad to make
+Delphin's acquaintance. There were not many young men in the town with
+whom he could associate. Delphin was intelligent, well read on different
+subjects, and when alone was good company enough. But by-and-by he
+showed more of the frivolous side of his character, and Worse began to
+get a little tired of his friend.</P>
+
+<P>Fanny was sitting all this time in a state of absolute boredom. Little
+Christian Frederick had gone out with his nurse, and the street was
+uninteresting, dusty, hot, and thronged by country people making their
+Saturday purchases. She did not care to look out of the window, but sat
+leaning back in her most comfortable armchair, yawning in front of the
+glass. Would it be better to send for Madeleine? it was several days
+since she had paid her a visit. But then she would have to play the part
+of go-between again. Or should she begin on her own account? Yes; why
+not? But then he never came except when Madeleine was there. It really
+was too tiresome.</P>
+
+<P>When he now came unexpectedly into the room it gave her quite a start,
+but she still remained leaning back in her armchair, and gave him her
+left hand, which was the nearest, as she said, "I am glad to see you. I
+was just thinking of you as I was sitting here all alone."</P>
+
+<P>"It was very kind of you, I am sure," answered he, as he sat down in a
+chair in front of her.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes; all sorts of foolish things come into one's head when one is
+sitting alone."</P>
+
+<P>"I hope I was not the most foolish thing that could come into your
+thoughts," answered Delphin, jestingly. "But it is quite true; you have
+been left a great deal alone lately."</P>
+
+<P>"Yes; but perhaps I have my own reasons for it."</P>
+
+<P>"May I venture to ask what these reasons are?"</P>
+
+<P>"Perhaps it would be better if I were to tell you," said she, regarding
+attentively the point of her shoe, which projected from her dress as she
+lay back in her chair. She had tiny pointed French shoes with straps
+across the instep, through which appeared a blue silk stocking.</P>
+
+<P>"I assure you I shall be very thankful, and at the same time most
+discreet."</P>
+
+<P>"Well, then, Madeleine is so young," said Fanny, as if following the
+train of her own thoughts, "that I feel it to a certain extent my duty
+to look after her, and--"</P>
+
+<P>"I scarcely see that it is absolutely necessary," answered he.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes; but when a girl so inexperienced as Madeleine is brought into
+contact with gentlemen who are--well, who are so clever as, for
+instance, yourself, Mr. Delphin, you see--" She looked at him as she
+paused in her sentence.</P>
+
+<P>"You are paying me too great a compliment," said he, laughing; "and
+besides, you can never imagine that I would take advantage--"</P>
+
+<P>"Nonsense!" rejoined Fanny; "I know all about that. You are just like
+all the rest. You would never hesitate to take advantage of even the
+slightest opportunity; would you, now? Tell me frankly."</P>
+
+<P>"Well," answered he, rising, "if you really wish for an honest answer, I
+must confess that when I see a strawberry that nobody else seems to
+notice, I generally pick it."</P>
+
+<P>"Yes; it is just that greediness that all men have, and which I find, at
+the same time, so dangerous and incomprehensible."</P>
+
+<P>"Yes; but, Mrs. Garman, strawberries are really so delicious."</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, when they are ripe," answered Fanny.</P>
+
+<P>The words fell from her lips as smoothly as butter. Delphin had taken a
+few paces across the room, and just turned in time to see the last
+glimpse of a look which must have been resting on him while she spoke.
+It was not very often that he lost his self-possession in a conversation
+of this kind, but the discovery he had made, or thought that he had
+made, with all its uncertainty, and the feeling of pleased vanity it
+brought with it, confused him, and he stood stammering and blushing
+before her. She still lay stretched in the armchair, a position which
+displayed to the best advantage the lines of her lovely form. Her beauty
+was fully matured, and showed freedom and elegance in every movement.
+She could see that she had said enough for the present, and she got up
+without apparently taking any notice of his confusion.</P>
+
+<P>"You must think," said she quickly, with a smile, "that it is absurd for
+me to preach you a sermon. We all have to attend to our own affairs; and
+if you will excuse me, I have to go and try on a dress. Good-bye, Mr.
+Delphin; I hope you will find your strawberries to your taste."</P>
+
+<P>Delphin was quite confounded; but before he had had time to get his hat
+she put her head in at the door, still smiling, and cried, "You will
+drive over with me to-morrow?" and, without waiting for an answer, she
+nodded her head and disappeared.</P>
+
+<P>Delphin had hardly recovered himself when he went for his ride to
+Sandsgaard, and he quite forgot about the flying salute over the garden
+wall, for there was no one to be seen either at the window or in front
+of the house. The fact was, his adventure had made such an impression on
+him that he did not take very much notice.</P>
+
+<P>Fanny at first repelled his advances haughtily; but he accepted his fate
+with resignation. George Delphin was not the man to lose his time or his
+temper, in a hopeless pursuit. There are many respectable prizes in a
+lottery without aiming at the first. But now here was the chance of
+winning the great prize, the charming Fanny, the admiration of all. His
+heart swelled with pride, and if Jacob Worse could have seen the look
+with which he regarded the passers-by, it would certainly have reminded
+him of General Prim.</P>
+
+<P>The next day at Sandsgaard, Fanny and Madeleine were together during the
+whole afternoon. Delphin could not manage to get an opportunity of
+talking to either separately. Just once he came upon Fanny in the
+morning-room at the piano, but she got up and went out hurriedly as he
+entered. As they drove home that evening scarcely a word passed between
+them. Fanny kept gazing the whole time over the fjord, of which they
+caught glimpses from time to time through the trees of the avenue. It
+was a still, peaceful autumn evening, and Delphin was in an excited
+mood. Each time he moved he felt the rustle of her silk dress, the folds
+of which nearly filled the carriage. Both sat quite silent to the end of
+the drive.</P>
+
+<P>During the next few days Madeleine was again staying with her cousin,
+whom she found more gracious than ever. Delphin came even more
+frequently than before; but she did not meet him during her walks, a
+fact which she related to Fanny. Fanny said with a smile that Delphin
+was perfectly right, and his conduct was only proper, now that people
+had begun to talk about their frequent walks together.</P>
+
+<P>Madeleine thought with regret upon how much there is to be careful of in
+this world; but a short time afterwards she met Mr. Delphin, and during
+the pleasant walk they had together he was most attentive, and in the
+best of spirits.</P>
+
+<P>Fanny was now more beaming than ever. Whenever she saw her own and
+Madeleine's reflection in the glass, which, to tell the truth, was very
+often the case, a smile of satisfaction would pass over her features.
+Without Madeleine having a suspicion, the <i>r&ocirc;les</i> had been changed, and
+the play was ready to begin, now that Fanny had made up her mind that
+the parts were in the right hands.</P>
+
+<P>
+</P><P></P><A NAME="XI"></A><HR>
+
+
+<h4>CHAPTER XI.</h4>
+
+<P>
+All the Miss Sparres, of whom there were five, rushed to the window.</P>
+
+<P>"It is Mr. Johnsen, the new school-inspector! No, it isn't! Yes, it is!
+It <i>is</i> Mr. Johnsen! Do you think I don't know him, although he has got
+a new coat? I declare, he is coming in!"</P>
+
+<P>"Clementine, you have taken my cuffs! Yes, you have! They were on the
+piano. He is only going in to see father. Clara, Clara! you are standing
+on my dress! Here he is! It is a visit! Who can have taken my cuffs?"</P>
+
+<P>Mrs. Sparre was not long in getting them into order. The street door was
+opened. There was a moment's breathless expectation in the room. It was
+agreed that Miss Barbara, the eldest, was to say, "Come in," and as all
+eyes were fixed upon her, she became quite pale with emotion. A knock at
+the door was heard; but it was at the study door, and the dean said,
+"Come in!" The door was heard to open, and a subdued conversation began
+in the room.</P>
+
+<P>"I told you he was only going to see father."</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, and so did I," another said. "What was the good of rushing about
+looking for your cuffs?"</P>
+
+<P>"I didn't rush about!"</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, you did!"</P>
+
+<P>"Hush! I wonder what he wants with father?" said Mrs. Sparre. All were
+silent, but they could not hear anything of the conversation which was
+going on in the other room.</P>
+
+<P>Mr. Johnsen had come to ask the dean to fulfil the promise he had made
+to him some weeks previously, and to kindly give him permission to
+preach in the church the next Sunday. The dean had not forgotten his
+promise, and was only too glad to have an opportunity of fulfilling it.
+He also begged to thank Mr. Johnsen for his goodness in offering to
+assist him in his duties.</P>
+
+<P>As far as that went, answered Mr. Johnsen, he would not conceal from him
+that it was not so much consideration for the weight of his duties which
+had impelled him to make the request. He must confess, that it was
+rather that he wished to have an opportunity of addressing the
+congregation on a personal matter.</P>
+
+<P>The dean could quite feel that his connection with the school would lead
+to the desire of speaking a few words to the parents of the children who
+were entrusted to his care.</P>
+
+<P>But this again was not exactly the subject on which Mr. Johnsen wished
+to speak. There were many things which might weigh on the mind and
+oppress the thoughts. It would be better, once for all, to disburden the
+conscience by coming forward honestly and truthfully.</P>
+
+<P>The dean allowed that the idea was only natural. It was the duty of
+every Christian, and especially of a clergyman, to speak truthfully. But
+sincerity was a rare virtue, and was often hidden under the changing
+circumstances of life. But great care would be necessary. It was of the
+first importance to examine closely both one's mind and one's
+composition.</P>
+
+<P>Johnsen was able to say honestly that he had arrived at his conclusions
+after earnest thought and conscientious inquiry, and that his conviction
+was the result of many lonely hours of self-examination.</P>
+
+<P>The dean could assure him that he well knew these lonely hours of
+thought, and great was the blessing that might be found in them; but he
+would venture to suggest what he knew from his own experience, that the
+problems which a man worked out alone were not always the most
+trustworthy. He would, therefore, remind him of the passage where we are
+recommended to confess to each other, which seemed to suggest working in
+fellowship, and giving each other mutual assistance.</P>
+
+<P>Johnsen answered that that was the very reason why he wished to speak to
+the congregation.</P>
+
+<P>The two sat on opposite sides of the dean's table, regarding each other
+attentively. Johnsen was pale and had something nervous about his
+manner, which seemed to betoken a wish to bring the interview to a
+close.</P>
+
+<P>Dean Sparre sat leaning back in his armchair, and in his hand he held a
+large ivory paper-knife, which he used to emphasize his words; not,
+indeed, for the purpose of gesticulating or striking on the table, but
+every now and then, when he came to some particular point, he drew the
+knife up and down on the sheets of paper which lay before him.</P>
+
+<P>To speak the thoughts plainly before the congregation was certainly
+desirable in itself, and entirely in accordance with Scripture. But it
+was quite easy to imagine that a man might want to make other
+confessions which should not be for every ear. The Church had,
+therefore, another and more restricted form of confession, which was not
+only just as much in accordance with Scripture, but might often be still
+better adapted to ease the troubled heart.</P>
+
+<P>Johnsen got up to take his leave. He felt a great wish to speak before
+the congregation. It was, in his opinion, of the greatest importance
+that he should have a perfectly clear idea of his own views, and that
+there should be nothing obscure or insincere between him and his
+hearers.</P>
+
+<P>The dean also got up, and shook hands on wishing him good-bye. He gave
+his young friend his best wishes for his undertaking, and hoped he would
+bear in mind that he, as dean, was always ready to assist him in every
+way, if he should at any time feel the need of his services.</P>
+
+<P>"You will bear this in mind, my young friend, will you not?" said the
+old dean, with a fatherly look.</P>
+
+<P>Johnsen muttered something about thanks as he hurried out of the room.
+He was no longer in the frame of mind in which he had been during the
+last few weeks. The peaceful, genial air of the dean's study, with its
+well-filled bookshelves, had had a wonderful effect upon him, as had
+also the dean, with his manner, which was at the same time so mild and
+so earnest. The mind of the young clergyman seemed, as it were, softened
+by an influence which he did not clearly understand, and the power of
+which he was not willing to recognize.</P>
+
+<P>After a long walk, Johnsen at length arrived in the large field which
+lay beyond Sandsgaard. From this position he could look down into the
+garden and premises near the house. He could follow with his eye the
+broad path where Rachel and he had so often walked together, and their
+conversation seemed to come before him with the greatest distinctness.
+For a long time he stood there gazing, until he felt strong again in his
+resolve. What would he not have given to have seen her, if only for a
+moment! But he felt he could not approach the house. He would not allow
+any other feeling to mingle with the holy determination with which his
+thoughts were filled, and with an heroic effort he turned away, and bent
+his steps towards the town. His mind had now regained its former tone.</P>
+
+<P>The church was filled to overflowing that Sunday on which Mr. Johnsen
+was to preach his first sermon. There are always plenty of people who
+are glad of the opportunity of hearing a new preacher, and this number
+was increased by the interest which was felt in the earnest young man
+who had attracted so much attention.</P>
+
+<P>Mrs. Garman sat with her daughter in the family seat, in which were also
+Fanny and Madeleine. Dean Sparre, with his wife and daughter Barbara,
+were in the front row of the pew which belonged to them; while behind
+were Pastor Martens with the other Miss Sparres; and behind, again, Mrs.
+Rasmussen, the chaplain's housekeeper.</P>
+
+<P>The congregation was so large that the voices swelled as when the
+Christmas hymn is sung, and as the preacher wended his way towards the
+pulpit, the heads of all the singers were turned as if to follow him.</P>
+
+<P>As Johnsen ascended the narrow winding stair where no eye could see him,
+he felt a momentary weakness, as if he must almost sink under his
+burden, and he never afterwards clearly remembered how he had managed to
+get up the last few steps which led to the pulpit; but when he at length
+reached his place, and the hundred eyes were again fixed on him, he
+forced himself, with that energy which was peculiar to him, to conquer
+his feelings. He looked so calm that many people averred that they had
+never seen a young clergyman more at home in the pulpit.</P>
+
+<P>Johnsen had sharp eyes, and could recognize many of the faces below him;
+but he was conscious of Rachel's presence, as she sat opposite to him in
+the Garmans' pew, more by an instinctive feeling than because he
+actually saw her. He was, in fact, obliged to avert his eyes from her
+direction, lest the sight should unman him. The part of the church in
+which the women sat was immediately under him, just below the pulpit,
+while the private pews were in a kind of gallery opposite. As the
+congregation sang the last verse of the psalm, he gazed deliberately
+over all the upturned eyes. Some were piercing, some curious, some pious
+and devotional, while some appeared as deep and unfathomable as if he
+were looking into unknown depths.</P>
+
+<P>After an introductory prayer, he read his text in a clear and composed
+voice, after which he began a short and clear explanation of the
+passage. It was only in the last part of the sermon that he really
+intended to go into more personal matters, and the nearer he approached
+them the less confidence he seemed to feel. When he had begun his
+sermon, he had fixed his eyes on a certain point, which he sought every
+time he lifted his eyes from his notes; and this point, although he had
+not remarked it at first, was Dean Sparre's head. The snowy hair and the
+white collar stood out in the sharpest contrast against the dark
+background, and the more the speaker gazed at this noble face, the more
+he seemed to dread the conclusion. He was already close upon the point
+where he was first to begin to speak about sincerity, and the necessity
+of a perfectly truthful existence, and although he could not exactly
+tell the reason, he could not but feel that the stirring discourse he
+had set himself to deliver, was but little in keeping with that bright
+and peaceful smile, and with that commanding countenance so full of
+earnestness and harmony.</P>
+
+<P>His head seemed to go round, and not another word could he utter. There
+was a deathlike stillness in the church, as he wiped his brow with his
+handkerchief.</P>
+
+<P>But when he again raised his head, he made an effort, and, looking
+beyond the dean in his need, he sought her who was really the cause of
+his standing where he did. He was not disappointed, for the moment his
+eyes met the calm and determined face, a change seemed to come over him.
+Her eye rested upon him with an inquiring and almost anxious expression,
+which he well understood.</P>
+
+<P>She should not be disappointed of her trust in him, and with renewed
+strength, and without a tremor in his voice, he began upon the last part
+of his discourse. Ever higher and fuller rang his voice, until its
+sonorous tone filled the church, and was re-echoed from the vaulted
+roof. The congregation followed him with attention, while some of the
+old women were moved to tears. And now a sensation of uneasiness seemed
+to pass through those who composed the great assembly. It was indeed an
+extraordinary sermon, with its earnest entreaties to be thoroughly
+upright and sincere, and with its reckless condemnation of all forms and
+ceremonies, all of which were but of secondary consideration. It seemed
+too bold, too exaggerated.</P>
+
+<P>He seemed anxious to confess his sceptical opinions, in holding which he
+did not stand alone. He was only alone in confessing them. He knew only
+too well that fine web of soothing compromise, with which people were in
+the habit of deadening their consciences. He knew it still better, too,
+from his own point of view as a clergyman, who even more than others was
+bound to live in the full glare of truth, even though he might be
+despised, hated, and persecuted by an unreasoning world. If he followed
+the beaten track, whither would it lead? To a position of comfort and
+respectability, in which the first duty was to throw a veil over one's
+own heart and those of others: to suppress all doubt and inquiry, and to
+deaden all real life in the individual, so that the whole machine might
+continue its regular movements without noise or friction. But truth was
+a two-edged sword, sharp and shining as crystal. When the light of truth
+broke into the heart of man, it caused an agony as piercing as when a
+woman brings her child into the world.</P>
+
+<P>But, instead of this, was a man to lead a life of slumber, shut in by
+falsehood and form, without force or courage; giving no sign of firmness
+or power, but stuffed and padded like the hammers of a piano?</P>
+
+<P>He was so carried away by his thoughts that he forgot his notes and said
+many things he would never have dared to write; and after the last
+thundering outburst, he concluded with a short and burning prayer for
+himself and for all, to have power to defy the falsehood by which man
+was bound, and to live a life of sincerity.</P>
+
+<P>He then went on in an entirely changed voice with the rest of the
+service; but Rachel particularly noticed that he left out the prayer for
+the arms of the country, by land and sea; and now, as he read the
+prayers in a calm, quiet voice, the assembly seemed to breathe more
+freely, as if after a storm.</P>
+
+<P>Among the men could be heard whispers, and the prevailing idea seemed to
+be that the sermon was a complete scandal; while those who had to do
+with the law were of opinion that he would be cited before the
+Consistorial Court. Among the women the feeling seemed rather undecided,
+and many inquiring glances were thrown towards where the men were
+sitting, in the hope of divining what the opinion would be, either of a
+husband, or a brother, or, in fact, of that particular person of the
+opposite sex, according to whose decision each woman was in the habit of
+forming her own.</P>
+
+<P>Most eyes, however, sought the dean, who sat as he had done during the
+whole sermon, slightly leaning back on his seat, and holding a large
+hymn-book, which was a gift from his previous congregation, between his
+hands. From the upper windows on the other side of the church a subdued
+light fell on his form. The face had the same exalted and peaceful
+expression; not a sign of uneasiness or annoyance had passed over it
+during the whole sermon, which was not without a soothing effect upon
+the congregation. The feeling of restlessness and excitement was
+universal, but most people seemed inclined to defer, their final
+judgment.</P>
+
+<P>Pastor Martens had left the pew immediately after the sermon, for he had
+to conduct the Communion Service. While he performed it, his somewhat
+unmusical voice trembled with inward emotion. There could be no doubt
+whatever as to what were the inspector's real opinions.</P>
+
+<P>The chaplain could not help being rather pleased at the satisfaction the
+dean would now be obliged to render him, for it had been quite against
+the chaplain's wish and advice, that Johnsen was allowed to preach at
+the morning service. It would have been more advisable to have given him
+a first trial either at a Bible-reading, or at most at the evening
+service. But now the murder was out, and he had shown his feeling of
+antagonism to the Church before the whole congregation. What would the
+dean do? The affair would naturally have to be reported.</P>
+
+<P>As soon as the service was over, Martens left the altar and hurried into
+the sacristy, into which he had already seen the dean enter.</P>
+
+<P>"What do you say to that, sir?" he cried breathlessly, as he shut the
+door after him.</P>
+
+<P>Dean Sparre was sitting in his armchair, reading the hymn-book he had in
+his hand. At the chaplain's question he raised his head with an
+expression of mild reproof at the disturbance, and said abstractedly,
+"To what are you alluding?"</P>
+
+<P>"Why, the sermon; of course I allude to the sermon; it is perfectly
+scandalous!" cried the chaplain, excitedly.</P>
+
+<P>"Well, certainly," answered the dean, "I cannot say that it was a good
+sermon, taken as a whole, but if you take into consideration--"</P>
+
+<P>"But really, sir--" interrupted the chaplain.</P>
+
+<P>"It appears to me, and it is not the first time I have noticed it, my
+dear Martens, that you do not quite get on with our new fellow-worker;
+but is it not to us that he ought really to look for support?"</P>
+
+<P>The chaplain cast down his eyes; there was some extraordinary power
+about his superior. Not an instant before he had formed his opinion
+quite clearly, but the moment he found himself face to face with the
+dean's genial countenance, all his ideas seemed to change.</P>
+
+<P>"It grieves me to be obliged to speak to you thus, my dear Martens, but
+I do so with the best intentions; and, then, we are alone."</P>
+
+<P>"But don't you think, sir, that he was far too bold?" asked the
+chaplain.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, clearly, clearly so," assented the dean, in a friendly tone. "He
+was unguarded, like all beginners; perhaps the most unguarded I have
+heard. But then we know quite well that the same thing often occurred in
+our own time. It would be quite unreasonable to expect the Spirit's full
+maturity in the young."</P>
+
+<P>This remark caused Martens involuntarily to think of his own first
+attempt. He answered, however, "But he maintained that we ministers,
+above all others, are living a life of falsehood, shut in by meaningless
+forms."</P>
+
+<P>"Exaggeration! a wild and dangerous exaggeration! In that I quite agree
+with you, my dear Martens. But, on the other hand, which of us can deny
+that a ceremonial, be it ever so beautiful and full of meaning, still in
+the course of time, when it is frequently repeated, loses something of
+its influence over us? But who will dare cast the first stone? Is it not
+youth, as we see, who has not yet experienced the wear of that
+continuous labour which strives to be true to the end? And then
+naturally we get exaggeration--dangerous exaggeration. But," continued
+the dean, "before everything, let us agree to look upon his sermon in
+the right light, for the opinion of many will be formed upon ours, and
+if we now allow this young man to slip out of our hands he will, likely
+enough, be entirely lost for the good work; and I must say I have great
+hopes of him. I feel sure that in his right place, which would be in a
+large town--for instance, in Christiania--he will make a name for
+himself in the Church, and I venture to think that his labours will bear
+abundant fruit."</P>
+
+<P>Martens again looked up at the dean as he pronounced these words, and
+for the first time he now perceived what it was that made his manner so
+irresistible. It was the smile, that changing and varying smile, which
+yet never entirely left the noble features. It seemed to mingle in all
+he said, like a warm and soothing sunbeam; and as the chaplain
+constrained himself to alter his opinion under its influence, he felt
+that the muscles of his mouth involuntarily assumed the dean's
+expression.</P>
+
+<P>Madame Rasmussen could not conceal her astonishment at the moderation
+with which the chaplain spoke of Johnsen's sermon. She was herself in
+the highest degree shocked, and when Mr. Martens told her that, in his
+opinion, Mr. Johnsen would be likely to become a clergyman of
+considerable note in Christiania some day, she almost thought that he
+was carrying his forbearance too far. Still she could not but like
+Pastor Martens, who had now lived with her for two years without a
+single ill word having passed between them. Madame Rasmussen was a young
+widow, plump, good-looking, and light-hearted. She had no children, and
+it was quite a pleasure to her to manage for the chaplain--to prepare
+his little dishes, and to keep his things in order. She was the only
+person in the whole town who really knew that Martens wore a wig. This
+was not, however, a thing to be spoken about, and nobody else was
+admitted into the secret.</P>
+
+<P>As Mrs. Garman drove home from church with Rachel and Madeleine, she
+spoke disapprovingly of Johnsen's sermon. She considered that it was
+highly improper for a young man to be so forward and daring; but it was
+quite in accordance with the spirit of the times, as Pastor Martens had
+explained on the previous Sunday.</P>
+
+<P>"Ah, Pastor Martens is quite a different man, is he not?" asked Mrs.
+Garman, addressing Madeleine, as Rachel made no reply.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes--oh yes!" answered Madeleine, abstractedly. She was wondering all
+the time where Delphin could have come from so suddenly, when he
+appeared close to her and Fanny in the crowd at the church door He had
+greeted her in a most friendly way, but when they got to the carriage
+they found that both he and Fanny had vanished without saying good-bye.</P>
+
+<P>Rachel let her mother talk away, as was her wont. She was all the time
+meditating on the importance of the event which had just taken place,
+and was wondering how Johnsen would come out of it all. It was quite
+clear that her mother's was the prevailing opinion, and it was but too
+probable that with most people the ill feeling would take a still more
+bitter form. She could picture him to herself calm and steadfast in the
+midst of it all. Here at length she had found a truly courageous man.</P>
+
+<P>During dinner Delphin gave his own rendering of some extracts from the
+sermon, with as much spirit as his fear of Mrs. Garman would allow, and
+the performance afforded Uncle Richard great amusement. Rachel thought
+it best to contain her feelings, for she knew that conversation with Mr.
+Delphin on a serious subject was nothing else than an impossibility.
+Madeleine, on the contrary, could not help laughing. She always found
+Delphin very amusing, and at the same time so good-natured. She had
+latterly been almost annoyed with Fanny because she treated Delphin
+coolly and distantly. But Delphin seemed scarcely to notice her conduct;
+on the contrary, he seemed even in better spirits than before. He really
+was a good fellow.</P>
+
+<P>Several people also thought that Morten Garman was a good fellow, to
+allow Delphin to carry on with Fanny without interference. It was not
+easy to know if Morten saw anything or not, and whether his confidence
+in his wife, or his own bad conscience, caused his indifference.</P>
+
+<P>Rachel passed the Monday and Tuesday in an anxious state of mind.
+Something, she thought, must happen. The feeling against Johnsen was
+strong, but it must surely take some more decided form. She knew that he
+would come to see her, happen what might, and she expected him.</P>
+
+<P>
+</P><P></P><A NAME="XII"></A><HR>
+
+
+<h4>CHAPTER XII.</h4>
+
+<P>
+Fanny and Madeleine had accepted an invitation for the Wednesday in the
+same week. Rachel had simply refused without giving a reason, but people
+were now used to her manner.</P>
+
+<P>"I have such a dreadful headache!" sighed Fanny, as she came into
+Madeleine's room, who was getting ready to go out. Madeleine had come
+into the town on the Sunday evening.</P>
+
+<P>"Poor Fanny!" said Madeleine, feelingly; "have you got that headache
+again?"</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, it came just as if it were on purpose, at the very moment I was
+going to change my dress. Oh, how bad it is!"</P>
+
+<P>"I think you have had a great many of these headaches lately, Fanny; you
+ought to speak to the doctor."</P>
+
+<P>"It is no use," answered Fanny, endeavouring to cool her forehead by
+pressing a little hand-glass against it. "The only thing that does me
+any good is fresh air and perfect quiet. Oh, the noise here from the
+street is dreadful! To think that I have to spend the whole evening in a
+hot room! I can't bear it; it will be too much for me!"</P>
+
+<P>"You shan't go out at all when you are so unwell," said Madeleine,
+decidedly. "I will make such a nice excuse for you."</P>
+
+<P>"Oh, if I could only stop at home, or, even better still, if I could get
+to Sandsgaard; it is so quiet there!" said Fanny, with a sigh.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, that is just what you shall do," cried Madeleine. "You take the
+carriage when it has left me, and drive out there. I believe it is
+clearing up, and we shall have a lovely quiet moonlight evening."</P>
+
+<P>"Yes; I don't much mind what the weather is," said Fanny, with a sickly
+smile. "But do you think it will do for me--"</P>
+
+<P>"You need not trouble about that. I will make such charming and
+plausible excuses for you, that you will really feel quite rewarded for
+all the trouble you have had in teaching me the ways of society. Look
+now, I will begin like this;" and Madeleine, who had now got on her
+dress, curtsied and smiled, and began a most pathetic story about dear
+Fanny's dreadful headache. Fanny began to laugh, until it gave her head
+so much pain that she could not help crying out. She, however, allowed
+herself to be persuaded, and Madeleine drove off alone.</P>
+
+<P>Madeleine now began to find herself at home in her new life. Fanny was
+so good and kind to her, that the young girl at last got the better of
+her shyness, and told her friend the whole story about Per, and the rest
+of her doings at home.</P>
+
+<P>Fanny did not laugh at her in the least; on the contrary, she said that
+she quite envied Madeleine the romantic little episode, which would be a
+sweet recollection for the rest of her life. But when Madeleine timidly
+said that she considered it more than a recollection, and that she
+regarded herself as really engaged, she met with such a determined
+opposition that she did not know what to think. "Young girls, often have
+these absurd adventures," said Fanny, "when they are not old enough to
+know better." She had herself been madly in love with a chimney-sweep--a
+common chimney-sweep, just think of that!</P>
+
+<P>The more Madeleine became accustomed to town life the easier she found
+it to deaden her recollections of the past. But however successful she
+was in burying them out of sight for the time, they would recur whenever
+she was alone. But she refused to listen to them; they could never
+become realities. Still, she never cared to go home to Bratvold with her
+father, even for a few days. She seemed to dread looking on the sea
+again.</P>
+
+<P>All that day Rachel had waited in vain; she was beginning to be uneasy.
+Why did he not come to see her--she who had been so much the cause of
+his enterprise? He must know how anxious she was to talk with him, and
+to thank him. It was surely impossible for him to think that she also
+believed that he had gone too far. Should he not come to-morrow, she
+would write to him.</P>
+
+<P>There was but little conversation that evening at dinner. The Consul was
+as precise and polite as he generally was when he was alone with the
+ladies. Fanny, who had come in hopes of curing her headache, was silent
+and suffering. By ten o'clock the whole house was perfectly quiet, but
+Rachel was still sitting in her room, lost in thought. She could not
+read, but several times she took up a pen to write, she scarcely knew
+what. She never accomplished her intention, and at last she put out the
+light, and sat down and gazed over the fjord, which lay sparkling in the
+moonlight. If, forsaken by every one, he now came to her and prayed for
+even more than her friendship, for this too she was prepared, and had
+finally decided on her answer. He was a man, and a courageous one, and
+she was determined to follow him. What a joy it had been to her to meet
+such a man! But why was she out of spirits now?</P>
+
+<P>Rachel sat by the window till she heard the carriage which brought home
+Madeleine, and then hurriedly undressed and went to bed.</P>
+
+<P>As Madeleine was driving home the carriage stopped for a moment in front
+of the club, while a boy spoke a few words to the coachman.</P>
+
+<P>The driver that evening was old Per Karl, who many years ago had come
+from Denmark with a pair of horses for the young Consul. Both he and the
+horses were long past their work; but whenever he could get the
+opportunity, he was only too pleased to get the old blacks into the
+carriage, and himself upon the box. This had been the case this evening,
+when it was only the good-natured Miss Madeleine for whom the carriage
+was going, and she was always perfectly satisfied, as the old Jutlander
+well knew, even if the pace was not very terrific.</P>
+
+<P>Per Karl now turned round and said to Madeleine, "What shall we do,
+miss? Now there will be a bother. Mr. Morten is going to drive out with
+us, and when he sees we have got the old horses he will be angry."</P>
+
+<P>A few moments afterwards Morten came out, and, after many apologies for
+the delay, took his place by Madeleine's side. He said he thought he
+would go out and see how Fanny was, she looked so very unwell; and
+besides, what a lovely moonlight evening it was for a drive! He sat
+himself down comfortably in the carriage, and had just taken a long
+whiff of his cigar, when all at once he leant forward and said, "Stop!
+what was that?"</P>
+
+<P>One of the horses had made a slight stumble, and the jar was felt in the
+carriage.</P>
+
+<P>"I declare, it is those old horses and Per Karl!" cried Morten, partly
+standing up. "What is the meaning of this?"</P>
+
+<P>"Oh!" muttered Per Karl, who was quite ready to defend himself, "there
+is nothing the matter with the old horses; but, of course, if we had
+known we were going to have you in the carriage, sir--"</P>
+
+<P>"Rubbish! You know perfectly well the old horses were not to be used any
+more. I will tell my father, and have them shot to-morrow, as sure as
+ever it comes."</P>
+
+<P>Morten was very fond of horses; and besides, he was just in that excited
+and obstinate mood in which people sometimes are, when they have been
+dining at their club.</P>
+
+<P>Madeleine tried to pacify her cousin, but it only made him all the
+worse.</P>
+
+<P>"Just look how lame that one is--the left-hand one!"</P>
+
+<P>"You mean the near one, sir."</P>
+
+<P>"Go to the devil with your near and off! I mean the left-hand one, the
+mare; both her fore legs are as round as apples. Why, I saw that in the
+spring."</P>
+
+<P>"Not both of them," answered the old coachman, doggedly.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, they are; but I will have this looked to. I will have a stop put
+to it, once for all," said Morten, decidedly. He was just in the humour
+to take everything very much in earnest.</P>
+
+<P>As soon as they arrived, he scarcely gave himself time to help Madeleine
+out of the carriage, so anxious was he to examine the mare's fore legs;
+and she heard the voices disputing and wrangling away in the direction
+of the stable, as she went into the house.</P>
+
+<P>Madeleine's window looked to the westward, and when she reached her room
+she found it open. She was going to shut it, but the sea looked so
+peaceful down below in the clear moonlight, that she knelt down on the
+window-seat, and remained gazing at the lovely scene. The moon had just
+reached the point at which it began to shine upon her window, and the
+shadow fell obliquely from the corner of the house, just beyond the
+hedge below, thus leaving a triangular space in darkness close
+underneath. As Madeleine leant out she could see that Miss Cordsen's
+window was also open. She was just going to call to the old lady, with
+whom she was on the most friendly terms, but on consideration she
+thought it would be nicer to enjoy the delightful moonlight evening
+alone.</P>
+
+<P>In that part of the garden the paths were to a great extent overgrown by
+the spreading trees. The little pond, which had once been full of carp,
+and where even now some remained, only no one seemed to notice them, was
+fringed with tall rushes. On the other side was the old summer-house,
+almost hidden among the shrubs, which were now never clipped. The fact
+is, that part of the garden which was now most cared for was that which
+lay just in front of the house, and the part we are now speaking of was
+left pretty much to itself. Along the inside of the garden-wall there
+stood a row of aspen trees, whose leaves were beginning to turn yellow
+and strew themselves on the paths. Almost all the other trees still kept
+their foliage, although it was already September. The mountain ash
+berries were beginning to redden, and shone in heavy clusters among the
+leaves, while here and there a leaf was to be seen turning from red to
+yellow. The beech trees, which had been planted in the time of the young
+Consul's grandfather, spread out their branches far and wide. The
+shining dark green foliage hung in rich festoons nearly to the ground,
+and the long shoots were fringed with masses of tufted beech-nuts.</P>
+
+<P>A mysterious silence reigned in the garden, while the moonlight came
+rippling noiselessly through the leaves and stealing down the trunks,
+forming patches of radiance on the grass, which were sharply defined by
+the edges of the dark shadows. Goldfinches, bullfinches, a few thrushes,
+and other autumn birds, were sitting in the aspen trees. They were
+mostly occupied in quietly pluming their feathers, and only some of the
+young birds, which had been hatched that spring, were hopping about from
+branch to branch. The parents sat watching them, thinking, doubtless,
+how delightful it was to be young and innocent. All nature seemed to
+have reached maturity, and the restless activity of spring was
+forgotten. The birds were now calm and sober enough. The cocks and hens
+sat peacefully side by side, no advances were made or encouraged.
+Love-making, with all its follies, was at an end for that year. Only the
+curious dragon-flies, with their four long wings and taper bodies, were
+still busy with their love-dances over the pond. August had been so
+rainy and windy that they seemed anxious to make the most of the still
+autumn evening. The males were sitting dotted about among the reeds,
+peering on every side with their prominent eyes, and when one approached
+another too closely, the two would rush at each other till their
+transparent wings, like delicate plates of silver, and their scaly
+bodies, made a tiny rustling when they met in conflict. Then all was
+still again among the rushes, until the arrival of a female dragon-fly.
+She would come slowly and carelessly humming along from some other part
+of the garden, and when she got near the pond would change her course,
+turn off, and fly back again. Her little heart was doubtless beating
+high; but casting aside her fears, she at length took courage, and sped
+on over the pond. Away started five or six males, dashing at each other
+like knights in helm and harness, and battling confusedly amid the clash
+of tiny weapons. But the happy victor soon bid adieu to the conflict,
+and sailed past the others to the side of his lovely prize. Their wings
+met for a moment in mimic combat, and then away they glided in close
+embrace far over the heads of the discomfited champions, each aiding
+other with fairy wings, to seek a lonely spot far away among the rushes.</P>
+
+<P>A plaintive air, sung by some shrill girlish voices in the West End, was
+wafted over by the light evening breeze. It was so still that Madeleine
+could follow every word:</P>
+
+<P><SPAN class=verse1>"I now myself must sever,</span><br>
+<SPAN class=verse1>My little friend, from thee.</span><br>
+<SPAN class=verse1>Let naught oppress thee ever;</span><br>
+<SPAN class=verse1>Soon home again I'll be."</span></P>
+
+<P>She felt more than usually depressed, and now, just as it had happened
+after church on Sunday, Delphin's image seemed suddenly to spring up
+into her thoughts. Where he came from she knew not. A web of confused
+reveries seemed to weave themselves in her soul, just as the moon shed
+its mysterious network of shadows over the grass.</P>
+
+<P>Her attention was all at once attracted by a noise in the garden. She
+certainly fancied that she heard the door of the summer-house creak on
+its rusty hinges. At the same moment she heard Morten's heavy tread on
+the stone steps leading up to the front door: he must be returning from
+the stable. It was time to go to bed, but still she remained at the
+window, looking towards the summer-house. She now discovered two forms
+that were going slowly down the path which led to the wicket in the
+garden wall. This path was fringed on both sides by high overgrown
+hedges, and she could only see the heads every now and then as they
+passed. In the idea that it was one of the maids with her sweetheart,
+she was just going to shut the window. It was surely nothing which
+concerned her.</P>
+
+<P>The pair had just reached the place at which two paths crossed each
+other, which was illuminated by a broad patch of moonlight. Madeleine
+could not help being curious to see who it might be, and still stood
+leaning out of the window, holding on to the fastening of the sun-blind.
+The lovers stood still for a moment, as if they felt that there was
+danger in passing the place. At length they took courage, and sped
+hastily by. But not hastily enough--Madeleine had recognized them both.
+Her pulse seemed to stop and her heart to sink within her, and without
+uttering a sound she slipped down on the floor under the window. In the
+passage, outside her door, she heard Morten go grumbling back from the
+bedroom which he and Fanny usually occupied, and in which she was not to
+be found.</P>
+
+<P>Madeleine's head became clear in a moment In another instant he would be
+down the staircase, out in the garden, and then--They must be saved, but
+why she did not know, nor how; but save them she must. Her first idea
+was to close the window with a bang, but she did not dare to stand up.
+In her need she saw the water-bottle on the table. She seized it, and,
+without lifting her head, put it on the window-sill. She gave it a push,
+and a second after she heard the crash of the glass, and the splash of
+the water on the paving-stones with which the house was surrounded. She
+lay still, crouched in a heap under the window.</P>
+
+<P>A light hurried step and the rustle of a dress were heard over the lawn.
+All was so still, and her nerves were in such a state of tension, that
+Madeleine could hear one of the French windows carefully opened and
+closed again. The step came upstairs, and as it passed her door she
+heard Morten's voice say, "I am sure you never thought that I should
+come out this evening;" and Fanny's answer, "Oh, one feels that sort of
+thing instinctively!"</P>
+
+<P>Madeleine breathed again. It was indeed Fanny's voice, in its most
+insinuating and deceitful tones.</P>
+
+<P>A short time afterwards she got up and closed her window, and
+withdrawing into the farthest corner of the room, she hastily undressed
+and crept into bed. Her tears flowed the whole time, but she was utterly
+crushed, and soon fell into a heavy slumber.</P>
+
+<P>A good hour after Madeleine had gone to sleep, her door opened
+noiselessly, and a tall shadowy form glided into the chamber. The form
+placed a water-bottle upon the table. The moon had reached the point at
+which it shone obliquely into the window, and down upon the bed where
+Madeleine was sleeping. The apparition drew the curtains more closely,
+and the while a beam of moonlight passed over its features. They were
+furrowed with innumerable small wrinkles, and a night-cap with starched
+strings was knotted tightly under the chin.</P>
+
+<P>Noiselessly as it had entered, the apparition glided out again, and the
+door closed.</P>
+
+<P>
+</P><P></P><A NAME="XIII"></A><HR>
+
+
+<h4>CHAPTER XIII.</h4>
+
+<P>
+The next day it rained in torrents. Morten drove into the town
+immediately after breakfast. Madeleine lay in bed with a fever. Rachel
+went in to see her, but she found her in such a curious state that she
+wished to send for the doctor. Miss Cordsen, however, was of opinion
+that it would be better to let her have perfect rest, and that with time
+she would soon come round. Rachel would all the same have sent for the
+doctor, if she had not forgotten it almost before she got downstairs;
+she was so taken up with her own thoughts. Would another day pass
+without his coming?</P>
+
+<P>A carriage drove up to the door. Mrs. Garman, who had just finished a
+little private breakfast in her own room, put down her paper and said,
+"Is it possible? Can it be visitors in this weather?"</P>
+
+<P>Rachel felt that she was blushing. She had recognized his voice in the
+hall, and to conceal her emotion, she sat down at the piano and
+aimlessly struck a few chords.</P>
+
+<P>The door opened and in came Dean Sparre, followed by Mr. Johnsen. Rachel
+turned round on the music-stool, bringing her hand down with a crash on
+some of the bass notes of the piano. Her eye never wandered from
+Johnsen, as if she expected every moment that he would begin to speak,
+and give some explanation as to why he came in such company.</P>
+
+<P>Dean Sparre gave a cordial greeting to the ladies, at the same time
+mildly reproaching Rachel for not having paid them a visit at the
+deanery. He had a great many messages for her from his "little girls."</P>
+
+<P>Mrs. Garman became reconciled as soon as she saw who were the visitors.
+There was nothing she enjoyed more than a gossip with clergymen.</P>
+
+<P>The conversation first turned upon the disagreeable weather, but
+Rachel's eyes never once moved from the inspector. He did not look in
+her direction; his face was pale, and his lips closely pressed together.</P>
+
+<P>"We particularly wished, my young friend and I," at last began the dean,
+"to pay this visit at your house together. There are many things that
+can be explained, and many misunderstandings which can be avoided, if
+one only has an opportunity of talking a matter thoroughly over."</P>
+
+<P>The dean paused and looked at Mr. Johnsen, who made a momentary effort
+to speak, in which he signally failed.</P>
+
+<P>"It would be most unfortunate," continued the dean, "if a few
+ill-considered remarks should leave an impression on our congregation
+that there was any want of agreement, or rather, I should say,
+difference of opinion, among those who have to work together in the
+service of the Church."</P>
+
+<P>Rachel had left her seat, and was now standing before Mr. Johnsen. "Is
+that your opinion?"</P>
+
+<P>"My dear Rachel!" interrupted Mrs. Garman. Rachel's eccentricities
+really exceeded all bounds.</P>
+
+<P>"Is that your opinion?" repeated Rachel, with the severity of a judge
+condemning a criminal.</P>
+
+<P>Johnsen raised his head nervously and looked at her. "Allow me to
+explain, Miss Garman," he began. But he could not withstand the
+penetrating glance of those clear blue eyes, and hung down his head, and
+stopped in the middle of his sentence. Rachel turned round, and without
+saying another word left the room.</P>
+
+<P>"I must really, gentlemen," said Mrs. Garman, "beg you to excuse my
+daughter. Rachel's conduct is sometimes so very extraordinary; in fact,
+I don't understand it at all."</P>
+
+<P>"The behaviour of youth, my dear Mrs. Garman," said the dean, blandly,
+"is undoubtedly somewhat strange in these days; but we ought to consider
+how times have changed." And the pressure of his soft persuasive hand
+was so soothing, that when they were gone, Mrs. Garman felt almost as
+much edified as if she had been listening to a sermon.</P>
+
+<P>That the dean, in the course of three or four days, had been able to
+bring about this entire change in the inspector, was for Martens a new
+source of wonder and admiration; and every one could not but feel
+greatly relieved when they saw the two going about and paying their
+visits together.</P>
+
+<P>The whole of that memorable Sunday Johnsen had spent in pacing up and
+down his room, repeating to himself different parts of his sermon. Some
+of his thoughts he had managed to express clearly enough, while others
+might have been a little more incisive; but on the whole he was
+satisfied. He was not satisfied in the sense that he thought he had
+accomplished a great work, but he was so far satisfied that he now felt
+that he had room to breathe. Wind in one's sails, even if it is a storm,
+is preferable to a dead calm. What emotions he must have stirred in many
+a careless soul! How many of his hearers might not now be struggling
+with the mighty thoughts which he had thrown amongst them? In the mean
+time he looked out upon the street, and he felt almost inclined to
+wonder that the town showed its usual Sunday calm. In the afternoon he
+expected the dean; he felt certain he would come, and he had a speech
+ready with which to receive him. Give way he would not, rather resign
+his position; and besides, he knew of one who had promised him her
+friendship, if all others should turn their backs on him. And now as the
+day went on, and the shadows of evening began to fall, and no dean
+appeared, she came more and more into the foreground of his thoughts. He
+imagined her by his side, battling with him against the whole world, and
+full of hope and courage he laid down to rest.</P>
+
+<P>When he awoke the next morning, he heard the wind whistling, and the
+rain pattering on the window-panes. Empty drays were driving at a trot
+down the street under his windows, and the busy Monday was again alive,
+on that dingy autumn morning. He had to be in the school before eight
+o'clock, and begin the work of the day with a prayer and a hymn.
+Yesterday his ordinary duties had scarcely entered his thoughts; but
+when the faint odour of the children's clothes as they came wet to
+school, their inharmonious singing, and that flagging indifference with
+which the school week opens after Saturday and Sunday's holiday, rose in
+his imagination, his everyday work appeared more than he could bear.</P>
+
+<P>What was it to him? While he was sitting at his breakfast, and was just
+thinking of sending the maid down to the school to say he was unwell, a
+knock was heard at the door, and Dean Sparre entered the room. Johnsen
+at once endeavoured to recollect what he had yesterday arranged to say
+to the dean; but at that early hour, and in the presence of that
+perplexing smile, he might just as well have tried to sing "Lohengrin"
+without notes as to bring to his recollection his ideas of the day
+before.</P>
+
+<P>The dean went straight to the point without any parley, but quite from a
+different point of view to which Johnsen had expected. He was of
+opinion, in fact, without making any further assumption, that Johnsen
+was in love with, and even perhaps engaged to, Rachel Garman, and that
+in his sermon of yesterday he had been expressing her ideas, which,
+although they were certainly original, were still somewhat distorted. At
+the same time, he was quite ready to allow that Miss Garman was no doubt
+a lady of first-rate ability.</P>
+
+<P>All the efforts that Johnsen made to get the dean out of this line of
+thought were entirely thrown away; neither could he make it clear to him
+that his assumption of the possibility of his being engaged to Rachel
+was incorrect.</P>
+
+<P>The dean listened with much patience and with perfect good nature to
+what he had to say, and took up the argument where he had left it. At
+last he said, calmly and plainly, "Are you not in love with this woman?"</P>
+
+<P>Johnsen's first idea was to answer no; but he failed in the effort,
+hesitated, and said, "I don't know."</P>
+
+<P>From that moment the dean had completed his task. Johnsen tried to break
+off the conversation by looking at the clock, which was now nearly
+eight.</P>
+
+<P>"You are thinking of your school, like a conscientious man, are you
+not?" said the dean. "But you need not be anxious about it. I have been
+in and told them that you would be unable to attend. Mr. Pallesen will
+take your place this morning."</P>
+
+<P>Johnsen sat down again, entirely crestfallen. He felt that he had been
+hopelessly outwitted and beaten. The dean's sonorous voice still rolled
+on. He did not directly attack any particular point in the sermon--not
+at all; but he showed how earthly love, although it was but the type of
+a heavenly one, was often apt to lead us mortals into error. This he
+knew of his own experience. He did not wish to make himself out better
+than he was, but he felt that it was of the highest importance for all,
+and especially for the young, to be constantly on their guard against
+the danger. Johnsen could see for himself to what lengths he had allowed
+himself to be carried yesterday.</P>
+
+<P>"There is, however, one thing," continued the dean, "in which you show
+very great merit, my dear young friend, and for this very reason I have
+had, and I may say still have, great hopes of you. What I speak of is
+your integrity, and the natural leaning towards truth and sincerity,
+which seems to pervade your whole nature. But, my dear friend, how can a
+man claim to be sincere when he comes forward and cries, 'I love truth
+beyond everything, and my heart is full of love for what is elevated and
+pure,' and then it appears all the time that the love with which his
+heart was full is nothing more than an earthly love for the woman who
+has put these thoughts into his mind? Now, can you deny that this was
+your case yesterday?"</P>
+
+<P>Johnsen could not exactly deny the accusation, and the dean seized upon
+the half-confession he had made, and continued his homily, without
+betraying a sign of weariness. And when he at last took his leave, which
+was not till nearly twelve o'clock, he said, "I will look in again this
+afternoon. Your thoughts are doubtless so much occupied that you will
+not go out to-day, and perhaps it would look quite as well if you stayed
+at home."</P>
+
+<P>The next day also Johnsen remained in his room, and the dean paid him a
+visit, both morning and afternoon. At length, all at once, his
+conversion was accomplished. In a moment it seemed clear to him by how
+little he had escaped getting on the wrong path, and now all the
+apprehensions which he had felt on his first visit to Sandsgaard again
+reappeared. He felt how near he had been to forgetting and abandoning
+his mission--that mission among the poor, which was really his duty; but
+now his eyes were opened, and that very affection, the strength of which
+he had now only begun to recognize, he would bring as a peace-offering
+for his shortcoming, and for having so nearly been untrue to himself and
+to his calling.</P>
+
+<P>He sprang up and grasped the dean's hand. "Thank you! thank you! You
+have saved me!" His eyes flashed, and his broad, powerful bosom seemed
+to swell. At that moment the dean might have sent him to certain death,
+and he would have obeyed.</P>
+
+<P>As they drove back from Sandsgaard, the dean narrowly observed his young
+friend. The visit at the Garmans' had not passed off quite so
+successfully as some of the others which they had paid, where the
+inspector's calm and genuine manner had made a favourable impression.
+The dean thought, however, that it was better not to carry things too
+far, now that they seemed to have taken a good direction. They did not,
+therefore, pay any more visits, but drove home to the dean's to get a
+cup of chocolate, which Miss Barbara had prepared for them.</P>
+
+<P>Miss Cordsen had now two patients to attend to, for Rachel had also kept
+her room for some days. The old lady went to and fro between the two. It
+was not easy to discover how much she comprehended of it all. Her mouth,
+surrounded by its innumerable wrinkles, was so tightly closed that
+gossip was, for her, out of the question. Calmly and methodically did
+Miss Cordsen carry on her duties. Both upstairs and down were to be seen
+her well-starched cap-strings, and the faint, old-fashioned smell of
+lavender seemed to hang in her very clothes.</P>
+
+<P>Rachel sat for hours looking before her, without caring to do anything.
+To think that this should be the end of all her hopes! Was it, then,
+impossible to find a man with courage in his heart, and blood in his
+veins? She felt that she was precluded from any line of action that
+would really satisfy her, condemned as she was to a life of daily
+drudgery; but her thoughts became more and more embittered, first
+against him who had deceived her, and finally against the whole human
+race.</P>
+
+<P>Madeleine, on the contrary, had no feelings of this nature; but she had
+a feeling of dread, which seemed daily to increase. She felt that the
+duplicity of her friend was so great, so enormous, that it quite passed
+her imagination; and then the thought that it must be he--he, to whom
+alone, among all this world of strangers, she felt herself attracted on
+the very ground of his sincerity! Again and again these thoughts arose
+within her and tortured her. She felt as if her foothold must be
+insecure for evermore. A stain of impurity seemed to have passed over
+her life, which made her timid and apprehensive of all these so-called
+friends who had thus misunderstood and deceived her.</P>
+
+<P>The morning after that night she was awakened by Fanny, who came into
+her room in her dressing-gown before it was quite light. The truth was,
+Fanny had not slept very soundly, tormented as she was the whole time by
+her fears, and by wondering from whence the warning came. It was quite
+certain that it must have proceeded either from Miss Cordsen or
+Madeleine, for the windows of both rooms were open. If it were
+Madeleine, the plot had become so involved that she did not dare to
+think of it. If it were Miss Cordsen, it was bad enough, but still not
+so desperate. From the sound she guessed that it must be a glass of
+water, or something of that sort, and as soon as day began to dawn she
+got up and left her room in the hope of clearing up the mystery.
+Madeleine sat up as she heard Fanny come in.</P>
+
+<P>"I beg pardon, Madeleine. I came to see if you could give me a glass of
+water. There is a spider in our water-bottle."</P>
+
+<P>She drew back the curtains, and there, sure enough, stood the
+water-bottle with its glass. Fanny gave a sigh of relief, and left
+Madeleine still gazing in astonishment. It was more than she could
+understand.</P>
+
+<P>
+</P><P></P><A NAME="XIV"></A><HR>
+
+
+<h4>CHAPTER XIV.</h4>
+
+<P>
+The autumn rains had now begun in earnest. Day after day the water came
+down in streams, and at night it could be heard pattering on the
+window-panes, and dripping from the eaves, every time one woke.</P>
+
+<P>At first the rain came for a long time from the south-west, but there
+was nothing wonderful in that, for the south-west is a rainy quarter.
+But when it rained for a whole fortnight with a north wind, people who
+were weatherwise maintained that if it once began to rain steadily from
+the north, there would be no end to it.</P>
+
+<P>One morning the wind ceased, but the clouds lay heavy and lowering
+overhead; and now the weatherwise averred, with much shaking of heads,
+that it would be worse than ever. The morning, however, actually passed
+without rain, and the air grew lighter and clearer; but just as the
+aspect began to improve, the drizzle again commenced.</P>
+
+<P>The rain now set in with renewed vigour, with all its pleasing varieties
+of shower and deluge; but the worst form it took was when it poured
+persistently and unmercifully from morning to night.</P>
+
+<P>The new moons came in with rain and went out with rain, and every day of
+the calendar was alike wet. The wind veered about to every point of the
+compass, and heaped up banks of fog out to sea, and heavy masses of
+cloud up in the mountains, which finally drifted together, and poured
+down their contents in torrents all along the west coast.</P>
+
+<P>And now the storms began in earnest, and went soughing through the trees
+in the avenue, and whistling in the rigging of the vessels that were
+laid up for the winter.</P>
+
+<P>In the old house at Sandsgaard each separate wind had its own pet
+corner, to which it returned with delight every autumn. The north wind
+came howling along between the warehouses; the south wind took the wet
+leaves from the garden and hurled them in handfuls against the
+window-panes; the east wind whirled down the chimneys till all the rooms
+were full of smoke; while the pet amusement of the west wind was to make
+a clatter with all the loose tiles on the roof, during the whole
+livelong night.</P>
+
+<P>The Consul kept going and looking at the barometer, and tapping it to
+see if the quicksilver was rising or falling: but, to tell the truth, it
+did not seem to make much matter which it did; for the sky, the clouds,
+the rain, and the storm had all got into such a jumble, that the weather
+continued equally abominable, week after week, during the whole winter.</P>
+
+<P>In the ship-yard work went on but slowly, for Garman and Worse were not
+so new-fangled as to build under cover; but Mr. Robson still thought
+that he would be ready by the appointed day, although the weather
+certainly was "the very devil!"</P>
+
+<P>But the person who most of all anathematized the weather, and indeed the
+whole west coast, and everything that belonged to it, was our friend Mr.
+Aalbom. When he left his house in the morning, the wind and rain would
+persist in beating in his face, and when he came out of school, they
+were so obliging as to follow him right up again to his very door. When
+he had gone part of the way down the avenue, the wind managed to blow
+down on the top of his umbrella, which, after many struggles, it finally
+pressed down until his hat got jammed in among the ribs. Then all at
+once it began the same tactics from below, and blew up under the
+umbrella, and between the master's long legs, filling out the closely
+buttoned waterproof, until it bid fair to blow it away altogether.</P>
+
+<P>All October and November went on much in the same fashion, and people
+who were given to jokes began to say that they had quite forgotten the
+sun's appearance.</P>
+
+<P>
+</P><P></P><A NAME="XV"></A><HR>
+
+<h4>CHAPTER XV.</h4>
+
+<P>
+At last, one day well on in December, the dreadful weather seemed to
+have worn itself out for a time. The sky was perfectly clear, and not
+even the smallest cloud was to be seen which could give rise to
+apprehension. During the night there had been a few degrees of frost,
+and the roads, which had for a long time been nearly impassable, became
+all at once hard and dry. On the puddles lay the first ice, as thin and
+clear as glass, and the meadows were hoary with frost.</P>
+
+<P>The chaplain was on his way to Sandsgaard, with his newly acquired smile
+on his features. The lovely weather enlivened him, and made his thoughts
+cheerful and full of hope; for the chaplain was going a-wooing.</P>
+
+<P>It was fully two years since Martens had lost his first wife; he had
+really regretted his loss, but now it was a long time ago. It would have
+been quite improper, and not at all in accordance with the views of the
+congregation, for so young a widower to remain single longer than was
+absolutely required by the ordinary rules of society. Now, the chaplain
+knew just as well as any one that a particular charm attaches to an
+unmarried clergyman--that is, for a time; and he also fully agreed with
+Dean Sparre, when he said a short time previously, "If a congregation is
+to have the peaceful, comforting feeling that their souls are well cared
+for, they should have the example of a peaceful, homely life before
+their eyes, in the form of a motherly wife at the rectory, and even
+better still, a family of happy children."</P>
+
+<P>And besides, Pastor Martens was really in love. Madeleine Garman had
+long ago, in fact as soon as ever she left Bratvold, taken possession of
+his heart by her modest and natural demeanour; and no worldly
+expectations mingled in the chaplain's affections. He knew that Richard
+Garman had not a shilling, and he was sufficiently free from prejudice
+to disbelieve the general report that Madeleine's father had never been
+properly married to her mother. In Madeleine he hoped to find the
+retiring and simple-minded woman for whom he was seeking, and latterly,
+since her manners had become even more quiet, he had paid her greater
+attention, and it appeared to him that she met him in a modest and
+womanly manner.</P>
+
+<P>On his arrival at Sandsgaard, he met Mrs. Garman in her room, and to her
+he entrusted his secret. At first she did not seem to take to the idea,
+but on second thoughts she appeared more favourably disposed. She
+considered that sooner or later something of the kind must happen, and
+it was perhaps just as well that the chaplain, who was already so dear
+to her should become a member of the family. She therefore said, when
+she had made up her mind--</P>
+
+<P>"Well, Mr. Martens, if you really think that Madeleine will make you a
+good wife in the eyes of God and man, I have nothing to do but give you
+my very best wishes on the choice you have made. You will find Madeleine
+in the green-room."</P>
+
+<P>Pastor Martens went off to the green-room, and returned after a quarter
+of an hour had elapsed; but Mrs. Garman's astonishment defies
+description, when she learnt that he had met with a refusal.</P>
+
+<P>"Tell me," she groaned--"tell me every word. Oh, the poor misguided
+child!"</P>
+
+<P>"I am afraid I cannot tell you every word that passed, Mrs. Garman,"
+answered Martens, pale with emotion; "I am too much shocked and--"</P>
+
+<P>"And surprised too, I am sure," said Mrs. Garman, concluding his
+sentence; "yes, that I can readily believe. What is the matter with the
+child? What reason did she give?"</P>
+
+<P>"She did not say much," answered the pastor; "she seemed to be almost
+afraid of me. She went off to the door and began to cry, and said--"</P>
+
+<P>"What--what did she say?"</P>
+
+<P>"She simply kept repeating 'no,'" answered the chaplain, quite
+crestfallen.</P>
+
+<P>Mrs. Garman could not disguise her astonishment.</P>
+
+<P>The bright sunshine had not the same enlivening effect upon the pastor
+as he returned to his lodgings. He, however, managed to control both his
+feelings and his countenance. This was a trial that he would have to
+receive with humility. The only thing that annoyed him was, that he had
+said anything about it to Mrs. Garman.</P>
+
+<P>Mr. Martens's proposal was the only thing that was wanted to complete
+the life of wretchedness, which Madeleine had passed ever since that
+moonlight autumn evening; and yet the chaplain was to a certain extent
+right, when he thought that Madeleine had met him with some degree of
+warmth. There was, in fact, something in the almost fatherly manner with
+which he treated her, something which seemed to soothe her affrighted
+heart. She had a longing to be able to feel confidence in somebody, and
+the calm, earnest clergyman seemed to her so different from all those
+for whom she had such an abhorrence, since she had made her fatal
+discovery. And now he, too, was to come to her with the same story;
+told, certainly, in a different way--that she was quite willing to
+allow; but still the gist of it was the same--the very same whichever
+way she turned.</P>
+
+<P>Mrs. Garman took her most severely to task for having so unreasonably
+and foolishly rejected such a man as Pastor Martens; and at length, what
+with one thing and another, the poor girl quite lost her health, and the
+doctor had as much as he could do to pull her through an obstinate
+attack of low fever.</P>
+
+<P>George Delphin had soon got to know from Fanny that it was old Miss
+Cordsen who had seen them in the garden, and given them the timely
+warning. This was for him a greater relief than Fanny expected; for,
+after the first feeling of pride and delight at having gained his lovely
+prize, Delphin had felt more and more compunction in his inmost heart
+every time he thought of Madeleine. He was not willing to break off with
+Fanny--this was more than he dared to do; but, careless and clever as he
+was, he thought that he would be able for the present to keep up the
+double game with both.</P>
+
+<P>He could make up his mind when the time came, and he would make up his
+mind, too, if he could win Madeleine, and if he thought she was worth
+the price of breaking off with the lovely Fanny. But within a few days
+after that evening on which they had been so careless, his eyes began to
+be opened. Fanny was not at Sandsgaard that day, for little Christian
+Frederick had got the measles, and Delphin, therefore, attempted to talk
+with Madeleine in the good-natured and patronizing way which he had
+hitherto done. But a single look from her frightened eyes was enough for
+him; he could not endure her glance, and became silent, and immediately
+after dinner made an excuse for taking his leave. He had promised to
+look in at Fanny's during the afternoon, and he found her expecting him,
+as she came from the child's sick-room in a charming demi-toilette. When
+he came in, she ran forwards with her hands stretched out to meet him.
+Delphin did not take them, but said with a serious air--</P>
+
+<P>"I know now who it was that saw us that evening; it was not Miss
+Cordsen."</P>
+
+<P>"That is what I have long suspected," answered Fanny, with a smile; "but
+I did not wish to alarm you. Besides, Madeleine is far too stupid to
+allow of her doing us any harm."</P>
+
+<P>At that moment he was almost afraid of her. He felt he could not remain
+with her any longer, although she besought him to do so.</P>
+
+<P>Fanny stood watching him as he went down the street, biting her lips to
+restrain her feelings; but the tears stood in her eyes, and she kept a
+convulsive hold on the curtains, behind which she was concealing
+herself. For the conquest she had made, which had also on her side been
+at first only mere vanity, had ended by becoming a serious matter. She
+really loved him, and could now see clearly exactly how the situation
+lay.</P>
+
+<P>Christmas came and passed. The ordinary festivities of the season went
+on as usual at the Garmans'; but this year they were less merry than
+usual. There were several members of the family who each had to bear his
+own separate sorrow; and little Christian Frederick, the only hope of
+the family, was lying at home, slowly recovering from the measles. Uncle
+Richard never seemed to gain quite his usual Christmas spirits, for
+Madeleine's appearance caused him considerable anxiety. Since he had no
+longer been able to keep her under his eye by means of the big
+telescope, she had quite got beyond his ken amongst all the others with
+whom she constantly mixed, and whenever they happened by chance to find
+themselves alone together, Madeleine did nothing but cry, and that was
+more than her father could bear.</P>
+
+<P>Morten was dreading the settling of the year's accounts with his father.
+That part of the business which was carried on in the town, and which
+was regarded as a kind of offshoot from Garman and Worse, had to be most
+carefully examined on account of a large amount of private business and
+debts, which the son had incurred during the past year. His housekeeping
+account, which his father always wished to see, had also to be worked
+out carefully by itself. But the worst of it all was, that when they
+were sitting together in the Consul's office, Morten could never get rid
+of the feeling, that however he might twist and wriggle, the clear blue
+eyes still seemed to pierce through his every manoeuvre; and the part he
+had to play was very painful to him. As soon as they had reckoned up the
+result of the year, the Consul put his finger on the gross receipts and
+said, "These are far too small."</P>
+
+<P>"Times have been very bad," answered Morten. "I feel sure that by next
+year--"</P>
+
+<P>"The times have not been so bad," interrupted the father, "but that a
+house with the capital with which we have to work ought to have managed
+to earn double. In my father's time we earned twice as much with half
+our present capital."</P>
+
+<P>"Yes; but times were quite different in those days, father."</P>
+
+<P>"And people were quite different too," answered the Consul, severely.
+"In those days we were contented to move with caution and foresight,
+without ruining our credit by mixing with a lot of speculators in all
+kinds of doubtful undertakings."</P>
+
+<P>Morten felt the rebuke, and answered, "I did not think Garman and Worse
+set such store by its credit in those days."</P>
+
+<P>"The house is no longer what it has been," said the young Consul dryly,
+closing the thick ledger. He then held out his hand to Morten over the
+table, and said, "Best wishes for the new year."</P>
+
+<P>"The same to you, father," said Morten, as their eyes met for a moment.</P>
+
+<P>The young Consul thought upon the time when he himself stood where
+Morten was now standing, and when the old Consul sat in the armchair.
+How utterly different everything was in the old days! However, the
+year's account was over, and Morten was glad of it.</P>
+
+<P>After Christmas there was a succession of balls and parties in the town.
+At Sandsgaard only one large ball was given every year, and that was on
+the old Consul's birthday, which fell on the 15th of May.</P>
+
+<P>Madeleine did not go out that winter, neither did she pay any more
+visits to Fanny. Rachel was, as usual, quite incomprehensible. Sometimes
+she would answer her well-known "No, thanks," and sometimes she would
+take it into her head to make herself smart, go to a dance, and be
+either pleasant or the contrary, just as the fit took her.</P>
+
+<P>The disappointment she had experienced at the hands of Mr. Johnsen made
+her more bitter than ever; but she never gave him another thought. She
+had done her best for him, as she said to herself, and now that it was
+over, she heard with the greatest indifference that his Bible
+explanations at the prayer-meeting were so wonderfully successful; but
+in her innermost heart Rachel often felt a void, which sometimes made
+her uneasy. It seemed as if she was indifferent to everything. She felt
+no pleasure in anything; and it was generally when she was in this mood
+that she felt most inclined to go to a ball.</P>
+
+<P>In February there was a dance given at the Club, at which both Rachel
+and Fanny were present. Fanny was dressed entirely in blue, even to her
+shoes, fan, and blue flowers in her hair; but her eyes were bluer than
+all.</P>
+
+<P><SPAN class=verse1>"Ein meer von blauen Gedanken</span><br>
+<SPAN class=verse1>Ergiesst sich &uuml;ber mein Herz,"</span></P>
+
+<P>as Delphin said when he came into the room. The pleasure caused her by
+this compliment had to suffice her for the whole evening. She could no
+longer hide from herself that Delphin was in danger of slipping out of
+her hands; but she never reproached him, for she felt instinctively that
+as soon as anything of the kind arose between them, all would be over,
+and part from him she could not.</P>
+
+<P>Jacob Worse danced a waltz with Rachel, and during the pauses he tried
+several times to lead the conversation on to the injustice she had done
+him in calling him a coward. At first she avoided the subject, which
+was, indeed, too serious a one for the ballroom; but Worse was
+persistent--it was not very often that he had the opportunity of
+speaking with her--and at last Rachel promised him half jestingly to
+give him an answer when the dance was over.</P>
+
+<P>As they were sitting by themselves in a corner of one of the rooms
+leading off the ballroom, and while the dancing was still going on, she
+said, "I must beg your pardon for what I said the other day. You are not
+a bit more cowardly than the rest of them."</P>
+
+<P>"If we could manage to define exactly what you mean by cowardice," said
+Jacob Worse.</P>
+
+<P>"But you know perfectly well."</P>
+
+<P>"Well, then, is not this about your idea? When a man, either in
+politics, or in religion, or in any other serious matter, is not at all
+in accordance with the general tone of the society in which he
+lives--then, if he holds his tongue, it can be from no other cause than
+from what you are pleased to call cowardice."</P>
+
+<P>"That is exactly my opinion, and I maintain it is correct."</P>
+
+<P>"But, on the other hand, I am sure you must allow," continued Jacob
+Worse, "that all opposition has not the same weight. In many cases it
+might do more harm--"</P>
+
+<P>"Oh, I know that miserable, cowardly excuse!" broke in Rachel, abruptly.
+"'What is the good,' you say, 'of even my best endeavours when I work
+alone?' and then you lie down and go to sleep. That is indeed cowardice
+<i>par excellence</i>."</P>
+
+<P>"I must, however, tell you, Miss Rachel," answered Jacob Worse, who was
+beginning to lose his self-control, "that there is many a man who during
+his whole life is painfully conscious that he has not the power of
+making his views felt, or has even the opportunity of bringing them
+before the world. But it is not in courage that such a man is
+wanting--far from it."</P>
+
+<P>"I could almost believe that you were speaking of yourself," said
+Rachel, with indifference.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, and so I am!" answered he, hurriedly. "I have always been one of
+those heavy, slow-thinking people, but I have a quality which that kind
+of person would be better without. I am hasty. From my boyhood I have
+known it, and have kept it under to the best of my ability. But,
+notwithstanding my efforts, this hastiness sometimes gets the better of
+me, just when I am most in want of a little cool reflection. I lose my
+head, the words begin to flow like a torrent, and I listen to them
+myself almost with terror. Yes, you have heard me yourself on one
+memorable occasion, Miss Rachel," he added with a smile, "and I am sure
+you will confess that a man of my nature is but little suited to engage
+in a struggle with prejudice. For, for such a struggle, patience and
+coolness are imperative."</P>
+
+<P>"It is quite possible that the attributes of which you speak are most
+desirable," answered Rachel, "but still it seems quite clear to me that
+every man who has a conviction is bound to act up to it. How much he can
+accomplish is not the question he must ask himself, but he is bound to
+make the attempt."</P>
+
+<P>"I will just tell you how my first attempt turned out," said Jacob
+Worse. "When I came home, which is now about two or three years ago,
+still breathing the comparative freedom of other lands, the first thing
+in our own country which attracted my attention was the exceptionally
+bad social condition of our labourers and mechanics. Their houses and
+food, the bringing-up of their children, their teaching and education,
+in fact, everything which belonged to them, fell far short of what I
+thought it ought to be."</P>
+
+<P>"I have often thought upon the same subject," rejoined Rachel. "But
+father says it is the fault of the people themselves; they are so
+greatly opposed to change."</P>
+
+<P>"That is one of your most excellent father's worst prejudices. However,
+I began by getting up a society, which with us is no easy matter. All
+went well at first, and then a president had to be chosen. Some one
+suggested myself, a proposition to which all the others agreed, which
+was quite natural. I thus became president, and took no little trouble
+in instructing the people as to what questions were important for them,
+and what were their requirements. Then I began to hear a whisper here
+and there that it was a curious thing that the president of the society
+had never been properly elected. I did not take much notice of these
+whispers, but still I suggested that there should be an election. The
+day came, and some one else was chosen in my place."</P>
+
+<P>"It was Mr. Martens, was it not?" asked Rachel.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes; you are quite right. I was greatly astonished, and did not attempt
+to conceal my feelings. Martens had not attended a single one of our
+meetings before the afternoon on which he was elected. I found the whole
+thing quite incomprehensible. However, in our state of society, it is
+not difficult to get to know anything if you only give yourself the
+trouble to make a few inquiries; and so I soon got a clear knowledge
+that the person who had got up the whole thing was the dean. So one day
+I called upon him."</P>
+
+<P>"No! I never heard of that!" cried Rachel. "What did the dean say?"</P>
+
+<P>"Nothing. The answer he gave me amounted to nothing. Not that I wish you
+to understand that he held his tongue. On the contrary, he talked
+incessantly in his best-modulated voice, and was smiling, friendly, in
+fact, almost appreciative, but not a single word fell from his lips that
+was really to the point. Do what I would, I could not get him to discuss
+a single question, or to give me a reason as to why he had got me turned
+out of the workman's society, and put his chaplain in my place. He
+denied nothing and confessed nothing, and the end of it was--there,
+again, my misfortune--I got so annoyed to see him leaning back in his
+chair, with his white hair and everlasting smile, that I got into one of
+my worst tempers and poured out a regular volley of thunder at him."</P>
+
+<P>"Well, and the dean--did he lose his temper?" asked Rachel.</P>
+
+<P>Worse laughed. "I might just as well have tried to get a spark out of
+wood, as to get him to lose his temper. No; the dean was bland as ever,
+and when I left he shook my hand, and hoped he might soon have the
+pleasure of seeing me again. But afterwards I got well paid out for that
+visit."</P>
+
+<P>"How was that?" she asked.</P>
+
+<P>"Well, you see, since then I seem to have been under a ban, which shows
+itself in all sorts of little ways--in business, in society, everywhere.
+My mother, poor thing, hears it in her shop from her customers, and it
+always takes the same annoying form: regret about modern disbelief, and
+free-thinking, and so on; and I am certain that most people regard it as
+a stroke of wonderful good luck, that I was prevented in good time from
+corrupting--yes, no less than corrupting--our noble work-people. So I
+said to myself, 'Since there is such a wide difference between my
+opinions and those of the people whom I wish to assist, and since my
+nature is what it is, there is nothing else to be done but for me to
+keep myself thoroughly occupied with my work, and hold my peace.'"</P>
+
+<P>"Peace! Yes, there it is again!" said Rachel. "But no, no! I am sure you
+are not right."</P>
+
+<P>"Well, let me speak to you about yourself, Miss Garman," said Jacob
+Worse, becoming more courageous. "Neither I nor any one else of your
+acquaintance will be able to comply fully with the conditions you lay
+down. But I know one person who has the power, and that, Miss Garman, is
+yourself. You have all the qualifications we others lack."</P>
+
+<P>"I! a woman! and, worse than all, a lady!" said Rachel, looking at him
+with the greatest astonishment. "And how, if I may ask?"</P>
+
+<P>"You must write!"</P>
+
+<P>Rachel hesitated, and looked at him suspiciously. "That is not the first
+time I have heard this. More than one person has mentioned it to me
+before. I suppose it is that authorship is reckoned as one of the bad
+habits of an emancipated woman."</P>
+
+<P>Jacob Worse again began to lose his self-command. "I don't mind your
+calling me a coward, Miss Garman. But when you think, or pretend to
+think, that I am not speaking more seriously than some of these--"</P>
+
+<P>"No, no; sit down, I beg you," said Rachel, anxiously, putting her hand
+on his arm. "I did not mean any harm, but I am so suspicious. I beg
+pardon. There, now, don't think any more about it. You really do think,
+then, that I ought to write?"</P>
+
+<P>"I am quite sure you ought," answered Worse, who soon became quiet
+again. "You have so much originality and so much energy, that you will
+be able to overcome every difficulty, and in courage you are certainly
+not wanting."</P>
+
+<P>Amid the whirl of the dance around them, these encouraging words sounded
+doubly strange in her ears, and seemed to open out new vistas before
+her.</P>
+
+<P>"But what have I got to write about? What do I know that the world does
+not know already? No, you really must be wrong, Mr. Worse. It is beyond
+me;" and she looked down at her dress, and could not help feeling that
+Worse was becoming rather dull.</P>
+
+<P>"It is not very easy to say beforehand what your subject ought to be,"
+said he; "but it is clear that there are endless things that the world
+can only learn from a woman, and which it seems to be expecting to hear.
+For you it is but to have the will. You are now passing through a crisis
+in your life, and you have such a fund of energy--"</P>
+
+<P>"You seem to be treating me more like a chemical equivalent than like a
+human being, not to say like a lady," said Rachel, laughing.</P>
+
+<P>"Let us be thankful that you have so little of the lady about you," said
+Jacob Worse, bluntly.</P>
+
+<P>The dance now began for which Rachel was otherwise engaged, and her
+partner came and carried her off.</P>
+
+<P>Jacob Worse stood watching her for a few minutes. He then got his coat
+and went home.</P>
+
+<P>He perfectly understood that by awakening these thoughts in her, he
+would make the fulfilment of what was really the dream of his life
+become more distant than ever. But he felt convinced that Rachel's
+splendid abilities would be entirely thrown away in her present narrow
+sphere; and he felt, too, that he was perfectly honest to himself, when
+he said that he would not hinder her from taking the path she ought to
+follow, even if he thereby destroyed his own greatest happiness. But
+when he got home and was alone in his own quiet room, he was even more
+dispirited. He could not but see that when Rachel came to have a proper
+estimate of her own powers, she would find her present home too narrow
+for her, and a marriage such as he could offer would be quite unworthy
+of her.</P>
+
+<P>He saw a light in the rooms at the back of the house. It was not much
+past eleven; so he went over to his mother, whom he found in her
+dressing-gown, busied in arranging her small remnant of hair for the
+night.</P>
+
+<P>It was not astonishing that the worthy Mrs. Worse's eyes kindled with
+pride when she saw her tall, handsome son come in, dressed as he had
+been for the ball: but when he threw himself on the sofa, and hid his
+face in his hands, and said, "Oh, mother! mother!" just as he had done
+in his boyhood when he had done something foolish, Mrs. Worse shook her
+clenched fist against some imaginary foe in the corner of the room, and
+muttered, "Is it decent to send me home a son in such a plight?"</P>
+
+<P>She did not, however, say the words aloud, but went over and took his
+head upon her lap, and, as she passed her fingers through his hair, she
+said with her unwavering constancy, "There, my dear boy, only keep
+yourself calm, and it will all come right, somehow or another."</P>
+
+<P>Rachel would also have been glad enough to have been taken home at once;
+but Mrs. Garman had heard that the new cook had something new in
+<i>filets</i>, and they therefore had to wait until after supper.</P>
+
+<P>
+</P><P></P><A NAME="XVI"></A><HR>
+
+
+<h4>CHAPTER XVI.</h4>
+
+<P>
+At length winter went stealing off to the northward, like a weary
+monster, leaving its long train of dirty white snow patches along the
+hedges, and its neutral-tinted ice pitted all over with small holes,
+upon the pools. The spring followed closely on its heels, and had work
+enough to make the earth look green again, and deck it out in all its
+finery for a little time, until the monster came creeping southward
+again with its wreaths of new-fallen snow, and its dark-blue ice shining
+like polished steel.</P>
+
+<P>It was the 14th of May, and Uncle Richard was riding on Don Juan along
+the road from Bratvold. To-morrow was the great day at Sandsgaard. The
+ship was to be launched in the morning, and in the evening was to be
+given the yearly ball.</P>
+
+<P>The old gentleman was deep in thought, and Don Juan went pacing slowly
+along, turning his well-shaped head on every side, while the south wind
+that came swelling up along the coast persisted in lifting the locks of
+his long mane and throwing them on the wrong side, and played with the
+forelock on his brow.</P>
+
+<P>The road led over swelling ground covered with heather, past
+well-stocked farms, over moors, and desolate wastes thickly strewn with
+boulders. Not a tree was to be seen as far as the eye could reach, and
+it reached far, both out to sea and over the country, which sloped
+gradually up to the mountains many a mile inland.</P>
+
+<P>What a wealth of life seemed bursting from the thawing earth! How many
+balmy odours seemed to rise; how many changing colours; how many wreaths
+of mist were gliding over the pools, and hanging in the rushes, or
+spreading themselves over the moorland; while the clear sunny air was
+ringing with the song of larks singing in emulation! There were the
+plovers racing after each other, the sandpipers, the snipes, starlings,
+and ducks. A whole life of joyous bustle; while out to the westward
+could be seen the line of bright yellow sand standing out against the
+dark-blue sea.</P>
+
+<P>Uncle Richard saw but little of all this as he went along. Things had
+not gone well with him during the winter. While at home, Madeleine was
+constantly in his thoughts; and when he went to Sandsgaard and saw her,
+it did not tend to make him more cheerful.</P>
+
+<P>She had told him about Pastor Martens's proposal to her; but there was
+nothing to worry over in that, thought the <i>attach&eacute;</i>, especially as she
+had refused the offer. There must be some other cause for her
+depression, and to-day he had made up his mind to talk to Christian
+Frederick, who always gave such good advice. He had also determined that
+he would at length take courage, and ask his brother how money matters
+stood between them. It was really too bad not to have a clear knowledge
+of one's own affairs.</P>
+
+<P>At Sandsgaard he found the whole house in an uproar. On the second floor
+the furniture was being moved, dusting was going on, and candles were
+being put in the chandeliers. Downstairs the table was already laid for
+supper; only the old gentlemen's bedrooms and the offices were
+respected; and in the window of the still-room he noticed jellies and
+blancmanges, which had been put there to cool.</P>
+
+<P>"Oh dear me! what a bustle it all is!" said Mrs. Garman, faintly.</P>
+
+<P>She had had her armchair moved into a room at the side of the kitchen,
+where the dishing-up was done.</P>
+
+<P>Here she remained the whole day, and had samples of everything that was
+cooked in the kitchen brought to her. The kitchen-maids were as nervous
+as if they had been undergoing an examination.</P>
+
+<P>Miss Cordsen was everywhere, prim and noiseless as usual, and without
+wasting a word, she gave an eye to the vast amount of knives and forks,
+lights and silver, glass and china. Everything was arranged in her
+experienced head, from the ladies' cloak-room to the supper for the
+musicians.</P>
+
+<P>But if there was a busy stir in the house, it was even greater down at
+the ship-yard. Tom Robson had kept his promise, and the ship stood trim
+and ready, "as a bride," as he put it. And now the whole staff of
+workmen were occupied in getting everything in order for the morrow, and
+clearing out the yard, so that it might look tidy and neat when all the
+visitors came to see the ship "go."</P>
+
+<P>"What time will it be high water, Mr. Robson?" asked the young Consul,
+as he and Uncle Richard were making an inspection of the ship-yard in
+the afternoon.</P>
+
+<P>"At half-past ten, sir," answered the foreman.</P>
+
+<P>"Very well, then, let me see that you have everything ready to-morrow at
+half-past ten, on the stroke, you understand--at half-past ten on the
+stroke."</P>
+
+<P>"All right, sir!" said Mr. Robson, touching his cap.</P>
+
+<P>But Tom Robson was not going to leave anything till the morning. That
+evening he had every intention of making a night of it, and Martin had
+already got the money to make some extensive purchases. There would be
+time enough to sleep it off before half-past ten. He was careful to have
+everything ready that evening. The ways were carefully smeared with
+tallow and soft soap, and put in their places; the props were all ready
+to be removed; and everything that might get in the way in the harbour,
+was hauled out of the way and secured to its moorings.</P>
+
+<P>The ship lay with her stern towards the water, and her stem slightly
+raised above it. Under her bows lay all the material for use the next
+day. The spare pieces of timber that were to be put under her, and the
+wedges which were to be driven in to raise her forward, were ready to
+hand, as were the jacks and levers. Everything, in fact, down to the
+long-handled mauls was in its place.</P>
+
+<P>Gabriel followed at Tom's heels all day. He wanted to take in everything
+clearly, and succeeded fully in so doing. Only one thing, the ship's
+name, that he was so anxious to know, still remained a secret, which Tom
+would not betray. And Tom himself it was who, in accordance with the
+Consul's orders, had spiked on the name-board when it was nearly dark.</P>
+
+<P>The company at Anders Begmand's had been busy that evening, especially
+Tom Robson, and by the time it was about ten o'clock he was pretty well
+tipsy. Woodlouse was no better; but Torpander kept as sober as usual,
+looking towards the door every time he heard a noise. With the darkness
+a fresh breeze began to blow up from the south-west, which swept over
+the open ground above Sandsgaard and down on to the fjord. It made the
+old cottage shake again when the wind came back in eddies from the hill
+behind it, and Torpander got up every moment, thinking that the door was
+opening, to the endless amusement of Mr. Robson.</P>
+
+<P>Martin drank in silence, and looked even more gloomy than usual. The
+whole winter he had been out of work. Tom Robson had lent him money, and
+that made him even more morose, for he was proud after his own fashion,
+and gratitude was not in his nature.</P>
+
+<P>At last Marianne came. Torpander greeted her in his usual respectful
+manner, to which she answered with a faint smile. She looked almost
+ready to fall from weariness, as she passed hurriedly through the room.
+"Hulloa!" cried Tom, who only saw her when she had reached the kitchen
+door, "here comes my sweetheart! Marianne, my darling! the ship is ready
+now, and Tom Robson has got some money. Let's have the wedding;
+to-night, if you like! Come along!" cried he, struggling to get over the
+bench.</P>
+
+<P>Martin thrust him back. "Will you let my sister alone?"</P>
+
+<P>"I suppose she is not good enough for an honest seaman, because of that
+infernal young Gar----"</P>
+
+<P>He did not get any farther, for Martin aimed a blow at him and struck
+him behind the ear. Marianne hastily left the room. Torpander now threw
+himself courageously on his ancient enemy from the other side, and a
+frightful scuffle ensued.</P>
+
+<P>Tom Robson put himself in position like an English boxer, drunk as he
+was, and squared his arms and elbows for the fray.</P>
+
+<P>At first he made a few feints at Martin, which were not meant to be
+serious. But when he had received a few blows which were really painful,
+he sprang away from the table so as to get more room. Torpander had not
+the least idea of using his fists, but hammered away like a blacksmith
+with his long skinny arms, either at Tom or else in the air, just as it
+might happen. Mr. Robson gave him a tap every now and then which made
+his bones rattle again, but on the whole he allowed the Swede to hammer
+away at his back as much as he liked.</P>
+
+<P>Woodlouse looked on for some time with the greatest satisfaction, until
+the idea struck him that he would clear the room. He accomplished his
+object with the greatest perseverance, and what with butting with his
+head and pushing his heavy body between the combatants, he at length
+managed to get the whole lot turned out of doors. Begmand threw their
+hats after them, and shut the door.</P>
+
+<P>The fresh wind had a cooling effect on them all, and on Woodlouse's
+suggestion a truce was concluded. In order to ratify this, it was
+arranged that they should go to Tom Robson's house, and have another
+dram and a bit of English cheese.</P>
+
+<P>They then clambered up the steep path at the back of Begmand's house,
+Tom Robson leading, and as he was helping himself with his hands up the
+steepest places, he chanced to get hold of a loose stone, which, in pure
+drunken wantonness, he threw at Marianne's window, where he happened to
+see a light. The stone struck with such force, just where the bars of
+the window-frame crossed, that all the four panes were smashed, and the
+glass came clattering down.</P>
+
+<P>"That was Tom Robson!" yelled Martin, who was the last. "Let me get up
+to him! Out of the way! Only let me get my hands on him!" and he worked
+his way past the others, and got up to Tom, just as he had reached the
+top of the slope where the flat meadow began.</P>
+
+<P>Martin went at him with such violence that the other had not time to put
+himself in position. Blow after blow rained down on him, until he fell
+to the ground half stupefied. Martin threw himself upon him, put his
+knees on his breast, and struck him in the face, and then continued
+hitting and kicking at random until he could do so no longer.</P>
+
+<P>The others now came up, but did not get between the combatants. Martin
+was now perfectly wild, and went on in front, swinging his arms, cursing
+and swearing horribly. Tom Robson came limping behind; but no sooner did
+Martin catch sight of him, than he threw himself upon him a second time,
+until he again lay apparently dead upon the meadow. They thus continued
+their way over the field, but just as Martin was making a third attack
+upon Tom, a tall, slender boy came springing over the field, and put
+himself in front of Martin. It was Gabriel Garman.</P>
+
+<P>"Will you leave him alone, Martin?" he cried, breathless from running.</P>
+
+<P>"Oh!" cried Martin, "here is one of the bloodsuckers! You have just come
+at the right time. I will wreak my vengeance on you, you infernal young
+scoundrel!"</P>
+
+<P>But just as he was on the point of attacking Gabriel his arms were
+seized from behind.</P>
+
+<P>"Are you mad, Martin? It's Gabriel, the Consul's son. You are out of
+your senses, lad!" cried Woodlouse. Both he and the Swede threw
+themselves upon Martin, and held him fast. Martin yelled and struggled,
+until he at length fell back, wearied with his efforts, and lay still.</P>
+
+<P>Tom Robson did not know much about what was going on, but managed,
+however, to stumble up to his house, which was close by.</P>
+
+<P>"You have no occasion to be afraid, Mr. Gabriel," said Woodlouse, in a
+fawning tone; "we have got him tight."</P>
+
+<P>"That is what you ought to have done before," answered Gabriel. "I
+should have been able to look after myself."</P>
+
+<P>He was so slight and slender that Martin could have crushed him, mad as
+he was; but Woodlouse could not help saying, as he went down the slope,
+"There is good blood in them."</P>
+
+<P>Martin, whom they had now let go, raised his head. "Blood, do you say?
+Yes, there's blood in them--the blood of the poor that they have sucked
+from father to son. And all that blood have they turned to
+gold--shining, blood-red gold; but," added he, mysteriously, "I will tap
+the gold out of them--I will--till it shines as red as blood all over
+Sandsgaard! Just wait a minute!" And off he rushed down the slope with
+the activity of a deer. Woodlouse and the Swede looked at each other
+meaningly, and each went his way without saying a word.</P>
+
+<P>After the window had been broken, Marianne quickly put out the light.
+She took her petticoat, and tried to stop up the window, but the wind
+was blowing so hard that she could not manage to make it tight. She
+shivered with the cold as she stood, and hurriedly got into bed. But
+every time a blast came she felt the cold draught, and could not get
+warm.</P>
+
+<P>In the room below she heard her grandfather stumbling about, drinking up
+what was left in the glasses. Marianne clasped her hands, and prayed
+that she might die; but in the night she got up, and felt herself
+throbbing with heat and shivering with fever. She thought she could hear
+a tumult, and the sound of many voices.</P>
+
+<P>
+</P><P></P><A NAME="XVII"></A><HR>
+
+
+<h4>CHAPTER XVII.</h4>
+
+<P>
+Mrs. Garman had already gone to bed after her long and tiring day.
+Madeleine had also slipped out of the way, as she always tried to do
+when Fanny came. Both Fanny and Morten were at Sandsgaard that evening.
+The latter behaved to Madeleine just as before, and was so smiling and
+kind that Madeleine had often to ask herself if she had not, after all,
+been dreaming on that moonlight evening.</P>
+
+<P>It was nearly eleven o'clock, and Gabriel had just returned from his
+expedition to the field above the West End. He had heard a noise up
+there when he had gone out to see how the wind was.</P>
+
+<P>The Consul and Uncle Richard were playing chess. Morten, Fanny, and
+Rachel were talking of to-morrow's ball, and they every now and then
+addressed themselves to Miss Cordsen, who was sitting by the fireside
+polishing the silver.</P>
+
+<P>"It is a south wind, is it not, Gabriel?" said the Consul, as he
+listened to the sough of the wind through the trees.</P>
+
+<P>"South-west, and blowing fresh, father," answered Gabriel.</P>
+
+<P>"Good!" said the Consul. "It won't do us any harm if only the wind
+doesn't get round to the northward, because that drives the sea right in
+on to the yard."</P>
+
+<P>The ladies were getting up to say good night, and Morten was just going
+to brew himself another glass of toddy, when excited voices were heard
+below. Some one came hurriedly up the staircase, the door opened, and in
+rushed Anders Begmand. His face was as white as it could be for sweat
+and pitch, his stiff hair was standing on end, while, hat in hand and
+with his eyes fixed on the young Consul, he
+began--"The--the--the"--quicker and quicker. It was quite plain that it
+was something of great importance, and his face grew as red as fire with
+the effort. "The--the--the--"</P>
+
+<P>"Sing, will you?" shouted the young Consul, stamping on the floor.</P>
+
+<P>Begmand began singing to a merry little air, "A fire's broken out in the
+pitch-house!"</P>
+
+<P>At the same moment some one in the yard below shouted at the top of his
+voice, "Fire! fire!"</P>
+
+<P>Morten tore aside the blind, and the red glare could be seen on the dewy
+panes. Every one sprang to the window.</P>
+
+<P>"Silence!" cried the young Consul, while every one paused and looked at
+him. The little man was standing as erect as an arrow, his eyes calm and
+clear, and his lower jaw projecting as usual; and as if conscious that
+he was the chief of the house, he said, "A fire has broken out in the
+building-yard. You, Morten, go and get the two engines from the
+warehouse. The keys are hanging in the men's bedroom. Take the
+fire-buckets with you."</P>
+
+<P>Morten dashed off.</P>
+
+<P>"Dick, you must go up to the second floor in the same building. There's
+a large sail there; put it in the sea, and stretch it over the roof of
+the storehouse. You understand? The storehouse must be saved, or else--"</P>
+
+<P>Uncle Richard was already out of the door with Anders Begmand.</P>
+
+<P>"Gabriel! you run up to the farm! Gabriel!" cried the Consul. But there
+was no Gabriel to be seen; he had already vanished through another door.</P>
+
+<P>"Oh! what a wretched boy it is!" said the young Consul, in spite of
+himself.</P>
+
+<P>There was something uncanny about the black smoke, and the dark red
+flame, which seemed every moment to get a surer foothold, and to gather
+strength without a soul to oppose them. Gabriel noticed nothing: he saw
+only the red glare on the ship, which loomed against the dark grey sky,
+and off he ran like a madman over the field above the house. When he saw
+the ship was in danger, Tom Robson was his first and only thought, and
+he went straight into the house where he was so well known.</P>
+
+<P>"Mr. Robson! Tom! Tom!" he shouted into the dark room, which smelt like
+an old rum-cask. "She's on fire, Tom! The ship's on fire!"</P>
+
+<P>He groped his way to the bed, and gave Mr. Robson a good shaking. The
+landlady, a slatternly sailor's wife, now entered with a light. Only a
+few minutes before, she had managed to get Tom undressed, somehow or
+another.</P>
+
+<P>"Oh no! can that be Mr. Gabriel?" said she, drawing her night-dress
+closer to her. "Is it a fire? Mr. Robson!" she cried, and helped Gabriel
+to shake him.</P>
+
+<P>"What's the matter?" muttered he in English, turning round his face, all
+bruised and bloody as he was.</P>
+
+<P>"Oh no, no!" whined the woman, "how beastly drunk he is! Isn't it a
+shame for such a fine fellow to make himself just like a pig? Tom! Tom!
+Oh dear me, how tipsy he is!"</P>
+
+<P>Without a moment's hesitation, Gabriel dashed the contents of the basin
+in his face. Mr. Robson sputtered and blew, and raising himself on his
+left arm, swung the right feebly over his head, and shouted, "Three
+cheers for Morten Garman! Hip--hip---" But before he got to "Hurrah," he
+fell back on his side and was snoring again. Gabriel left the room;
+there was nothing to be done with Tom.</P>
+
+<P>The wind was sweeping down over the meadow, and driving the thick smoke
+from the pitch-house out over the fjord. All round the house it was as
+light as day. Long tongues of flame were flying far away over the
+fields, shedding their glare here and there on the front of a
+whitewashed house, while up above on the level ground it was still dark,
+under the shadow of the vessel. And now a glitter was seen, and a rumble
+was heard in the direction of the town. The fire brigade was on its way.
+And from the farmhouses which lay near, down over the fields, but
+chiefly in the avenue leading from the town, people were to be seen
+running, first singly, then two or three, then several together, until
+the crowd in the avenue appeared like a close black mass, dotted here
+and there with red-and-white specks. When Gabriel got down again to the
+house he was at his wits' ends, and, leaning against the garden wall, he
+sobbed aloud.</P>
+
+<P>Some one came skirting along the wall; it was the schoolmaster, Aalbom.
+He recognized Gabriel, and stopped. "Isn't it what I always said?" cried
+he, triumphantly. "You are a regular Laban, standing here blubbering.
+You might at any rate manage to lend a hand with the water, you lout!"</P>
+
+<P>Gabriel sprang up, as if seized with a sudden inspiration, pushed the
+master aside, and dashed down towards the building-yard.</P>
+
+<P>"An ill-mannered cub," muttered Aalbom, as he continued his way to get a
+good place from which to see the fire.</P>
+
+<P>Rachel was naturally most anxious to make herself useful, but there was
+nothing for her to do. She therefore stood on the steps in front of the
+house, and watched the crowd streaming up from the town, while the fire
+threw its ever-increasing glare down the highroad, which was now
+thronged with people. Suddenly she heard a voice she recognized. "Out of
+the way! Let the engines pass! Look out there--the engines! Out of the
+way!" The crowd opened, and out of the throng came two rows of men,
+dragging the red-painted fire-engine by a long rope. Jacob Worse was
+running in front, shouting and giving his orders. He gave her a hurried
+greeting as he passed, and away rumbled the engine towards the
+ship-yard. It struck Rachel that his face was the only one that showed
+any feeling of sympathy or sorrow; all the rest appeared indifferent,
+and some showed, openly enough, that they thought the fire glorious
+sport. Rachel turned away and went into the house.</P>
+
+<P>All this time the young Consul was standing at the corner window, on the
+north side of the small sitting-room. The pitch-house was now blazing
+inside; the flames came bursting out of the door, and followed the line
+of melted pitch which flowed along the ground. The thick wooden walls
+were glowing with the heat, and he could see the people shrink back when
+they got too near them. The wind was blowing so strongly, that it beat
+down the smoke and shrouded the engines and spectators from his view,
+but upon the roof of the storehouse he could see Uncle Richard, in
+company with some other forms, working away with the wet sail. The
+storehouse was only a few yards distant from the pitch-house, and was
+thus so close under the stern of the ship that she was as good as lost,
+if the fire once happened to catch the former building.</P>
+
+<P>The Consul could see that they had got the sail drawn over the roof; but
+at that instant the tiled roof of the pitch-house fell in, and the
+flames suddenly shot high into the air, and were borne by the wind right
+down on to the storehouse. The <i>attach&eacute;</i>, and those that were with him,
+had to get down from the roof on the other side as best they might.</P>
+
+<P>A step was heard running up the stairs and through the passage.</P>
+
+<P>"Father! father!" It was Morten, who dashed in breathless and dripping.
+"Father, we must have some powder; the storehouse must be blown up!"</P>
+
+<P>"Nonsense!" answered the Consul, drily. "Why, it is right under the very
+stern of the ship."</P>
+
+<P>"Well, I don't know," answered Morten, "but something must be done. I
+don't see much good in those old fire-engines."</P>
+
+<P>The young Consul drew himself up; he seemed to hear an echo of all the
+disagreements there had been between them. It was the old story, the new
+against the old, and he answered shortly and coldly--</P>
+
+<P>"I am still the head of the firm. Go back and do your duty, as I
+directed."</P>
+
+<P>Morten turned and left the room with an air of defiance. The idea of
+using powder had taken his fancy, although it was not his own. An
+engineer had been standing behind Morten with his hands in his pockets,
+after the manner of engineers, and had said, as engineers do say, "If I
+had my way, I'm blest if I wouldn't do different to this."</P>
+
+<P>"What would you do?" asked Morten.</P>
+
+<P>"Powder!" answered the engineer, curtly, as engineers have a habit of
+answering.</P>
+
+<P>It was hard for Morten to give up his powder, and he muttered many ugly
+oaths as he went down the staircase.</P>
+
+<P>When the Consul again looked out of the window after Morten had gone, he
+involuntarily seized the damask curtains tightly in his grasp, for the
+change which had taken place in these few minutes was only too apparent.
+The wet sail had already turned black, and in another minute was
+beginning to shrivel; while the whole of one side of the storehouse
+burst into a bright yellow flame, which came streaming down over the
+roof, flashing amid the thick smoke, and long fiery tongues began to
+lick underneath the vessel.</P>
+
+<P>The Consul knew what there was in the building--tow, paint, oil, tar.
+The ship was hopelessly lost; the good ship of which he was even more
+proud than any one suspected.</P>
+
+<P>After the first feeling of despair, he began to calculate in his head.
+The loss was heavy, very heavy. The business would be crippled for a
+long time, and the firm would receive an ugly blow.</P>
+
+<P>And yet it was not this which seemed to crush the determined little man,
+until it almost made his knees quiver. This ship was to him more than a
+mere sum of money. It was a work he had undertaken in honour of "the
+old" against "the new;" against the advice of his son, and with his
+father always in his thoughts, under whose eye he almost seemed to be
+working. And now all was thus to come to such an untimely end.</P>
+
+<P>The large engine belonging to the town managed to reach up just so high
+as to keep the ship's side wet as far as the gold stripe which
+surrounded her; but in under the stern the water could not get properly
+to work, and small points of flame soon began to break out, and the
+Consul could now see that the fire had caught the stern-post.</P>
+
+<P>The side of the ship which was towards the fire became so hot that the
+steam rose from it every time the thin stream of water swept over it.
+And now all at once a large part became covered with small sparkling
+flames, just as if sheets of gold leaf had been thrown against it, which
+crackled in the wind, and at last got fast hold in the oakum seams
+between the planking. The hose played upon them and swept them away; in
+another moment they were there again. They broke out in other places,
+ever gaining ground, taking fast hold with their thousand tiny feet
+until they got up to the gold band, and even beyond it; and see! the
+flames now seemed to take a spring, and seize upon the name-board, and
+the shining letters stood out amidst the flames. It could be read by
+all. The Consul saw it. There it stood: <i>Morten W. Garman</i>. It was the
+old Consul's name--his ship--and now what was its fate?</P>
+
+<P>"Look at the young Consul; how pale he is!" said one of the spectators
+to his neighbour.</P>
+
+<P>"Where? Where is he? I don't see him."</P>
+
+<P>"He was standing close by the corner window. He looked as pale as death.
+I wonder if he was insured?"</P>
+
+<P>But the young Consul lay stretched upon the floor, and had pulled down
+the heavy damask curtains with him in his fall.</P>
+
+<P>Miss Cordsen came into the room. When she saw the Consul, she pressed
+her hand to her heart, but not a sound escaped her lips. For a moment
+she stood collecting her thoughts, then she knelt down, freed the
+curtain from his grasp, and lifted him in her long bony arms.</P>
+
+<P>He was not heavy, and she managed to raise herself with her burden. At
+this moment her glance fell on the mirror opposite. A shudder passed
+through her, and it was with difficulty she kept herself from falling. A
+whirlwind of recollections swept through her brain as he lay on her
+shoulder; and she bore him along, an aged and withered man. But she
+pressed her lips together, and drawing herself up, she carried him along
+like a child; and, as all the doors were open, she was able to get as
+far as the staircase. There she called to one of the maids, who came to
+her assistance.</P>
+
+<P>
+</P><P></P><A NAME="XVIII"></A><HR>
+
+<h4>CHAPTER XVIII.</h4>
+
+<P>
+After Uncle Richard had been driven from the roof of the storehouse, and
+could see that all hope was over, he went off to take his turn at the
+engines. He worked at the pumps with all his-might and main, as if to
+deaden his sorrow; but now and again he looked towards the house and
+thought, "Poor Christian Frederick!"</P>
+
+<P>Jacob Worse was directing the operations, and had had the planking,
+which surrounded the building-yard on the side where the warehouses lay,
+pulled down in order to get room for the engines. He managed to get some
+order among the men who were handing the water, and drove the idle
+spectators up into the yard near the house. As he happened to pass Uncle
+Richard, the latter asked him, "Do you think there is any hope, Worse?"</P>
+
+<P>"No!" answered Worse, in a low tone; "I am working in sheer
+desperation."</P>
+
+<P>"So am I," said the <i>attach&eacute;</i>, with a nod; "but think of poor Christian
+Frederick."</P>
+
+<P>Just then a murmur went through the crowd, who could read the name of
+the vessel--<i>Marten W. Garman.</i></P>
+
+<P>"Why, that's the old Consul's name," said several voices.</P>
+
+<P>Uncle Richard had already heard the name from his brother, and, looking
+up, he saw the name of their father standing out in its gold letters
+amidst the flames, which were curling up the vessel's side. Jacob Worse
+seized the nozzle of the hose, and with one sweep forced the water to
+such a height that the fire was quenched for the moment.</P>
+
+<P>But now it was plain to all that the ship's fate was sealed, and even if
+there were some among the spectators who might owe Garman and Worse a
+grudge, still they could not but feel that it was a pity for the proud
+ship to be thus doomed to destruction.</P>
+
+<P>Morten had returned after his interview with his father, and was
+standing close by Uncle Richard. Every eye was fixed on the ship. The
+fire increased every second, and with a loud roar the flames burst out
+above the roof of the storehouse, and at each blast of wind the
+conflagration waxed higher and higher, until the heat by the engines
+became almost intolerable. The more furiously the fire raged, the more
+silent grew the crowd. No orders were heard, and the shouts of
+encouragement from the seamen died away; while the strokes of the pump
+no longer fell with the same determined regularity. Even Jacob Worse
+lost heart.</P>
+
+<P>But now a shout is heard from a small boy belonging to the West End, who
+had climbed up into the rigging of a coaster which lay off one of the
+warehouses. "She's giving way! She's off! Hurrah! She's off!"</P>
+
+<P>A murmur of disapproval went through the crowd at this ill-timed joke.
+But see! it almost seems as if the joke were a reality. The excitement
+increases every moment, and with it are heard cries of hope and fear.
+Yes!--no!--yes! she really is moving. She's off! The pumps are deserted
+amidst breathless expectation, while the sound of voices waxes higher
+and higher, not only in the yard itself, but among the crowd who
+surround it, till it becomes a cheer, a joyous cry of hundreds; men,
+women, boys, all shouting they know not what, till all is mingled in one
+tumultuous roar.</P>
+
+<P>For see! she's starting. The huge dark mass begins to move; and inch by
+inch, with ever-increasing speed, the massive hull glides out through
+the flames; her shining sides disappear foot by foot through the smoke;
+the golden band flashes in the glare, and high as if in triumph does the
+bow rear itself heavenwards, while the stern dives deep into the waves.
+Then is heard a hissing and a crackling as if a hundred glowing irons
+had been cast into the water, as the burning stern cleaves its way into
+the billows, which come foaming up over the sides, and in under the
+counter, while the tiny flames which were flickering along the seams are
+quenched by the rush of air.</P>
+
+<P>The wind, which got more power now that the ship was away, swept down on
+to the still burning buildings, and, spreading out over the ground, hid
+from view the vessel, which was gliding out into the harbour, by a
+curtain of dark smoke fringed with flame; and in the midst of the place
+where she had stood, which looked vast indeed now she was gone, stood a
+little band of bent and tar-stained men, fanning their faces with their
+caps. In the midst of the band was seen the form of a tall and slender
+youth, his face glowing red in the light of the fire.</P>
+
+<P>"Gabriel!" shouted Uncle Richard. "Gabriel!" was repeated by a hundred
+voices. The <i>attach&eacute;</i> elbowed his way towards him, followed by some of
+the crowd, who, however, stopped and formed a respectful ring round the
+hero of the day. Uncle Richard gave Gabriel a hearty embrace, and then
+turning round to the crowd he cried, "Three cheers for Gabriel Garman!
+Hurrah!" He was about to wave his hat, when he discovered that he was
+bareheaded.</P>
+
+<P>"Hurrah!" shouted the spectators with a mighty cheer; they were just in
+the humour for cheering.</P>
+
+<P>"Three cheers for the carpenters!" shouted Gabriel; but his boy's voice
+broke into a discordant scream in the effort. But it did not matter; a
+wild hurrah was given for the shipwrights, another for the ship, and
+another for the firm. There was cheering and rejoicing without end.</P>
+
+<P>"Come with me," said Gabriel to the workmen. "Father was going to give
+you a breakfast, but now it will have to be a supper."</P>
+
+<P>The shipwrights laughed heartily at this joke, but the laughter was even
+louder when Uncle Richard added, "I think you have earned your breakfast
+as well." They thought the remark so wonderfully witty, that they
+laughed as if they would never stop, and the joke about "Uncle Richard's
+breakfast" was a proverb both with them and their successors ever after.</P>
+
+<P>In the mean time, the storehouse, and everything the yard contained
+which was burnable, was on fire. The flames began stealing down the
+ways, but no one took any notice of them. The ship was saved. Nothing
+else was of much consequence, and fortunately the wind was blowing off
+the land. Morten was busy setting a watch for the night, and the engines
+were kept ready in case the wind might change.</P>
+
+<P>As Uncle Richard and Gabriel were walking back arm-in-arm to the house,
+the latter had to relate how it had all happened. Gabriel told his uncle
+how he had found the shipwrights all beginning to assemble under the
+ship, and so he had thought he had better take command.</P>
+
+<P>"Take command!" cried Uncle Richard; "why, what a boy you are, Gabriel!"
+And then Gabriel went on to explain how they got the ways in their
+places, loosened the cradle, and wedged up the fore part of the vessel;
+then the stays were hastily removed; it was Begmand who had taken away
+the last from the stern amidst the fire and smoke, and so away went the
+ship just in the nick of time. Tom Robson ought really to have all the
+praise, since everything was ready to hand, and in the most perfect
+order.</P>
+
+<P>Rachel came to meet them on the steps; she went straight up to Uncle
+Richard and whispered in his ear, "Be calm, uncle; don't let us spoil
+Gabriel's evening. Father has had a stroke. He is in bed, and the doctor
+is here."</P>
+
+<P>The <i>attach&eacute;</i> entered without saying a word, and Rachel threw her arms
+round her brother's neck and said, "Who would have thought of your being
+such a clever boy, Gabriel?"</P>
+
+<P>"Boy!" said Gabriel.</P>
+
+<P>"Or man, I shall have to say in future," answered Rachel, with a smile.
+"But what have you done with your workmen?"</P>
+
+<P>They were not far behind; and Rachel distributed among them beer, wine,
+sausages, bacon, white bread, and other delicacies, until Gabriel
+remarked, "You are much more liberal than Miss Cordsen; but had you not
+got some chickens for the ball?"</P>
+
+<P>Yes, indeed! She had forgotten the ball. Rachel's feelings were so
+pained by seeing Gabriel in such high spirits, that she could not
+contain them any longer, so she said quietly, "Gabriel, there will be no
+ball to-morrow. Father is ill."</P>
+
+<P>Gabriel had not to ask why. He saw it was something serious. The workmen
+were standing by the steps, laden with the good things, and uncertain
+where they should take them.</P>
+
+<P>"Come, let us go back to the ship-yard," said Gabriel; "we shall be all
+to ourselves there, and besides, it will be nice and warm."</P>
+
+<P>Rachel could hear from his voice that there were tears in his eyes, and
+the thought occurred to her, how he had grown from a boy to a man in the
+last few hours.</P>
+
+<P>The storehouse had now fallen in, and the ruins were still burning on
+the ground. The yard, thanks to Mr. Robson, had been so well cleared,
+that the watchmen had but little difficulty in keeping the fire
+isolated. After midnight the wind lulled, and the thick clouds of smoke
+soared up into the air, and were driven slowly over the fjord.</P>
+
+<P>As the ship took the water, she drove across the wind a little way from
+the shore, and fouled an old brig belonging to the firm; and for the
+rest of the night was heard the shouting and singing of the numerous
+volunteers, who were hard at work clearing the vessels, and mooring the
+newly launched one.</P>
+
+<P>The shipwrights sat comfortably in the yard, just near enough to the
+fire to feel its warmth. They had got far more than they could fairly
+take on board, and, every now and then, they treated one of the watchmen
+to something as he passed.</P>
+
+<P>The only flaw in their pleasure was that Gabriel could not be with them.
+He had been obliged to tell them that the Consul was ill, and that he
+must, therefore, remain in the house. No one thought of accusing Gabriel
+of pride, and they all drank his health, and as many other healths as
+they could find an excuse for, in bumpers of the wine to which they were
+so little accustomed. Of the food which had been given to them, they ate
+as much as they could, and when they could eat no more, they divided the
+remainder by lot, just as they shared the shavings for their fires,
+laughing the whole time heartily at the sport. Then away they all
+wandered homewards to the West End, carrying sausages, chickens, bottles
+of wine, and other delicacies. The sun was just rising over the corner
+of the mountain to the east of the town, and lit up the window-panes of
+the cottages, till it looked as if the whole West End was illuminated.</P>
+
+<P>That morning there was not a wife who had the heart to find fault with
+her husband because he had had a little drop too much. Eating and
+drinking went on merrily, combined with gossiping and running from house
+to house. The children sat up in bed, blinking at the sunlight, and
+stuffing themselves with sausages, still half in doubt whether it was
+real tangible sausage they were eating, or whether it was not one of
+those lovely dreams which sometimes visit the hungry.</P>
+
+<P>The sun was shining over the bay of Sandsgaard, where the new ship now
+lay securely moored with hawsers both ahead and astern. The sounds of
+activity from West End could be heard far out into the fjord.</P>
+
+<P>In Begmand's cottage Marianne lay raving in delirium, and the neighbour
+who attended her said she had the fever. Anders, who had burnt himself
+on the side of the face at the fire, was sitting with her, a
+handkerchief tied round his head.</P>
+
+<P>The townspeople managed to get home by degrees. Some pretended that they
+did not see the sun, and went to bed. Others stayed up, and went yawning
+about all day. More than half the town had been at Sandsgaard that
+night, or else on the heights above the house, looking on the fire.</P>
+
+<P>One of the few people who had not been at the fire was our friend
+Woodlouse. When he and the Swede parted, after the fight between Martin
+and Robson, he went straight off to his home in the town. As he passed
+the first house, he met some people who were running, and deaf as he
+was, he heard the two cannon-shots which gave warning of a fire. When he
+got to the church, he saw that the door was open, and that there was a
+light in the place from whence the bells were pulled. Woodlouse looked
+in and saw a pair of legs, now bending, now straightening again, now
+going up, and now down. From what he saw, he drew the conclusion that
+some one was tolling the big bell. He observed carefully what time it
+was by the church clock, and as he went along, he was already making up
+his mind how he should answer the inquiries of the police, for he fully
+expected the cause of the fire would be the subject for investigation.</P>
+
+<P>
+</P><P></P><A NAME="XIX"></A><HR>
+
+
+<h4>CHAPTER XIX.</h4>
+
+<P>
+Consul Garman was in bed, now three days after the fire. The left side
+was almost powerless; but the doctor said there was still a chance of
+recovery, since the patient had managed to get through the first few
+days. The Consul had not hitherto spoken a word, but the eyes moved
+occasionally, and especially the right one, for the left was half
+closed, and the mouth remained crooked.</P>
+
+<P>Uncle Richard sat constantly by the bed, watching his brother, until
+their eyes happened to meet, when he would look away with an expression
+that was meant to be unconcerned, for the doctor had particularly said
+that the patient was not to be excited.</P>
+
+<P>When the <i>attach&eacute;</i> was alone with his brother, he was always anxious
+lest he should begin to speak, and it so happened that he began to do so
+one day just after the doctor had been, as if he had been waiting for
+him to leave the room.</P>
+
+<P>"Richard," said he all at once, "there will have to be a great many
+changes."</P>
+
+<P>"There, now he is off!" thought the <i>attach&eacute;</i>.</P>
+
+<P>The Consul waited a little before he continued. "It was a heavy loss,
+which will affect us all. The ship was not insured."</P>
+
+<P>"Yes; but, you see," answered Uncle Richard, in a tone that was most
+unbecoming in its frivolity, "it is extraordinary what may possibly
+happen; in the case of a ship, for instance."</P>
+
+<P>The Consul regarded him expectantly.</P>
+
+<P>"How shall I get on?" thought his brother, looking round vainly for
+assistance.</P>
+
+<P>"What do you mean, Richard?"</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, he is a wonderful boy, Gabriel is," said the <i>attach&eacute;</i>, trying to
+smile. "I don't mean in school, but I mean--well, I hardly know; well,
+he knows a good deal about ship-building."</P>
+
+<P>"What's the matter with Gabriel?" asked the Consul, quickly.</P>
+
+<P>"Oh, nothing is the matter with Gabriel; he is all right--quite right.
+Did you think there was anything wrong?"</P>
+
+<P>At this moment Rachel entered the room, and Uncle Richard gave a sigh of
+relief.</P>
+
+<P>Rachel saw in a moment that her father had begun to talk, and went over
+to the bed.</P>
+
+<P>"Tell me all about it, Rachel," said the invalid. "I should like to tell
+you the whole story, father; everything has turned out so well. But I am
+not sure that you could bear the surprise--and such a joyful surprise,
+too." As she said these words she looked at him calmly.</P>
+
+<P>The invalid began to get impatient, and Rachel took hold of his hand as
+she continued her story. "You see, the ship was ready for launching,
+quite ready, and so away she went just at the very nick of time--without
+being burnt, you understand--out into the fjord; and now she is quite
+safe, and everything is all right. Now, father, you know it all."</P>
+
+<P>"But what about Gabriel?" said the Consul, looking at his brother.</P>
+
+<P>"Oh, it was Gabriel who managed everything, because Tom Robson never
+came," said Rachel.</P>
+
+<P>"Drunk, you know; drunk as a lord. In bed all the time. Dead
+drunk--don't you see?" said Uncle Richard, explaining his words with
+signs and gestures.</P>
+
+<P>"There, now, father, you mustn't ask any more questions," said Rachel,
+decidedly. "Now we have told you the whole story."</P>
+
+<P>Her father looked at her, and she could just feel the light pressure of
+his hand on hers. She then took Uncle Richard with her out of the
+sick-room, and gave him strict orders not to be there alone in future;
+an injunction which he found most unreasonable.</P>
+
+<P>Miss Cordsen's time was fully occupied, both with the invalid, who would
+have none but her and Rachel near him, and also with getting everything
+into order again after the preparation for the ball. In those few days,
+however, the old lady formed a far higher opinion of Rachel than she had
+hitherto done.</P>
+
+<P>Pastor Martens had not had an opportunity of speaking to Madeleine by
+herself since his proposal. But at this time of anxiety and excitement
+he came very frequently to Sandsgaard. Mrs. Garman kept her bed, for
+what reason it was not easy to know; and so it chanced that several
+times, when he came, no one but Madeleine happened to be in the room. At
+first she was very shy and timid, but when she found that he was not in
+the least offended with her, she could not help appreciating his
+conduct. Of all others, he was certainly the person who showed her the
+most attention; for her father's thoughts were entirely engrossed with
+her uncle's illness.</P>
+
+<P>A few days after this, when the Consul had been quiet for some time, he
+said to Rachel, "Send Gabriel in here."</P>
+
+<P>Mr. Garman gave Gabriel his right hand, which he was now able to move a
+little. "Thanks, my boy; you have saved us from a heavy loss, and shown
+yourself a man. If what I hear from Rachel is true, that you would
+prefer to give up your studies--"</P>
+
+<P>"Not without you wish it, father," stammered the boy.</P>
+
+<P>"I should wish you to go to the commercial school in Dresden, and then
+take your place in the firm, when you have gained sufficient
+instruction."</P>
+
+<P>"Father! father!" cried Gabriel, bending down over the Consul's hand.</P>
+
+<P>"There, my boy, let me see that you are able to work, and then you may
+turn out good for something after all. And now will you do me the favour
+of finding another name for the ship? For I wish her to have a new one,"
+said the Consul, calmly.</P>
+
+<P>This great honour was almost too much for Gabriel, but with a sudden
+inspiration he cried, "<i>Phoenix</i>!"</P>
+
+<P>A faint smile flitted over the right side of the Consul's face. "Very
+well; we will call her <i>Phoenix</i>. And will you see the name painted on
+her stern?"</P>
+
+<P>As Gabriel left the room he met Miss Cordsen. He threw his arms round
+her neck, and began hugging and kissing her, repeating all the time,
+incoherently, the words, "<i>Phoenix</i>--Dresden--the firm."</P>
+
+<P>Miss Cordsen scolded and struggled. She was afraid to scream; but he was
+too strong for her, and the old lady had to resign herself to her fate.
+At length he ran off, and Miss Cordsen was left, arranging her
+cap-strings, and saying to herself, "They are all alike, one and all."
+But when Gabriel ran across the yard, and, meeting the fat kitchen-maid
+Bertha, gave her a friendly slap on the back, the old lady clapped her
+hands together, and exclaimed, "Well, I declare, he is the worst of the
+whole lot!"</P>
+
+<P>The Consul had several long interviews with Morten, who put on an air of
+importance before the clerks and workpeople. But his feelings, when he
+took his father's place in the old armchair in the office, are not
+easily described.</P>
+
+<P>Fanny saw little of her husband, and noticed him even less. Her
+connection with Delphin had obtained a power over her, which she could
+not previously have believed possible, and she strove by every means at
+her command to keep him fast. But since the day on which Delphin had
+discovered that Madeleine knew of his intimacy with Fanny, his position
+became almost unbearable. He would gladly have done with it, but had not
+the will, and he lacked the courage to leave the place, and be quit of
+it all for ever. And so deeper and deeper he fell into the snare. He was
+weary of lying and living a life of shame, but the effort required was
+more than he could command. And often, when conversation flagged, he
+felt instinctively that she knew what was passing in his mind; as if
+their secret was determined to make its voice heard, although Fanny
+kissed him, and went on talking and laughing incessantly in order to
+deafen it.</P>
+
+<P>One thing was a source of wonder to every one, and that was, how
+lukewarm the authorities were in endeavouring to discover how the fire
+had arisen; for that it was malicious no one doubted for a moment. It is
+true there were a few inquiries made at long intervals, but nothing came
+to light. This was not, however, much to be wondered at, considering
+that it was only a pack of old women and children from the West End who
+were questioned, while those to whom suspicion really attached were
+allowed to go unexamined.</P>
+
+<P>Anders Begmand had been brought up, but the magistrate stated that his
+evidence could not be received, on the ground of his mental deficiency
+and general infirmity. So there the matter ended.</P>
+
+<P>Woodlouse's expectation was not fulfilled; neither he, nor the Swede,
+nor Martin were examined, and after a few ill-natured remarks in the
+papers, the affair died out and was forgotten. But in the West End, and
+indeed also in the town amongst the lower orders, people would smile and
+shake their heads mysteriously when the matter was mentioned. They might
+say what they liked about Garman and Worse in other ways, but the firm
+must be allowed the credit generally of not placing their people in an
+uncomfortable position. And since the ship had so fortunately been
+saved, there was no more use in raking up the matter any further. Every
+one knew the story about Marianne, so now the best thing for both
+parties was to cry quits, and start fair for the future. It was all very
+well for the police magistrate to sit there looking so serious, bullying
+and questioning as if he meant to get at the point; but this was really
+only for the sake of appearances. One thing was perfectly plain--that it
+must all end as the grand folks chose it should; and when Garman and
+Worse were determined that nothing should come out, the magistrate might
+do whatever he liked, but he would certainly never discover anything.</P>
+
+<P>This kind of thing might be unpleasant enough sometimes, but in this
+particular instance it was most fortunate, and the lesson to be learnt
+from it all was--if, indeed, there was any one who did not know it
+already--that it is as well to be on good terms with grand folks, even
+if it does cost something.</P>
+
+<P>But no one would have anything to do with Martin. He had escaped
+scot-free from those common enemies of mankind, the law and the police,
+but he was a marked man, even among his own friends, and they did not
+scruple to let him know plainly, that the sooner he packed himself off
+out of the country the better.</P>
+
+<P>
+</P><P></P><A NAME="XX"></A><HR>
+
+
+<h4>CHAPTER XX.</h4>
+
+<P>
+There was no hope of the young Consul's recovery. For a fortnight he had
+been wavering to and fro. Sometimes it appeared as if the right side
+would prevail, but then the left got the upper hand again; and each time
+the paralysis seemed to get a firmer hold.</P>
+
+<P>Miss Cordsen heard the doctor say to Richard, "He may perhaps linger for
+a few hours, but he cannot live through the night." The old lady
+remained for a few minutes in the sick-room, and then went upstairs. Her
+own apartment was a picture of old-fashioned neatness. Carpets and
+chairs carefully covered, boxes locked, nothing lying about; everything
+trim, well cared for, and shielded from prying eyes.</P>
+
+<P>There arose an odour of clean linen and lavender she opened the press,
+and in a little secret drawer behind a bundle of well-starched
+nightcaps, there lay carefully wrapped up, a miniature portrait in a
+black frame. It represented a young man dressed in a green frock-coat,
+with a broad velvet collar. The hair was slightly red, and brushed back
+in the fashion of the time, in two locks in front of the ears. The eyes
+were blue and clear, and the under jaw was slightly projecting. Miss
+Cordsen sat a long time gazing at the portrait, and tear after tear
+dropped down among the other secrets which lay cherished in the old
+press among the linen and dry lavender.</P>
+
+<P>Uncle Richard sat gazing at his brother. The doctor's words had deprived
+him of all hope, but even yet he could not bring himself to believe that
+the end could be so near.</P>
+
+<P>"It will soon be all over, Richard," said the invalid, in a feeble
+voice.</P>
+
+<P>The <i>attach&eacute;</i> sat down by the side of the bed, and after a short
+struggle broke into tears, and laid his head on the coverlid.</P>
+
+<P>"Here am I, so strong and well," he sobbed, "and can't do even the
+smallest thing to help you! I have never been anything to you but a
+trouble and a burden."</P>
+
+<P>"Nonsense, Dick!" answered the Consul; "you have been everything to
+me--you and the business. But I have something for which to ask your
+forgiveness before I die."</P>
+
+<P>"My forgiveness?" Uncle Richard thought he was wandering, and looked up.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes," said the Consul, as what was almost a smile passed over the
+half-stiffened features. "I have made a fool of you. Your account does
+not exist. It was only a joke. Are you angry with me?"</P>
+
+<P>How could he possibly be angry? He laid his face down again on the
+withered hand, and as he lay there in his sorrow, with his curly head
+buried in the pillows, he looked almost like a great shaggy
+Newfoundland.</P>
+
+<P>The doctor came into the room.</P>
+
+<P>"I really cannot permit your brother to lie so close to you--it will
+interfere with your breathing; and if you don't wish--"</P>
+
+<P>"My brother," said the young Consul, interrupting him in a voice which
+bore some resemblance to his business voice. "I wish my brother, Mr.
+Richard Garman, to remain exactly where he is." He then added with an
+effort, "Will you summon my family?"</P>
+
+<P>The doctor left the room, and a few minutes afterwards the invalid drew
+a long breath, and said, "Good-bye, Dick! How many happy days we have
+had together since our childhood! You shall have all the Burgundy. I
+have arranged it all. I should have wished to have left you better off,
+but--" A movement came over the features, which feebly reminded Richard
+of the gesture he used when adjusting his chin in his neckcloth, and he
+said slowly and almost noiselessly, "The house is no longer what it has
+been."</P>
+
+<P>These were the last words he spoke, for before the doctor had got the
+family assembled in the sick-chamber, the young Consul was dead; calm
+and precise as he had lived.</P>
+
+<P>
+</P><P></P><A NAME="XXI"></A><HR>
+
+
+<h4>CHAPTER XXI.</h4>
+
+<P>
+The same morning Torpander was seen, going along the road which led to
+Sandsgaard. Contrary to his usual custom, he had taken a holiday that
+Monday. On his head he wore a grey felt hat of the particular shape
+which was called in the trade "the mercantile." The hatter had assured
+him that it had been originally made for Mr. Morten Garman, but that it
+was unfortunately just a trifle too small. The hat, however, exactly
+fitted Torpander, and dear as it was, he bought it; and he could not
+help noticing the coincidence, that he was that day wearing a hat which
+Morten Garman had rejected. He had also bought a coat for the occasion,
+not quite new, it is true, but of a most unusual light-brown hue. The
+trousers were the worst part of the costume, but the coat was long
+enough, in a great measure, to hide them. Torpander could well enough
+have bought trousers as well, but he did not wish to trench too deeply
+on his savings, before he saw how it fared with him that day. If all
+went well she should have everything he possessed, and if it went badly
+he would return at once to Sweden, for he could bear the suspense no
+longer. He had not, truth to say, great hopes as to his ultimate
+success. He had heard a report that Marianne was unwell, but perhaps she
+was upset by the disgrace which Martin had brought upon the family. The
+fact that he was making his proposal at that particular time might be a
+point in his favour; but no, he could not help feeling that such
+happiness was almost bewildering.</P>
+
+<P>It was a lovely sunshiny day, and the tall light-brown form went briskly
+on its way, moving its arms unconsciously, as if rehearsing the scene
+which was shortly to follow. In the left-hand pocket of his coat he had
+a silk handkerchief, which had long been his dream, of a bright orange
+colour with a light-blue border, and of which the corner was seen
+protruding from his pocket. It was not at all his intention to put the
+handkerchief to its legitimate use; for that purpose he had a red cotton
+one, adorned with Abraham Lincoln's portrait. The silk handkerchief was
+to be used only for effect, and every time he met any one in the avenue
+before whom he thought it worth while to show off, and that was nearly
+every passer-by, he drew the brilliant handkerchief from his pocket,
+raised it carefully to his face, and let it fall again. He derived the
+greatest satisfaction from feeling the rough surface of the silk cling
+to the hard skin on the inside of his hands.</P>
+
+<P>At the building-yard he met Martin, who was coming hastily along in the
+opposite direction.</P>
+
+<P>"Is your sister at home?" asked Torpander.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, you will find her at home," answered Martin, with an ominous
+smile.</P>
+
+<P>In the yard close to the house at Sandsgaard, Martin met Pastor Martens,
+who was on his way from the town, dressed in cassock and ruff.</P>
+
+<P>Martin touched his cap. "Will you come and see my sister, sir? She is at
+the point of death."</P>
+
+<P>"Who is your sister?" asked the pastor.</P>
+
+<P>"Marianne, sir; Anders Begmand's granddaughter."</P>
+
+<P>"Oh yes, I remember now," answered the pastor, who knew her history
+perfectly well. "But I cannot come just now; I have to go in here first.
+Consul Garman is also on his death-bed. But I will come afterwards."</P>
+
+<P>"Oh yes, this is just what I might have expected," muttered Martin,
+turning to go away.</P>
+
+<P>"Wait a moment, young man," cried the pastor. "If you think that time
+presses, I will go and see your sister. It's the last house, is it not?"
+Upon which he went on past Sandsgaard, and on towards West End.</P>
+
+<P>Martin was astonished, if not almost disappointed. The pastor meanwhile
+continued his way, which he did not find very pleasant when he had to
+pass among the cottages. Ragged urchins waylaid him, the girls and the
+old women put their heads out of the doors and gaped after him, while a
+group of children who were grovelling on the shore cheered him lustily.
+Wherever he turned, all reeked of filth and poverty.</P>
+
+<P>As Torpander could get nothing out of Anders Begmand, whom he found
+huddled up in a corner of the room, he went upstairs and knocked at
+Marianne's door. No one said "Come in," and he therefore ventured to
+open the door slightly and look into the room.</P>
+
+<P>Poor man! he was so appalled that he could scarcely keep his feet. There
+she lay, his own beloved Marianne; her mouth half open, and moaning
+incessantly. Her cheeks, which were sunken, were of an ashy white, and
+in the dark hollows round her eyes were standing small drops of
+perspiration. He had no idea that her state was so hopeless; and this
+was the time he had chosen for making his proposal! Marianne lifted her
+eyes. She knew him--of that he felt assured, for she smiled faintly with
+her own heavenly smile; but he could not help remarking how conspicuous
+her teeth appeared. She could no longer speak, but her large eyes moved
+several times from him to the window, and he thought that she was asking
+for something. Torpander went to the window, which was a new one Tom
+Robson had had made, and laid his hand on the fastening. She smiled
+again, and as he opened the window, he could see a look of thankfulness
+pass over her features. The midday sun, which was shining over the hill
+at the back of the house and falling obliquely on the window, threw a
+ray of light for a short distance into the room. Away in the town the
+bells were tolling for a funeral, and their sound, which was re-echoed
+from the hill, was soft and subdued in its tone.</P>
+
+<P>Marianne turned towards the light; her eyes were shining brilliantly,
+and a delicate shade of red mantled her cheeks. Torpander thought he had
+never seen her look so lovely.</P>
+
+<P>When Pastor Martens entered the room, he was as much struck by the
+appearance of the dying woman as Torpander had been, but in quite a
+different manner. It was impossible she could be so near death; and he
+could not help feeling annoyed with Martin, who had thus exaggerated his
+sister's danger, and had perhaps been the cause of his arriving too late
+at Consul Garman's death-bed. The extraordinary figure dressed in the
+long light-brown coat, which kept ever and anon bowing to him, did not
+tend to calm his feelings, and it is possible that something of his
+annoyance showed itself in the words which he now addressed to Marianne.</P>
+
+<P>The clergyman was standing by the bed in such a position as to shield
+the light of the window from Marianne, who was gazing at him with her
+large eyes. He did not wish to be severe, but it was well known that the
+woman at whose death-bed he was standing, was fallen. At the close of
+such a life, it was only his duty to speak of sin and its bitter
+consequences. Marianne's eyes began to wander uneasily as she turned
+them, now on the clergyman, and now on Torpander. At length she made an
+effort, and turned her face in the other direction.</P>
+
+<P>The pastor did not intend to finish his discourse without holding out a
+hope of reconciliation with God, even after such a life of sin; but
+while he continued speaking about repentance and forgiveness, the
+neighbour, who had been at her dinner, entered the room.</P>
+
+<P>The woman went to the foot of the bed, but when she looked at Marianne's
+face she said quietly, "I beg your pardon, sir, but she is dead."</P>
+
+<P>"Dead!" said the minister, rising hastily from his chair. "It is most
+extraordinary!" He took up his hat, said good-bye, and left the room.</P>
+
+<P>The woman took Marianne's hands and folded them decently across her
+breast; she then put her arms under the bedclothes and straightened the
+legs, so that the corpse should not stiffen with the knees bent. The
+mouth was slightly open. She shut it, but the chin fell again. Torpander
+could see what the woman was looking for, and handed her his silk
+handkerchief. How rejoiced he was that he had not used it! The woman
+regarded the handkerchief suspiciously, but when she saw that it was
+perfectly clean, she folded it neatly and tied it round Marianne's head.</P>
+
+<P>Torpander stood gazing at the little weary face, bound round with his
+lovely silk handkerchief, and he felt at length as if he had some part
+in her. He had received her last look, her last smile, and as a reward
+she had accepted his first and last gift. After all, his courtship had
+had the best ending he could possibly have hoped for. He bent his head,
+and wept silently in Abraham Lincoln's portrait.</P>
+
+<P>Begmand came upstairs, and sat gazing at the body. Since the fire he had
+not been altogether himself.</P>
+
+<P>"Shall I go to Zacharias the carpenter, and order the coffin?" asked the
+woman. But as she did not get any answer, she went off and ordered the
+coffin on her own account. It was not to be any more ornamental than was
+usual in the West End.</P>
+
+<P>Meanwhile Pastor Martens was continuing his journey. Marianne's death
+had made a most disagreeable impression upon him, which probably added
+to his former ill humour.</P>
+
+<P>The women, both old and young, were again on the look-out for him. A
+clergyman was not often to be seen in West End. The boys, who had found
+a dead cat on the shore, and which the eldest was dragging after him,
+came marching along like little soldiers. Behind them followed a tiny
+little creature not higher than one's knee, with his mother's wooden
+shoes on his feet, and wearing a paper cap on his head. The whole band
+was in high spirits, and sang with a ringing voice a national air,
+according to the comic version which was in use in West End:</P>
+
+<P><SPAN class=verse1>"Yes, we love our country;</span><br>
+<SPAN class=verse2>Yes, indeed we do!</span><br>
+<SPAN class=verse1>He who dares deny it,</span><br>
+<SPAN class=verse2>We will let him know!"</span></P>
+
+<P>The pastor had to pass the children, whose song went through his head.
+The cat, of which he just caught a glimpse, was half putrid, and its
+skin was hanging in rags. Parson Martens pressed his handkerchief to his
+mouth; he was afraid that the unhealthy atmosphere would be injurious to
+his health.</P>
+
+<P>He hurried out of West End and up to the house, as fast as his cassock,
+and having to pick his way among the dirty puddles, would allow; but he
+came too late. The Consul had already been dead half an hour, and so
+Pastor Martens turned and went back to the town. It was very hot walking
+in the long black garment, and already well past dinner-time.</P>
+
+<P>Madame Rasmussen came running to meet him. "My dear Mr. Martens, dinner.
+Why, it's half-past two! Why, how exhausted you look!"</P>
+
+<P>"Let us rejoice, Madame Rasmussen," answered the clergyman, with a bland
+smile, "when we are thought worthy to endure trials."</P>
+
+<P>He was indeed a heavenly man, was the pastor. How pious and amiable he
+looked as he sat at table! No one could ever have suspected that he wore
+a wig.</P>
+
+<P>Madame Rasmussen sat down to embroider some cushions to put in the
+window, for the chaplain could not bear the slightest draught.</P>
+
+<P>
+</P><P></P><A NAME="XXII"></A><HR>
+
+
+<h4>CHAPTER XXII.</h4>
+
+<P>
+Consul Garman's death caused a great sensation in the town. The
+wonderful escape of the ship was already material enough for several
+weeks' gossip; and now there came this death, with all its immediate
+circumstances and possible consequences. The whole town was fairly
+buzzing with stories and gossip.</P>
+
+<P>The business men gave each other a knowing wink. The old man at
+Sandsgaard had been a hard nut to crack, but now they would have more
+elbow-room, and Morten was not so dangerous.</P>
+
+<P>The preparations for the funeral were on the grandest scale. The body
+was to be taken from Sandsgaard and laid in the church, where Dean
+Sparre was to deliver a discourse, while the chaplain was to conduct the
+funeral service at the cemetery.</P>
+
+<P>All the different guilds were to follow with their banners, and the town
+band was busy practising till late at night. A regular committee of
+management was formed, and there was almost as much stir as if it was
+the 17th of May.[B] [Footnote B: Anniversary of the declaration of the Norwegian
+Independence in 1814.]</P>
+
+<P>Jacob Worse did not take any part in all this. He truly regretted the
+Consul, who had always been almost like a father to him.</P>
+
+<P>Mrs. Worse was more annoyed than sorry. "It was too bad, it was really
+too bad," she grumbled, "of the Consul to go and die!" She was sure that
+he would have arranged the match, such a sensible man as he was; but now
+that there were nothing but a lot of women in the house--for the
+<i>attach&eacute;</i> was little better than an old woman himself--And so on, and so
+on, thought the old lady, and she wondered that Rachel, who had such a
+clever father, had not inherited a little more sense.</P>
+
+<P>Sandsgaard was silent and desolate from top to bottom. The body lay
+upstairs in the little room on the north side, and white curtains were
+hanging in front of all the windows of the second story. Not a sound was
+heard, except the monotonous step of one, who went pacing unceasingly to
+and fro in the empty rooms. Thus had Uncle Richard been wandering every
+day since his brother's death. Restlessly he passed in and out of one
+room after another, then up and down the long ballroom; now and again
+into the room where the body lay, ever to and fro, in and out, the whole
+livelong day, and far into the night.</P>
+
+<P>Rachel was more grieved at the loss of her father than she could have
+believed possible during his lifetime. But a change had lately taken
+place in her nature; she, who was so exacting towards others, was now
+brought to examine herself, and could see how much there was in her own
+nature which required reform. She could now see plainly enough, that it
+was principally her own fault that she and her father had not understood
+each other better. It was only during his illness, that they had both
+come to know how many ideas they had in common, and what they might have
+been to each other. Now it was too late, and she looked back on her
+wasted life with regret; for Jacob Worse's idea seemed to her quite
+impracticable.</P>
+
+<P>The day before the funeral, Madeleine was sitting in the room which
+looked on to the garden. It was a raw, cold spring morning, with a
+drizzling rain from the south-west, and she had been obliged to close
+the window. Upstairs she could hear her father's heavy footfall, which
+came nearer, passed overhead, and then became lost in the distance.
+Never had she felt so oppressed, sick at heart, and lonely as in that
+house, in which there reigned the silence which always seems to
+accompany death.</P>
+
+<P>A knock was heard at the door, and Pastor Martens entered the room. Mrs.
+Garman had particularly invited him to pay them a visit every day.</P>
+
+<P>"Good morning, Miss Madeleine. How do you feel to-day?"</P>
+
+<P>"Thanks," answered she, "I am pretty well; I mean about as well as I
+usually am."</P>
+
+<P>"That means, I am afraid, not particularly well," said the clergyman,
+sympathetically. "If I were your doctor I should order you to go
+somewhere for a change this summer."</P>
+
+<P>He still kept his hat in his hand, and remained standing near the window
+which led into the garden. Madeleine was sitting on the end of the sofa
+at the other end of the room.</P>
+
+<P>"This is a gloomy day for so late in the spring," observed Mr. Martens,
+looking into the garden; "and a house like this, to which Death has
+brought his sad tidings, is a mournful place."</P>
+
+<P>She listened to him, keeping her eyes fixed on the ground, and without
+returning a word.</P>
+
+<P>"A house like this," he continued, "in which death is lying, is a
+picture of the lives of many of us. How many of us carry death at our
+hearts! Some hope or another that for us has long passed away, or some
+bitter disappointment that we have buried in the depths of our soul."</P>
+
+<P>He could see that she bent her head lower over the sofa, and he went on
+speaking earnestly and soothingly, and almost to himself.</P>
+
+<P>"Since it is a good thing for us not to be alone; since it is good for
+us to have some one to cling to, when the bitter experiences of life
+cast their shadows over us, so--"</P>
+
+<P>Madeleine suddenly burst into tears, and her sobs reached his ears.</P>
+
+<P>"I beg your pardon," said he, coming close to the sofa. "I was but
+following the bent of my own thoughts, and I fear I have made you
+unhappy, when my object ought rather to have been to endeavour to cheer
+you. Poor child!"</P>
+
+<P>Her sobbing had now become so violent that she did not any longer try to
+conceal her emotion.</P>
+
+<P>"Dear Miss Madeleine," said the pastor, seating himself on the sofa at a
+little distance from her, "I am sure you are not well--I have observed
+it for some time; and you may imagine how painful it is for me to see
+you thus suffering, without having any right to offer you my
+assistance."</P>
+
+<P>"You have always been so good to me," sobbed Madeleine. "But no one can
+help me, I am so wretched--so wretched!"</P>
+
+<P>"Do not indulge such thoughts, my dear young lady; do not allow yourself
+to think that any feeling of wretchedness is so great that it cannot be
+mitigated. Intercourse with the friend who understands our nature has a
+wonderfully soothing power over the sick heart. And for that very
+reason," added he, with a sigh, "I feel it doubly painful that you will
+not allow me to be such a friend to you."</P>
+
+<P>"I cannot," stammered Madeleine in dismay. "Do not be angry with me. I
+do not mean to be ungrateful. You are the only one--But I am so
+nervous--I don't understand it all. But don't be angry with me;" and she
+held her hand a little nearer to him.</P>
+
+<P>Pastor Martens took the hand, and pressed it gently between his own.</P>
+
+<P>"You know I mean to be kind to you, Miss Madeleine," said he, in an
+earnest and soothing tone.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, yes, I know you do. But do you believe--" and her eye rested on
+him with an earnest expression.</P>
+
+<P>"I am afraid your mind is disturbed; but I hope that I may be able to be
+a trustworthy guide for you through life. You have been unwilling to
+accept me, and I will not importune you; but I must tell you that
+everything I have is at your service."</P>
+
+<P>"But if I am unable--but if it is too much for me. No, I cannot!" she
+replied, hiding her face in her hands.</P>
+
+<P>His voice was kind, almost fatherly in its tone, as he moved nearer to
+her and said, "Tell me, Madeleine, do not you feel as if it was almost a
+dispensation of Providence? When I asked you for your hand, you rejected
+my offer hastily--without consideration, may I venture to say? That hand
+now lies in mine." She made an attempt to withdraw it, but he held it
+fast. "Here are we again brought together. Is it not as if you were
+destined to be mine--you who are so lonely and forsaken amongst your own
+relations? You do feel lonely, Madeleine, do you not?"</P>
+
+<P>"Oh yes; I do feel lonely--so dreadfully lonely," said she,
+disconsolately; and whether he now drew her to him, or whether she gave
+way of herself, she now lay with her head on his shoulder, wearied and
+helpless. And, as his voice sounded bland and soothing in her ears, she
+seemed to recover her breath, as if after a long period of oppression.</P>
+
+<P>In a moment she was on her feet: he had ventured to kiss her brow. He
+also rose, but still retained his grasp of her hand.</P>
+
+<P>"We will not tell any one about it to-day," he said reassuringly,
+"because of the affliction which has come upon your family. But we had
+better go to Mrs. Garman, and ask her blessing. With respect to your
+father----"</P>
+
+<P>"No! no!" she cried; "father must not know anything about it! Oh,
+heavens! what have I done?" she murmured, holding her hand before her
+eyes.</P>
+
+<P>A bland smile passed over his face as he took her arm in his. "You are
+still a little discomposed, child, but it will soon pass away." He then
+led her to Mrs. Garman's room.</P>
+
+<P>"Could not we wait till to-morrow? My head is so painful," entreated
+Madeleine.</P>
+
+<P>"We will only just show ourselves to your aunt," said he, quietly but
+decidedly, as he opened the door.</P>
+
+<P>They found Mrs. Garman in her room, sitting comfortably in her armchair.
+Before her she had a tray, on which stood a bottle of water and a small
+straw-covered flask of cura&ccedil;oa. On a plate was some chicken, which had
+been cut into small pieces and neatly arranged round the edge, and in
+the middle was a little shape of asparagus butter, garnished with some
+chopped parsley.</P>
+
+<P>When Madeleine and the pastor entered the room, she was just in the act
+of holding a piece of chicken on a fork and dipping it into the butter,
+but when she saw them she put down her fork with an air of indifference,
+and said, "I hope, Madeleine, you will not forget to thank the Lord for
+thus changing your obstinate heart; and for you, Mr. Martens, I will
+hope and pray that you will never have to repent the step you have
+taken."</P>
+
+<P>For a moment Madeleine's eyes seemed to flash, but Mr. Martens hastened
+to observe, "My dear Madeleine is quite overcome. Would you not rather
+go to your room? We shall meet again to-morrow."</P>
+
+<P>Madeline felt really thankful for his suggestion, and gave him a feeble
+smile as he followed her to the door.</P>
+
+<P>When the pastor had gone, Mrs. Garman could not help thinking how
+differently people behave as soon as they are engaged. She suspected
+that she would not find the chaplain's society so agreeable for the
+future.</P>
+
+<P>Pastor Martens was so overjoyed that he could scarcely take his usual
+midday nap. Later in the day it began to clear up; it was only a sea-fog
+which had come up during the night, as is frequently the case in the
+spring. Everything appeared radiant and bright to Martens as he came
+along the street from the jeweller's, where he had been to order the
+ring, but he took care not to show his feelings; it would not do to look
+too pleased on the day before the funeral of his intended's uncle.</P>
+
+<P>In the market-place he met Mr. Johnsen.</P>
+
+<P>"You are coming to the funeral to-morrow?" said Martens, insensibly
+leading the conversation into the direction of his own thoughts.</P>
+
+<P>"No," answered Johnsen, drily; "I have to give an address at the Mission
+Bazaar."</P>
+
+<P>"What, between twelve and two? Why, the whole town will be following the
+funeral."</P>
+
+<P>"It is for the women, my address," said the inspector, as he continued
+his way.</P>
+
+<P>"Well," thought Martens, "he is indeed changed! Prayer-meetings,
+missions, Bible-readings--quite a different kind of work!" said the
+chaplain mysteriously to himself. His feelings were almost too much for
+him.</P>
+
+<P>A little farther up the street he met Delphin on horseback. There was
+such an unusual expression on the clergyman's face, that Delphin pulled
+up his horse and called out, "Good morning, Mr. Martens! Is it the
+thought of the discourse you have to deliver to-morrow that makes you
+look so pleased?"</P>
+
+<P>"Discourse! discourse!" thought the chaplain. He had never prepared it.
+It was well indeed he had been thus reminded. However, he answered, "If
+notwithstanding my--or perhaps I ought to say our--sorrow, I do look
+rather more cheerful than I ought under the circumstances, I only do so
+from something which has happened to myself. It is purely on personal
+grounds."</P>
+
+<P>"And may I venture to ask what the circumstances are which make you look
+so happy?" asked Delphin, carelessly.</P>
+
+<P>"Well, it ought not really to be told to any one to-day, but I think I
+may venture to tell you," said the pastor, in a calm voice. "I have
+proposed to a lady, and have had the good fortune to be accepted."</P>
+
+<P>"Indeed? I congratulate you!" cried the other gaily. "I think, too, I
+can guess who it is." His thoughts turned on Madam Rasmussen.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, I dare say you can," answered Martens, quietly. "It is Miss
+Garman--Madeleine, I mean."</P>
+
+<P>"It's a lie!" shouted Delphin, grasping his riding-whip.</P>
+
+<P>The pastor cautiously took two or three steps backwards on the footpath,
+raised his hat, and continued his way.</P>
+
+<P>But Delphin rode off rapidly down the road, and away past Sandsgaard,
+ever faster and faster, till his steed was covered with foam. He had
+ridden four miles without noticing where he was going. The coast became
+flat and sandy, the patches of cultivation ceased, and the open sea lay
+before him. The sun shone on the blue expanse, while far out lay the
+mist like a wall, as if ready to return again at night.</P>
+
+<P>Delphin put his horse up at a farmhouse, and went on foot over the sand.
+The vast and peaceful ocean seemed to attract him. He felt a longing to
+be alone with his thoughts, longer, indeed, than was his usual custom.
+George Delphin was not often given to serious thought--his nature was
+too frivolous and unstable; but to-day he felt that there must be a
+reckoning, and on the very verge of the sea he threw himself on the
+sand, which was now warmed by the afternoon sun. At first his thoughts
+surged like the billows over which he gazed. He was furious with Pastor
+Martens. Who could have believed that he, George Delphin, should have
+suffered himself to be supplanted by a chaplain, and, more than that, a
+widower? And Madeleine! how could she have accepted him? And the more
+his thoughts turned upon her, the more he felt how truly he loved her.</P>
+
+<P>How different it might have been! Yes, many things might have been
+different in his life, when he came to review it fairly. His thoughts
+then fell upon Jacob Worse, who had lately quite given him up. It had
+often happened to Delphin that people did not remain friends with him
+long. It was only Fanny who did not give him up. He made one more effort
+to bring up her image in his thoughts, in all its most enchanting
+beauty, but he failed in the effort. Madeleine seemed to overshadow
+everything. Then his thoughts reverted to Martens, and his agony
+returned. He seemed no longer to have any aim in life, which had been so
+utterly wasted, useless and desolate, and he began to regard himself
+with loathing, friendless as he was, and thus entangled in an intrigue
+with one for whom he had no affection, and despised by her whose love he
+really longed for.</P>
+
+<P>All this time the mist was stealing in light wreaths over the shore; it
+came gliding beyond the line of the waves, and on over the sand. It
+paused for an instant at the man who was thus lying in despair, then
+stole on further, and finally settled behind the sand-hills. The grey
+wall of mist had now attained such a height that it obscured the evening
+sun, so that the landscape became all at once cold and grey, whilst the
+fog went scudding along, denser and denser every moment.</P>
+
+<P>Delphin stretched himself on the sand, wearied with his long ride and
+his bitter thoughts. The long white breakers came curling ever nearer
+and nearer, as they broke on the beach with their subdued and monotonous
+roar.</P>
+
+<P>He could not but think how easy it would be to have done with the life
+altogether, which now seemed to him of so little worth. He had but to
+roll himself down the sandy slope, and the waves would take his body
+into their embrace, and, after rocking him on their bosom, perhaps bear
+him far away and leave him on a distant shore. But he felt full well
+that he had not the courage; and as he lay there, thus pondering over
+his past life, he fell into a reverie, while the breakers murmured their
+monotonous song, and the mist, which was borne up on the light evening
+breeze, breathed over him cold and chill.</P>
+
+<P>The landscape assumed a general tone of grey. The mist stole on, still
+more close and compact, and the form of him who lay by the waves became
+more and more indistinct. At last he was gone; the sea raised her mantle
+and wiped him out, while the fog drifted inland thick as a wall, and,
+reaching the first dwellings, swept round the corners of the houses, and
+sent cold gusts in at the open doors and windows.</P>
+
+<P>But swifter than the mist, closer and ever more penetrating, swept the
+report of the chaplain's engagement through the town. It crept in
+through cracks and keyholes, filled houses from cellar to garret, and
+stood so thick in the street that it stopped the traffic.</P>
+
+<P>"Have you heard the news? They are engaged? Guess! where? who? Miss
+Garman; I heard it an hour ago! Have you heard the news? It's the
+chaplain who is engaged! Well, I am surprised! They might have waited
+till after the funeral. Are you sure? He has been at the jeweller's!
+Have you heard the news?"</P>
+
+<P>Thus it spread, buzz, buzz, from house to house; and when at length the
+weary town went to its bed, there was certainly not a soul who had not
+heard of the engagement from at least five separate people. It was a
+wonderful time, rich in important events.</P>
+
+<P>But just as one sometimes sees a little brawling and muddy brook flowing
+into a clear stream, and following along in its course, but ever keeping
+its little band of dirty brown water separate from the translucent
+river, even so there followed with the news of the great event, a little
+whisper of uncomfortable gossip. It always accompanied the main story,
+cropping up everywhere, whispered, muttered, doubted, but never
+contradicted; and this little bit of intelligence was, that Pastor
+Martens wore a wig. It was scarcely credible, but it was undeniable;
+Madame Rasmussen herself was the authority.</P>
+
+<P>
+</P><P></P><HR>
+
+
+<h4>CHAPTER XXIII.</h4>
+<A NAME="XXIII"></A>
+
+<P>
+Like all wise rulers, who feel that they ought to mark the epoch of
+their arrival at power with certain merciful actions, Morten had given
+permission to Per Karl to drive the hearse with the old blacks, which
+were, however, condemned to be shot on the following day.</P>
+
+<P>The old coachman had got them into "funeral trim," as he said, and for
+three days had groomed them incessantly. The last night he had passed in
+the stable, so that they should not lie down and spoil their coats. They
+were therefore shining as they never shone before, when, at eleven
+o'clock on Saturday morning, they drew up with the hearse at the door.</P>
+
+<P>There are three kinds of hearses, so that one has the option of driving
+to the churchyard just as one travels by rail--in a first, second, or
+third class carriage. Unless, indeed, one manages to quit life in such
+an abject state of poverty, that one has to get one's self carried on
+foot by one's friends. Consul Garman drove first class, in a carriage
+adorned with angels' heads and silver trappings. Per Karl sat under the
+black canopy, with crape round his hat, and looking with pride and
+sadness on his old blacks.</P>
+
+<P>When the coffin, which was adorned with flowers and white drapery, was
+carried down from upstairs, Miss Cordsen stood at the foot of the
+staircase, with the servants assembled in a group behind her. The old
+lady folded her hands on her breast, and bowed low as they bore him
+past; she then went up to her room, and locked the door.</P>
+
+<P>The ladies of the family followed in the close carriage with Uncle
+Richard, so as to be present at the ceremony in the church. Morten and
+Gabriel were in the open carriage. The whole staff of workmen belonging
+to the firm, and many of the townspeople who were not contented with
+following from the church to the grave, joined the procession on foot
+when the hearse set itself in motion. The spring sunshine was reflected
+from the silver trappings and angels' heads, and from the sleek and
+well-groomed horses, who were going on their last drive with a step full
+of pride and solemnity. It happened most awkwardly that Marianne had
+also to be buried that day. Martin had tried his best to prevent the
+<i>contretemps</i>, but the answer which he had received from the authorities
+was, that it was impossible to make an exception on his account; that
+the present arrangement would be most convenient for all parties, and
+particularly so, because it would save the clergyman a double journey to
+the cemetery; besides, there would be only the simple funeral service,
+and no address would be given.</P>
+
+<P>Very well, then; since there would be no address the funeral would take
+place on Saturday, between twelve and two.</P>
+
+<P>Outside Begmand's cottage a group of young seafaring men were
+assembling. There were a few relations from the town, and some of
+Marianne's acquaintances, such as Tom Robson, Torpander, and Woodlouse.
+Anders Begmand was not there: no amount of persuasion could prevent him
+from following the Consul's funeral.</P>
+
+<P>At Marianne's funeral there was no undertaker to regulate the pace of
+the procession, and the young sailors stepped out briskly with the
+coffin. They thus managed to arrive at the town just as the Consul's
+remains were being carried into the church. Now, it would scarcely do
+for them to go through the town along the road leading to the cemetery,
+which was strewn with green leaves, and with lilac and laburnum
+blossoms, for Mr. Garman. There was, therefore, nothing for it but to
+wait until the service was over. It was hot work carrying a coffin,
+dressed in Sunday clothes, and they therefore put down their burden on
+the steps of a cottage hard by, whilst several of them took off their
+jackets in order to get a bit cooler.</P>
+
+<P>On the opposite side of the street there was a small beerhouse. There
+were several of them to whom a pint of beer would have been very
+grateful, and who had the money in their pockets to pay for it; but
+perhaps it would hardly do.</P>
+
+<P>The sailors stood talking together, and turning their quids in their
+mouths; dry in the throat were they, and opposite was the open door of
+the beerhouse, with jugs and bottles on the counter. It looked so cool
+and moist in there, and the street was perfectly empty, for all the
+world was crowding to the cemetery. At length one slunk across the
+street and sneaked in; two more followed. It seemed but too probable
+that all the bearers would give way to the same temptation; so Tom
+Robson went over to the group, and, putting a five-kroner note into the
+hand of the eldest, said, "There! you can drink that, but on condition
+that only two go in at a time."</P>
+
+<P>The stipulation was agreed to without a murmur, and they took their
+turns in the most orderly way. A great many pints of beer go to a
+five-kroner note. Martin and Tom Robson resolutely turned their backs on
+the temptation. Woodlouse resisted it for a long time, but in the end he
+was obliged to give way. Torpander was sitting on a stone at the corner
+of the cottage, gazing at the coffin. His silk handkerchief had, in
+accordance with his earnest request, been allowed to follow Marianne to
+the grave; and on the lid of the coffin, over her heart, lay a garland
+which had cost him three kroner. This was the only adornment the coffin
+possessed, for most of the flowers from the West End had been bought by
+the townspeople for the Consul's funeral. Marianne would otherwise have
+had plenty.</P>
+
+<P>At length the people began to stream out of the church; those who were
+with Marianne had to wait till the main procession arrived at the
+cemetery. The seamen then, after moistening their palms in the usual
+way, went on with their burden with renewed vigour. There was no change
+from the five-kroner note.</P>
+
+<P>No one could remember to have seen so long a funeral procession as that
+which followed the young Consul. It reached almost from the church door,
+to the gate of the cemetery, which lay in a distant part of the town. As
+they began to move slowly along the road, a whole crowd of hats came
+into view, hats of all kinds and shapes. There was Morten's new hat
+fresh from Paris, and the well-known broad brim of Dean Sparre. There
+were hats of the old chimney-pot shape, with scarcely any brim at all,
+while others had brims which hung over almost like the roof of a Swiss
+cottage. Some hats had a red tinge when they came into the glare of the
+sunshine, while others were brushed as smooth as velvet. Twenty years'
+changing fashions were blended together like a packet of "mixed drops."
+Only old Anders was still constant to his cap, which was covered with
+pitch as usual. A crowd of boys and children followed on both sides of
+the road, and the cemetery, which lay on the slope of the hill, was
+already thronged at the part near the Garmans' tomb.</P>
+
+<P>At the entrance of the churchyard were planted two large flag-staves
+decorated with wreaths; the flags, which were at half-mast, hung down to
+the ground, waving gently in the light breeze. The town band was now
+allowed a moment's rest. The whole way from the church it had played
+incessantly an indescribable air; and it was only in the evening, when
+an account appeared in the papers, that the air was recognized as
+Chopin's Funeral March.</P>
+
+<P>The precentor, with his choristers, "Satan's clerks," as he used to call
+them when he was annoyed, begun to intone a psalm. The coffin was lifted
+from the hearse, and carried through the cemetery, by the principal
+merchants of the town.</P>
+
+<P>It was a magnificent spectacle, as the long funeral procession, with
+here and there a uniform, and its many flower-decorated banners, moved
+majestically along through the seething crowd of women and children,
+which stood closely packed on and among the graves on both sides of the
+path.</P>
+
+<P>The funeral party now assembled round the grave, into which the coffin
+was lowered. The merchants who had carried it looked relieved when he
+was laid to rest; he had been an equally heavy burden to them both in
+death and in life. The singing ceased, and a silence ensued, as the
+clergyman ascended the little heap of earth which had been thrown up at
+the side of the grave.</P>
+
+<P>During the latter part of the preparation of his discourse, the chaplain
+had felt keenly in what a difficult position he was placed in regard to
+the deceased. Since his engagement with Madeleine, his first duty was to
+be strictly impartial, and not to allow himself to be led into any
+flattering expressions, which would be quite out of place from the lips
+of one who had, in point of fact, become one of the family.</P>
+
+<P>The dean had, in his discourse in the church, dwelt entirely on the
+merits of the deceased, as a fellow-citizen and as a good man of
+business, who had, almost like a father, found daily bread for hundreds,
+and who had shed happiness and prosperity all around him. The chaplain
+began his address as follows:--</P>
+
+<P>"My sorrowing friends, when we look into this grave--six feet long and
+six feet deep, when we look at this dark coffin, when we think of this
+body which is going to decay, we naturally, my dear friends, say to
+ourselves, 'Here lies a man of riches, of great riches.' But let us
+search the depths of our own hearts. For where is now the glitter of
+that wealth which dazzles the eyes of so many? Where is now the
+influence which to us, short-sighted mortals, appears to attach to
+earthly prosperity? Here in this dark tomb, six feet long and six feet
+deep, it is buried from our sight.</P>
+
+<P>"Oh, my friends! let us learn the lesson which is taught by this silent
+tomb. Here all is finished, here is the end of all inequality, which is,
+after all, but the result of sin. Here, in the calm peace of the
+churchyard, they rest side by side, rich and poor, high and low, all
+alike before the majesty of death. All that is perishable on earth is
+swept aside like a used garment. Six feet of earth, that is all; it is
+the same for each one of us."</P>
+
+<P>The gentle spring breeze breathed on the silk banners of the various
+guilds, lifting the heavy folds out from the staff, and making a glad
+rustle in the silk. And the same breeze also carried the words over the
+cemetery, to the old crones who were sitting on the tombstones, and the
+girls and women who were grouped along the slope. Yes, even to the far
+distant edge of the cemetery did the wind bear the eloquent discourse,
+so that the words could be distinctly heard at the grave in which
+Marianne was about to be laid. And those words about equality and the
+evanescence of worldly wealth, were indeed words of comfort for the
+poor, as well as for the rich. But those who stood by Marianne's grave
+scarcely listened to them--not even Torpander, who stood gazing intently
+at his solitary wreath, which lay on the simple coffin.</P>
+
+<P>Woodlouse was guiltless of inattention, for he could not hear; but
+instead, he made his observations and gave vent to his philosophical
+reflections as was his wont.</P>
+
+<P>There lay, in the gravelly heap which had been thrown up from the grave,
+a few bones and skulls. The story was, that that part of the churchyard,
+which was especially devoted to the poor, had been a burying-place at
+some former period, and the graves which had not been paid for for
+twenty years were, after the lapse of that time, again made use of,
+according to the rule and custom of the Church. It was thus no unusual
+thing to find coffins while a new grave was being dug, which fell to
+pieces under the spade. The bodies had been packed closely, and often
+several had been placed in the same grave.</P>
+
+<P>It was, however, a scandal that the bones should be allowed to lie out
+in the light of day, until the new corpse came to be buried. Abraham the
+sexton had his orders, to take such bones at once to the house which was
+appointed for them, and which was a mere shed in one corner of the
+cemetery, where it was left to each skull to discover the bones
+belonging to it as best it might. But when any of the officials found
+fault with Abraham for his neglect, he would stand leaning on his spade,
+and cocking his red nose knowingly on one side, would answer with a
+smile, "Well, you see, what are we to do? The poor are just as much
+trouble in death as they are in life. They never will die like
+respectable people, one by one, now and again; but they all die at the
+same time, you see, and then come out here and want to get buried.
+Particularly all through the winter, when the ground is hard, and then
+in the early spring, what are we to do? It is really too bad. Yes, at
+those seasons they bring such shoals of children--ah, preserve us from
+the children!--yes, and grown-up people too, for that matter; and they
+all want graves just at the wrong time of year! They always choose the
+wrong time! It would not be so bad if one could only skimp the
+measurements a bit; but, you see, no one is so particular as the poor
+about the measurements. Six feet long and six feet deep--they will have
+it, never an inch less. And so, you see, it is not always so easy to get
+these bones out of sight in time for one of these pauper funerals. No,
+no! it is quite true what I say. The poor are just as much trouble in
+death as they are in life!"</P>
+
+<P>There was once a new manager of the cemetery who wished to get rid of
+Abraham, who caused general indignation when he went tumbling about
+tipsy among the graves. But the dean said, "What is to become of the
+poor man? He will remain as a burden either to you or to me; and
+besides, he has been with us as long as I have been here, and I have
+always been able to bear with his sad infirmity. It would really go to
+my heart to drive him away." And so the public were content to keep
+Abraham as an evidence of Dean Sparre's kindness of heart.</P>
+
+<P>As Woodlouse stood looking at the bones, he was absorbed in
+philosophical meditation, and he could not help thinking that there was
+a sort of air of defiance in the grin, with which one of the skulls
+returned his gaze. It struck him that this skull might perhaps be
+thinking how peaceful it was to rest here in the sacred earth of the
+churchyard. But surely it was just as peaceful over there in the house
+in which the bones were placed; and if neither church nor provost,
+chaplain nor sexton, gravedigger nor organist, bell-ringer nor acolyte,
+no, not one of them had got his due, it was quite impossible that it
+should be otherwise. And when he came to consider further, he thought
+that he could discover in these bare bones and these bleached skulls, an
+expression he knew only too well in life; a kind of cleared-out
+expression, which seems to cling to those who have not paid their debts.</P>
+
+<P>Meanwhile Pastor Martens's sonorous voice echoed over the cemetery as he
+was approaching the end of his discourse. "The six feet of earth" was
+repeated again and again, like the refrain upon which a good composer
+will hang a whole symphony; and each time it seemed to make a deeper
+impression. The account in the evening papers might perhaps be slightly
+exaggerated, when it said that not an eye was dry; but certain is it
+that many wept, and not only women, but men also. Some even of the
+merchants, who had carried the coffin, were seen using their
+pocket-handkerchiefs.</P>
+
+<P>It was really an extraordinary address. Just at the commencement it had
+caused an uneasy feeling, when Martens began to speak about the great
+riches of the deceased. There was some apprehension lest he should make
+some ill-timed application of the parable of the camel and the needle's
+eye; but the speaker had just managed to say the right thing. There is
+nothing which gives the poor so much pleasure, as to hear how little
+power really belongs to earthly wealth, and how little there is to
+grudge when it comes to the last. And so this allusion to "the six feet
+of earth" had a good effect throughout.</P>
+
+<P>When the funeral discourse was over, Abraham came forward with the box
+which was to hold the earth to be thrown on the coffin.</P>
+
+<P>Struggling with his inmost feelings, the pastor seized the box, filled
+it with mould, and uncovered his head. Off in a moment came all the
+various hats, and just as many various heads were disclosed to view.
+Some were smooth, some were rough, some had long hair, and on others the
+hair was clipped as close as the top of a hair trunk, while here and
+there appeared a skull as smooth as a billiard ball.</P>
+
+<P>The clergyman threw the earth into the grave, deeply moved, and almost
+mechanically, as if the task were too much for him. The loose mould
+could be heard rustling down on the flowers and silk ribbons. One more
+short and thrilling prayer was heard; the service was over, and the hats
+appeared again.</P>
+
+<P>The bandsmen, who had been standing in a group among the mourners,
+keeping their instruments under their coats, so that they might not get
+cold, suddenly broke out into music, at a mysterious sign from the
+bandmaster. The effect was striking. Just as when a stone is thrown into
+the water, and the ripples roll outwards in an ever-widening circle, so
+did the mighty waves of sound drive back the bystanders in all
+directions, until there was quite an open place around the players. The
+undertaker turned the opportunity to advantage, and took his place at
+the head of the procession, which returned in the same order as it came.</P>
+
+<P>At a short distance behind the musicians, came the precentor with his
+choristers. He was terribly annoyed by the band, and in a great state of
+anxiety, lest the sorrowing relatives of the deceased should not notice,
+how much extra trouble he had taken with the singing.</P>
+
+<P>The undertaker, on the contrary, was extremely pleased with the band,
+which had made such a nice clear space for him, and when he got home to
+his wife he said, "Even if the drums of my ears are nearly broken, I
+must say I fully appreciate the effect of a brass band. Nothing can be
+more opportune, when one has to lead a procession through a large crowd
+at a respectable funeral."</P>
+
+<P>At a short distance from the grave, the clergyman left the <i>cort&eacute;ge</i> and
+went in a different direction across the cemetery. As soon as he was out
+of sight of the crowd, he took a short cut over the graves, which in
+that part of the cemetery were low and overgrown with grass, and every
+now and then he held up his cassock, and stepped over one which lay in
+his path.</P>
+
+<P>Abraham the sexton had got an extra lurch on, in honour of the grand
+funeral, and came stumbling along after the pastor, carrying the black
+box, which was the same that was used for all burials, without
+distinction.</P>
+
+<P>When the pastor arrived at Marianne's grave, he found Anders Begmand and
+some others from the West End, who had already been in the Consul's
+procession. The chaplain took off his hat and wiped his brow, as he
+stood looking round for Abraham. The others also uncovered their heads.
+At length Abraham came up, and the three handfuls of earth fell,
+hurriedly and mechanically, on the simple coffin. "Of earth thou art, to
+earth thou shalt return, and from the earth thou shalt rise again.
+Amen."</P>
+
+<P>The pastor went scrambling along farther over the graves. There were
+still some other poor people to be buried, and it was getting late.</P>
+
+<P>
+</P><P></P><HR>
+
+
+<h4>CHAPTER XXIV.</h4>
+<A NAME="XXIV"></A>
+
+<P>
+The young Consul's death did not bring with it any great changes, either
+in the household or in the business. Everything was in such a solid and
+well-regulated condition, that it kept on going like a good machine. The
+new driver had as much as he could manage, and there were some who
+thought that the more delicate parts of the complicated mechanism would
+be likely to suffer under his hands.</P>
+
+<P>At the same time, no one could say of Morten that he did not bring great
+energy to bear on his new duties. Now, indeed, it was almost impossible
+to find him; he was continually on the go between the town and
+Sandsgaard. His carriage might be seen waiting at the most unlikely
+corners, or all of a sudden he would pop up out of a boat at the quay,
+tear off to the office, call out something to the bookkeeper, and flash
+out of the door again. But when the bookkeeper hurried after him, to ask
+what the instructions were, all he saw was a glimpse of the dogcart as
+it turned the corner.</P>
+
+<P>The business men in the town used to say, quietly among themselves, that
+it was easier to work against Morten than with him. Garman and Worse's
+predominance began to grow weaker, and what had been the central power
+was now distributed in several hands. The year which followed was not a
+prosperous one for shippers; most of the ships belonging to the firm had
+been working either at a loss or at a very small profit. The most
+successful was the <i>Phoenix</i>, which had been put on the guano trade. She
+still continued to be a favourite, and her voyages were followed with
+great interest in the newspapers. The poet of the town had written some
+verses in her honour:--</P>
+
+<P><SPAN class=verse1>"Rock proud, thou fire's daughter,</span><br>
+<SPAN class=verse1>Thy flame-enshrouded helm!"</span></P>
+
+<P>It was doubtless this allusion to the helm, which had been most in
+danger at the time of the fire, which caused the success of the poem,
+and insured it a permanent position in all the concerts.</P>
+
+<P>In accordance with the express wishes of the deceased, Jacob Worse had
+been chosen as guardian for Rachel and Gabriel. Mrs. Garman was still to
+remain in the position of partner, with Morten as manager of the
+business. For each of the younger children a considerable sum was set
+apart; a sum, in fact, which was just about equal to that with which
+Morten had entered the firm.</P>
+
+<P>Rachel had thus to go to Jacob Worse for an explanation of her affairs,
+for she wanted to have a clear idea of what she really possessed, and
+what her exact position was. Worse answered her in a calm and measured
+business tone.</P>
+
+<P>"Well, then, this money," said she, one day, in Worse's office, "is my
+own, and is entirely under my own control?"</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, in addition to your share in the business," added Worse, in
+explanation; "and if your mother should die, your part of her property
+will come to you at the division which will follow. It will then depend
+upon you or your future husband--"</P>
+
+<P>"My future husband will surely allow me to manage my own property," said
+Rachel.</P>
+
+<P>"It is to be hoped he will; but, as you perhaps know, in the event of
+your marrying, you will lose the entire control."</P>
+
+<P>"Then I will never marry!"</P>
+
+<P>"I am of opinion myself that you might do something better than
+marriage," said Jacob Worse.</P>
+
+<P>Rachel observed him closely, but failed to fathom his thoughts.</P>
+
+<P>"How I envy you your clear intelligent head!" said she, somewhat
+scornfully. "You lay out for yourself some plan or another in life, and
+then your object is forthwith accomplished. You quietly follow your
+plans, and in the same way you expect that those to whom you give your
+advice, will follow it without wavering. You are just like father. You
+really are too precise."</P>
+
+<P>"I regard that as the greatest compliment I have ever received,"
+answered Worse, smiling.</P>
+
+<P>"But father was in many respects an old-fashioned and somewhat
+prejudiced man. It was just these very modern ideas that you find so
+attractive, which were to him strange or even positively distasteful."
+She made this remark more for the purpose of drawing out Worse than
+because she wished to disparage her father.</P>
+
+<P>"Consul Garman," said Worse, rising from his chair, "was a dissatisfied
+man. His whole life was an ill-concealed struggle between the old and
+the new. He placed extraordinary confidence in me, and I found in him
+ideas, which no one would have expected to meet with in such a precise
+and old-fashioned man of business. But to reconcile the two incongruous
+currents was beyond his power; the immature and impetuous want of
+exactitude of modern times was repugnant to his nature; and when his
+great sense of justice forced him to recognize certain fundamental
+truths, it was still always a source of annoyance to him to be obliged
+to do so. It appears to me that he sought a counteracting influence to
+all this, in his boundless admiration for old Consul Garman."</P>
+
+<P>"But was not my grandfather a remarkable man? Don't you think so?" asked
+Rachel, with interest.</P>
+
+<P>"I will tell you my opinion, Miss Garman. He was a man who lived in a
+time to which he was suited, and in which, on the whole, existence was
+far more easy."</P>
+
+<P>"You mean to say, then, that existence was easier in those times than in
+the present?"</P>
+
+<P>"Yes, I am sure of it," continued Worse, pacing hurriedly up and down
+the room, as was his custom when he was excited. "Do you not see how
+existence becomes more difficult with each year as it passes? New
+discoveries and experiences are springing up every hour, and doubts and
+inquiry are burrowing under, and undermining the whole fabric. Revered
+and well-grounded truths are falling to the ground, and those who are
+too timid to advance with the times, are gathering confusedly about the
+rotten framework, supporting, preserving, and terrified, denouncing
+youth, and predicting the destruction of society. Your grandfather stood
+on the very summit of the cultivation of his day, living as he did in a
+state of society which was peaceful and conscious of its security, with
+aristocratic intelligence above and aristocratic ignorance below. Your
+father, on the other hand, had grown to manhood when the movement
+reached us, and he had already a fixed understanding as to his own line
+in life, when the new ideas came streaming in upon him. Then followed
+the long and painful struggle. But we who are a generation younger, and
+who enter upon life from school, with the old maxims only half rooted in
+our minds, feel the whole fabric tottering. Doubt and uncertainty reign
+on every side, and we find ourselves now in a state of eager
+expectation, and now plunged in gloomy apprehension. Wheresoever we
+place our foot, the ground gives way beneath us, and if we wish to sit
+down and rest awhile, the chair is drawn from under us by some invisible
+hand. Thus are we whirled to and fro in a struggle for which we were
+never prepared, and in which numbers of us miserably perish. Fathers
+scold and threaten, while mothers weep because we have forsaken the
+traditions of our childhood. Bitter words and party names are caught up
+in the continuous strife, and find their way into family life; the one
+no longer understands the motives of the other; we stand railing at each
+other in the pitchy darkness; no distinction is made between sincere
+conviction and restless love of change. All strive blindly together,
+whilst society becomes interwoven with a tissue of hostility, mistrust,
+falsehood, and hypocrisy."</P>
+
+<P>Rachel looked at him with open eyes, and at length she exclaimed, "I
+cannot imagine how you can be content with your present existence, so
+silent and so reserved, when such a tumult of thought is passing through
+your brain."</P>
+
+<P>Jacob Worse stopped, and his face grew calm as he said, "I have a simple
+remedy, which I have learnt from my mother, and which your father also
+employed--and that is, work. To keep at it from morning to evening; to
+begin the day with a large packet of foreign letters here on my desk,
+and to leave off in the evening, tired but content--content for that
+day. That is my remedy--that keeps the life in me; so far it suffices;
+higher I cannot attain."</P>
+
+<P>"I said a short time ago that I envied you your calm and logical mind. I
+now regret the tone in which the words were spoken. I often, somehow or
+another, I don't know why, but I often find myself speaking to you
+somewhat--" She faltered, and her face became suffused with blushes.</P>
+
+<P>"Somewhat plainly, you mean," said Worse, smiling.</P>
+
+<P>"May I hope it is because you think me worthy of your confidence?"</P>
+
+<P>She looked at him again, but his eyes were now fixed on the map which
+hung over her head.</P>
+
+<P>"Well," said Rachel, "perhaps that is the reason; but what I really envy
+you is your love of work, or, I should say, not so much the love of
+work--for that I have myself--but your having discovered an employment
+which keeps you calm. But you are able to work, that's where it is," she
+added, meditatively.</P>
+
+<P>"My opinion about you, Miss Garman, has always been, that the aimless
+life a lady in your position is obliged to lead here at home, must
+sooner or later become unbearable to you."</P>
+
+<P>"I cannot work," said she in a crestfallen tone.</P>
+
+<P>"Well, but at least you can try."</P>
+
+<P>"How am I to begin? You remember that time when father would not receive
+my offer of assistance."</P>
+
+<P>"Your father did not understand you; nor will you find it easy to
+discover satisfactory employment in your own country. But travel, look
+around you. You are rich and independent, and there are other lands
+where work is to be had, and in them you ought to find suitable
+occupation."</P>
+
+<P>"Do you really advise me to travel elsewhere, Mr. Worse?" said Rachel.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes; that is to say--yes, I think it would be best for you. Here you
+have little opportunity of development, and, to speak plainly, I think
+you ought to travel." As he said the last words he regained his
+self-possession, and could now look her in the face calmly, and without
+flinching.</P>
+
+<P>"But where shall I go--a lonely woman without friends? I am afraid you
+over-estimate my powers," said Rachel, with a reluctant air. It was as
+if she did not fancy his advising her to go away.</P>
+
+<P>"I may as well tell you what I think now," he began, hurriedly. "I have
+some acquaintances in Paris. In fact, an American firm--Barnett Brothers
+they are called--who have a house in Paris; and Mr. Frederick Barnett is
+a personal friend of mine."</P>
+
+<P>"You seem to have been arranging to get rid of me for some time," said
+Rachel; "why, you have the whole plan ready prepared."</P>
+
+<P>He showed some signs of confusion, for it was a scheme he had carefully
+considered, but which he had always hoped he would not have to put into
+execution.</P>
+
+<P>"Yes," answered he, endeavouring to laugh; "as your guardian, it is my
+duty to assist you, to the best of my ability, to arrange for your
+future."</P>
+
+<P>"But are you going to send me to Paris alone?"</P>
+
+<P>"No; I have been thinking of offering you Svendsen as an escort. You
+surely know old Svendsen, my bookkeeper? He has been several times in
+Paris, and is a most trustworthy man. I am sure you will be contented
+with Mr. Barnett's house, which is more like an English one. And that, I
+think, will suit you better than a purely French household."</P>
+
+<P>"Does your friend take boarders?" asked Rachel, quickly.</P>
+
+<P>"Not as a rule, as far as I know. You will thus find it more expensive
+than at an ordinary <i>pension;</i> but I am almost certain that both Mr. and
+Mrs. Barnett, who is a French lady, are the sort of people you will
+like. And it is exactly in the American society of Paris that you will
+have the best opportunity of finding employment if you wish for it. At
+any rate, you can stay some time in Mr. Barnett's house, until you find
+something else you prefer."</P>
+
+<P>His tone was deliberate and decided, as if he already regarded the
+matter as finally settled; and when Rachel got up to take her leave she
+found that her mind was already made up, without being conscious of how
+she had arrived at her conclusion. She looked forward to a new and more
+active life, with mingled feelings of expectation and pleasure. But at
+the same time she was somewhat hurt--no, not hurt, but sad--no, not
+exactly sad, either; but she could not help thinking it was
+extraordinary, that he should show himself so eager to get her away.</P>
+
+<P>Jacob Worse followed her to the door leading into the street, but when
+she had gone he did not go back to the office, but crossed over the yard
+to his mother's.</P>
+
+<P>A month later, Gabriel and Rachel set off under the escort of old
+Svendsen; Gabriel to Dresden, and Rachel to Paris. Madeleine also
+quitted Sandsgaard. Her intended had arranged, with the assistance of
+the doctor, that she should go to the baths of Modum, where Martens's
+mother, who was the widow of a clergyman from the east coast, was to
+take care of her.</P>
+
+<P>Uncle Richard was utterly confounded when he heard Madeleine was going
+to marry a clergyman, and he had a kind of dim feeling that he would
+have done better to have kept her under the observation of the big
+telescope. But the old gentleman, who had never been very strong-minded,
+had become still more feeble in his sorrow, and now that he could no
+longer go to Christian Frederick for advice, he gave way in everything.</P>
+
+<P>As for Madeleine herself, the exhaustion which followed her illness had
+produced a feeling of indifference; and now that the important step had
+once been taken, she allowed herself to be led without offering any
+opposition, and did not find it disagreeable, when the pastor took upon
+himself to think and act for her in everything. But when it came to
+saying good-bye to her father she gave way, and was carried senseless to
+the carriage.</P>
+
+<P>Martens soon found that if he wished to educate Madeleine to be a
+pattern wife after his own heart, he must get her away from Sandsgaard.
+With the same object in view, he sought, and standing as well as he did
+with those in authority, soon obtained, a living at some distance in the
+country; and, a year after his betrothal, he celebrated his marriage at
+his mother's house.</P>
+
+<P>After his ride along the shore, George Delphin suffered from a dangerous
+attack of inflammation of the lungs. His illness lasted so long that a
+substitute had to be provided for the time in the magistrate's office;
+and as soon as he recovered sufficiently to write, he informed the
+magistrate that he wished to resign his situation. The magistrate
+accepted his resignation with alacrity, for George Delphin had never
+been the kind of man he liked.</P>
+
+<P>During the whole time of the illness, Fanny was in a state of nervous
+excitement. To visit the invalid, or put herself in any sort of
+communication with him, was quite out of the question. She had thus to
+content herself with such news as she could pick up, either accidentally
+or through Morten; but she dared not ask as many questions as she could
+have wished. One day when she was standing before the glass, she
+discovered three small wrinkles at the corner of her left eye. When she
+laughed, they improved her; but when she was serious, they made her look
+old. Nothing seemed to suit her any longer, not even mourning, in which
+she had always looked her best. Fanny, in fact, suffered as much as she
+was capable of suffering, and one day she received a note from him, in
+which he said adieu.</P>
+
+<P>"I start to-night, and say farewell thus to spare us both a painful
+parting. Farewell!" This was all the note contained.</P>
+
+<P>Her lovely complexion turned almost to an ashen grey, but only for a
+moment. The whole night she lay awake, listening to her husband, who lay
+breathing heavily by her side; but the next morning found her sitting by
+her window, as calm and bright as ever. Many of her friends, as she had
+expected, came to visit her, but she disappointed them all. Delphin's
+sudden departure was a subject of conversation in which she joined,
+jesting and laughing as usual. Her friends could perceive no change in
+her, and yet how much scandal had been talked about her and Delphin! It
+was a lesson to people to keep their tongues to themselves.</P>
+
+<P>But Fanny herself noticed several changes in her appearance, and was
+reminded of it every time she saw her reflection in the glass.</P>
+
+<P>In small circles great events seem to come all at once, one after
+another in startling succession. The worthy town had been quite upset by
+all those remarkable events, of a joyful, mournful, or mixed nature,
+which followed after the night of the fire at Sandsgaard; and while busy
+tongues kept reverting to the materials for gossip thus provided, the
+years rolled by without anything further taking place.</P>
+
+<P>Tom Robson had taken Martin with him to America, where they disappeared.</P>
+
+<P>Contrary to his intention, Torpander did not travel home to Sweden. He
+put off his departure from time to time. <i>Her</i> grave never seemed pretty
+enough, and he never felt perfectly certain that it would be kept
+properly in order. He thus remained where he was, and at last moved over
+to old Anders Begmand's cottage. The old man's head had become somewhat
+affected. He received his week's pay every Saturday, without, however,
+doing any work to earn it. And now Torpander grew to be quite a fixture
+in the cottage, and the two would sit for many a winter's evening over
+the fire, repeating to each other the same stories, which never varied
+year after year, about her who had been, and still continued for both,
+the very sunshine of their lives.</P>
+
+<P>Uncle Richard soon gave up the lighthouse at Bratvold, and he and Mrs.
+Garman shared Sandsgaard between them. Downstairs the lady went about in
+her wheel-chair, and she had had all the thresholds of the doors
+removed, so that she might be able to have herself rolled into the
+kitchen.</P>
+
+<P>Upstairs Uncle Richard continued his ceaseless wanderings, in and out,
+to and fro, just as he had begun on the day after his brother's death.
+Once only he had had Don Juan saddled; but when he was brought round to
+the door, the old gentleman, thought he was too fresh for him. He put
+his hand before his eyes, and had Don Juan taken back again, to the
+stable.</P>
+
+<P>Summer and winter, day after day, the sound of his footfall overhead
+never ceased. A long strip of soft carpet had been put down the whole
+length of the house, partly for warmth, and partly to deaden the sound
+of his step.</P>
+
+<P>In winter he wore a long coat lined with fur, a fur cap, and a pair of
+deerskin gloves; and there were some people who confidently maintained
+that he carried an open umbrella when the weather was wet. In the little
+room on the north side, there was a cupboard in which a bottle of
+Burgundy was always kept standing. When the old gentleman got to this
+point he would pause, drink a glass of the wine, and look thoughtfully
+in the large mirror. He then shook his head and continued his
+wanderings.</P>
+
+<P>No change took place in Miss Cordsen. The well-starched cap-strings and
+the odour of dry lavender still followed her wherever she went; while
+all the secrets of the family lay carefully preserved, together with her
+own, to both of which the closely pressed mouth, with its innumerable
+wrinkles, formed a lock of the safest description.</P>
+
+<P>
+</P><P></P><HR>
+
+
+<h4>CHAPTER XXV.</h4>
+<A NAME="XXV"></A>
+
+<P>
+Thus passed six years. According to Martens's prediction, Dean Sparre
+had been made a bishop. His predecessor in office had been a strict and
+haughty prelate, and there was, therefore, no little disturbance in the
+camp when he departed. But from the moment Dean Sparre mounted the
+vacant seat, all friction ceased, and everything went on evenly and
+smoothly. It was like covering the hammers of an old piano with new
+felt. The hitherto sharp tone gives place to a soft and agreeable sound;
+and after Dean Sparre's patent felt had been introduced into the
+mechanism, it all worked silently and noiselessly, and gave the greatest
+pleasure to all parties concerned.</P>
+
+<P>The bishop did not forget his young friend, Inspector Johnsen, of whom
+he had always had such "good hopes." He obtained for Johnsen a
+chaplaincy in his cathedral town; and some people were so mischievous as
+to assert that the bishop's "good hopes" were now fulfilled, for Pastor
+Johnsen was shortly after engaged to Miss Barbara Sparre.</P>
+
+<P>A great change had taken place in the <i>ci-devant</i> school inspector. When
+the turning-point was once reached, he set to work in his new line in
+real earnest, as was only to be expected from one of his energetic
+character. He never dabbled any more in advanced philosophy, and had but
+little to do with grand society; on the contrary, he grew to be a
+clergyman to whom the women were particularly attracted. His sermons
+were always severe, very severe; and those who cared to listen closely,
+might remark that he never repeated the prayer for the arms of the
+country by land and by sea.</P>
+
+<P>Down at Mrs. Worse's shop, in the dark corner of the lane, trade went on
+regularly and well. Little Pitter Nilken had arrived at that stage of
+shriveldom, at which both fruits and people cannot hold out much longer
+without a change. He still managed to swing himself over the counter as
+lightly as a cork when the enemy became too troublesome, and the
+redoubtable iron ruler had lost none of its gruesome terrors.</P>
+
+<P>Mrs. Worse, on the contrary, had become rather stout in the course of
+years. Her legs would no longer "balance" her properly, as she said. But
+still she refused to buy a carriage until all had "come right," which
+she thought could not be long now.</P>
+
+<P>When all had come right! It required a faith as blind as Mrs. Worse's to
+reckon on such a possibility. Rachel had now been six years in Paris
+without saying a word about coming home. What her occupation there
+really was, Jacob Worse could never discover. Each time he sent her
+money--and it was marvellous how much she used--he wrote her a few
+lines. She always answered briefly and reservedly. Through his friend
+Mr. Barnett he did not learn anything explicit. He only knew that Rachel
+was still living in the house, and that they were much attached to her.
+Mrs. Barnett's <i>salon</i> was quite a place of assembly for the American
+colony, among which were many rich and accomplished men. Any day might
+bring the intelligence of her approaching marriage.</P>
+
+<P>Worse was in the habit of reading the papers every morning as they sat
+at breakfast in his mother's room. One day Mrs. Worse, who usually
+occupied herself half the morning with her paper, read out to her son
+that Pastor Martens had been nominated as clergyman in the town.</P>
+
+<P>"Just fancy! So they are coming westward again!" ejaculated Mrs. Worse.
+"I should like to know how little Madeleine has got on in married life,"
+sighed the old woman, who knew but too well the uncertainty which
+marriage brings with it. The news awoke many painful recollections in
+Worse's breast, and he paced up and down in his office for a long time,
+before he could bring himself to begin upon the foreign post, which lay
+in a formidable packet on his desk.</P>
+
+<P>Among the letters there was one from Barnett Brothers in Paris; he knew
+the handwriting, but the office stamp was missing. As he opened it, it
+struck him that it was longer than usual. He turned it over hastily.
+What was this? Rachel Carman's signature stood at the foot of the
+letter! Jacob Worse read as. follows:--</P>
+
+<P>"DEAR MR. WORSE,</P>
+
+<P>"As I sit down to write to you, and thus carry out a long-formed
+resolution, I feel so overcome by emotion, that I find it difficult to
+control myself sufficiently, to express my thoughts <i>verbatim</i>. But now,
+as I have made up my mind, I will endeavour to make my letter clear and
+concise.</P>
+
+<P>"I have, as you now perhaps perceive, carried on the Norwegian
+correspondence of Messrs. Barnett Brothers for several years. In my
+private letters to you I have disguised my handwriting, so as not to
+betray my secret. I wished, in fact, to see first if I could make myself
+useful, and am at length satisfied I that I can. I have learnt to adopt
+your mother's homely maxim--remember me kindly to her--I can work.' In
+your kind letters, for which receive my best thanks, I have sometimes
+thought that I could perceive a feeling of astonishment, as to how I
+could be employing all the money you have sent me. It is placed in our
+business. I say our business, because Messrs. Barnett Brothers have
+offered me a share in their Paris house. I have thus attained the object
+of my ambition in that direction.</P>
+
+<P>"You once gave me some advice. You see, I attack each point separately,
+so as to prevent confusion, to avoid wasting words, or forgetting
+anything important. But to return. When you advised me to come forward
+as an authoress, I did not at that time think that your idea was
+reasonable. Since then I have, however, thought the subject carefully
+over, and have indeed made some small attempts that way, and now I beg
+to thank you for the good advice you gave me. I have indeed much to
+thank you for.</P>
+
+<P>"Now that I am able to work, I no longer feel so apprehensive about the
+future. It is true, as you said long ago, that there are many things
+which a woman may have to write about, and this is more especially true
+with us in our own country. I am fortunately in an independent position,
+<i>bonheur oblige</i>, and I have courage, so I will make the attempt. But I
+must first get home, not only because I am as homesick as a child--for I
+know perfectly well that when I have been at home for a short time, I
+shall be anxious to start again on my travels--but I feel that if I am
+to accomplish anything, I must be among those I wish to help. I also
+wish to be able to go abroad again, and thus make existence more
+interesting; but I must at the same time have a <i>pied &agrave; terre</i> at home,
+so as to be able to return whenever I may desire to do so. And now comes
+the great 'but' which is, in fact, the chief point in this letter--and
+that, Mr. Worse, is yourself.</P>
+
+<P>"I do not wish to return home before I know clearly in what position we
+stand to each other. Of this I feel convinced, that you have no ill
+feeling towards me on account of my former behaviour to you. But still I
+know nothing further; and if there is nothing more to know, I hope we
+may meet as good friends. If there should be anything further, kindly
+let me have a few lines.</P>
+
+<P>"There, now! you see how the matter lies; let us now understand each
+other plainly, and I beg that you will be honourable and straightforward
+towards me. On one thing you can count for a certainty, which is, that I
+am, in any case,<br>
+<SPAN class=verse3>Your very sincere friend,</span><br>
+<SPAN class=verse4>RACHEL GARMAN."</span></P>
+
+<P>When Jacob Worse had read this letter, he sprang up, seized his hat and
+umbrella, and went into the clerk's office.</P>
+
+<P>"Has the Hamburg steamer started?"</P>
+
+<P>"No, sir, but the first bell has just rung," was the answer.</P>
+
+<P>"Have you any gold?"</P>
+
+<P>"Yes; that is to say, not very much," answered the cashier.</P>
+
+<P>"Let me have what you have got, and send Thomas over to the bank for
+some more. A couple of thousand kroner or so will do."</P>
+
+<P>The boy ran off with a bundle of notes and a little canvas bag.</P>
+
+<P>"I am going abroad, Svendsen, for a fortnight or so--I cannot say for
+certain. Look, here is my address. And with that he snatched the pen
+from behind Svendsen's ear and wrote across a large sheet of paper, on
+which the unfortunate man had just begun a magnificent letter:</P>
+
+<CENTER><I>"Pavilion Rohan</I>
+<br>
+<I>"Paris</I>.</CENTER>
+
+<P>The second bell was now heard on board the steamer.</P>
+
+<P>"All right, Svendsen. Now you must manage as well as you can; telegraph
+if you want anything--my keys are in my desk." When he reached the door
+he turned round and cried, "Yes, I forgot, Svendsen; run over to my
+mother and tell her--yes, just tell her that it's all 'come right;'" and
+with that away he ran.</P>
+
+<P>Old Svendsen stood perfectly speechless, staring through the open door,
+as he rubbed his thumb and forefinger together, which was a habit of his
+when anything unusually perplexing occurred. Every door was open, a
+chair upset in the inner office, and Mr. Worse on the road to Paris with
+a hat and umbrella, Thomas after him in full career with the canvas bag.
+The cashier was sitting with the coin and notes scattered on the table
+in front of him, looking as if he had been robbed; and as old Svendsen's
+eye rested on the ruined letter, he discovered that he had a smudge of
+ink on one of his fingers. Now, it was thirty years since old Svendsen
+had had any ink on his fingers. Mr. Worse must have made a splutter with
+his pen when he snatched it so hurriedly; and as the old bookkeeper's
+eye wandered from the smudge of ink, to the frightful confusion which
+reigned in the office, and back again to the smudge, he repeated, slowly
+and majestically, the magic words which were to awake him from this
+horrible nightmare: "Tell my mother it has all come right." But matters
+grew still worse when, a short time afterwards, he presented himself
+before Mrs. Worse in the back room; for scarcely had he pronounced the
+fatal words, "It has all come right!" than Mrs. Worse flew at him and
+kissed him right on his lips.</P>
+
+<P>This kiss, in connection with the smudge of ink, made this day a
+memorable one for old Svendsen, and he used to reckon from it as an
+epoch which he could never forget.</P>
+
+<P>The same post brought, among other things, a note for Morten Garman. He
+opened it, smiled in a singular manner, and sent it upstairs to his
+wife. Fanny took the two enclosed cards, on one of which was written the
+name of a lady, which she recognized as belonging to a wealthy family in
+Christiania, and on the other was the name of George Delphin.</P>
+
+<P>She stood before the looking-glass with his card in her hand, observing
+narrowly the expression on her face, while the genuine sorrow she had
+hitherto felt, now turned to mortification and bitterness. There was
+scarce a shadow to be seen on her brow while these sensations passed
+through her heart. She had accustomed herself to these exercises before
+the glass; this was a grand rehearsal, and she bore it bravely. Only the
+delicate wrinkles round her eyes quivered slightly; but when she smiled
+again they made her as charming as ever. No emotion should spoil her
+beauty; and while these six years of pain and sorrow seemed again to
+burst forth, she stood as lovely and undisturbed as ever, without losing
+anything of her self-command.</P>
+
+<P>At this moment the doctor entered the room.</P>
+
+<P>"Have you spoken to my husband, doctor?"</P>
+
+<P>"No, Mrs. Garman. Is there anything the matter with him?"</P>
+
+<P>"Has he anything the matter with him! I am really surprised that you
+should ask such a question," replied Fanny, sharply. "Can you not see
+that he is weary--overworked? He must go to Carlsbad this year, or his
+health will suffer severely."</P>
+
+<P>"Oh yes!" said the doctor, good-humouredly, "it might perhaps have a
+good effect; but you know yourself that his answer always is that he has
+no time, and so--"</P>
+
+<P>"Bah!" answered Fanny; "as if a doctor ought to listen to rubbish of
+that sort!"</P>
+
+<P>The doctor went off straight to the office, and succeeded in frightening
+Morten to such a degree that the journey was arranged for the next week.</P>
+
+<P>Jacob Worse's "disappearance," as it was called, caused a great
+sensation, and the astonishment did not diminish when a telegram
+arrived, announcing his engagement to Rachel Garman. At the same time he
+begged Morten to arrange everything for the wedding, as they intended to
+be married shortly after their return home.</P>
+
+<P>Morten, after consulting his wife, answered that the doctor had ordered
+him off to Carlsbad at once; but he proposed to meet them both in
+Copenhagen, where the wedding might take place. He received an answer
+assenting to his proposal, and the day was fixed. Although he had not
+been consulted, Morten was much pleased with the match.</P>
+
+<P>During the last six years, he had often thought upon the advice his
+father had given him before his death, when he had advised him to take
+Jacob Worse into partnership. Morten had never mentioned the idea to any
+one. He could not reconcile himself to such a humiliation. Now the
+opportunity came of itself, and at a most fortunate time, when he was on
+the point of starting for abroad. Worse would, therefore, be able to get
+an insight into everything during his absence, and there were some weak
+places in the business which were causing Morten much uneasiness.
+Matters of this nature are more easily got over when they can be
+explained by letter.</P>
+
+<P>The wedding thus took place in Copenhagen. Gabriel was present at the
+ceremony. He had been for some time in an office in England, whither
+they had telegraphed to him from Paris, and he joined them at Cologne.
+It was already more than half settled, that Gabriel should take Rachel's
+place with Barnett Brothers in Paris, a prospect at which he was quite
+overjoyed.</P>
+
+<P>The wedding-breakfast was served at the H&ocirc;tel d'Angleterre, in one of
+the large <i>salons</i> looking out on the Kongen's Nytorv. Every one was in
+the highest spirits, and Morten made a speech in which he remarked, that
+Garman and Worse would now again become a reality.</P>
+
+<P>"And my old enemy Aalbom?" asked Gabriel at dessert.</P>
+
+<P>"Oh, he is the same as ever," answered Morten. "The other day he made a
+virulent speech somewhere about the Garman dynasty. He is terribly
+bitter since we have ceased inviting him to Sandsgaard."</P>
+
+<P>"Poor Aalbom!" said Gabriel, thoughtfully. He was so happy himself, and
+in such a forgiving mood, that he sat down at a table by the window, and
+began sketching, with the greatest care and attention, the equestrian
+statue on the Kongen's Nytorv. The sketch was intended as a present for
+Mr. Aalbom.</P>
+
+<P>A few days after each went to his own place; Morten and Fanny to
+Carlsbad, Gabriel to England to arrange his change of quarters, and the
+newly married couple home to Norway.</P>
+
+<P>On the quay where the steamers landed their passengers was to be seen a
+shining new carriage, with a new coachman and a new pair of horses. In
+the carriage sat Mrs. Worse, wearing a new silk mantle and a new bonnet.
+She had telegraphed for the whole set-out to Worse's agent in
+Copenhagen, with whom the money had for some time been lying ready.</P>
+
+<P>On the box of the carriage, huddled up in a heap, sat Mr. Samuelsen.
+Mrs. Worse's efforts to make him take his place by her side had been
+unavailing; he thought it was quite bad enough as it was.</P>
+
+<P>A group of small boys were naturally standing round the carriage, partly
+to see the horses, and partly to have a good look at the dreaded Pitter
+Nilken. Suddenly one of the young rascals took it into his head to
+repeat the well-known irritating verse--not exactly singing out loud,
+but only barely moving his lips. The idea was soon caught up by his
+comrades, and wherever the unhappy Mr. Samuelsen turned his head he
+could read the couplet on the busy lips, and follow the song--</P>
+
+<P><SPAN class=verse1>"Little Pitter Nilken,</span><br>
+<SPAN class=verse1>Sitting on his chair"--</span></P>
+
+<P>It was enough to drive one mad.</P>
+
+<P><SPAN class=verse1>"He's always growing smaller</span><br>
+<SPAN class=verse1>The longer he sits there."</span></P>
+
+<P>The newly married couple got in, and the carriage rolled off through the
+town. Mrs. Worse laughed boisterously with tears in her eyes the whole
+way; she kept bowing in all directions, and her face was radiant with
+smiles. As they turned into the yard, the new bonnet had slipped so far
+over to one side that it fell off when the carriage stopped at the door;
+and as the worthy Mr. Samuelsen jumped down, in his great anxiety to
+help the ladies to alight, he came with both feet right on top of the
+bonnet, notwithstanding that he had seen the danger when he was making
+his spring.</P>
+
+<P>It was quite a business to get Mrs. Worse "balanced" upstairs, she
+laughed so immoderately. They all laughed; the coachman laughed; the
+maids laughed; the newly married couple laughed; every one laughed
+except the unfortunate Mr. Samuelsen, who followed the others upstairs,
+carrying, with averted eyes, his mistress's bonnet by one string, and
+dragging the other after him up the staircase. The lovely new bonnet,
+which was scarcely recognizable as a bonnet any longer!</P>
+
+<P>They had dinner in the young people's apartments, where Mrs. Worse did
+the fine lady to her own intense satisfaction, and persisted in talking
+something which she called French. In the evening, when Rachel and her
+husband returned from a visit from Sandsgaard, the whole party moved
+over to Mrs. Worse's room at the back of the house.</P>
+
+<P>And there, there was laughing, story-telling, drinking of healths, and
+rejoicing, until Pitter Nilken was quite overcome, and offered of his
+own accord to sing "The Knife-Grinder's Courtship"--a song which had
+been a great favourite in the days of his youth. He sang amidst rounds
+of applause, in a curious thin voice, which sounded as if he had all at
+once recovered his boy's treble, and which was high, squeaky, and
+cracked. He, however, rendered the air with a great deal of feeling, and
+his eye rested on Mrs. Worse as he sang--</P>
+
+<P><SPAN class=verse1>"Maiden, oh list! With those sweet winning glances,</span><br>
+<SPAN class=verse1>Thy looks nought but goodness and kindness betide!</span><br>
+<SPAN class=verse1>Oh, couldst thou but smile on my timid advances!</span><br>
+<SPAN class=verse1>Say, wilt thou be thine own knife-grinder's bride?"</span></P>
+
+<P>Mrs. Worse beat time with her knitting as she joined in the chorus--</P>
+
+
+<P><SPAN class=verse1>"Whirr! whirr! </span><br>
+<SPAN class=verse1>Blithely we go. Never say no!</span><br>
+<SPAN class=verse1>My foot's on the treadle,</span><br>
+<SPAN class=verse1>which rocks to and fro!"</span></P>
+<P>
+</P><P></P><HR>
+
+
+<h4>CHAPTER XXVI.</h4><A NAME="XXVI"></A>
+
+<P>
+In the bright sunshine the yellow sand, dotted here and there with
+patches of bent grass, stretched away to the northward as far as the eye
+could reach. The coast-line, with its succession of bays and
+promontories, was here and there enlivened by a cluster of boats, or a
+flock of gulls, or wild geese, busily at work on the shore, while the
+sea came curling in with its small crested ripples, which sparkled in
+the clear sunshine. Over the heather-covered heights, which rolled away
+far inland, came a carriage, in which were sitting a lady and a
+gentleman. They had left the post-road, and were making their way along
+the narrow sandy track which led down towards the village of Bratvold.</P>
+
+<P>It had been much against Madeleine's wish, but as her husband happened
+to hear from the coachman, that the <i>d&eacute;tour</i> only made a difference of
+about an hour, the order was given to drive down to Bratvold, where they
+would be able to rest for a little time on the road.</P>
+
+<P>The pastor and his wife were on their way westward, on a visit to the
+new living, although they would not come into actual residence till
+August. They wished to take a house, and visit their relations and old
+acquaintances in the town. Pleased as Madeleine was at the prospect of
+again seeing her father, she was still far from glad when she heard that
+her husband was endeavouring to obtain the living. He did so, however,
+in accordance with the express wish of Bishop Sparre, and it was
+moreover looked upon as a great piece of advancement. Madeleine had, as
+usual, made but little opposition to the project. Pastor Martens had at
+length succeeded in educating her into a wife after his own heart.</P>
+
+<P>As she sat there, somewhat crowded in one corner of the carriage, for
+her husband had grown rather stout with the lapse of time, she resembled
+but little that Madeleine whose home had once been among the
+surroundings they were now approaching. She was not ill, but her look
+suggested weariness--great weariness. In a large country rectory there
+is much work to be done, and three children are pretty well to begin
+with.</P>
+
+<P>For the first few years she was almost in a state of despair, and
+several times her old violent temper broke out. But her husband had his
+own particular method of dealing with her. He never lost his temper, and
+the more Madeleine flared up, the more gentle his answers became, as
+with a quiet smile he gently placed his hand upon her shoulder.</P>
+
+<P>But when Madeleine began to calm down, he would speak to her in an
+admonishing tone, and by degrees he succeeded wonderfully in getting her
+into the groove he desired, until at last she got accustomed to the
+method.</P>
+
+<P>Pastor Martens's genial and open countenance did not look its best that
+day. He had, to tell the truth, been dreadfully sea-sick, and so for
+that reason they had left the steamer, preferring to travel the last
+part of the journey by land. His sleek face wore a decidedly green hue,
+and he made a grimace ever and anon, as he looked out of the carriage
+window towards the element they had quitted.</P>
+
+<P>He was, however, a fortunate man, and he was thankful for it. Madeleine
+had improved beyond all expectation under his hands. Her violent temper
+now seldom appeared, and if it did, he was perfectly certain of his
+method of dealing with it. Many a time he remembered with thankfulness
+his dear Bishop Sparre, from whom he had learnt so much, and whose
+fatherly kindness seemed to follow him wherever he went.</P>
+
+<P>The nearer they approached the sea-shore, the broader grew the dark-blue
+line out to the westward, where the sea lay glittering in the sunshine.
+Madeleine gazed and gazed, and thoughts of the past came surging up in
+her heart.</P>
+
+<P>The plovers had their young, and followed after the carriage, swooping
+down in front of the horses with their well-known cry. Larks in hundreds
+filled the air with their joyous warble, which went straight to her
+heart, and the breeze began to waft to her the fresh salt flavour of the
+sea. There was something in it of seaweed, something of fish, but all
+was so wonderfully rich in recollection. Madeleine leant towards the
+breeze and drew in a deep breath; it seemed like a greeting from the sea
+she knew so well, and which recognized her in return; it was a
+reminiscence of her short day of love and happiness. She longed to fill
+her lungs with the pure fresh sea air, so that it might purify all the
+dark and dusty corners in her fettered soul. All the time she had been
+away from Bratvold a taint of impurity seemed to have rested on her; and
+now that she found herself once again face to face with the ocean, she
+seemed almost ashamed thus to return. Oh that she were lying out there
+in its cool depths, with the fresh salt billows dashing over her!</P>
+
+<P>The carriage now approached the top of the last hill, and the village of
+Bratvold, with its lighthouse, burst upon her view. She hid her face in
+her hands and groaned aloud.</P>
+
+<P>It was probable that her husband had not noticed this sudden outburst.
+He had kept his eyes turned to the landward side, for he did not yet
+feel sufficiently strong to bear the sight of the waves as they came
+rolling in.</P>
+
+<P>"Where shall we put up?" asked the driver. "Per Bratvold's is the best
+house, but there are several others that will do well enough."</P>
+
+<P>"Let us go to Per's," said the clergyman.</P>
+
+<P>For a long time Madeleine had not been certain whether Martens knew of
+her adventure with Per; but after a short time of married life, she
+found that a story does not travel very far, without reaching the
+clergyman, and without looking up she felt that his eye was resting upon
+her, with the smile with which he used to bend her to his will.</P>
+
+<P>Per was in the peat-shed when they drove up, and saw her as he peeped
+through a chink in the boards. The moment he did so, he involuntarily
+took the quid of tobacco out of his mouth and threw it from him. After
+waiting a long time, he had begun again to chew tobacco, and after a
+still longer time he had married. It was thus Per's wife who, with
+numberless excuses, conducted the clergyman and his lady into the best
+room. She repeated that it was not what such people were accustomed to.
+While she went out to find Per, and introduce him to the strangers, the
+pastor went round the room examining the curiosities it contained.
+Madeleine sat gazing out of the window. The sight of Per's wife, looking
+so fresh and happy, had pained her--she knew not why.</P>
+
+<P>"Look here, Lena!" he cried, every time he found something of interest.</P>
+
+<P>Lena was a name of his own invention, and which he had given her in
+spite of all her entreaties. Lena sounded so homely, and was well suited
+to a clergyman's wife; while Madeleine had a foreign, French ring, which
+was quite out of place in a rectory.</P>
+
+<P>In the room were several things worthy of his attention. In the first
+place there were two pictures, representing Vesuvius by day, and
+Vesuvius by night; then came a drawing of a coasting vessel called <i>The
+Three Sisters of Farsund</i>; then Frederick VII. with his red uniform and
+hook nose; and over the bed, which was heaped up with eider-downs as
+high as one's head, hung a huge horn of plenty, made of white cardboard,
+and on which was the motto, in gilt paper letters, "Be fruitful and
+multiply," which had been given them as a wedding-present. On one end of
+the chest of drawers stood a yellow canary on a red pear, and on the
+other end a red bullfinch on a yellow pear. The floor was dazzlingly
+clean and neatly sanded. The window-panes were small, and the glass of
+different tints; while over one of the windows was nailed a board, on
+which was painted in gold letters the words "<i>L'Esp&eacute;rance</i>," which was
+the name of the vessel to which it had belonged. At length Per came in.
+He held out his hand first to the pastor and then to Madeleine, and
+said, "How do you do?" to both. As Madeleine touched the hard and
+powerful hand, she involuntarily drew back her own, and turned away
+without pronouncing the usual greeting. The words seemed to stick in her
+throat.</P>
+
+<P>At that moment Per's wife entered and asked him in a whisper to cut her
+a few chips to make the peat fire burn more quickly, as she wished to
+prepare some coffee. Per went out of the room, and the pastor followed
+the prosperous little peasant woman to inspect the house.</P>
+
+<P>Madeleine took a few steps to and fro in the room, and then went to the
+door. As she stood on the stone steps under the porch, she could see
+down into the little harbour, and her eye could follow the path which
+led across the flat meadow, and up across the steep slope as far as the
+lighthouse. There lay her old home, with its solid stone walls, and the
+lantern with its red-painted cover. She turned away: the sight was more
+than she could bear. Her ear now caught the sound of Per chopping the
+wood in the peat-shed, and almost without knowing what she did, she
+found herself in the shed, standing by his side. He ceased for a moment
+from his work, raised himself up, and looked beyond her over the sea.
+Per wore a stiff sailor's beard, and his face had grown older and
+coarser with the lapse of time, but still every feature was familiar to
+her. Madeleine made a step towards him and endeavoured to take his hand.
+In this she was unsuccessful, for he drew it away from her. She could no
+longer command her feelings, and, throwing her arms round his neck, she
+laid her head on his breast.</P>
+
+<P>Delphin's remark was perfectly true about the mixture of fish, tobacco,
+and damp woollen clothing; but she felt that this was her place, and
+here she ought to rest. At that moment, too, she perceived why the pang
+had passed through her heart when she met Per's wife. She envied her
+everything. Husband, home, even her very existence,--all belonged to
+her. Here was her place, and here the man she loved and understood. Oh,
+how all her so-called friends had mocked and deceived her! What a life
+was hers!--a life which consisted only in being the wife of a man she
+did not love, in keeping his house, and bearing his children, surrounded
+on every side by an unwholesome atmosphere of form, ceremony, and
+selfishness.</P>
+
+<P>Closer and closer she clung to the broad breast whereon she lay, and
+that heart, so well drilled and confined, ran over in one supreme moment
+of mingled happiness and anguish, while the recollections of her
+youthful love passed through her sobbing heart.</P>
+
+<P>"It was not my fault--it was not my fault!" she repeated plaintively,
+like a child who has had the misfortune to break something.</P>
+
+<P>He lifted his hard heavy hand, and laying it on her head, passed it
+gently over her hair. Now he understood it all, but not a word passed
+his lips.</P>
+
+<P>"Lena, Lena!" cried the pastor from the door, "you must come and see
+what I have found. Here are twins. Lena, Lena! where are you? Make
+haste! What a good wife! Just think, twins the first time!"</P>
+
+<P>It was not easy to tell what Per's thoughts were as he stood again alone
+looking over the sea. Thus had the billows rolled to and fro in storm
+and sunshine, whilst he had waited and waited. And this was what he had
+waited for! He drew a long breath, and his face seemed to grow clearer
+again as he slowly nodded his head several times towards the ocean.</P>
+
+<P>Per's wife made many apologies, as is but right and proper on such
+occasions, for the repast, which, however, consisted of coffee, with
+cream and sugar, bread and butter and cakes, and lastly a dish of small
+lobsters. She insisted that it was a shame to offer such small lobsters
+to her guests. It was a pity they had not some larger ones.</P>
+
+<P>But now it was just one of the pastor's favourite theories, and which he
+always defended with much energy and conviction, namely, that small
+lobsters are really better and more delicate than large ones. He was,
+therefore, in the best of humours, and made several innocent jokes with
+the friendly peasant woman.</P>
+
+<P>Per now came in and begged they would begin their meal, as everything
+was ready. He then sat down by the side of the fireplace, with his
+elbows resting on his knees.</P>
+
+<P>The sun shone so brightly through the small window-panes, the room was
+so clean and comfortable, the table-cloth so white, the cream so yellow,
+and the small lobsters so red and appetizing, that the pastor felt
+constrained to improve the occasion.</P>
+
+<P>He chose as his text a fact which he had heard from the woman, namely,
+that Per had built the house entirely of the wreckage of a French brig,
+which had been stranded on the coast a little way to the northward. This
+was the vessel to which the board over the window had belonged.</P>
+
+<P>The pastor dwelt on the uncertainty of human affairs, how often we are
+disappointed, but how there is a leading thread which seems to run
+through our existence.</P>
+
+<P>"And look," said he, "on that proud ship, fitted out in the sunny land
+of France, and bearing a name which points to hope and expectation; for
+<i>L'Esp&eacute;rance</i>, my friends, signifies hope, only to be lost on our
+desolate coast. So it is with us mortals. How many a vain hope sails out
+with flag and banner, only to be miserably wrecked in the storms of
+life! But observe! that which has been dashed to pieces by the tempest,
+has been refashioned by humble hands into a new dwelling-place. Thus
+does life spring from death, comfort from desolation, and happiness from
+shattered hopes, and thus our whole career may be but a patchwork of
+mere wreckage!"</P>
+
+<P>It was with the last remains of her old impetuosity that Madeleine
+repeated the words, "Thus live we all!"</P>
+
+<P>At this moment Per got up and went out. His wife could not understand
+why his behaviour was so unseemly.</P>
+
+<P>Pastor Martens saw it all; but explanations, if any were necessary,
+might follow later on. It was not worth while to spoil the delightful
+meal. He handed his wife the cream, as, with a friendly smile, he placed
+his hand upon her shoulder.</P>
+
+<P>He then set to work on his small lobsters, which he found excellent.</P>
+
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<hr class="full" noshade>
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+The Project Gutenberg eBook, Garman and Worse, by Alexander Lange
+Kielland, Translated by W. W. Kettlewell
+
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+
+
+
+Title: Garman and Worse
+       A Norwegian Novel
+
+
+Author: Alexander Lange Kielland
+
+Release Date: May 19, 2005  [eBook #15864]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
+
+
+***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK GARMAN AND WORSE***
+
+
+E-text prepared by Clare Boothby, Jim Wiborg, and the Project Gutenberg
+Online Distributed Proofreading Team
+
+
+
+GARMAN AND WORSE
+
+A Norwegian Novel
+
+by
+
+ALEXANDER L. KIELLAND
+
+Authorized Translation by W. W. Kettlewell
+
+London, Kegan Paul, Trench & Co., 1, Paternoster Square
+Printed by William Clows and Sons, Limited, London and Beccles.
+
+1885
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+Nothing is so boundless as the sea, nothing so patient. On its broad
+back it bears, like a good-natured elephant, the tiny mannikins which
+tread the earth; and in its vast cool depths it has place for all mortal
+woes. It is not true that the sea is faithless, for it has never
+promised anything; without claim, without obligation, free, pure, and
+genuine beats the mighty heart, the last sound one in an ailing world.
+And while the mannikins strain their eyes over it, the sea sings its old
+song. Many understand it scarce at all, but never two understand it in
+the same manner, for the sea has a distinct word for each one that sets
+himself face to face with it.
+
+It smiles with green shining ripples to the barelegged urchin who
+catches crabs; it breaks in blue billows against the ship, and sends the
+fresh salt spray far in over the deck. Heavy leaden seas come rolling in
+on the beach, and while the weary eye follows the long hoary breakers,
+the stripes of foam wash up in sparkling curves over the even sand; and
+in the hollow sound, when the billows roll over for the last time, there
+is something of a hidden understanding--each thinks on his own life, and
+bows his head towards the ocean as if it were a friend who knows it all
+and keeps it fast.
+
+But what the sea is for those who live along its strand none can ever
+know, for they say nothing. They live all their life with face turned to
+the ocean; the sea is their companion, their adviser, their friend and
+their enemy, their inheritance and their churchyard. The relation
+therefore remains a silent one, and the look which gazes over the sea
+changes with its varying aspect, now comforting, now half fearful and
+defiant. But take one of these shore-dwellers, and move him far landward
+among the mountains, into the loveliest valley you can find; give him
+the best food, and the softest bed. He will not touch your food, or
+sleep in your bed, but without turning his head he will clamber from
+hill to hill, until far off his eye catches something blue he knows, and
+with swelling heart he gazes towards the little azure streak that shines
+far away, until it grows into a blue glittering horizon; but he says
+nothing.
+
+People in the town often said to Richard Garman, "How can you endure
+that lonely life out there in your lighthouse?" The old gentleman always
+answered, "Well, you see, one never feels lonely by the sea when once
+one has made its acquaintance; and besides, I have my little Madeleine."
+
+And that was the feeling of his heart. The ten years he had passed out
+there on the lonely coast were among the best of his life, and that life
+had been wild and adventurous enough; so, whether he was now weary of
+the world, or whether it was his little daughter, or whether it was the
+sea that attracted him, or whether it was something of all three, he had
+quieted down, and never once thought of leaving the lighthouse of
+Bratvold. This was what no one could have credited; and when it was
+rumoured that Richard Garman, the _attache_, a son of the first
+commercial family of the town, was seeking the simple post of
+lighthouse-keeper, most people were inclined to laugh heartily at this
+new fancy of "the mad student." "The mad student" was a nickname in the
+town for Richard Garman, which was doubtless well earned; for although
+he had been but little at home since he had grown to manhood, enough was
+known of his wild and pleasure-seeking career to make folks regard him
+with silent wonder.
+
+To add to this, too, the visits he paid to his home were generally
+coincident with some remarkable event or another. Thus it was when, as a
+young student, he was present at his mother's funeral; and even more so
+when he came at a break-neck pace from Paris to the death-bed of the old
+Consul, in a costume and with an air which took away the breath of the
+ladies, and caused confusion among the men. Since then Richard had been
+but little seen. Rumour, however, was busy with him. At one time some
+commercial traveller had seen him at Zinck's Hotel at Hamburg; now he
+was living in a palace; and now the story was that he was existing in
+the docks, and writing sailors' letters for a glass of beer.
+
+One fine day Garman and Worse's heavy state carriage was seen on its way
+to the quay. Inside sat the head of the firm, Consul C.F. Garman, and
+his daughter Rachel, while little Gabriel, his younger son, was sitting
+by the side of the coachman. An unbearable curiosity agitated the groups
+on the quay.
+
+The state carriage was seldom to be seen in the town, and now at this
+very moment the Hamburg steamer was expected. At length an _employe_ of
+the firm came to the carriage window, and, after a few irrelevant
+remarks, ventured to ask who was coming.
+
+"I am expecting my brother the _attache_, and his daughter," answered
+Consul Garman, while with a movement peculiar to himself he adjusted his
+smoothly shaven chin in his stiff neckcloth.
+
+This information increased the excitement. Richard Garman was coming,
+"the mad student," "the _attache_" as he was sometimes called; and with
+a daughter, too! But how could they belong to each other? Could he ever
+have been really married? It was hardly likely.
+
+The steamer came. Consul Garman went on board, and returned shortly
+after with his brother and a little dark-haired girl, who doubtless was
+the daughter.
+
+Richard Garman was soon recognized, although he had grown somewhat
+stouter: but the upright, elegant bearing and the striking black
+moustache were still the same; while the hair, though crisp and curling
+as in the old days, was now slightly necked with grey at the temples. He
+greeted them all with a friendly smile as he passed to the carriage, and
+there was more than one lady who felt that the glance of his bright
+brown eye rested smilingly on her for a moment.
+
+The carriage rolled off through the town, and away down the long avenue
+which led to the large family mansion of Sandsgaard.
+
+The town gossipped itself nearly crazy, but without any satisfactory
+result. The house of Garman took good care of its secrets.
+
+So much was, however, clear: that Richard Garman had dissipated the
+whole of his large fortune, or else he would never have consented to
+come home and eat the bread of charity in his brother's house.
+
+On the other hand, the relation between the brothers was, at least as
+far as appearances went, a most cordial one. The Consul gave a grand
+dinner, at which he drank his brother's health, adding at the same time
+the hope that he might find himself happy in his old home.
+
+There is nothing so irritating as a half-fulfilled scandal, and when
+Richard Garman a short time afterwards calmly received the post of
+lighthouse-keeper at Bratvold, and lived there year after year without a
+sign of doing anything worthy of remark, each one in the little town
+felt himself personally affronted, and it was a source of wonder to all
+how little the Garmans seemed to realize what they owed to society.
+
+As far as that went, Richard himself was not perfectly clear how it had
+all come about; there was something about Christian Frederick he could
+not understand. Whenever he met his brother, or even got a letter from
+him, his whole nature seemed to change; things he would otherwise never
+have thought of attempting appeared all at once quite easy, and he did
+feats which afterwards caused him the greatest astonishment. When, in a
+state of doubt and uncertainty, he wrote home for the last time, to beg
+his brother to take charge of little Madeleine, his only thought was to
+make an end of his wasted life, the sooner the better, directly his
+daughter was placed in safety. But just then he happened to get a
+remittance enclosed in an extraordinary letter, in which occurred
+several puzzling business terms. There was something about
+"liquidation," and closing up an account which required his presence,
+and in the middle of it all there were certain expressions which seemed
+to have stumbled accidentally into the commercial style. For instance,
+in one place there was "brother of my boyhood;" and further on, "with
+sincere wishes for brotherly companionship;" and finally, he read, in
+the middle of a long involved sentence, "Dear Richard, don't lose
+heart." This stirred Richard Garman into action: he made an effort, and
+set off home. When he saw his brother come on board the steamer the
+tears came to his eyes, and he was on the point of opening his arms to
+embrace him. The Consul, however, held out his hand, and said quietly,
+"Welcome, Richard! Where are your things?"
+
+Since then nothing had been said about the letter; once only had Richard
+Garman ventured to allude to it, when the Consul seemed to imagine that
+he wished to settle up the accounts that were therein mentioned. Nothing
+could have been further from the _attache's_ thoughts, and he felt that
+the bare idea was almost an injury. "Christian Frederick is a wonderful
+man," thought Richard; "and what a man of business he is!"
+
+One day Consul Garman said to his brother, "Shall we drive out to
+Bratvold, and have a look at the new lighthouse?"
+
+Richard was only too glad to go. From his earliest days he had loved the
+lonely coast, with its long stretches of dark heather and sand, and the
+vast open sea; the lighthouse also interested him greatly.
+
+When the brothers got into the carriage again to drive back to the town,
+the _attache_ said, "Do you know, Christian Frederick, I can't imagine a
+position more suitable to such a wreck as myself than that of
+lighthouse-keeper out here."
+
+"There is no reason you should not have it," answered his brother.
+
+"Nonsense! How could it be managed?" answered Richard, as he knocked the
+ashes off his cigar.
+
+"Now listen, Richard," replied the Consul, quickly. "If there is a thing
+I must find fault with you for, it is your want of self-reliance. Don't
+you suppose that, with your gifts and attainments, you could get a far
+higher post if you only chose to apply for it?"
+
+"No; but, Christian Frederick--" exclaimed the _attache_, regarding his
+brother with astonishment.
+
+"It's perfectly true," replied the Consul. "If you want the post, they
+must give it to you; and if there should be any difficulty, I feel
+pretty certain that a word from us to the authorities would soon settle
+it."
+
+The matter was thus concluded, and Richard Garman was appointed
+lighthouse-keeper at Bratvold, either because of his gifts and
+attainments or by reason of a timely word to the authorities. The very
+sameness of his existence did the old cavalier good; the few duties he
+had, he performed with the greatest diligence and exactitude.
+
+He passed most of his spare time in smoking cigarettes, and looking out
+to sea through the large telescope, which was mounted on a stand, and
+which he had got as a present from Christian Frederick. He was truly
+weary, and he could not but wonder how he had so long kept his taste for
+the irregular life he had led in foreign lands. There was one thing that
+even more excited his wonder, and that was how well he got on with his
+income. To live on a hundred a year seemed to him nothing less than a
+work of art, and yet he managed it. It must be acknowledged that he had
+a small private income, but his brother always told him it was as good
+as nothing; how much it was, and from what source it was really derived,
+he never had an idea. It is true that there came each year a current
+account from Garman and Worse, made out in the Consul's own hand, and he
+also frequently got business letters from his brother; but neither the
+one nor the other made things clearer to him. He signed his name to all
+papers which were sent to him, in what appeared the proper place.
+Sometimes he got a bill of exchange to execute, and this he did to the
+best of his ability; but everything still remained to him in the same
+state of darkness as before.
+
+One thing, however, was certain: Richard got on capitally. He kept two
+assistants for the lanterns; he had his riding horse Don Juan, and a
+cart-horse as well. His cellar was well filled with wine; and he always
+had a little ready money at hand, for which he had no immediate use.
+Thus, when any one complained to him of the bad times, he recommended
+them to come into the country; it was incredible how cheaply one could
+live there.
+
+In the ten years they had passed at Bratvold, Madeleine had grown to
+womanhood, and had thriven beyond general expectation; and when she had
+got quite at home in the language (her mother had been a Frenchwoman),
+she soon got on the best of terms with all their neighbours. She did not
+remain much in the house, but passed most of her time at the farmhouses,
+or by the sea, or the little boat haven.
+
+A whole regiment of governesses had attempted to teach Madeleine, but
+the task was a difficult one; and when the governesses were ugly her
+father could not abide them, and when one came who was pretty there were
+other objections. Richard paid frequent visits to Sandsgaard, either on
+Don Juan or in the Garmans' dogcart, which was sent to fetch him. The
+chilly, old-fashioned house, and the reserved and polished manners of
+its inmates, had made a repellant impression on Madeleine. For her
+cousin Rachel, who was only a few years her elder, she had no liking.
+She preferred, therefore, to remain at home, and her father was never
+absent for more than a few days at a time. She spent most of her time on
+the shore or in the neighbouring cottages, in the society of fishermen
+and pilots. Merry and fearless as she was, these men were glad to take
+her out in fine weather in their boats. She thus learnt to fish, to
+handle a sail, or to distinguish the different craft by their rig.
+
+Madeleine had one particular friend whose name was Per, who was three or
+four years older than herself, and who lived in the cottage nearest to
+the lighthouse. Per was tall and strongly built, with a crop of stiff,
+sandy hair, and a big hand as hard as horn from constant rowing; his
+eyes were small and keen, as is often seen among those who from their
+childhood are in the habit of peering out to sea through rain and fog.
+
+Per's father had been a widower, and Per his only child, but he managed
+to get married again, and now the family increased year after year. The
+neighbours were always urging Per to get his father to divide the
+property with him, but Per preferred to wait the turn of events. The
+longer he waited the more brothers and sisters he had to share with. His
+friends laughed at him, and somebody one day called him "Wait Per," a
+joke which caused great amusement at the time, and the nickname stuck to
+him ever afterwards. Beyond this, Per was not a lad to be laughed at; he
+was one of the most active boatmen of the community, and at the same
+time the most peaceable creature on earth. He did not trouble to
+distinguish himself, but he had a kind of natural love for work, and, as
+he was afraid of nothing, the general feeling was that Per was a lad
+that would get on.
+
+The friendship between Per and Madeleine was very cordial on both sides.
+At first some of the other young fellows tried to take her from him, but
+one day it so happened that when she was out with Per, a fresh
+north-westerly breeze sprang up. Per's boat and tackle were always of
+the best, so that there was no real danger; but nevertheless her father,
+who had seen the boat through the big telescope, came in all haste down
+to the shore, and went out on to the little pier to meet them.
+
+"There's father," said Madeleine; "I wonder if he is anxious about us?"
+
+"I think he knows better than that," said Per, thoughtfully.
+
+All the same the _attache_ could not help feeling a little uneasy as he
+stood watching the boat; but when Per with a steady hand steered her in
+through the fairway, and swung her round the point of the pier, so that
+she glided easily into the smooth water behind it, the old gentleman
+could not help being impressed by his skill. "He knows what he's about,"
+he muttered, as he helped up his daughter; and instead of the lecture he
+had prepared, he only said, "You are a smart lad, Per; but I never gave
+you permission to sail with her alone."
+
+There was no one near enough to hear the old gentleman's words, but when
+the spectators who were standing near saw that Per shook hands with both
+Madeleine and her father in a friendly manner, they could all perceive
+that Per was in the lighthouse-keeper's good books for the future, and
+from that day it was taken for granted that Per alone had the right to
+escort the young lady.
+
+Per thought over and over whom he should take with him in the boat. He
+saw well enough that the whole pleasure would be spoilt if one of his
+friends came with them. At length he hit upon a poor half-witted lad,
+who was also hard of hearing into the bargain. No one could make out
+what Per wanted with "Silly Hans" in his boat; but there! Per always was
+an obstinate fellow. Both he and Madeleine were well contented with his
+choice; and when, a few days after, she put her head in at the door, and
+called to her father, "I'm just going for a little sail with Per," she
+was able to add with a good conscience, "Of course, he has got some one
+with him, since you really make such a point of it." She could not help
+laughing to herself as she ran down the slope.
+
+Richard, in the mean time, betook himself to the big telescope. Right
+enough: Per was sitting aft, and he saw Madeleine jump down into the
+boat. On the forward thwart there sat a male creature, dressed in
+homespun, with a yellow sou'wester on its head.
+
+"_Bien!_" said the old gentleman, with a sigh of relief. "It is well
+they have got some one with them--in every respect."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+The highest point on the seven miles of flat, sandy coast was the
+headland of Bratvold, where the lighthouse was built just on the edge of
+the slope, which here fell so steeply off towards the sea as to make the
+descent difficult and almost dangerous, while in ascending it was
+necessary to take a zigzag course. The sheep, which had grazed here from
+time out of mind, had cut out a network of paths on the side of the
+hill, so that from a distance these paths seemed to form a pattern of
+curves and projections on its face.
+
+From the highest and steepest point, on which the lighthouse was built,
+the coast made a slight curve to the southward, and at the other end of
+this curve was the large farm of Bratvold, which, with its numerous and
+closely packed buildings, appeared like a small village.
+
+On the shore below the farm lay the little boat harbour, sheltered by a
+breakwater of heavy stone.
+
+The harbour was commanded by the windows of the lighthouse, so that
+Madeleine could always keep her eye on Per's boat, which was as familiar
+to her as their own sitting-room. This was a large and cheerful room,
+and into its corner was built the tower of the lighthouse itself, which
+was not higher than the rest of the building. The room had thus two
+windows, one of which looked out to sea, while from the other was a view
+to the northward over the sandy dunes, which were dotted with patches of
+heather and bent grass. In the sitting-room Madeleine's father had his
+books and writing-table, and last, but not least, the large telescope.
+This was made to turn on its stand, so that it commanded both the view
+to the north and that out to sea. Here also Madeleine had her flowers
+and her work-table; and the tasteful furniture which Uncle Garman had
+ordered from Copenhagen, and which was always a miracle of cheapness to
+her father, gave the room a bright and comfortable appearance.
+
+In the long evenings when the winter storms came driving in on the
+little lighthouse, father and daughter sat cosy and warm behind the
+shelter of their thick walls and closed shutters, while the light fell
+in regular and well-defined rays over the billows, which raged and
+foamed on the shore below. The ever-changing ocean, which washed under
+their very windows, seemed to give a freshness to their whole life,
+while its never-ceasing murmur mingled in their conversation and their
+laughter, and in her music.
+
+Madeleine had inherited much of her father's lively nature; but she had
+also a kind of impetuosity, which one of her governesses had called
+defiance. When she grew up she showed, therefore, the stronger nature of
+the two, and her father, as was his wont, gave way. He laughed at his
+little tyrant, whose great delight was to ruffle his thick curling hair.
+When, in his half-abstracted way, the old gentleman would tell her
+stones which threatened to end unpleasantly, she would scold him well;
+but when, from some cause or other, he was really displeased with her,
+it affected her so much that the impression remained for a long time.
+Her nature was bright and joyous, but she yearned for the sunshine, and
+when her father was out of spirits she could not help fancying that it
+was her fault, and became quite unhappy.
+
+Madeleine had also her father's eyes, dark and sparkling, but otherwise
+her only resemblance to him lay in her slight figure and graceful
+carriage. Her mouth was rather large, and her complexion somewhat dark.
+None could deny that she was an attractive girl, but no one would have
+called her pretty; some of the young men had even decided that she was
+plain.
+
+One fine afternoon early in spring, Per lay waiting with his boat off
+the point of the Mole. Silly Hans was not with him, for both he and
+Madeleine had agreed that it was not necessary when they were going only
+for a row; and to-day all there was to do was to provide the
+lobster-pots with fresh bait for the night.
+
+One after another the fishermen rowed out through the narrow entrance.
+Each one had some mischievous joke to throw on board Per's boat, and
+more than once the annoying "Wait" was heard. He began to lose his
+temper as he lay on his oars, gazing expectantly up at the lighthouse.
+
+But there all was still. The solid little building looked so quiet and
+well cared for in the bright sunshine, which shone on the polished
+window-panes and on the bright red top of the lantern, where he could
+see the lamp-trimmer going round on his little gallery, polishing the
+prisms.
+
+At last, after what seemed endless waiting, she came out on to the
+steps, and in another moment she was across the yard, over the enclosure
+which belonged to the lighthouse, out through the little gate in the
+fence, and now she came in full career down the slope. "Have you been
+waiting?" she cried, as she came on to the extreme point of the
+breakwater. He was just going to tell her not to jump, but it was too
+late; without lessening her speed, she had already sprung from the pier
+down into the boat. Her feet slipped from her, and she fell in a sitting
+posture on the bottom of the boat, while part of her dress hung in the
+water.
+
+"Bother the women!" cried Per, who had told her at least a hundred times
+not to jump; "now you have hurt yourself."
+
+"No," answered she.
+
+"Yes, you have."
+
+"Well, just a little," she replied, looking stubbornly at him as the
+tears came into her eyes; for she really had bruised her leg severely.
+
+"Let me see," said Per.
+
+"No, you shan't!" she answered, arranging her dress over her.
+
+Per began to make for the shore.
+
+"What are you going to do?"
+
+"Going to get some brandy to rub your foot."
+
+"That you certainly shan't."
+
+"Well, then, you shan't go with me," answered Per.
+
+"Very well, then; let me get out."
+
+And before the boat quite touched the ground, she sprang on to the
+shore, climbed on to the breakwater, and went hurriedly off homewards.
+She clenched her teeth with the pain as she went, but still without
+raising her eyes from the ground she followed the well-known path. As
+she passed in front of the boat-houses, she had to step over oars,
+tar-barrels, old swabs, and all sorts of rubbish, which was scattered
+among the boats. All around lay the claws of crabs and the half-decayed
+heads of codfish, in which the gorged and sleepy flies were crawling in
+and out of the eye-sockets.
+
+She reached the lighthouse without turning her head; she was determined
+not to look back at him. At the top, however, she was obliged to pause
+to get her breath; she surely might look and see how far he got.
+Madeleine knew that the other fishermen had had a long start, and
+expected, therefore, to find Per's boat far behind, between the others
+and the shore. But it was not to be seen, neither there nor in the
+harbour. All at once her eye caught the well-known craft, which was not,
+however, far behind, but almost level with the others. Per must have
+rowed like a madman. She was well able to estimate the distance, and
+could appreciate such a feat of oarsmanship, and, entirely forgetting
+her pain and that she was alone, she turned round as if to a crowd of
+spectators, and pointing at the boats she said, with sparkling eyes,
+"Look at him! that's the boy to row!"
+
+Meanwhile Per sat in his boat, tearing at his oars till all cracked
+again. It was as though he wished to punish himself by his gigantic
+efforts. Her form grew smaller and smaller as he rowed out to sea, till
+at length she was out of sight; but he had deserved it all. "Deuce take
+the women!" and each time he repeated the words he sprang to his oars
+and rowed as if for bare life.
+
+The next day the same lovely weather continued, and the sea lay as
+smooth as oil in the bright sunshine. An English lobster-cutter was in
+the offing, with sails flapping against the mast, and the slack in the
+taut rigging could be seen as the craft heaved lazily to and fro on the
+gentle swell. Madeleine sat by the window; she did not care to go out.
+Her eye followed the lobster-cutter, which she knew well: it was the
+_Flying Fish_, Captain Crab, of Hull.
+
+So Per must have been out with lobsters that morning: she wondered if he
+had caught many. Perhaps he might have done himself harm by his efforts
+of yesterday. She went out on to the slope, and looked down into the
+harbour. Per's boat was there; it was quite likely he was not well.
+
+Suddenly Madeleine made up her mind to run down and ask a man whom she
+saw by the boat-houses, but half-way down the slope she met some one who
+was coming upwards. She could not possibly have seen him sooner, because
+he was below her at the steepest part of the hill, but now she
+recognized him, and slackened her pace.
+
+Per must also have seen her, although he was looking down, for at a few
+paces from her he left the main path, and took one that was a little
+lower. When therefore they were alongside each other, she was a little
+above him. Per had a basket on his back, and Madeleine could see there
+was seaweed in it.
+
+Neither of them spoke, but both of them felt as if they were half
+choking. When he had got a pace beyond her, she turned round and asked,
+"What have you got in the basket, Per?"
+
+"A lobster," answered he, as he swung the basket off his back and put it
+down upon the path.
+
+"Let me see it," said Madeleine.
+
+He hastily drew aside the seaweed, and took out a gigantic lobster,
+which was flapping its broad, scaly tail.
+
+"That is a splendid great lobster!" she cried.
+
+"Yes, it isn't a bad un!"
+
+"What are you going to do with it?"
+
+"Ask your father if he would like to have it."
+
+"What do you want for it?" she asked, although she knew perfectly well
+that it was a present.
+
+"Nothing," answered Per, curtly.
+
+"That is good of you, Per."
+
+"Oh, it's nothing," he answered, as he laid the seaweed back in the
+basket; and now, when the moment came to say good-bye, he said, "How's
+your foot?"
+
+"Thanks, all right. I got the brandy."
+
+"Did it hurt much?" asked Per.
+
+"No, not very much."
+
+"I am glad you did that," he said, as he ventured to lift his eyes to
+the level of her chin.
+
+Now they really must separate, for there was nothing more to be said,
+but Madeleine could not help thinking that Per was a helpless creature.
+
+"Good-bye, Per."
+
+"Good-bye," he answered, and both took a few steps apart.
+
+"Per, where are you going when you have been up with the lobster?"
+
+"Nowhere particular," answered Per.
+
+He really was too stupid, but all the same she turned round and called
+after him, "I am going to the sand-hills on the other side of the
+lighthouse, the weather is so lovely;" and away she ran.
+
+"All right," answered Per, springing like a cat up the slope.
+
+As he ran he threw away the seaweed so as to have the lobster ready, and
+when he got to the kitchen door he flung the monster down on the bench,
+and cried, "This is for you!" as he disappeared. The maid had recognized
+his voice, and ran after him to order fresh fish for Friday, but he was
+already far away. She gazed after him in amazement, and muttered, "I
+declare, I think Per is wrong in his head."
+
+Northward stretched the yellow sand-hills with their tussocks of bent
+grass as far as the eye could reach. The coast-line curved in bights and
+promontories, with here and there a cluster of boats, while the gulls
+and wild geese were busy on the shore, and the waves rolled in in small
+curling ripples which glistened in the' clear sunshine. Per soon caught
+up Madeleine, for she went slowly that day. She had pulled a few young
+stalks of the grass, which, as she went, she was endeavouring to arrange
+in her hat.
+
+The difference of the preceding day hung heavily over both of them. It
+was really the first time that anything of the sort had occurred between
+them. Perhaps it was that they felt instinctively that they stood on the
+brink of a precipice. They therefore took the greatest pains to avoid
+the subject which really occupied their thoughts. The conversation was
+thus carried on in a careless and desultory tone, and in short and
+broken sentences. At last she made an effort to bring him to the point,
+and asked him if he had caught many lobsters that night.
+
+"Twenty-seven," answered Per.
+
+That was neither many nor few, so there was no more to be said about
+that.
+
+"You did row hard yesterday," said she, looking down, for now she felt
+that they were nearing the point.
+
+"It was because--because I was alone in the boat," returned he,
+stammering. He saw at once that it was a stupid remark, but it was said
+and could not be mended.
+
+"Perhaps you prefer to be alone in the boat?" she asked hastily, fixing
+her eyes upon him. But when she saw the long helpless creature standing
+before her in such a miserable state of confusion, strong and handsome
+as he was, she sprang up, threw her arms round his neck, and said, half
+laughing, half crying, "Oh, Per! Per!"
+
+Per had not the faintest idea how he ought to behave when a lady had her
+arms round his neck, and so stood perfectly still. He looked down upon
+her long dark hair and slender figure, and, trembling at his own
+audacity, he put his heavy arm limply round her.
+
+They were now out on the dunes, and she sat down behind one of the
+largest tussocks, on the warm sand. He ventured to place himself by her
+side, and looked vacantly around him. Every now and then he cast his eye
+upon her, but still doubtfully. It was clear that he did not grasp the
+situation, and at length he appeared to her so absurd that she sprang
+up, and cried, "Come, Per, let's have a run!"
+
+Away they went, now running, now at a foot's pace. His heavy sea-boots
+made a broad impression upon the sand, and the mark of her shoe looked
+so tiny by the side of it that they could not help turning round and
+laughing. They jested and laughed as if they knew not that they were no
+longer children, and she made Per promise to give up chewing tobacco.
+
+Away along the curving shore, with the salt breath of ocean fresh upon
+them, went these young hearts, rejoicing in their existence, while the
+sea danced in sparkling wavelets at their feet.
+
+The _attache_ had just finished a letter to his brother; it was one of
+these wearisome business letters, enclosing some papers he had had to
+sign. He never could make out where the proper place was for him to put
+his name on these tiresome, long-winded documents. But, wonderful to
+relate, his brother always told him that it was perfectly correct, and
+Christian Frederick was most particular in such matters. The old
+gentleman had just sent off the letter, and was beginning to breathe
+more easily, when he went to the window and looked out. He discovered
+two forms going in a northerly direction over the sand-hills.
+
+Half abstractedly, he went to the other window and directed the large
+telestope upon them.
+
+"Humph!" said he, "I declare, they're there again."
+
+Suddenly he took his eye from the telescope.
+
+"Hulloa! the girl must be mad."
+
+He put his eye down again to the telescope, and threw away his
+cigarette. There was no doubt about it--there was his own Madeleine
+hanging round Per's neck. He rubbed the glass excitedly with his
+pocket-handkerchief. They were now going respectably enough side by
+side; now they were among the grassy knolls, and behind one of them they
+disappeared from his sight. He thoughtfully directed the telescope to
+the other side of the hillock and waited. "What now?" muttered he,
+giving the glass another rub. They had not yet come from behind the
+hillock. For a few minutes the father was quite nervous. At last he saw
+one form raise itself, and immediately after another.
+
+The telescope was perfect, and the old gentleman took in the situation
+just as well as if he had himself been sitting by their side.
+
+"Ah! it's well it's no worse," he murmured; "but it's bad enough as it
+is. I shall have to send her off to the town."
+
+When they were at dinner, he said, "You know, Madeleine, we have long
+been talking about your staying a little while at Sandsgaard."
+
+"Oh no, father," broke in Madeleine, looking beseechingly at him.
+
+"Yes, child; it's quite time now in my opinion." He spoke in an
+unusually determined tone.
+
+Madeleine could see that he knew everything, and all at once the events
+of the morning stood in their true light before her. As she sat there,
+in their well-appointed room, opposite her father, who looked so refined
+and stately, Per and the shore, and everything that belonged to it, bore
+quite a different aspect, and instead of the joyful confession she had
+pictured to herself as she went homewards, she looked down in confusion
+and blushed to the very roots of her hair.
+
+The visit was thus arranged, and Madeleine was delighted that her father
+had not observed her confusion; and he was glad enough to escape any
+further explanation on the subject, for it was just in such matters that
+the old gentleman showed his weakest point. The next day he rode into
+the town.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+_"Avoir, avant, avu_--that's how it goes! That's right, my boy; _avoir,
+avant_."
+
+The whole class could see clearly that the master was lost in thought.
+He was pacing up and down, with long steps and half-closed eyes,
+gesticulating from time to time, as he kept repeating the ill-used
+auxiliary. On the upper benches the boys began to titter, and those on
+the lower ones, who had not such a fine ear for the French verbs, soon
+caught the infection; while the unhappy wretch who was undergoing
+examination, sat trembling lest the master should notice his wonderful
+method of conjugating the verb. This unfortunate being was Gabriel
+Garman, the Consul's younger son. He was a tall, slender boy of about
+fifteen or sixteen, with a refined face, prominent nose, and upright
+bearing.
+
+Gabriel was sitting in the lower half of the class, which was, in the
+opinion of the master, a great disgrace for a boy of his ability. He
+was, however, a curious, wayward boy. In some things, such as arithmetic
+and mathematics generally, he distinguished himself; but in Greek and
+Latin, which were considered the most important part of his education,
+he showed but little proficiency, although he was destined for a
+university career.
+
+At last the general mirth of the class burst out in sundry half-stifled
+noises, which roused the master from his reverie, and he again resumed
+the book, to continue the examination. As ill luck would have it, he
+once more repeated, "_Avoir, avant_," and then half abstractedly,
+"_avu_." "Ah, you young idiot!" cried he, in a discordant voice, "can't
+you manage _avoir_ yet? Whatever is to become of you?"
+
+"Merchant," answered Gabriel, bluntly.
+
+"What do you say? You dare to answer your master? Are you going to be
+impertinent? I'll teach you! Where's the persuader?" and the master
+strode up to his seat, and, diving down into his desk, began routing
+about in it.
+
+At this moment the passage door opened, and an extraordinary and most
+unscholarly looking head intruded itself into the room. The head had a
+red nose, and wore a long American goat's-beard and a blue seaman's cap.
+"Are you there?" said the head, addressing Master Gabriel in a
+half-drunken voice. "Is that where you are, poor boy? Bah! what an
+atmosphere! I only just came in to tell you to come down to the
+ship-yard when you get out of school; we are just beginning the
+planking."
+
+He did not get any further, for at the sight of the long-legged master,
+who stalked down from the desk, quite scandalized at this disturbance of
+order, the head suddenly stopped in its harangue, and with a hearty,
+"Well, I'm blest! what a ghost!" disappeared, closing the door after it.
+
+It did not take very much to provoke the laughter of the boys, and when
+at the same moment the bell rang to announce that the school-hour was
+over, the class broke up in confusion, and the master hastened, fuming
+with rage, to complain to the rector.
+
+Gabriel hurried off as fast as he could, in hopes of catching up his
+friend who had caused the disturbance, but he had already disappeared;
+he had probably gone down to the town to continue his libations. This
+friend was a foreman shipwright, who, since his return from America, had
+borne the name of Tom Robson. His real name when he left home was Thomas
+Robertsen, but it had got changed somehow in America, and he kept to it
+as it was.
+
+Tom Robson was the cleverest foreman on the whole west coast, but his
+drinking propensities tried to the utmost both the patience and the
+firmness of his employers. He had already built several vessels for
+Garman and Worse, but he was determined that the one he was now
+superintending at Sandsgaard should be his masterpiece.
+
+This vessel was of about nine hundred tons burden, and was the largest
+craft that had been built at that port up to the present time, and
+Consul Garman had given orders that nothing should be spared to make it
+a model of perfection.
+
+Tom Robson was thus only able to get drunk by fits and starts, which he
+did when they came to any important epoch in the building. On that day,
+for instance, the time had just arrived for beginning to lay the
+planking upon the timbers.
+
+As Gabriel neither found his friend nor saw anything of the carriage
+from Sandsgaard, which generally met him on his way from school, he set
+off to walk homewards, down the long avenue which led to the family
+property. It was a good half-hour's walk, and while he sauntered along,
+swinging his heavy burden of the books he so cordially hated, he was
+lost in gloomy thought. Every day, on his way from school, he met the
+younger clerks going to their dinner in the town. They looked tired and
+weary, it is true; still, he envied them their permission to sit working
+the whole day in the office--a paradise with which he, although his
+father's son, had no connection whatever. He was obliged to confine his
+energy to the building-yard, where there were plenty of hiding-places,
+and where the Consul was seldom seen of an afternoon. The ship on the
+stocks was at once his joy and his pride; he crept all over her, inside
+and out, above and below, scrutinizing every plank and every nail. At
+length he had begun to have quite a knowledge of the art of
+ship-building, and had gained the friendship of Tom Robson, Anders
+Begmand, and the other shipwrights. The ship was to be the finest the
+town had yet produced, and when this fact came into his thoughts it
+almost enabled him to forget his burden of Greek and Latin.
+
+From conversations he had partly overheard at home, Gabriel knew that
+there had been a difference of opinion between his father and Morten,
+the eldest son, who was a partner in the firm, ever since the building
+of this ship was first mentioned.
+
+Morten maintained that they ought to buy an iron steamer in England,
+either on their own account or in partnership with some of the other
+houses of the town. He insisted, particularly, that the time could not
+be far distant when sailing ships would be entirely superseded by
+steamers. But the father held by sailing ships on principle; and,
+moreover, the idea that Garman and Worse should have anything in common
+with the mushroom houses of the town was to him quite unbearable. In the
+end, the will of the elder prevailed; the ship was built of their own
+materials, in their own ship-yard, and by the workmen who from
+generation to generation had worked for Garman and Worse.
+
+When Gabriel reached the point from which he could see down into the bay
+on which lay the property of Sandsgaard, the ship was the first thing
+which caught his eye. She stood on the slip below the house, and he
+could not help remarking the beauty of her bow, and the elegant rake of
+her stern. It was the dinner-hour, and all the workmen were either at
+home, in the cottages which stretched along the west side of the bay, or
+lay asleep among the shavings. As he stood on the crest of the rising
+ground, which sloped gradually down towards the buildings, and gazed at
+all these dominions, which from time out of mind had belonged to Garman
+and Worse, Gabriel became more and more out of spirits.
+
+There lay the old-fashioned house, with white painted walls, and its
+blue slate roof, which was adorned by dormers and gables. In front of
+the house, on its southern side, lay the garden, with its paths and
+clipped hedges, and the little pond half overgrown by sedge and thick
+bushes. On the northern side, towards the sea, he could discern the
+carriage drive, and the extensive level yard with the ancient lime tree
+standing in the middle of it. Beyond that came four warehouses standing
+in a row, all painted yellow, with brown doors; and further on still,
+close down to the innermost curve of the bay, was the building-yard.
+Higher up, on the road which led to the southward along the coast, lay
+the farm, as it was called. This consisted of a byre, the bailiff's
+house, and other buildings; for the property of Sandsgaard was
+extensive, and comprised a mill, a dairy, and such like.
+
+That part of the property had never had much interest for Gabriel, but
+all the same, if he had only been allowed to be a farmer, he could have
+turned his attention to agriculture, and still have been near the
+counting-house, the ships, and the sea; but he was destined for the
+university, and there was no possibility of escape.
+
+It was not easy to persuade Consul Garman. His father had brought up his
+elder son to the business, and sent the younger to the university, and
+he was determined to do the same. The thought sometimes occurred to the
+wilful Gabriel, that Uncle Richard had had but a poor return from his
+university career, but he did not dare to express his thoughts openly.
+
+Mrs. Garman believed firmly that it was most desirable, as a cure for
+self-will, that a young man should battle against his inclinations;
+nothing could be more baneful than pampering the flesh. No help, then,
+was to be expected from any quarter.
+
+Gabriel was sauntering down the alley, quite crestfallen under his heavy
+burden of books, when at some distance his eye caught sight of some one
+on horseback, whom he soon recognized, and who was coming along the road
+behind the farm. It was Uncle Richard on Don Juan.
+
+Gabriel started off at once, forgetting in a moment his heavy burden of
+books and care, and thinking only on the merriment and good cheer which
+Uncle Richard always brought with him. He determined to hasten off to
+the kitchen to tell Miss Cordsen, and then to go in to his father; for
+Gabriel knew well that the bearer of the news of his uncle's arrival was
+always welcome.
+
+"Lord save us!" cried Miss Cordsen. "Make up the fire, Martha;" and off
+she ran to get a clean cap.
+
+"All right, my boy!" said Consul Garman, giving Gabriel a friendly nod.
+
+Gabriel was well pleased at the effect of his intelligence. He had
+actually surprised Miss Cordsen into an impropriety, in which he seldom
+succeeded; and his father, who was generally undemonstrative, had
+greeted him with more than usual warmth.
+
+The young Consul, as he was generally called from the time when his
+father, the old Consul, was alive, was not so tall as his younger
+brother, and while the latter had grown stouter in the course of years,
+the former seemed to have got thinner and smaller. His hair was smooth,
+thin, and slightly grey, carefully brushed so as to make the most of it.
+His eyes were keen, and of a light blue colour; and his lower jaw was
+somewhat prominent. Smoothly shaved and well brushed, with stiff white
+neckcloth, shining boots, and silver-headed cane, there was something
+about his whole appearance which told of prosperity. Every word, every
+movement, even the peculiarly characteristic one with which he adjusted
+his chin in his stiff neckcloth, was the picture of propriety and
+precision. Precision was, in fact, a word which seemed made for the
+young Consul; both his appearance and his career reflected it to the
+uttermost fibre.
+
+With his extensive business and large fortune, Consul Garman had also
+inherited a boundless admiration and respect for his father, Morten W.
+Garman, the old Consul, who had come into the property of Sandsgaard at
+a time when it was of little value, and considerably encumbered by
+debts, and when the business itself was in rather a confused condition.
+In order to keep the business afloat during the disastrous years of the
+war, Morten W. Garman took into partnership a rich old skipper, by name
+Jacob Worse, from whence sprang the name of the firm. Thanks to old
+Worse's money, life came again into the tottering business, and Garman's
+great ability made the firm, in a few years, one of the most important
+on the west coast. But when old Worse died, and his son took his place
+in the firm, it was soon evident that Morten Garman and young Worse
+would not be able to work together. Under a friendly arrangement,
+therefore, Worse retired with a considerable fortune, while Garman
+retained the business and the old family property of Sandsgaard.
+
+It was from that time that the great wealth of the Garmans really dated,
+while Worse in a few years squandered his money and died insolvent.
+
+It was whispered that Worse had left the business rather hastily, just
+as the good times were beginning, but that was the usual luck of the
+Garmans.
+
+At first it looked as if Worse's widow and son, who carried on a small
+business in the town, would work themselves up again, and this was
+especially the case in recent years. Whatever might be the opinion as to
+the arrangement between Garman and Worse, no one could ever accuse
+Morten Garman of any want of straightforwardness in his business
+arrangements; and his son Christian Frederick followed closely in his
+steps, observing always the maxim, "What would father have done under
+the circumstances?"
+
+All went on thus prosperously and uniformly, until the young Consul
+began to get old, and his elder son Morten came home from abroad and
+became a partner in the firm. From that time many changes showed
+themselves. The son had his head full of new foreign ideas; he was all
+for rushing about, writing and telegraphing, ordering and
+counter-ordering--a course of action that was quite foreign to Garman
+and Worse's mode of procedure.
+
+"Let them come to us," said the Consul.
+
+"No, my dear father," answered Morten. "Don't you see that the times are
+leaving you behind? It's of no use in these days to sit still; you must
+keep your eyes open, or else run the risk of losing the best of the
+business, and get nothing but just the residue."
+
+Morten so far prevailed that the Consul was at length obliged to let him
+set up an office in the town, but under his own name; for Garman and
+Worse were still to be found only at Sandsgaard, and there those who
+wished to do business with the firm had to betake themselves.
+
+Meanwhile a considerable amount of business passed through Morten's
+office in the town. This did not altogether please the Consul, but he
+felt bound to uphold his son, which was what his father had always done,
+and the firm thus became mixed up in many transactions which the father
+would never have cared to enter upon.
+
+To the clerks the young Consul was a being of quite another sphere.
+Every head was bowed to him whenever he passed through the office, and
+each one seemed to feel that the cold blue eyes penetrated everything
+and everywhere--books, accounts, and letters, even into their own
+private secrets. It was believed that he knew every page in the ledger,
+and that he could quote intricate accounts, column by column, and if
+there was even the slightest irregularity to be found anywhere, they
+would wager that it could not escape the young Consul's eye. The general
+conviction was, that if every creditor of the firm, or even the devil
+himself, should some day take it into his head to come into the office,
+there would not be found even the slightest error in one of the
+ponderous and well-bound account books.
+
+There was, however, one account which was a sealed book to them all, and
+that was the one of Richard Garman. No mortal eye had ever seen it. Some
+thought it might possibly be in the Consul's own red book; others
+thought that no such thing existed. True it was undoubtedly, that the
+chief carried on personally all the correspondence with his brother;
+and, wonderful to relate, these letters were never copied. This was food
+for much speculation among the clerks, and at last they came to the
+conclusion that the young Consul did not wish any one to know in what
+relation Richard Garman stood to the firm.
+
+One thing was plain, and confirmed by long experience, and that was,
+that the Consul attached great importance to the letters that came from
+his brother. He read them before the rest of the post, and if any one
+happened to come in when he was thus engaged, he always covered the
+correspondence with a sheet of paper. One of the younger clerks once
+asserted that he had seen a bill of exchange in one of the aforesaid
+letters, but the statement found but little credence in the office; for
+it was a recognized fact that not one single paper existed which bore
+Richard Garman's signature. Another story, which was even less worthy of
+credit, was one told by the office messenger, who stated that one day he
+had brought a letter from Bratvold, and that as he came in with the
+portfolio he had found the young Consul standing by the key-drawer, with
+a letter in one hand and two bills of exchange in the other, quite red
+in the face, and apparently bent double, as if he was on the point of
+choking. The messenger thought at first that it was a fit, but it was
+plain to the meanest understanding that there was not a word of truth in
+the story, for the messenger had the audacity to aver that he had heard
+the young Consul give vent to a short but unmistakable laugh. There was
+plainly a misapprehension somewhere; every one knew that the young
+Consul was unable to laugh.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+When Gabriel had shut the door after announcing his uncle's arrival, the
+Consul got up and went off to the key-drawer, from whence he took a
+gigantic key, to which was attached a wooden label black with age. He
+then brushed his coat, and, after adjusting his chin in his neckcloth
+and arranging his scanty locks, left the office.
+
+The house was large and old fashioned, with long passages and broad
+staircases. In the western wing were the offices, having a separate
+entrance on the side towards the sea. On the southern side, and
+overlooking the garden, were the bedrooms of the family, and the
+apartments which were generally used as sitting-rooms.
+
+The second floor consisted entirely of reception-rooms, which were so
+arranged as to have the large ballroom in the middle, with _salons_ at
+the side. In one of these rooms the family generally dined on Sunday, or
+when they had guests, and it was the small _salon_ at the north-west
+corner, looking over the building-yard and the sea, in which the dinner
+was usually served.
+
+On the third floor, or, more correctly, in the garrets, was an endless
+number of spare rooms, whose windows looked out of the quaint dormers
+which embellished the roof.
+
+The furniture was mostly of mahogany, now dark with age, while chairs
+and sofas were covered with horsehair. Against the walls stood tall dark
+presses, and mirrors with the glass in two pieces, and having their
+gilded frames adorned with urns and garlands. The rooms were lit by
+old-fashioned chandeliers and girandoles.
+
+The Consul met one of the servants in the passage. "Has Mr. Garman
+arrived?"
+
+"Yes, sir; and he has gone upstairs, to my mistress," answered the girl.
+
+When the weather was warm, Mrs. Garman usually preferred one of the airy
+rooms upstairs. She was a very fat lady, who lived in a continual state
+of strife with dyspepsia. From whatever side you looked at her, she
+presented a succession of smoothly rounded curves covered with shining
+black silk.
+
+It was wonderful that Mrs. Garman got so stout; it must have been, as
+she herself said, "a cross" she had to bear. She seemed to eat very
+little at her meals, and could not control her astonishment at the
+appetites of the rest of the company. Only at times, when she was alone
+in her room, she seemed to have a fancy for some little delicacy, and
+Miss Cordsen used to bring her a little bit of just what happened to be
+handy.
+
+When the Consul entered her room, his wife was sitting on the sofa,
+engaged in conversation with her brother-in-law.
+
+"How are you? how are you, Christian Frederick?" said Richard, gaily.
+"Here I am again!"
+
+"You are welcome, Richard. I am charmed to see you," answered the
+Consul, keeping his hands behind his back.
+
+Richard seemed quite confused, as he generally was when he met his
+brother, who sometimes could be as gay and cheerful as when they were
+boys, and at others would put on his business manner, and be cold,
+repellant, and so abominably precise.
+
+"Is any one coming to dinner to-day, Caroline?" asked Consul Garman.
+
+"Pastor Martens has announced his kind intention of introducing the new
+school inspector to us," answered the lady.
+
+"Yes, I dare say, another of your parson friends," said the Consul,
+drily; "then, I'll just send the coachman with the carriage for Morten
+and Fanny, and ask them to bring some young people with them: they might
+find Jacob Worse, perhaps."
+
+"What for?" answered the lady, in a tone which showed an inclination to
+dispute the proposition.
+
+"Because neither Richard nor I care to have our dinner with nothing but
+a lot of parsons," answered the Consul, in a tone which brought his wife
+to her senses. "And will you be so kind as to arrange with Miss Cordsen
+about the dinner?"
+
+"Oh! the dinner, the dinner!" sighed Mrs. Garman, as she left the room.
+"I cannot understand how people can think so much about such trifles."
+
+Uncle Richard followed his sister-in-law to the door, and when he turned
+round after making his most polite bow, he saw his brother standing in
+the middle of the room, with his legs far apart, and one hand behind his
+back. With the other he held up the monster key like an eyeglass before
+his eye, and through it he regarded his brother with a knowing look.
+
+"Do you know that?" asked the Consul.
+
+"_Mais oui_!" answered Richard, in a tone which showed his delight at
+finding his brother in a mood which betokened a visit to the
+wine-cellar.
+
+The two old gentlemen went off arm-in-arm, until they reached the top of
+the kitchen stairs. At the kitchen door they stopped, and the Consul
+called for the lights. A commotion was heard inside, and in a few
+seconds Miss Cordsen appeared with two ancient candlesticks.
+
+Each took his own light--they never made any mistake as to which was
+which--and descended the stairs which led to the dark cellar. They first
+arrived at a large outer cellar, where it was comparatively light, in
+which were stored the wines which were in ordinary use, such as St.
+Julien, Rhine wine, Graves, and brandy. This was all under the charge of
+Miss Cordsen, who, in accordance with the _regime_ which had come down
+from the old Consul's time, produced the different wines according to
+the number and importance of the guests. In the darkest corner of the
+cellar there was an old keyhole, only known to the Consul, but he could
+find it in the dark. All the same, both of them held out their lights to
+look for it, and the young Consul never omitted to remark upon the
+clever way in which his father had concealed the secret door.
+
+The key turned twice in the lock with a rusty sound, which the brothers
+could distinguish from any other sound in the world, and an atmosphere
+redolent of wine and mould met them as they entered. The Consul shut the
+door, and said, "There now, the world will have to get on without us for
+a little while." The inner wine-cellar looked as if it were considerably
+older than the house itself, and the groined roof had a resemblance to
+the cloister of an old monastery. It was so low that Richard had to bend
+his head a little, and even the Consul felt inclined to stoop when he
+was down there.
+
+In the old bins lay bottles of different shapes covered with dust and
+cobwebs, and in the recess of what had been a grated window, but was now
+walled up on the outside, there stood two old long-stemmed Dutch
+glasses, while in one corner there lay a large wine-cask. In front of
+the cask was placed an empty tub, between an armchair without a back,
+and from the seat of which the horsehair was protruding, and an ancient
+rocking-horse that had lost its rockers.
+
+The brothers put down their lights on the bottom of the tub, and took
+off their coats, which they hung each on their own peg.
+
+"Well, what's it to be to-day?" said Christian Frederick, rubbing his
+hands.
+
+"Port wouldn't be bad," suggested Richard, examining the bin.
+
+"Port wine would be first-rate," answered the Consul, holding out his
+light. "But look, there's a row of bottles lying in here that we have
+never tried. I should like to know what they are."
+
+"I dare say it is some of my grandmother's raspberry vinegar," suggested
+Richard.
+
+"Nonsense! Do you suppose father would have hidden away raspberry
+vinegar in this cellar?"
+
+"Perhaps he was as fond of old things as some other people I know,"
+answered Richard.
+
+"You always are so sarcastic," muttered the Consul. "I wish we could get
+at these bottles."
+
+"You'll have to creep in after them, Christian Frederick. I am too
+stout."
+
+"All right," answered his brother, taking off his watch and heavy bunch
+of seals. And the old gentleman crept into the bin with the utmost care.
+"Now I've got one," he cried.
+
+"Take two while you are about it."
+
+"Yes; but you will have to take hold of my legs and pull me out."
+
+"_Avec plaisir_!" answered Richard. "But won't you have a drop of
+Burgundy before you come out?"
+
+There must have been some joke hidden in the question, for the Consul
+began to laugh; but before long he stammered out, "I am choking, Dick;
+will you pull me out, you fiend?"
+
+The joke about the Burgundy was as follows. Once when the young Consul
+had crept in among the bottles, to look for something very particular,
+he managed to knock his head against one which lay in the rack above so
+hard that it broke, and the whole bottle of Burgundy ran down his neck.
+Every time any allusion was made to this mishap, a meaning smile passed
+between the brothers, and Richard was even so careless as sometimes to
+allude to it when others were present. For instance, if they were
+sitting at dinner, and the conversation turned upon red wines, he would
+say, "Well, my brother has his own peculiar way of drinking Burgundy;"
+and then would follow a series of mysterious allusions and laughter
+between the two, which usually ended in a fit of coughing.
+
+The young people had several times tried to get at this joke about the
+Burgundy, but always in vain. Miss Cordsen, who had been obliged that
+day to get a clean shirt for the Consul, was the only one in the secret;
+but Miss Cordsen could hold her tongue about more serious matters than
+that.
+
+At last the Consul came out again, laughing and sputtering, his
+waistcoat covered with dust, and his hair full of cobwebs. When they had
+had a good laugh over their joke--it was well the walls were so
+thick--Richard, on whom the duty always devolved, uncorked the first
+bottle with the greatest care and skill.
+
+"H'm! h'm!" said the Consul, "that is a curious bouquet."
+
+"I declare, the wine has gone off," said Richard, spluttering.
+
+"Bah! right you are, Dick," said Christian Frederick, spluttering in his
+turn.
+
+Uncle Richard opened the second bottle, put his nose to it, and said
+approvingly, "Madeira!" and in a moment the golden wine was sparkling in
+the old-fashioned Dutch glasses.
+
+"Ah! that's quite another thing," said the young Consul, taking his
+usual place astride of the old rocking-horse.
+
+The rocking-horse was a relic of their childhood. "They used to make
+everything more solid in those days," said Christian Frederick; and when
+some years previously the horse had been found amongst a lot of rubbish,
+the Consul had had it brought down to the cellar. For many a long year
+he had sat on this horse, drinking the old wine out of the same old
+glasses with his brother, who sat in the rickety armchair, which cracked
+under his weight, laughing and telling anecdotes of their boyhood. He
+never got such wine anywhere else, and no room ever appeared so
+brilliant in his eyes as the low-vaulted cellar with its two smoky
+lights.
+
+"I declare, it's a shame," said the young Consul, "that you have never
+had your half of that cask of port. However, I will send you some wine
+out to Bratvold one of these days, so that you may have some, till we
+can get it tapped."
+
+"But you are always sending me wine, Christian Frederick. I am sure I
+have had my half, and more too, long ago."
+
+"Nonsense, Dick! I declare, I believe you keep a wine account."
+
+"No, I am sure I don't."
+
+"Well, if you don't, I do; and I dare say you've remarked that in your
+account for last year--"
+
+"Yes; that's enough of that. Here's to your health, Christian
+Frederick," broke in Uncle Richard, hastily. He was always nervous when
+his brother began about business.
+
+"That's a great big cask."
+
+"Yes, it is a very big one."
+
+And the two old gentlemen held out their lights towards it, and each of
+them thought, "I am glad my brother does not know that the cask is
+nearly empty;" for it returned a most unpromising sound when it was
+struck, and the patch of moisture beneath it showed that it had
+evidently been leaking for many years.
+
+At the end of the bottle, they got up and clinked their glasses
+together. They then took each his bottle of Burgundy for dinner, hung
+their coats on their arms, and went up into the daylight. It was
+strictly forbidden for any one to meet them when they came out of the
+cellar, and Miss Cordsen had trouble enough to keep the way clear. They
+presented a most extraordinary spectacle, especially the precise
+Christian Frederick, coming up red and beaming, in their shirtsleeves,
+covered with dust, and each carrying his bottle and his light.
+
+An hour later they met at the dinner-table--Richard, trim and smart as
+usual, with his conventional diplomatic smile; the Consul precise,
+haughty, and correct to the very tips of his fingers.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+Dinner was served in the small room on the north side of the house, and
+the company assembled in the two so-called Sunday-rooms, which looked
+over the garden.
+
+Mrs. Garman always dressed in black silk, but to-day she was more
+shining and ponderous than usual. She had been looking forward to a nice
+quiet little dinner with Pastor Martens and the new school inspector;
+and now here came a whole posse of worldly minded people. Mrs. Garman
+was thus not in the best of tempers, and Miss Cordsen had to display all
+her tact. But Miss Cordsen had had long practice, for Mrs. Garman had
+always been difficult to manage, especially of late years since
+"religion had come into fashion," as the careless Uncle Richard
+declared.
+
+Mrs Garman did not really manage her own house; everything went on
+without change, according to the immutable rules which had come down
+from the old Consul's time, and she very soon gave up the attempt to
+bring in new ideas, according to her own pleasure. But now, since she
+was as it were without any positive influence, she contented herself
+with saying "No" to everything that she observed the others wished to
+do. In this way she acquired a kind of negative authority, for although
+her "No" did not always prevail, it still seemed to give her a right to
+show her annoyance, by meeting it with an expression full of unmerited
+suffering and Christian forbearance.
+
+It was thus, with this expression, that Mrs. Garman was listening to Mr.
+Aalbom, the tall assistant master, who was holding forth about the
+delicacy and effeminacy of the rising generation. Mrs. Aalbom sat by the
+window, pretending to listen to the Consul, who was describing with
+great clearness, and in carefully chosen language, how the garden had
+been arranged in his late father's time. But the lady was in reality
+listening to her husband, for whom she had a most unbounded admiration.
+Mrs. Aalbom was extremely tall, lean, bony, and angular; her lips were
+thin, and her teeth long and yellow.
+
+The pastor and the carriage from the town had not yet arrived. The
+Consul's only daughter, Rachel, was standing by the old-fashioned stove,
+talking merrily with Uncle Richard, and as the door opened, and the
+pastor and the new inspector entered the room, she was laughing still
+more gaily, and her mother gave her a reproving look.
+
+As this was Mr. Johnsen's first visit to Sandsgaard, Mr. Martens took
+him round and introduced him to each guest in succession, beginning with
+the ladies. When they came to the fireplace, Uncle Richard received them
+with his usual affability; but Rachel only gave a momentary glance at
+the new acquaintance, and, almost without turning her head, continued
+her conversation with her uncle. To her astonishment, however, she
+remarked that the strange gentleman still remained standing by her side,
+and, raising her calm blue eyes, she looked fixedly at him. What
+followed was for her most unusual: she was obliged to withdraw her
+glance, for, contrary to her expectation, she did not find Mr. Johnsen
+shy, awkward, and impressed with the strange surroundings. It was plain,
+however, that he was conscious that his behaviour was unconventional,
+but he did not therefore desist. This caused Rachel to lose somewhat of
+her usual self-possession.
+
+"Have you been on the west coast before?" said Uncle Richard, coming to
+her assistance.
+
+"Never," replied the young man; "all I have as yet seen of the sea has
+been Christiana Fjord."
+
+"And what do you think of our scenery?" continued the old gentleman. "I
+have no doubt that you have already seen some of the finest views in the
+neighbourhood."
+
+"It has made a deep impression on me," answered Mr. Johnsen; "but Nature
+here is so grand and so impressive as to make one feel insignificant in
+its presence."
+
+"Perhaps you find it too dull here?" said Rachel, a little disappointed.
+
+"Oh no, not exactly that," replied he, quietly. "The idea I wished to
+convey is that Nature here has something--how shall I express
+it?--something exacting about it, by which one seems, as it were,
+impelled to activity, to perform some deed which will make a mark in the
+world."
+
+She looked at him with astonishment; but her uncle said
+good-humouredly--
+
+"For my part, I find our desolate and weather-beaten coast tends rather
+to lead the mind to meditation and thought than to excite it to
+activity."
+
+"When I come to your years," answered Mr. Johnsen, "and have done
+something in the world, I dare say I shall look upon life as you do."
+
+"I hope not," sighed Uncle Richard, half smilingly and half sadly. "As
+to having done anything, I--"
+
+At that moment the door opened and young Mrs. Garman entered the room.
+She looked so lovely that all eyes were turned upon her. Her French grey
+silk with its pink trimmings had a cut quite foreign to those parts, and
+it was difficult to look at her or her toilette without feeling that
+both were out of the common in that society.
+
+But the first glance told that the beautifully fitting dress, and the
+graceful and bright-eyed woman who wore it, were well suited to each
+other; and as she stepped lightly across the room and gave a sprightly
+nod to her uncle, there was a natural ease about her gait and manner
+which contrasted favourably with the self-consciousness with which young
+ladies exhibit themselves and their smart dresses when first entering
+into society.
+
+"I declare, she has got another new one!" muttered Mrs. Aalbom.
+
+_"Mais, mon Dieu, comme elle est belle!"_ whispered Uncle Richard,
+enchanted.
+
+After Fanny followed the short but active-looking Mr. Delphin, secretary
+to the resident magistrate, then Jacob Worse, and lastly Morten Garman.
+
+Morten was tall and stoutly built. It would appear that he had inherited
+something of his mother's "cross," which did not, however, seem to
+oppress him. He had a good-looking face, which was, however, rather
+weak; and his eyes were too prominent and slightly bloodshot.
+
+George Delphin had been about six months in the town, as secretary to
+the magistrate, and since Fanny Garman was the magistrate's daughter,
+Delphin soon got an _entree_ into the Garmans' house, and was a frequent
+guest at Sandsgaard. Morten had picked him up at his father-in-law's
+office, when the carriage was sent to the town to find the young people;
+they had met Jacob Worse accidentally, and Fanny had called to him when
+they were already seated in the carriage.
+
+Morten had no great liking for Jacob Worse, although they had been much
+thrown together in their boyhood. Consul Garman, on the other hand, was
+particularly well disposed towards him, and there were some who
+maintained that the young Consul would gladly have the name of Worse
+back in the firm, perhaps as his son-in-law; who could tell?
+
+But those who had an opportunity of closer observation declared that
+there was no truth in the story. Rachel herself appeared to dislike
+Jacob Worse, and Mrs. Garman could not bear the sight of him, since
+Pastor Martens had assured her that he was a freethinker.
+
+The Consul took in Mrs. Aalbom, and George Delphin was so fortunate as
+to get Fanny Garman. Rachel, to his astonishment, turned to her uncle
+and said, "I beg pardon, but I am going to ask you to-day to give me up
+to our new acquaintance. Mr. Johnsen, will you be so kind?"
+
+He offered her his arm stiffly, but not awkwardly, and they followed the
+others into the dining-room.
+
+"What can be up with Rachel?" muttered Morten to Worse; "she generally
+can't bear these parsons of mother's."
+
+Jacob Worse made no reply, but, with a polite bow, gave his arm to Miss
+Cordsen.
+
+For the _habitues_ of the house, it was not difficult to foresee what
+the _menu_ would be. It consisted of Julienne soup, ham, and pork
+cutlets with _sauer kraut_; then roast lamb and roast veal, served with
+chervil and beet-root; and lastly, meringues and Vanilla cream.
+
+At the head of the table the conversation was mostly carried on between
+Mr. Aalbom and Delphin, both of whom came from the neighbourhood of
+Christiania, and Aalbom tried his best to induce the other to say
+something disparaging of the west coast and its surroundings. This he
+did in the hope that it would cause annoyance to the Consul and his
+brother, and also that it would put the speaker, as a new guest at
+Sandsgaard, in an unfavourable light. Delphin was, however, too quick
+for him. Either he noticed his intention, or else he really meant what
+he said. The scenery, he declared, was most interesting, and he was
+particularly pleased with the acquaintances he had hitherto made in the
+neighbourhood.
+
+Richard Garman had his usual place on the left of the Consul, who sat at
+the head of the table, and, leaning over beyond Rachel and Mr. Aalbom,
+who sat next to him, and raising his glass to the new school inspector,
+he said--
+
+"As you are of the same opinion as Mr. Delphin with regard to our
+scenery, I hope you will also receive the same favourable opinion of our
+society. May I have the honour of drinking your health?"
+
+The Consul regarded his brother with some astonishment. It was seldom
+that he took much notice of the young people who came to the house,
+especially if they belonged to the Church.
+
+"Well, you see," whispered Uncle Richard, "I don't think this one's so
+bad."
+
+Fanny also noticed the attention that was shown to the new guest, who
+sat opposite to her, and, glancing at him, thought he might prove not
+interesting. True, he was not so refined as Delphin, nor so good looking
+as Worse, but still her eyes often wandered in his direction. Neither
+Worse, who sat on her right hand, nor Delphin, who was on her left, had
+much attraction for her. Worse, although perfectly polite, paid her but
+little attention; and that Delphin was at her feet was only natural--it
+was a fate that, without exception, had befallen all her father's
+secretaries since her girlhood.
+
+Mr. Johnsen was now drawn into the conversation. Delphin met him at
+first with an air of superiority, but after receiving a few cutting
+answers, he was glad to draw in his horns and become more affable.
+Aalbom, on the contrary, did not change his manner so readily. He was
+annoyed that Delphin had not fallen into the trap he had laid for him,
+and was now eager to break a lance with the new guest. He began his
+attack on the inspector in a half-respectful, half-jesting tone, and
+with the greater gusto because he knew the aversion which the two Mr.
+Garmans had to the clergy generally, and Mrs. Carman was deep in
+conversation with Pastor Martens, who was sitting beside her at the
+other end of the table.
+
+"I dare say you expect a rich harvest out here, now that there is so
+much religious excitement," said Aalbom, with a grin to the others.
+
+"Harvest?" asked Johnsen, shortly.
+
+"Or draught of fishes; I don't know under which simile you prefer to
+regard your calling," replied Aalbom.
+
+"I regard my calling very much in the same light as you do yours. We are
+both here to teach the young, and I prefer to see my duty plain before
+my eyes without any simile," answered Johnsen, quietly; but there was
+something in his voice which rather disconcerted his opponent.
+
+Fanny and Delphin could not restrain a slight laugh; and Mrs. Aalbom
+muttered, "To think of answering a man in my husband's position in that
+way!"
+
+The Consul now endeavoured to give a peaceable direction to the
+conversation, by consulting Johnsen on several matters relating to the
+National School. Mr. Garman had been for some years chairman of the
+school committee; for Sandsgaard was included within the limits of the
+town, although it was situated at a considerable distance from it.
+
+Rachel heard with pleasure the terse and forcible answers which her
+neighbour gave to the Consul's questions. She was especially pleased to
+hear the new inspector insist upon certain changes being made in the
+school, and upon an increase of expenditure, which her father thought
+unnecessary and altogether too lavish.
+
+It was not often Rachel had met a man who showed such power and energy
+as their young guest, and each time he spoke as to the necessity of
+something or another being done for the school, she could not help
+looking half disdainfully at Delphin, who was now quite taken up with
+teaching Fanny a trick with a piece of cork and two forks. But when her
+eye fell on Jacob Worse, an inquiring expression seemed to come over her
+face, to which, however, he appeared to pay little attention. He was
+quite occupied in talking half jestingly with old Miss Cordsen.
+
+Ever since Jacob Worse had begun to be a constant guest at Sandsgaard,
+quite a friendship had sprung up between him and the old lady. She was
+usually cold and reserved in her manner, but he had a particular knack
+of getting her into conversation, so that he became quite a favourite of
+hers.
+
+Aalbom was so annoyed that he ate nearly all the beet-root, and Uncle
+Richard was amusing himself by quietly working him up. Gabriel, too,
+devoted all the time that he could spare from his dinner to staring at
+the master; and every time the latter looked over to that part of the
+table where Gabriel was sitting, by the side of Miss Corsden, the young
+scapegrace took up his glass and emptied it with a careless, grown-up
+air, which he knew would irritate his natural enemy.
+
+Morten, who sat between Mr. Johnsen and Pastor Martens, amused himself
+by keeping both their glasses well filled. He paid otherwise but little
+attention to what went on at the table, especially as he had managed to
+get one of the bottles of Burgundy close by his side.
+
+It was a still, warm day in spring, and at dessert the sun, which shone
+in obliquely through the two open windows, just reached as far as the
+table. First it was reflected from Mrs. Garman's black silk, and then
+shed a faint halo around Pastor Martens's blond head. The rays fell on
+those of the company who were sitting with their backs to the light,
+and, casting their shadows over the white cloth, sparkled in the
+polished decanters. Morten held up his glass to the light, and enjoyed
+its brilliancy.
+
+"See how lovely your sister-in-law looks in the sunlight!" whispered
+Delphin to Fanny.
+
+"Oh! do you really think so?" she answered.
+
+Shortly after she told one of the maid-servants, who was waiting, to
+pull down the blind a little, as she did not like the glare in her eyes.
+
+The conversation now became lively at the upper end of the table. The
+subject on which it turned was education. Aalbom held forth on his
+hobby, which was, that it was quite impossible for young people to get a
+proper insight into learning without the use of corporal punishment, and
+maintained that there would be an end of all intellectual cultivation if
+a limit were not placed to modern humanitarianism, which he preferred to
+call indulgence. His wife took the same side from conviction, and
+Richard Garman from mischief, while the Consul was impartial. He set the
+greatest store by the good old times, but still he could not help
+thinking that they might get on with a little less of the stick than he
+had experienced. Johnsen was very strong on the importance of religious
+instruction and home influence.
+
+"As to home influence," broke in Mrs. Aalbom, "school and home ought to
+go hand-in-hand."
+
+"Of course they ought," rejoined her husband. "If a boy is punished at
+school, he ought to be punished also at home."
+
+"But then, homes are so different," said Johnsen. This was the first
+time he had made a remark that Rachel found rather feeble.
+
+"Well, I don't know," cried Mrs. Aalbom, putting her head on one side
+and looking up to the ceiling. "It is possible to have too much of
+natural affection, mother's influence, home feeling, and that sort of
+thing."
+
+"It entirely depends what sort of home it is, Mrs. Aalbom," broke in
+Jacob Worse, suddenly.
+
+Every eye was turned upon him. He had drawn himself up, and his face was
+red and his eyes gleaming.
+
+There came a slight pause in the conversation, of which the Consul
+availed himself, and, taking up his glass, he said, with a smile, "Now
+we must mind what we are about. This is not the first time I have seen
+Jacob Worse join in a conversation like this; and if we do not want him
+to make it too warm for us, we had better change the scene of action to
+another room, where we can carry on the conflict in the shade. So if the
+ladies and gentlemen are of the same opinion as myself, we had better
+retire."
+
+The company broke up. Uncle Richard laughed heartily as he thanked
+Worse, while they were going downstairs, for having joined in so
+opportunely. Worse himself could not help a laugh, in which all joined,
+except Aalbom and his wife, who were too much annoyed to do so.
+
+Rachel was quite astonished at the anxiety displayed by her father when
+Worse began to speak. She had herself once or twice heard him take part
+in a discussion, and had been surprised at the way in which his feelings
+suddenly seemed to get the better of him. There was, it is true, an
+originality in his views; but for all that there was no reason why he
+should be silent, and she thought it mean of Jacob Worse to allow
+himself to be put down so easily.
+
+During dinner Pastor Martens had made several attempts to state his
+views on the subject, but hitherto without success. The others were too
+much taken up with their new and interesting guest, and besides, his
+neighbour fully engrossed his attention. After dinner was over, he had
+again to take his place beside Mrs. Garman on the sofa, while the young
+people went down to the croquet lawn, which was shaded by the dense
+avenue of limes.
+
+Mr. Aalbom was walking up and down the broad path in front of the house,
+encircled by his wife's bony arm, as Mr. Delphin kindly put it, while
+they were waiting for coffee. He was still annoyed at his failure, and
+at the slights he had endured, and his wife was doing her utmost to
+pacify him.
+
+"How can a man of your standing bother about such nonsense? These young
+upstarts will only be here for a time. They will soon make themselves
+unwelcome in some way or another. There is no doubt that we are
+considered superior to the rest. You must have noticed that the Consul
+took me in to dinner."
+
+"Nonsense!" answered her husband. "What have I in common with these
+tradesmen and their moneybags? But for a man of my intelligence, and of
+my attainments in literature and education, to have to put up with such
+impertinent answers from a set of youngsters, from such--" and from his
+rich _repertoire_ of abuse the master poured out a choice stream of
+invective, which afforded some relief to his feelings.
+
+The Aalboms lived about half-way between Sandsgaard and the town, which
+had been the original cause of their being invited to the Garmans'
+house.
+
+Since then they had shown themselves such good neighbours that the
+Garmans were generally glad to fall back upon them when they wanted to
+get a few people together in a hurry. Mr. Garman had also assisted the
+master in some unexpected difficulties he had encountered in writing a
+short paper on the origin of the French language, and its connection
+with history. The pamphlet was headed "For Use in Schools," but from
+want of perception and appreciation on the part of the authorities, this
+pearl of literature had not been taken into use in a single school in
+the country.
+
+Both the elder Garmans were in the habit of retiring to their rooms and
+taking a short nap after dinner; but on this occasion they did not sleep
+long, as they were engaged in talking over Madeleine's projected visit
+to the town. It was arranged that she was to come in two or three days,
+and have a room upstairs, close by Miss Cordsen's.
+
+Gabriel, having annexed a cigar, had wandered off to the ship-yard, in a
+happy and contented mood, to make an inspection of the vessel and talk
+English with Mr. Robson.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+The first acquaintance Madeleine made in her new home was with the
+sewing-maid, for naturally there were a good many repairs of various
+kinds to be seen to. She had already made some acquaintance with the
+family by previous short visits to Sandsgaard, and the same impression
+of coldness which she had hitherto received from her relations still
+oppressed her. Not that Madeleine was of a timid nature--far from it;
+but the change from a free and open-air life to the regularity of a
+well-ordered house was too abrupt. She tried in vain to adapt herself to
+her new surroundings, and during the first few weeks she fretted herself
+quite out of health. For a reason she could scarcely define, she
+concealed this fact from her father when writing to him.
+
+Her cousin Gabriel was the only person who seemed to have a friendly
+word for Madeleine; the others were so reserved that she could not help
+thinking they were selfish. With Rachel she could never get on friendly
+terms, and the two cousins had but little in common. Although Rachel was
+only a few years the elder, she was greatly superior to her cousin in
+knowledge and experience. Whilst Madeleine was bright and radiant as
+sunshine, there was something in Rachel's cold and commanding nature
+which betokened an uneasy longing for employment, and a desire to take
+an active part in whatever she could find to occupy her.
+
+Not long previously Rachel had had a sharp dispute with her father. She
+came one day into the office, and desired him to give her some
+employment in the business. Consul Garman never lost his self-command,
+but on this occasion he was on the very point of doing so. The dispute
+was short, it is true, and soon ended, like every other conflict that
+was carried on against the father's principles, in a decided victory for
+his side; but from that time the daughter became still more cold and
+reserved in her manner.
+
+It was a light task for Rachel to read her little country cousin through
+and through, and when she made up her mind that Madeleine had nothing in
+her except perhaps some undefined longings, but at the same time no real
+desire for work, she let her go her own way, and the relation between
+them became almost that of a child to a grown person--friendly, but
+without intimacy.
+
+Mrs. Garman was not particularly well disposed towards her new guest,
+because she had not been originally consulted as to her visit; and even
+the good-natured Miss Cordsen frightened Madeleine at first, with her
+tall, spare figure and well-starched cap-strings.
+
+The sewing-maid was a pale, weakly creature, with large wondering eyes
+which wore a deprecatory expression. She was still pretty, but the first
+look told that her face had once been still prettier, and there was
+something stunted and faded about her appearance. Her cheeks were
+somewhat sunken, and it could be seen that she had lost some of her
+teeth.
+
+During the first few days Madeleine had to spend much of her time with
+the sewing-maid, for Mrs. Garman was anxious that her dress should be in
+keeping with the rest of the establishment, and the Consul had given
+Miss Cordsen strict orders on the subject. It was a great relief to
+Madeleine, in her loneliness, to show herself kindly and almost
+affectionately disposed towards the timid girl. One evening when she had
+gone, Madeleine asked Miss Cordsen who she was, and the old lady, after
+scrutinizing her sharply, answered, "that Marianne was a granddaughter
+of old Anders Begmand, and that some years before she had had a baby.
+Her sweetheart," said Miss Cordsen, fixing her eyes again sharply on
+Madeleine, "had gone to America, and the child was dead, and as she had
+been in service at Sandsgaard, the Garmans had had her taught
+dressmaking, so that now she had constant employment in the house."
+
+This was all Madeleine found out, and she did not ask any more questions
+on the subject, which was a relief to Miss Cordsen.
+
+The old lady's story was, however, not Strictly correct in its details;
+a secret of the Garman family was hid in the sempstress's history--a
+secret which Miss Cordsen concealed with the greatest jealousy.
+
+As Marianne went home that evening this event came into her thoughts; it
+was, in fact, never entirely absent from them. The bright and friendly
+manner of Madeleine, who was so unlike the rest of her family, had awoke
+in her many reminiscences. She felt quite sure that Madeleine did not as
+yet know all her history; it was impossible that she could know it, for
+she seemed so kindly disposed towards her, and Marianne dreaded that any
+one should tell her. There were, indeed, plenty of people who could tell
+her story, but none knew what she had suffered. As she went on her way
+all the sad events of her life's misfortune seemed to pass in review
+before her. Her first thought was, how handsome he looked when he came
+home from abroad, before there was any talk about his marriage with the
+magistrate's daughter! how long he had prayed and tormented her, and how
+long she had striven against him; and then came the dreadful day, when
+she had been called into the Consul's private office. She never could
+imagine how any one had found it out; the only one who could know
+anything was Miss Cordsen: but still less could she now understand how
+she had allowed herself to be talked over, and compelled to agree to
+what had since been arranged. There must be truth in what people said,
+that it was impossible to resist the young Consul, and so she allowed
+herself to be betrothed to Christian Kusk, one of the worst men she
+knew, who shortly after went to America; then the child was born, and
+was christened Christian. Then again she recalled that night when the
+child died; but all further impressions became indistinct and hazy as
+mist. She had hoped that her shame might kill her, but it had only
+tortured her. To Sandsgaard, where she had vowed never again to set her
+foot, she now went daily. Whenever she chanced to meet one of the
+family, and especially Fanny, her heart seemed to cease beating; but
+they passed her with as much unconcern as if they knew nothing, or as if
+she had nothing to do with them.
+
+Many a time also she had met him. At first they passed each other
+hurriedly, but after a time he also seemed to have forgotten, and now he
+greeted her with a friendly nod, and the well-known voice said, "How are
+you, Marianne?"
+
+It was as if these people lived surrounded by a thick wall of
+indifference, against which her tiny existence was shattered like
+fragile glass.
+
+Marianne took a short cut through the ship-yard, where the carpenters
+were busy dividing the shavings and putting them into sacks. She found
+her grandfather, who had finished his work in the pitch-house, and they
+set off homewards together.
+
+Anders Begmand lived in the last of the little red-painted cottages
+which lay below the steep slope on the western side of the bay of
+Sandsgaard. The road along the shore was only a footpath leading to the
+door of each cottage, and then on to the next. Seaweed and half-decayed
+fish refuse lay on the shore, while at the back of the houses were heaps
+of kitchen refuse, and other abominations. The path itself consisted of
+a row of large stones, on which people had to walk if they wished to
+keep out of the accumulation of dirt. The houses were mostly crowded,
+but especially so in the winter, when the sailors were home from sea.
+
+They were all in the employ of Garman and Worse, and the firm owned
+everything they possessed, even to their boats, their houses, and the
+very ground under their feet. When the boys grew old enough, they went
+to sea in one of the vessels belonging to the firm, and the brightest of
+the girls were taken into service, either at the house or at the farm.
+Otherwise the cottagers were left pretty much to themselves. They paid
+no rent, and there was no interference on the part of the firm with the
+"West End," which was the name by which the little row of cottages was
+generally known amongst the workpeople.
+
+Anders Begmand's house was both the last and the smallest, but now that
+he was alone with his two grandchildren, Marianne and Martin, he did not
+require much room. Before, when his wife was alive, and they had three
+grown-up sons at home, one of whom was married, it was often close work
+enough; but now all were dead and gone. The wife lay in the churchyard,
+and the sons in the deep sea.
+
+Anders was an old man, bent by age. His curly white hair covered his
+head like a mop, and stood out under his flat cap, which looked more
+like the clot of pitch it really almost was, than anything else. In his
+youth Anders had made one voyage to the Mediterranean, in the _Family
+Hope_, but he had then been discharged; for he had a failing, and that
+was--he stammered. Sometimes he could talk away without any hesitation,
+but if the stammering once began, there was nothing for it but to give
+up the attempt for that time. There he would stand, gasping and gasping,
+till he got so enraged that he nearly had a fit. When he was young it
+was dangerous to go near him at such times, for the angrier he got the
+more he stammered, and the more he stammered the more his anger
+increased. There was only one way out of it, and that was by singing;
+and so whenever anything of more than usual importance refused to come
+out, he was obliged to sing his intelligence, which he did to a merry
+little air he always used on these occasions. It was said that he had to
+sing when he proposed to his wife, but whether there was any truth in
+the statement is not quite clear. It was certain, however, that he did
+not often have to sing, and woe to any one who dared to say, "Sing,
+Anders." This was, of course, when he was young; he was now so broken
+down that any one could say what they liked to him. There was,
+therefore, no longer any pleasure in teasing him, and he was allowed to
+go in peace. Among the workmen he was held in the greatest respect, not
+only because he had been in the shop for more than fifty years, but
+because he had had so much sorrow in his old age, and especially because
+of the misfortune of Marianne, who was the apple of his eye and the
+light of his life. Martin, too, had brought him nothing but trouble: he
+was quite hopeless, and the captain with whom he had returned on his
+last voyage had complained of him, and refused to take him out again; so
+now he stayed at home, drinking and getting into mischief.
+
+The evening was dull and rainy, and a light already shone in the cottage
+as Begmand and Marianne approached.
+
+"There they are, drinking again," said she.
+
+"I believe they are," answered Begmand.
+
+She went to the window, the small panes of which were covered with dew,
+but she knew one which had a crack in it, through which she could look.
+
+"There they are, all four of them," whispered Marianne. "You'll have to
+sit there, in front of the kitchen door, grandfather."
+
+"Yes, child; yes!" answered the old man.
+
+When they entered the room, there was a pause in the conversation, which
+was carried on by four men who sat drinking round the table. They had
+not long begun, and were only in the first stage of harmless elevation.
+
+
+Martin greeted them in a cheerful tone, which he thought would hide his
+guilty conscience. "Good evening, grandfather. Good evening, Marianne.
+Come, let me offer you a drop of beer."
+
+The thick smoke from the freshly lighted pipes still lay curling over
+the table, and round the little paraffin lamp without a globe. On the
+table were tobacco, glasses, matches, and half-empty bottles, while on
+the bench stood several full ones awaiting their fate.
+
+Tom Robson, who sat opposite the door, lifted the large mug which had
+been standing between him and his friend Martin, and, with his hand on
+his heart, began to sing--
+
+
+     "Oh, my darling! are you here,
+     Marianne I love so dear?"
+
+
+He had composed this couplet himself, in honour of Marianne, to the
+great annoyance of the hungry-looking journeyman printer who sat in the
+corner close by him.
+
+Gustaf Oscar Carl Johan Torpander was a most remarkable Swede, inasmuch
+as he did not drink; but otherwise there was about him that exaggerated
+air of politeness, and that imitation of French manners, which seems
+generally to attach to the shady individuals of that nation. He had
+risen when Marianne came into the room, and was now making a low bow,
+with his shoulders, and especially the left one, well over his ears. His
+head was on one side, and he kept his eyes the whole time fixed on the
+young girl. While Tom Robson was singing his poetry, the Swede shook his
+head with a sympathetic smile to Marianne, by which he meant to express
+his regret that they met in such bad company.
+
+The fourth person of the group was sitting with his back to the door,
+and did not move, for he was deaf; but when at length the Swede, who was
+still bowing, attracted his attention, he turned round heavily on his
+chair and nodded deafly to the new-comers. This person's real name had
+almost disappeared from the memory of man, for he had been nicknamed
+"Woodlouse" among his acquaintance. Mr. Woodlouse passed his time in a
+dingy den in the magistrate's office, where he either slept or occupied
+himself in sorting documents and papers. But there he had grown to be
+almost a necessity, for he had the special gift of knowing the contents
+of every paper, and the name of every single person who for years had
+sought information at the office. He could stand in the middle of the
+room and point to the different shelves, and say, apparently without
+effort, what each contained, and what was missing. He had thus gone down
+as a kind of living inventory from magistrate to magistrate, and as his
+special knowledge increased he endeavoured to get his salary raised, so
+that he might give himself up recklessly to his two ruling passions,
+which were drinking beer and reading novels at night.
+
+As Marianne went through the room she moved her grandfather's chair
+close to the kitchen door, and gave him a meaning look. He nodded to
+show that he understood her wishes. She then said good night to the old
+man, and went into the kitchen, from whence a little dark staircase led
+upstairs to her room.
+
+Marianne locked her door and went to bed. She was so tired every night
+that she could scarcely keep her eyes open while she undressed, and she
+fell asleep the moment she got into bed. Under her the noise of voices
+continued, varied by quarrelling and cursing, which mingled with the
+dreams of her heavy and broken slumber. In the morning her hair and
+pillow were damp with perspiration; she was chilled with cold, and was
+even more tired than when she went to rest.
+
+The talking soon went on again as briskly as ever. Martin related how he
+had been up to the office that morning, intending to speak to the young
+Consul personally. He wished to complain of the captain who had told
+tales about him.
+
+He did not, however, get so far as the Consul, but one of the clerks, a
+stupid lout with an eyeglass, had come out and told him that he would
+get no employment on a ship belonging to the firm, until he had been to
+the Seamen's school, and gave up drinking. As he told his story there
+was an evil glare in his eyes, which were large and bright like
+Marianne's, but piercing and cruel. In the pale face there was also the
+same trace of weakness as in his sister's; but Martin was tall and bony,
+and his arms were strong and powerful, and he gesticulated with them as
+he talked, and gave force to his words by striking the table with his
+fist. He became every moment more violent, as he got heated by drink and
+argument.
+
+He was not going to the school to please Garman and Worse; and as to his
+drinking, what had the young Consul got to do with that? But they should
+see what he would do. And with a mighty oath, he shook his clenched fist
+in the direction of Sandsgaard.
+
+"Right you are, my boy!" cried Tom Robson, laughing; "good again. Let us
+see what you are made of."
+
+Robson was never so happy as when he could get Martin to talk himself
+into a fury, which was not a very difficult task.
+
+Ever since his childhood Martin had shown himself of a worthless and
+cross-grained nature. His character at school was, that he was one of
+the cleverest and at the same time the most quarrelsome among the boys,
+and since then he had done nothing but fall foul of everything and
+everybody he came in contact with. Martin did most of the talking of the
+four, who already began to be excited by drink. It would perhaps be more
+correct to say, of the three, for Torpander was not there to drink, but
+only to be near Marianne. Woodlouse did not say much, for he heard but
+little; and when Mr. Robson, who had taken on himself the duty of
+chairman, gave him an opportunity of speaking, Woodlouse used so many
+strange expressions that the others did not understand him.
+
+Neither did Torpander do much of the talking: for him the event of the
+evening was Marianne's return, after which he preferred to sit in silent
+rapture. This afternoon, however, Torpander joined Martin in his attack
+on the Garmans, whom he also hated, and poured forth a lot of newspaper
+tirade about the tyranny of capital, and such like.
+
+"Oh, stop that infernal Swedish jargon!" cried the chairman, "and let us
+hear what Woodlouse is mumbling about."
+
+"You see, gentlemen," began Woodlouse, eagerly, "the right of the
+proletariat--"
+
+"What does he mean?" shouted Martin.
+
+Woodlouse did not hear the remark, and paused in his speech, as his eyes
+wandered inquiringly from one to another to see if they were listening.
+
+But Martin could not keep silent any longer, and broke out into a volley
+of oaths and curses against Garman and Worse, capital, captain, and the
+whole world, only interrupting himself occasionally to take a drink or
+light his pipe over the lamp.
+
+Old Anders had at first taken his place by the kitchen door, but that
+evening they seemed to be pretty quiet, and he was always anxious to
+hear what they said when the conversation turned upon the firm. He
+therefore left the door and came up to the table, where Tom Robson made
+room for him, and at the same time offered him a drink from his mug.
+
+"Thanks, Mr. Robson," said Begmand, as he put the mug to his lips.
+
+Tom Robson was not only the chairman, but at the same time the host of
+the company, for it was he who paid for the liquor. By his side on the
+bench he kept a bottle of rum, from which he every now and then poured
+out a glass for each. He generally put a good drop of rum into his own
+beer, "to kill the insects," he said. He was now occupied in cutting up
+some cake tobacco to fill his pipe.
+
+"Beautiful tobacco that, Mr. Robson," said Begmand.
+
+"Take a bit," answered Tom, good naturedly.
+
+"Thanks, Mr. Robson," said the old man, overjoyed, as he took out his
+pipe, the stem of which was not more than half an inch long, while the
+whole was as black as everything else which belonged to Anders.
+
+He pressed down the moist tobacco as hard as he could, in the hope of
+getting as much as would last for a day or two; he then picked up a
+burning ember from the turf fire, which he applied to the bowl.
+
+It was no easy matter to get the tobacco to light, but the smoke, when
+it began to draw, seemed warm and comforting to the old man. He sat
+there, crouching on the edge of the bench, eagerly watching Tom each
+time he passed him the mug, and not forgetting to say "Thank you, Mr.
+Robson," before he took his drink.
+
+Martin grew more and more violent. "Isn't it enough," he yelled, "for us
+to work ourselves to death for these creatures? Are they going to watch
+every bit we eat, and every drop we drink? Just look at their houses!
+look how they live up there! Who has got all that for them? We, I tell
+you, grandfather; we who have been toiling here fishing, and going to
+sea year after year, son after father, in storm and tempest, watching
+night after night in wind and snow, so as to bring back wealth for these
+wretches! Just look what we get for it all! What a pig-stye we live in!
+And even that does not belong to us. Nothing does! It all belongs to
+them--clothes, food, and drink, body and soul, house and home, every
+bit!"
+
+Begmand sat rocking himself to and fro, and drawing hard at his pipe.
+Woodlouse saw that there was a pause, and so began again.
+
+"Property is robbery--"
+
+But Martin would not let him continue. "There is no one in the whole
+world," he shouted, "who puts up with what we do! Why don't we go up and
+say, 'Share with us, we who have done all the work'? There has been
+enough of this blood-sucking! But no; we are not a bit better than a lot
+of old women; not one of us! They would never put up with that sort of
+thing in America."
+
+"Ha! ha! good again!" laughed Tom Robson. "I dare say you think people
+are willing to share like brothers in America? No, my boy; you would
+soon find out you were wrong."
+
+"Do you mean to tell me that workmen in America live like we do?" asked
+Martin, somewhat abashed.
+
+"No; but they do what you can't do," answered Tom.
+
+"What do they do?" asked Martin.
+
+"They work; and that is what you and no one else does here!" shouted
+Tom, bringing his fist down heavily on the table. He was beginning to
+feel the effects of the rum.
+
+"What's that about work? Do you mean to say--?" began the Swede.
+
+"Hold your jaw!" cried Tom. "Let the old un have his say!"
+
+"You are quite wrong, Martin," said Begmand, and this time without
+stammering. The watery look of his old eyes told that the beer was
+beginning to work. "It's shameful of you to talk like that about the
+firm. They have given both your father and your grandfather certain
+employment; and you might have had the same if you had behaved yourself.
+The old Consul was the first man in the whole world, and the young
+Consul is a glorious fellow too. Here's his health!"
+
+"Oh!" broke in Martin, "I don't know what you are talking about,
+grandfather. I don't see that you have got much to boast of. What about
+my father, and Uncle Svend, and Uncle Reinert,--every one lost in the
+Consul's ships; and what have you got by it all? Two empty hands, and
+just as much food as will keep body and soul together. Or perhaps you
+think," continued he, with a fiendish laugh, "that we have some
+connection with the family because of Marianne!"
+
+"Martin, it's--it's--" began the old man, his face crimsoning up to the
+very roots of his hair, and struggling vainly with his infirmity.
+
+"Have a drink, old un," said Tom, good naturedly, handing Begmand the
+mug.
+
+The old man paused for breath. "Thanks, Mr. Robson," said he, taking a
+long breath.
+
+Tom Robson made signs to the others to leave him alone. Begmand put his
+pipe into his waistcoat pocket, got up, and went into the little room by
+the kitchen, where he slept. The unwonted drink had roused again the
+fire of his youth, and never had he felt his helplessness so keenly as
+he did that evening.
+
+The others still sat drinking till there was no more, and the lamp began
+to grow dim as the oil gave out. Then they staggered off; Woodlouse away
+through West End, while Tom clambered up a steep path that led over the
+hill at the back of Begmand's cottage. He lived with a widow in a small
+house near the farm buildings of Sandsgaard.
+
+Torpander went with Robson, because he was afraid to go through West End
+alone, and because he wanted to have a last glance at Marianne's window,
+which looked on to the hillside.
+
+Martin shut the door after them, and managed to lift up the lid of a
+sort of locker in which he was going to sleep. He did not see that there
+were some empty bottles on the locker, and they rolled down on the
+floor, and one of them was broken against the spittoon. The lid slipped
+out of his hand, and, without trying to undress, he let himself fall
+just as he was into the bedclothes.
+
+The last remaining drop of oil in the lamp was now gone, and the last
+blue flame flickered up through the chimney and was quenched. Then
+followed a thick grey smoke, which came curling up from the still
+glowing wick, and wreathed itself in graceful spirals through the glass
+and glided out into the room, until it looked like a maze of fairy
+threads in the faint light from the window.
+
+Nothing was heard but the sound of heavy breathing. The old man's
+respiration was short and broken, while Martin, after turning over a few
+times, lay quiet, and at length began to snore. Before long he started
+up again uneasily, heated as he was by drink and passion.
+
+Still a little longer smouldered the red glow of the wick, while the
+smoke wreathed up thinner and thinner through the glass and spread
+itself in the darkness.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+Fanny Garman had from the first shown herself particularly well disposed
+towards Madeleine, and had more than once invited her to come and pay
+her a visit in the town. Nothing had hitherto come of the invitation,
+for even Madeleine, unversed as she was in the ways of society, could
+see that nothing more was meant than a compliment.
+
+One Sunday, however, Madeleine was standing before the looking-glass,
+only partially dressed, and with her thick dark hair hanging in curls
+over her shoulders. Fanny happened to pass, and caught sight of her
+reflection by the side of Madeleine's. She stopped and noticed the
+contrast. The dark hair and slightly gipsy complexion of her cousin set
+off her own fair skin and light hair most admirably. It is true that
+Madeleine was taller, and her figure rather more stately, but the face
+itself had only very slight pretensions to beauty. Fanny closely
+observed the effect as she helped Madeleine to arrange her hair, and
+when she had finished her observations she threw her arm round
+Madeleine's waist, and they left the room together.
+
+"Listen now, my dearest Madeleine," began she, arching her eyebrows. "I
+am really very much annoyed with you, for never coming down to see us in
+the town. As a punishment, I shall take you with me this afternoon.
+Morten can sit on the box."
+
+Madeleine looked into the small and delicate face, and could not help
+thinking how lovely it was. The large blue eyes looked so charmingly out
+through their lashes; the pose of the head was so elegant; while round
+the mouth played so many changing expressions, which seemed to rivet the
+attention when she was speaking.
+
+"What are you staring at?" asked Fanny, mischievously.
+
+"You really are too pretty," answered Madeleine, with sincerity.
+
+"Well, that's a rustic compliment," laughed her cousin, turning colour a
+little, but looking still more charming.
+
+Madeleine went down with them to the town, and stayed a few days;
+afterwards she paid short visits there more frequently. Fanny took her
+to the few amusements the town offered, and occasionally there were
+small _reunions_ either in their own house, or in those of some of their
+acquaintances. Wherever they went the two seemed to set each other off
+by the wonderful contrast in their appearance, or by some coquettish
+similarity or difference in their toilets.
+
+It was the rule in the Garmans' house, that any one who was staying
+there could do exactly as they liked. They could come or go, ride or
+drive, just as the fancy took them. The house was so large, and there
+were so many guests, and so many business acquaintances who came either
+to dinner or supper, that the absence of any particular person attracted
+but little attention. Madeleine, therefore, soon perceived that no one
+seemed to miss her very much if she was away. Mrs. Garman was as usual
+more or less peevish; and Rachel kept to herself, which Fanny maintained
+was because she had taken up with a new father confessor.
+
+The Consul was the only person who seemed to care for her, and when she
+came back from a visit in the town, he would pat her on the head and
+say, "Well, my dear, I am glad to see you back again."
+
+One day, just as she was getting into Fanny's carriage to drive down to
+the town, the Consul happened to pass the door.
+
+"Are you going to run away from us again?" said he, with a friendly
+smile, as he passed.
+
+Madeleine felt she had a guilty conscience, and, after much stammering
+and hesitation, she at last managed to ask her uncle if he did not like
+her to go.
+
+"Oh no! I didn't mean that," said the Consul, as he patted her on the
+cheek. "I wish you always to do exactly what you like best."
+
+As Madeleine sat in the carriage she could not help thinking that she
+was one of the dullest creatures on earth. How could she be so foolish
+as to imagine that any one in the house cared whether she were there or
+not? More probably she was only in the way. She could not help
+regretting her defective education, and a few days after, when she
+returned to Sandsgaard, she noticed that her uncle did not pat her on
+the cheek. The fact was, she did not yet quite understand her new life;
+everything had turned out so different to what she had expected.
+
+When Madeleine and her friend Per had met for the last time, but few
+words had passed between them, but when he went down the hill towards
+Bratvold, she stood gazing after him till he was out of sight. She had
+then made a vow to keep true to him, no matter what her relations might
+say, and she knew well enough they would all be against her; but as she
+looked over the sea, she felt herself so strong and so determined, that
+she could not doubt her courage and her constancy to her first love.
+
+But now, as it so turned out, her constancy was never called in
+question. She felt certain that a rumour of her connection with Per must
+have reached Sandsgaard, for she well knew that there were stories
+enough about her free and unrestrained life at Bratvold, and so at first
+she always dreaded the slightest allusion to it. She had at the same
+time quite made up her mind to confess openly how matters stood, and to
+say plainly that although he was nothing but a simple peasant and
+fisherman, she, Madeleine Garman, would be true to him. But in the
+course of conversation she could not discover even the most distant hint
+at her adventure; it did not even appear that anything really was known
+about it; her past life was, in fact, never mentioned in any way, and it
+seemed to be taken for granted that she could never have conducted
+herself otherwise than naturally became a Miss Garman. It was this very
+assumption that seemed to shake her in her resolution.
+
+Everything about Fanny's pretty and artistic house was always kept in
+the best of order. Old mahogany and horsehair were here quite
+inadmissible.
+
+The furniture, which was mostly of carved walnut, and plush, had all
+come from Hamburg. _Portieres_ hung before the doors, and the windows
+and the corners of the rooms were gay with _jardinieres_, and vases
+containing flowers and choice foliage plants; while small tables and
+luxurious armchairs were grouped about the room. The rooms were not
+large, but when all the doors stood open the general effect was very
+pleasing, enhanced by its china, paintings, bright carpets, and gilded
+mirrors.
+
+Sandsgaard, with its large and lofty rooms, where the furniture was all
+arranged round the walls, was so cold and stiff that Madeleine could not
+help feeling she must move about noiselessly, or sit demurely in a
+corner. At Fanny's her feelings were very different; everything seemed
+so inviting; and the difficulty was to choose a seat among the many
+comfortable armchairs and sofas.
+
+Morten never seemed to be perfectly at home in his own house, where his
+heavy form was quite out of place. Fanny took but little notice of him,
+and his opinion was never consulted. However, he was easy-going, and
+preferred to keep pretty much to himself.
+
+Morten Garman had the reputation of being a good-natured fellow, but at
+the same time of not being very easy to get on with. To do business with
+him required the greatest circumspection; a single word might spoil
+everything, and if once anything upset him, it was almost impossible to
+get him right again. Old-fashioned people, therefore, preferred going
+out to Sandsgaard, and dealing with the young Consul personally; it was
+a slower process, but the result might be reckoned on with the greatest
+certainty. The young man had a habit of suddenly looking at his watch,
+breaking off the negotiations, getting into his carriage, and driving
+off to Sandsgaard or elsewhere, leaving behind him nothing but loose
+statements and half-concluded business.
+
+Fanny had never troubled her husband with any demonstrative affection,
+and certainly never with jealousy. She understood him well enough to
+know that if at any time she should have occasion for his forbearance,
+there were quite faults enough on his side to weigh down the balance in
+her favour.
+
+"There goes your admirer, Pastor Martens. Look, Madeleine, how he is
+eyeing us, the worthy man! He is taking off his hat.--Good morning,"
+said Fanny, bowing, and at the same time beckoning to him to come in.
+
+The pastor was at the other side of the narrow street, and seemed to
+consider a moment before he made up his mind to cross. In the mean time
+Fanny rang the bell and ordered chocolate. She dearly loved these
+morning visits, with a cup of chocolate or a glass of wine, and
+accordingly always kept her eye upon the street. Martens, who was the
+resident chaplain, was among her most frequent guests, especially since
+she had taken it into her head that he admired Madeleine. There was
+nothing remarkable that Fanny should have her attention taken up in
+finding a suitable _parti_ for the chaplain. The whole congregation was,
+in fact, busy in the same direction; for Martens was a man of about
+thirty, not otherwise than prepossessing in appearance, and it was now
+more than a year and a half since he had lost his first wife, so that
+nothing could be more natural than that he should be thinking about
+another.
+
+"Good morning, ladies; good morning, Miss Garman. I hope you are both
+well," said the chaplain, as he came into the room. "I could not resist
+your kind invitation, although I knew by experience that a visit to you
+is far too agreeable to be of very short duration."
+
+"You are really too kind, Mr. Martens; and your complaisance to such a
+child of the world as I am, always causes me great astonishment," said
+Fanny, giving Madeleine a look.
+
+"A great many people are astonished at it," answered the chaplain, not
+understanding her meaning.
+
+"No, really! Who? who?" cried Fanny, curiously.
+
+"Ah, you can scarcely understand," Martens began to explain, "to what an
+extent we poor clergymen are observed by the hundred eyes of our
+congregation; and the fact is, there are several most respectable old
+ladies who have taken offence at my frequent visits to Sandsgaard and to
+yourself."
+
+
+"No! How amusing! Do listen, Madeleine!" cried Fanny, beaming.
+
+"It's all very well for you to laugh," said the chaplain, good
+humouredly; "but it might be very embarrassing for me, were it not that
+I can rely on the support of the good dean."
+
+"So Dean Sparre and you get on now. I was under the impression that the
+relation--"
+
+"Yes, at first; only just at first. But I am not ashamed to confess that
+the fault was on my side. You see, when I first came I took up with some
+of our so-called Evangelical neighbours; respectable, worthy people,
+too--I should be sorry to say otherwise--but still, not exactly
+such--such--"
+
+"_Comme il faut_?" suggested Fanny.
+
+"Well," answered he, smiling, "that was not exactly the expression I was
+looking for; but still, you understand what I mean."
+
+"Perfectly!" said Fanny, laughing, as she took the cup of chocolate
+which Madeleine had poured out for her.
+
+"I am sorry to say I took up a false position with regard to the dean,
+which led to many annoyances until I learnt to know him; then everything
+smoothed itself down so nicely that, if I may venture to say so, the
+relations between us became almost that of father and son. He is an
+extraordinary man," repeated the chaplain several times.
+
+"Yes, is he not?" said Fanny. "I think he is the nicest clergyman I have
+ever seen; and if one did not understand a word of his sermon, it would
+still be most edifying only to hear him read the service. Then the
+charming poems he writes!"
+
+"Yes. For my part, I consider his last poem, 'Peace and Reconciliation,'
+the best thing of the kind that has appeared in our literature for the
+last ten years. Can you imagine anything more charming than the lines--
+
+     "'I sat, in silent peace of even,
+     On humble bench before my cot'?"
+
+"Was he poor once?" asked Madeleine, quickly.
+
+Fanny laughed; but the chaplain explained, in a clear and good-natured
+way, that the poem had been written after Sparre had become dean, and
+that the cottage was merely a poetical way of expressing his great
+simplicity.
+
+Madeleine felt that she had asked a foolish question, and went to the
+window and looked out into the street.
+
+"Yes," continued the chaplain, "there is something about the dean I can
+never quite understand. I never can quite make up my mind exactly where
+it lies; but when you are face to face with him, you feel his power and
+superiority. I might almost say he seems to fascinate you. When he is
+made a bishop--"
+
+"A bishop?" asked Fanny.
+
+"Yes, indeed; there is no doubt that the dean will have the first
+bishopric that becomes vacant. I have heard it publicly mentioned."
+
+"No, really! I should never have thought of it," said Fanny. "But you
+are quite right. Won't he look noble with his imposing figure and white
+hair, and the gold cross shining on his breast? It is a pity ours is not
+a cathedral town; a bishop is really so interesting. For instance, in
+'Leonardo.' Madeleine, have you ever seen a bishop?"
+
+Madeleine turned towards her with a deep blush on her face, as she
+stammered out, "What were you asking, Fanny?"
+
+But Fanny's quick eye had already caught sight of Delphin, who was
+coming over from the other side of the street. She returned his bow,
+and, observing Madeleine closely, said to her, "Will you be so good as
+to go and get a cup for Mr. Delphin?"
+
+"Is he coming in?" said the chaplain, looking for his hat.
+
+"Yes. But I have not given you leave to go, Mr. Martens; we were getting
+on so nicely."
+
+Delphin came in, and Fanny gave him a friendly nod, and continued, "Now,
+in your position as clergyman, you really must assist us to effect Mr.
+Delphin's conversion."
+
+"No necessity! no necessity, I assure you, Mrs. Garman," said Delphin,
+gaily. "My conversion is already about as perfect as it can be. Mr.
+Johnsen and I have been conversing on the subject in a most serious
+manner for the last half-hour."
+
+"We were also talking on religious subjects," said Fanny.
+
+"Have you just left Mr. Johnsen?" asked the chaplain, who had got his
+hat, and was on the point of taking his leave.
+
+"I walked with him a little way on the road to Sandsgaard. It appears
+that he had an invitation to go there," answered Delphin.
+
+"To-day, again!" said Fanny.
+
+"Good morning, ladies, good morning! No, you really must allow me. I
+have already been here longer than I ought. Good morning, Miss Garman."
+
+Madeleine was just coming into the room, and the chaplain took a step
+towards her in order to shake her hand; but, as she was carrying the
+tray with the cups upon it, he was obliged to content himself with
+giving her a warm and respectful look. As he went downstairs, he thought
+how unfortunate it was that Delphin should always be coming in his way.
+
+Severin Martens was naturally very good-natured, but Delphin was a man
+he could not bear. If the two got into conversation, everything seemed
+to go wrong for the chaplain. The other had a particular way of taking
+up his words, turning them into ridicule, and exciting laughter among
+the hearers, which was most unpleasant. The chaplain did not care very
+much, either, for Mr. Johnsen. That apparently helpless young man had
+shown that he knew how to look after himself only too well. "Invited
+nearly every day to Sandsgaard! Hum!" muttered Martens, as he went down
+the street.
+
+No sooner had Delphin taken the clergyman's place, than the conversation
+changed its tone.
+
+"Our worthy chaplain did not much like Johnsen's going to Sandsgaard,"
+said Fanny.
+
+"That was just the reason I mentioned it," said Delphin.
+
+"Yes, I could see that very well. You are always so dreadfully
+mischievous. But can you make out what is the matter with my learned
+sister-in-law? Rachel, who is generally as cold and unsympathetic as an
+iceberg, becomes all at once quite taken up with what appears to me the
+most unlikely person."
+
+"Your sister-in-law always appears attracted towards any one who shows
+originality."
+
+"Well," objected the lady, "I don't see much in him; at first I thought
+he was rather interesting. He reminded me somewhat of Brand in Ibsen's
+play, or something of that sort; but really, how tiresome he is, with
+his short, cutting remarks, which come plump into the middle of a
+conversation like so many stones!"
+
+"I am a man of the people! my place is among the people!" said Delphin,
+imitating Johnsen's voice and manner.
+
+Fanny laughed, and clapped her hands. Madeleine laughed too; she could
+not help it when Delphin said anything amusing. It is true she liked him
+better when he was serious, as he was when they were alone; he had then
+a frank, genuine manner that she found particularly attractive. She
+could talk to Mr. Delphin on many subjects which she would never have
+had the courage to mention to others. It was plain enough--that is to
+Fanny, though not to Madeleine--that he always paid his visits, quite
+accidentally, of course, whenever Madeleine was in the town.
+
+As they sat chatting merrily on different subjects, Fanny, who always
+kept her eye on passers-by, suddenly cried, "Just look! there is Jacob
+Worse. I declare, he is passing the house without looking up; but I saw
+him speak to some one at the door. I wonder who it could have been?"
+and, with a woman's curiosity, she hurried over to the window.
+
+"Ah!" said she, laughing, "I declare it was my little Frederick he was
+talking to. Freddy," she cried, looking out of the window, "come up to
+mother, and you shall have some chocolate."
+
+Little Christian Frederick, a white-haired, sturdy little fellow of
+between six and seven, came scrambling up the stairs. The maid opened
+the door for him, and his mother asked, as she poured him out some
+chocolate, "Who was it my Freddy was talking to downstairs there by the
+door?"
+
+"It was the big man," answered the child, looking at the cup with eager
+eyes.
+
+"The big man is Jacob Worse, and the little man is yourself, Mr.
+Delphin," explained Fanny, laughing. "My son's manners are not yet quite
+perfect. Did the big man ask who was up here with mother?"
+
+"He asked if Aunt Rachel was in town," answered the child, putting out
+his hand for the cup.
+
+Madeleine did not exactly see what the others found so amusing, but she
+joined in the laugh, because little Freddy was her darling.
+
+"You are a dangerous woman," said George Delphin, as he took his leave;
+"I must go and warn my friend Worse."
+
+"Yes, you dare!" cried Fanny, holding up her taper finger threateningly
+at him.
+
+There was something which Madeleine could not exactly define, that she
+did not quite like, about Fanny. She noticed it most when they were in
+the society of men, but even when they were alone the same unpleasant
+manner would sometimes appear. She was not accustomed to all these
+questions, innuendoes, and allusions, which always seemed to take the
+same direction; but at last she became so fascinated by her lively and
+talkative friend, that she began to lose some of her self-possession,
+and a feeling of anxiety which she could not comprehend, came over her
+lest some fate was in store for her which she was unable to avert.
+
+Fanny stood by the window, looking at Delphin as he left the house. He
+was not such a little man, after all! He had a nice figure, and his
+clothes fitted as if he had been melted into them. There was an air of
+distinction about his black moustache and curly hair. He was, in fact, a
+man that you would look twice at anywhere. It was wonderful she had
+never remarked it before!
+
+Fanny turned to Madeleine, who was clearing the table, and observed her
+narrowly.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+
+"I notice, Mr. Johnsen," said Rachel, "that in almost all the
+conversations we have had on serious subjects, we seem to come to some
+point or another which all at once gives rise to a whole army of doubts
+and questions in us both; or perhaps, to speak more correctly, in you
+rather than in myself."
+
+"The reason is that your extraordinary acuteness leads the conversation
+into certain lines of thought," answered the inspector.
+
+Rachel paused for a moment, and looked at him. At every turn of their
+interesting acquaintance she had been on her guard against any word
+which had the slightest resemblance to a compliment. But when she saw
+before her the earnest and somewhat plain features of her friend, she
+felt that her caution was unnecessary, and she answered, "It does not
+require any extraordinary acuteness to perceive that when two people
+make an attempt in common to thoroughly understand any subject, they are
+more likely to be successful than if each were to work for himself. But
+what appears to me most remarkable is really this, that you did not long
+ago work out these problems for yourself."
+
+"You have opened my eyes to many things which hitherto--"
+
+"But hear what I have to say," broke in Rachel, with some impatience.
+"We have been going backwards and forwards here certainly for half an
+hour, talking about the many difficulties which must beset a clergyman,
+who is at the same time the servant of both God and the State, and
+continually, or at least several times, you have told me that I was
+right, or that you had not thought of such and such things before, or
+something of that sort." Rachel stopped in the broad path between the
+hedges in front of the house, where they were walking, and, looking him
+full in the face, said, "How is it possible, Mr. Johnsen, that you who
+have studied theology, and intend in the course of time to take priest's
+orders, have not already long ago made the subject clear to yourself,
+and taken your line accordingly?"
+
+Johnsen's eyes fell before her clear and penetrating glance as he
+answered, "I have been quite enough troubled by doubts and anxieties,
+which are things none of us can escape; but if it now appears to
+you--and I must confess that it is the fact--that I have neglected
+certain points, I must plead that this negligence has been caused by my
+peculiar education. I come from a poor home, a very poor home"--he
+seemed to regain his confidence as he spoke--"and I have raised myself,
+without any special abilities, by sheer hard work. My time has,
+therefore, been fully occupied during my studies, and, as far as my
+opinion goes, a person who is working in real earnest has but little
+time for speculation. Besides, there is something about the subject
+itself, and about the men with whom one is brought into
+contact--something, what shall I call it?--something soothing,
+reassuring, which has the effect of making the doubts which from time to
+time appear bring, as it were, their own solution with them. But life's
+experience, and even more, my aquaintance with you, Miss Garman, has
+caused me to waver on many points."
+
+"Do you remember our first conversation?" she asked.
+
+"I don't think I have forgotten a single word that has passed between
+us."
+
+"It was one of the first Sundays you were at Sandsgaard."
+
+"The conversation at dinner turned upon the subject of war. Was not that
+the day you mean?" asked he.
+
+"Yes, exactly," answered Rachel. "Mr. Delphin was maintaining, in his
+foolish, superficial way, that the spirit of the time would soon get rid
+of the evil of war, if we could only have done with kings and priests.
+You may remember Mr. Martens got quite excited, and insisted that
+priests were distinctly men of peace, and that their work was the work
+of peace. And then Mr. Delphin made the adroit answer, that any one who
+liked could go to church any Sunday, and hear how devoutly this man of
+peace, Mr. Martens, prays for the arms of the country by land and by
+sea."
+
+"I remember it very well," answered Johnsen, with a smile; "it was just
+there I joined in the conversation."
+
+"Yes; you declared that you would never, if you were ordained, mention
+the arms of the country in your prayers."
+
+"Neither will I; nothing shall ever make me."
+
+Rachel looked at him: he was in just the humour she liked to see him.
+
+"I bring this to your recollection," she went on, "because I know now
+that there are many other duties which fall to the lot of a clergyman,
+that you will not be able altogether to reconcile with your convictions.
+In the course of our conversations you have expressed many decided
+opinions--for instance, about the Marriage Service, about Absolution,
+Confirmation, and several other matters; so that it now appears clear to
+me that you must either give up the idea of being ordained, or else be
+false to yourself."
+
+"False to myself I cannot be," cried he; "I would rather give up my
+future prospects."
+
+"But is that sufficient?"
+
+"I don't understand you, Miss Garman."
+
+"Do you think that you would be doing yourself justice by thus evading
+the responsibility that your convictions give rise to? If I were a
+man"--Rachel drew herself up--"I would go and seek the conflict, and not
+shirk it."
+
+"Neither will I shirk it, Miss Garman," answered Johnsen.
+
+"I hope you won't; there are quite enough who do." She looked towards
+the house to which they were approaching, and through the open window
+saw Fanny and Delphin carrying on a flirtation. Pastor Martens and
+Madeleine were going towards the croquet lawn, and Jacob Worse stood
+watching them with a cigar in his mouth.
+
+Rachel turned quickly round to her companion and said, "I don't know
+anything more despicable than when a man does not dare, either by word
+or deed, to declare plainly what he feels in his inner consciousness to
+be in opposition with generally received opinions. A man who sneaks
+through life in this manner is, in my opinion, a coward."
+
+She went towards the house, and Johnsen remained standing for a moment,
+and then wandered down the path again, lost in deep thought.
+
+Jacob Worse said to her as she passed him, "Would you like to join the
+croquet? I hardly think it is right to leave your cousin to play alone
+with the chaplain."
+
+"I think you might have spared yourself that well-meant remark, Mr.
+Worse," answered Rachel, in a tone which made him look at her with
+astonishment. "It seems to me, on the contrary, that Madeleine is in
+very good company--just the company that suits her."
+
+"I beg your pardon," answered Worse, good humouredly. "I did not mean to
+be indiscreet; but I cannot help feeling that your cousin is in reality
+of such a lively nature, it is hard for her to find vent for her
+spirits."
+
+"I did not know that Madeleine had such a concealed fund of spirits. As
+a general rule, I do not much care for people who are afraid to show
+their feelings."
+
+"Afraid?" asked he, in astonishment.
+
+"Yes; I said afraid. What else is it but want of courage which makes a
+man sit down quietly and hide his thoughts, conceal his convictions,
+live a false life, and play a part from morning to night? It were better
+to do like your friend out there"--and she gave a toss of her head
+towards Delphin--"to talk so grandly about one's principles, and to
+illustrate them by paradoxes and witticisms."
+
+Jacob Worse now saw that he had found Rachel in a more earnest mood than
+he had expected.
+
+"I have often observed," said he, seriously, "that you always think that
+it is a man's duty to speak out boldly when he finds his convictions are
+in danger; but allow me to explain--"
+
+"I don't want to hear any explanations," rejoined Rachel, "and you are
+not bound to give me any; but I repeat what I said. It is cowardly."
+
+She regretted the word the moment it was spoken. She said it because she
+had just used the same expression in her conversation with Johnsen; but,
+however, without saying anything further, she went into the house.
+
+Jacob Worse remained thoughtfully contemplating his cigar. At last,
+then, the storm had burst. The ill humour he had so long noticed in her
+had found vent. He knew she meant what she said. She thought he was a
+coward. There had hitherto been a kind of friendly comradeship between
+them, which excluded any attempts at courtesy. She had told him that
+their friendship must be on this footing, if he wished it to continue.
+He had accepted his position, and they had often talked freely together,
+but latterly less than had formerly been the case.
+
+Jacob Worse turned round, and found himself face to face with Mr.
+Johnsen, who was coming up the path with his eyes fixed on the ground.
+He at once perceived that here was to be found the cause for Rachel's
+extraordinary conduct, and the discovery did not tend to put him in a
+better humour.
+
+Mr. Hiorth the magistrate, and Mr. Aalbom the schoolmaster, were seated
+together in the old summer-house near the pond. They were generally to
+be found together on these Sunday afternoons at Sandsgaard. The
+opportunity for talking scandal was one not to be neglected.
+
+Hiorth's family had been for a long time in the service of the State, a
+fact of which he was not a little proud; and after his daughter's
+marriage with Morten Garman, who was one of the most eligible young men
+of the district, his somewhat sensitive feelings began to revolt against
+the self-satisfaction which the Garman family seemed to have inherited
+with their solid prosperity.
+
+Aalbom was, therefore, not afraid to give free play to his bitter
+tongue, and after a good dinner he was just in the vein for so doing.
+
+"They are asleep," said he. "I dare bet they are both of them fast
+asleep. Have you not noticed that both the Consul and his brother
+disappear after dinner every Sunday?"
+
+"Yes, I have remarked that I don't generally see them when the coffee
+comes; but it is only for about a quarter of an hour," answered the
+magistrate, as he brushed some cigar-ash off his coat, just where his
+new North Star Order hung.
+
+"They are not treating you properly," continued Aalbom; "especially when
+Richard calls himself an _attache_, and has some pretensions to good
+manners."
+
+"Oh! well, as far as he is concerned," answered the other, "he means to
+show his contempt for people in office. Richard Garman, like all people
+who have led shady lives, is an ultra-Radical."
+
+"No doubt, sir. And I am not very certain about the Consul either; he
+has no respect for a cultivated intellect."
+
+"But can you expect anything better from a man in trade?"
+
+"A shopkeeper, you might say," whispered Aalbom, looking cautiously
+around. "There, now," he added, "I declare if it is not raining! Just
+what one might have expected. We had a little sunshine in the morning,
+and so of course it must rain in the afternoon. What a climate! what a
+country!" and, amid a torrent of ejaculations and anathemas, they both
+went hurriedly round the pond, and reached the house just as the rain
+began to fall in earnest.
+
+The company generally sat downstairs when the weather was fine, in the
+room with the French windows opening into the garden; but now, as it had
+begun to rain, and the wind began to rustle through the flowers and the
+Virginian creeper on the railings, they went upstairs.
+
+Whether it was that the two Garmans had really wished to show their
+contempt for people in office by taking a nap, or whether their absence
+had been accidental, they had both returned to the company, and Richard
+was standing with his back to the fireplace, and the Consul was under
+the old clock, in conversation with Jacob Worse.
+
+It was generally supposed that it was to these Sunday afternoon
+conversations with Worse that the Consul owed his perfect knowledge of
+every event that took place in the town.
+
+Madeleine was sitting by the window, looking out at the rain. She was
+quite astonished to find how agreeable Pastor Martens could be. Her
+knowledge of clergymen had hitherto been confined to her father's
+descriptions of them, which were amusing enough, but far from
+flattering.
+
+But Mr. Martens was quite lively, if not merry. He had not attempted to
+say anything serious, and she had nothing against him except that he hit
+very hard at croquet; but he played really well, and seemed to enjoy it.
+It was a pity that the rain had come before they had finished their
+game.
+
+It was one of those evenings when it is not dark enough to light the
+candles, but is still too dark for any one to see to work; and a wet
+evening, even in summer, can become very tiresome before lights, cards,
+and such like make their appearance.
+
+Mrs. Garman and Mrs. Aalbom sat gossiping on the sofa; and Fanny, who in
+the course of the day had received more than one reproving look from her
+mother-in-law for flirting with Delphin, was now doing penance with the
+old ladies, to whom Pastor Martens had also attached himself.
+
+Quite a group had gathered round the fireplace by the _attache_,
+consisting of the magistrate, Mr. Aalbom, and Delphin. Morten had
+disappeared, no one knew whither.
+
+Delphin was anxious to slip away, so as to get an opportunity of having
+a chat with Madeleine; but Richard would not let him go--he was just the
+man after the _attache's_ heart. He reminded him of his own youth, with
+his polite assurance and ready wit. The old diplomatist had a weakness
+for getting up little disputes among his acquaintances, while he
+himself, by alternately assisting the two sides, took care to preserve
+the balance between them, and maintain a good tone in the discussion.
+From this point of view George Delphin was quite a treasure. He had just
+that irritating manner which sometimes became very nearly offensive, but
+was at the same time so polished, that it would indicate a want of good
+breeding to be annoyed at it. It was thus a real treat for Uncle Richard
+to see the magistrate, with all his aplomb, writhe under Delphin's
+adroit and sarcastic rejoinders. Aalbom, on the other hand, was not so
+well bred, and often, therefore, broke through conventionalities, to the
+great delight of both the _attache_ and the magistrate.
+
+Uncle Richard had on this occasion led the conversation in a direction
+which he knew would be at the same time entertaining and interesting.
+The subject was the position of the country with regard to other
+nations. Mr. Hiorth had been in Paris under Louis Philippe, and Delphin
+had two years previously made a summer tour through Europe, while the
+schoolmaster had been at the University of Copenhagen. Delphin's account
+of his travels was most animated, and culminated in the greatest
+admiration for Paris. The magistrate maintained that Paris was a
+dangerous, restless, and vicious town. This was the result of his
+observation in 1847, and it was generally allowed that since that time
+it had become even worse. Aalbom vainly tried to get in something about
+Thorwaldsen's museum.
+
+The conversation began to get lively. The _attache_ distributed his aid
+with the greatest impartiality, and winked knowingly at Delphin, when to
+all appearances he had quite gone over to the magistrate's side. Each
+point as it arose was discussed with the greatest eagerness, until they
+arrived at woman's position in society. The magistrate was very strong
+on the subject of French immorality, but he was unluckily obliged to
+curtail his remarks on account of the ladies. Aalbom, who was able to
+take up a firm position on the ground of his acquaintance with "The
+Origin and History of the French Language," came to the assistance of
+his friend with a string of the most frightful quotations from Rabelais
+to Zola. Both then began to compare the women of their own country with
+those of Northern Europe generally, and managed to make the comparison a
+very favourable one, holding up their countrywomen as veritable
+heroines; and as both Richard Garman and Delphin were far too gallant to
+dispute their theory, so the other two had full enjoyment of their
+triumph.
+
+Jacob Worse now got up and joined the group. He had not been able to
+help partly overhearing the conversation, and ruffled as he was by
+Rachel's accusations, he could no longer keep silence. The Consul smiled
+as he joined the others, and said in a low tone, "I will keep my eye
+upon you, and if it gets too hot, will come to your assistance."
+
+From the moment Jacob Worse began to take part in the conversation, the
+_attache_ felt that the reins were slipping out of his hands. Worse went
+at it hammer and tongs; not that he raised his voice, or used unbecoming
+expressions, but his views were so subversive and so original, that the
+others were forthwith reduced to silence. At the first onset he brushed
+aside all the nonsense about Norwegian women, and that sort of thing,
+and went on boldly to consider the position of woman generally with
+regard to man. The magistrate asked him superciliously if he meant them
+to understand that he was in favour of emancipation; and when Worse
+answered that he was, the magistrate asked him with a smile how he
+thought he would be treated by an "emancipated wife." Worse, however,
+maintained that it was not a question how a man was treated, but what
+the relation really was which existed between the two. The time must be
+drawing to a close when the sole consideration was, what a man found
+most agreeable, and it was to be hoped that the young men of the future
+would be ashamed to argue from that basis. This was plainly a hit, not
+only at the magistrate, but at all married men of his generation. Aalbom
+protested warmly against Worse's theory, and his wife could be heard
+ejaculating in the distance. Pastor Martens now came and joined the
+disputants.
+
+Jacob Worse was becoming excited; he spoke hurriedly, and his tone
+showed that he only restrained himself by an effort. On what absurd
+principles, he maintained, was the education of women generally
+conducted! How many thousands ended their career, worn out by the
+drudgery of household duties! Their intellect was wasted, and their
+strength exhausted for nothing. It was quite easy to talk so glibly of
+purity in a state of society where man was to know everything and have a
+right to everything, while woman was to be debarred from all
+intellectual knowledge.
+
+At the first pause in the conversation, Aalbom came to the front as
+woman's champion, and the magistrate and Martens joined him. The
+conversation now waxed warmer, and Delphin wandered off to Madeleine,
+leaving Worse struggling alone against the arguments which both sides
+brought to bear on him. The disputants became heated and excited, and
+all went on talking at once, without giving time for the others to
+finish their sentences.
+
+The _attache_ stood with his hands behind his back, regarding with
+apprehension the storm he had raised, and which was now out of his power
+to quell.
+
+Mr. Johnsen made several attempts to join in the conversation, which
+had, however, become so warm that no one could be got to listen to his
+measured and carefully worded remarks. Rachel followed the arguments
+with the greatest interest, but she could not help feeling annoyed. She
+was annoyed when the others said anything stupid, and even still more so
+when she was obliged to confess that Worse was in the right. Everything
+seemed to irritate her. She could not bear to hear these men discussing
+her and her position as if she were some strange animal, and without
+ever having the grace to ask her opinion. The conversation had now gone
+far beyond woman's position, although Jacob Worse tried in vain to keep
+them to the point. Off they went through recent literature, foreign
+politics, home politics, ever with increasing earnestness, and with the
+same division of parties. Latterly the pastor had come more to the
+front. Aalbom's voice began to fail him, and the magistrate was unable
+any longer to get beyond the beginning of his sentences, and could do
+little else than point to his decorations and say, "For God and the
+King!" And before they knew where they were, they found themselves on
+the subject of modern scepticism.
+
+Jacob Worse protested against this digression; but Martens, whose voice
+was just as calm as when he began, maintained that this lay at the
+bottom of the whole question, and that modern unbelief formed, as it
+were, a background to all the questions they had been discussing, and
+that all the arguments that were adduced from a "certain point of view"
+had their roots in this very principle.
+
+The magistrate and Aalbom were agreed on this point, but Jacob Worse,
+with a pale face and excited gestures, began, "Gentlemen--!"
+
+The Consul here made a sign to Miss Cordsen, who opened the doors into
+the dining-room, from whence the bright light shone suddenly into the
+room. The disputants only now remarked that it had become quite dark as
+they were talking. The company then adjourned to the dining-room,
+thankful enough to have a little breathing-time, but the voices still
+retained traces of the excitement.
+
+"Where did you get those splendid lobsters, mother?" asked Morten, who
+had suddenly turned up, no one knew from whence. He never missed his
+meals.
+
+"Uncle Richard brought them," answered Mrs. Garman. "I think he has a
+fisherman at Bratvold, who always brings him the finest lobsters that
+are to be got." She had taken care to help herself to some of the coral,
+which looked most appetizing in its contrast to the white meat.
+
+Madeleine got almost as red as the lobster, and bent down over her
+teacup. Per, and everything connected with her old home, now seemed so
+distant, that when she thought upon her original intention of making an
+open confession, the idea seemed mere folly. She was indeed thankful
+that none of those around her guessed how near she had been to such an
+absurd engagement.
+
+The two brothers, when they were going to bed that evening, had a chat
+over the events of the day. Richard's room opened into the Consul's, and
+notwithstanding that his habit of smoking cigarettes was an abomination
+to his brother, the door between the rooms always remained open at
+night. Each had his own particular method of undressing. The Consul took
+off each garment in due order, folded it up, and laid it in its
+appointed place. Richard, on the other hand, tore off his things and
+threw them about anyhow. He then wrapped himself in his dressing-gown,
+and sat down and smoked till his brother was ready.
+
+"He is the very devil, that Worse!" said the _attache_, leaning back in
+the armchair; "but it does me good to hear any one speak out his mind so
+plainly."
+
+"He is too violent; he forgets conventionalities."
+
+"It is possible to have too much conventionality. It is well for young
+people to air their views; it does them good."
+
+"What nonsense you are talking, Dick!" cried the Consul, entering his
+brother's room. "What the deuce would become of the world if youngsters
+were allowed to jabber like that on every possible occasion?"
+
+But Uncle Richard was not nervous when they were _tete-a-tete_. He got
+slowly up from his chair, and let his dressing-gown slip off his
+shoulders; and the two brothers now stood opposite each other, in very
+different _deshabille_. The young Consul was in his night-shirt, and a
+pair of flannel drawers tied at the knees with broad tape. His thin legs
+were thrust into long grey stockings, which Miss Cordsen alone knew how
+to knit. Richard had a pair of Turkish slippers, thread stockings, which
+fitted closely to his well-formed leg, and a shirt of fine material
+stiffly starched, in which he always slept. There were none of his
+brother's failings which the Consul disliked more than this.
+
+"I tell you what, Christian Frederick," said Uncle Richard, as he laid
+his hand on his brother's shoulder, "I don't say that young people will
+do the world a great deal of good by making a noise, but I am quite
+certain that none of us have done it much good by holding our tongue."
+
+"What do you mean? Nonsense, Richard!" said the Consul, contemptuously,
+as he turned back into his room.
+
+They both got into bed and put out their lights.
+
+"Good night, Christian Frederick."
+
+"Good night," answered the Consul, rather drily; but just as Uncle
+Richard was on the point of falling asleep, he heard his brother say--
+
+"Dick, Dick! are you asleep?"
+
+"No, not quite," answered the other, sitting up in bed.
+
+"Well, then, perhaps there was something in what you said just now. Good
+night."
+
+"Good night," said the _attache_, lying down with a smile on his face. A
+few minutes after the two old gentlemen were snoring peacefully in
+unison.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+
+Gustaf Torpander was still consumed by his silent passion. Every penny
+he could save he devoted either to heightening his personal attractions
+or to treating Marianne's brother; for hitherto he had never had the
+courage to offer her any presents personally. The circuitous course he
+was thus driven to follow in his courtship, was not altogether agreeable
+to the Swede, and the drinking bouts at Begmand's cottage, in which he
+was obliged to take part in order to get a glimpse of his sweetheart, he
+found particularly distasteful.
+
+At first Marianne was greatly annoyed by the attentions of the
+journeyman printer. From her earliest childhood, the knowledge of her
+exceptional beauty had made her careful to be on her guard against any
+advances from the other sex; but since her misfortune, she had come to
+regard every attention as a kind of persecution. But her shyness was
+generally received with an incredulous smile or a coarse joke. What
+shocked her most was, that men seemed no longer to believe that she
+really meant to shun them in earnest, and she was therefore quite
+nervous if any of them approached her. When, however, she saw that
+Torpander did not presume on his acquaintance, and preserved his polite
+and even respectful manner, she became at last used to his society, and
+had even a kind of sympathetic feeling for him. For Tom Robson she had
+always an unconquerable aversion. It is true that she saw Tom only from
+his worst side, when he was drinking. In the morning, when Robson was
+sober, there was something of the gentleman about him. He was always
+neatly dressed in a blue serge suit, coloured shirt, and in dry weather
+wore canvas shoes. It was a great pleasure for the young Consul to go
+his morning round in the ship-yard with Mr. Robson. The work went on
+bravely, and the ship bid fair to be both handsome and well built. Mr.
+Garman knew Tom's weakness as well as any one, but as long as he
+attended to his work he was free to use his leisure as he liked. The
+firm had always worked on the principle that the less the workpeople
+were interfered with the better. They worked all the better for it, and
+gave far less trouble generally.
+
+"I think she ought to be ready next spring," said the Consul one day in
+the beginning of July.
+
+"In about eight or nine months, if the winter is not too wet," answered
+Tom.
+
+"I should be very pleased if we could manage to launch her on the 15th
+of May," said the Consul, in a low tone; "but you must not mention the
+day to any one; you understand, Mr. Robson?"
+
+"All right, sir," answered Tom.
+
+Tom did not betray the day, even to his friend Master Gabriel; he only
+said it was to be some time in the spring, and with that Gabriel had to
+be content: but he still showed great curiosity as to what the name of
+the ship was to be. Tom swore that he knew nothing about it, and Morten
+answered that it was "a thing which did not concern schoolboys." From
+which Gabriel inferred that neither of them knew much about it, and, at
+all events, not Morten.
+
+During the summer Gabriel got on but poorly at school; it seemed really
+too hard that he should have to pore over his books, while the work was
+going on with all its noise and bustle in the ship-yard. His
+character-book showed a sad spectacle, and each month when he had to
+take it in to his father, he made up his mind to make a little speech,
+of which the burden was to be, that he did not wish to continue his
+studies, but to be employed in the office, or be allowed to go to sea,
+or anywhere his father chose to send him. But each time when he stood
+before those cold blue eyes, every word seemed to vanish from his
+memory, and he looked so helpless and confused that his father shook his
+head as he left the room, and said--
+
+"I can't make the boy out. I don't think he will ever grow into a man."
+
+When first Madeleine came to Sandsgaard, Gabriel had found it a great
+relief to confide his woes to her. But now she had got too clever for
+him, and refused to be frightened by his threats of running away to sea,
+or giving his master, Mr. Aalbom, some rat-poison in his toddy, and he
+ended by feeling jealous of Delphin.
+
+Fanny had for some time remarked that Delphin was openly paying his
+attentions to Madeleine, and the more plainly her sharp eyes took in the
+situation, the more clearly did she perceive that she had been relegated
+to the unenviable position of third person. She knew that Delphin had
+been used to the society of Christiania; he was neither so young nor so
+green as most of her father's assistants, and she therefore found his
+society agreeable. But when she found that, as usual, he began at once
+to show his admiration for her, she thought to herself he was no
+different to the rest. But now she began to take a little more notice of
+him; perhaps it was hardly worth while to let him slip entirely out of
+her hands; and when she looked at herself in the glass, she could not
+help laughing and thinking how absurd it was for any one, with her
+pretensions to beauty, to be contented to accept her present humiliating
+position.
+
+Fanny had arranged that Madeleine should take music lessons in the town,
+and Delphin had got to know exactly when these music lessons took place.
+Madeleine met him very frequently, and they generally managed to go a
+little out of the way on her return, either in the streets, or in the
+park. Madeleine found these meetings rather amusing, and talked gaily
+and openly with her admirer.
+
+"Now, Mr. Delphin," she said to him one day, "how is it you are so
+sarcastic and critical when you are in society? When we are alone you
+are much more agreeable."
+
+"The reason is, Miss Madeleine, that when I am talking alone with you, I
+show more of my natural character; when I am in conversation with other
+people, I rather prefer to conceal my opinions."
+
+"So you conceal your opinions?" said she, laughing.
+
+"Yes. What I mean is, I don't care for every passer-by to pry into my
+mind. I generally keep the blinds down."
+
+"Yes, now I understand," she answered seriously; not that she remarked
+the preference shown her, but she could not help thinking how much of
+her own life was also concealed by a curtain.
+
+In one of the small streets near the sea they had to pass through a
+crowd of fishermen, who had been out all night, and were carrying home
+their lines, tarpaulins, and large baskets full of fish.
+
+"Bah!" said Delphin, when they had passed, "I can't bear that smell of
+fish. But I forgot, Miss Garman; you must have had plenty of it when you
+lived at Bratvold."
+
+"Oh yes!" answered Madeleine, with some confusion.
+
+"Well, for my part," he continued, in a merry tone, "I can say with
+truth that I am a friend of the people, but I must confess that when the
+dear creatures come too near my nose my affection for them somewhat
+cools. There is something about that mixture of fish, tobacco, tar, and
+wet woollen clothes that I can't get over."
+
+Madeleine could not but feel what a vivid description this was of the
+people among whom she had lived, and of him to whom she had so
+nearly--Ah, it was well she had not betrayed the secret to any one.
+
+As they were crossing the market Delphin pointed to some one going in
+the direction of Sandsgaard.
+
+"I declare, there is Mr. Johnsen going to Sandsgaard again to-day. Do
+you know, Miss Garman, he has gone a little wrong in his head?" But
+Madeleine had heard nothing about it.
+
+"Yes, he is quite wrong in his head," continued her companion; "but it
+is not yet perfectly clear whether he is in love or whether it is
+religious mania. In favour of the first theory, that he is in love, we
+have the fact that he rushes over to Sandsgaard nearly every day, and is
+seen talking _tete-a-tete_ with Miss Rachel. In favour of the other
+theory, that he has gone wrong on the subject of religion, it is said
+that he intends to give us no end of a sermon one of these Sundays.
+Won't you go to hear him?"
+
+"Well, I don't know; but if the others go, I dare say I may go too."
+
+"No! now promise me you will go to church that Sunday," said he, looking
+at her imploringly.
+
+There was no time for an answer; they were close to the door, and
+Madeleine had caught a glimpse of Fanny behind the curtains of the
+sitting-room.
+
+In the mean time Mr. Johnsen went on his way. It was quite true that he
+was going to Sandsgaard, but Delphin's statement that he was there every
+day was an exaggeration. Since that Sunday, when the conversation had
+waxed so warm, he had not been at Sandsgaard; but his thoughts had been
+occupied ever since by the recollection of his last conversation with
+Rachel in the garden.
+
+Eric Johnsen came, as he often said, of a poor family. At the Garmans'
+he was first brought into contact with that luxury which he had hitherto
+despised, and he had made up his mind beforehand that he would not allow
+himself to be dazzled by it, and therefore on his first introduction had
+made his best endeavour to put on an air of severity, and to show
+himself superior to its attractions. But now he was not only astonished
+by the well-ordered and unpretentious comfort of the house, but he was
+also shaken in his preconceived notions about the rich, when he came to
+make the acquaintance of the Garmans. Johnsen had expected to find
+something more ostentatious, especially at table; but the solid tone of
+the household, and the easy and polished manners of the family, perhaps
+most of all the presence of Rachel, finally caused him to change his
+original ideas. He regarded with suspicion the satisfaction he felt,
+after having been at Sandsgaard a few times. He was on his guard against
+everything that tended to draw him away from his calling. There was one
+point which he felt of the highest importance, which was, since he had
+his origin from the poor and indigent, it was among them his work ought
+to lie, among paupers and in pauper schools.
+
+One day Johnsen actually found himself hesitating before the door of his
+school, shrinking from going into its tainted atmosphere, when it was
+not actually necessary for him to do so. The discovery caused him at
+first the greatest uneasiness. Now, however, Rachel's society was
+beginning to have more influence over him. It was no longer the comfort
+of Sandsgaard which attracted him--of that he was quite certain; neither
+had he any feeling for the young lady except interest, a deep, earnest
+interest, after all the stirring impressions he had received through
+her. She had a wonderful power over him. Her words seemed to shed a ray
+of light over much which he had hitherto overlooked. He had, like the
+rest of us, the germs of doubt in his heart, and he was still so young
+and fresh that his aspirations were but loosely covered, and had not yet
+had time to wither entirely in his heart. When, therefore, he was
+suddenly thrown into the society of a woman of such intellectual power,
+his mind seemed as it were to awake, and her influence and his own
+reviving energies kindled within him a desire for action which increased
+with each day that passed. The tiresome and uninteresting work of his
+daily life seemed aimless to him. He must find some other means of
+publishing his convictions--this was now clear to him. He went,
+therefore, to his adviser, ready to engage in any combat into which she
+might think fit to send him.
+
+Rachel generally did at home pretty much as she liked. She disdained all
+the hundred restraints which are generally considered so necessary for a
+young girl; they plainly did not apply in her case--she was so different
+to others. As soon, therefore, as Johnsen had exchanged a few words with
+old Mrs. Garman, she said, without further ado, "Come, Mr. Johnsen, let
+us take a turn in the garden," without her mother being in the least
+astonished. Rachel had grown up quite beyond her power of restraint, and
+if it came to the worst, thought Mrs. Garman, this unusual _penchant_
+for a clergyman was not the worst one Rachel could have hit upon.
+
+The two went down into the garden, where they walked as usual up and
+down the central path. He found it rather difficult to lead the
+conversation in the direction he wished. His tone was therefore somewhat
+doubtful, as he said, "I have thought a great deal about our last
+conversation; in fact, I have hardly thought of anything else since,
+and, with your permission, I should like to say a few more words on the
+same subject."
+
+"I am always glad to talk with you," answered Rachel, fixing her eyes
+upon him. Rachel had the same clear blue eyes as her father, to whom, in
+fact, she bore considerable resemblance, even in the slight projection
+of her under jaw. Her dark hair was faintly tinged with red, especially
+at the temples, and her tall and well-built figure rendered her
+appearance rather more imposing than attractive. The young men generally
+were absolutely afraid of her, and she had the reputation of being
+terribly learned and sarcastic, which was considered to be a great pity,
+as in other respects she was a most desirable _parti_. Mr. Johnsen did
+not notice any of these peculiarities: all he thought of was leading the
+conversation into the direction he desired. At length he was successful.
+He spoke with ever-increasing earnestness on the change that had taken
+place in him; how that she had not only roused him to meditation, but
+had also imparted to him a desire for work, for which he must now find
+vent. He had come to her to be told how and where he was to begin.
+
+Rachel seemed somewhat embarrassed. "It is not so easy for me," she
+answered, "who as a woman am debarred from a life of action, if even I
+had the wish for it, to advise you how you ought to begin."
+
+"I am ready for anything," cried he, excitedly. "I am ready to write or
+speak against the abuses I see everywhere around me. I am ready to cut
+myself adrift from the calling I have adopted, if it must be. I will not
+leave a single corner of my innermost heart concealed, but will lay open
+my convictions as a man ought to do."
+
+His young friend was too wary to allow herself to be carried away by
+this sudden outburst, which she could not but regard with some
+misgiving.
+
+"I think you ought to consider," she began, "that what we have hitherto
+been speaking of is a mere matter of scattered detail; there is scarcely
+any irreconcilable want of agreement between your ideas and those of
+Christianity in general."
+
+"But Christianity requires either an entire belief or else none at all,
+and I do not care to continue in my doubtful position any longer."
+
+"Yes; and besides," she continued, "I am quite willing to confess that I
+consider these forms and dogmas of but very slight importance. Our
+conversation has only turned particularly on these points from the fact
+that you hold a position in the Church."
+
+"But that is not what we have been talking about," answered he,
+excitedly; "the real gist of the matter is, that you have been trying to
+rouse in me a consciousness of the personal responsibility which follows
+conviction."
+
+"Yes," answered she, "you are quite right; that is exactly what I was
+aiming at."
+
+"Whether I am in the Church or not, then, is not the question. What is
+really important is to be a man--man enough to have a conviction, and
+man enough to stand by it."
+
+His vehemence and honesty overcame Rachel's scruples, and she answered
+hastily, and almost with a feeling of relief, "Yes, that is the point;
+it is exactly sincerity which is so rarely met with. This is the
+principle which I can myself scarcely hope to carry out to its full
+extent. What weight does the conviction of a woman carry with it, in a
+society like ours? But my whole sympathy is excited whenever I see
+sincerity struggling to the light. And that is why I believe that you
+are on the right path now, that you have entered upon this combat with
+falsehood. It is better to be utterly beaten in the battle than to lead
+a peaceful but insincere life."
+
+Her clear blue eyes sparkled as she spoke. He looked at her with
+rapture, and with a sudden change of manner that was characteristic of
+him, he said in a calm, quiet voice:
+
+"I will live a life of falsehood no longer!" He took a few steps, and
+said slowly and with emphasis, "I will ask the provost's permission to
+preach in the church next Sunday; I have, in fact, already said
+something to him about it. I want to tell the congregation--"
+
+"It would, perhaps, be scarcely worth while," said Rachel, "to go too
+much into details."
+
+"No, that was not my intention. I wish to bring forward the importance
+of sincerity. I will tell them plainly that I have my doubts, and that
+God is to be found in truthfulness, and not in mere forms; and I wish
+especially to examine the position of those of my own calling, who even
+more than others are fettered by forms and ceremonies."
+
+"It may cost you your future; and in any case you will make many
+enemies."
+
+"But perhaps I may make one friend."
+
+"You shall have my friendship," said she, giving him her hand, "if you
+find any support in that. You can count upon me, even if all others turn
+their backs upon you."
+
+"Thank you," said he, with solemnity, as he let go her hand. He left the
+garden hastily, but without going through the house; he took a side
+path, and went through the little wicket gate.
+
+Rachel stood gazing after him as he went down the avenue. At last she
+had met a man who dared to state his convictions. This was more than
+ever Jacob Worse would have the courage to do.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+
+Jacob Worse's mother was regarded as quite a character in the town. When
+her husband died, he was about as insolvent as a man could be. For
+several years he had only kept his business going by means of unlimited
+credit, but up to the very last he managed to keep one of the gayest
+houses in the town. Nothing was left but a mass of bills and liabilities
+when he was gone. People shook their heads, and went one and all to the
+widow to condole with her. There were both friends and enemies among
+them, but all alike were creditors. Some were for selling her up at
+once, and others wished to keep the business going, while one wished to
+buy the horses privately. The "Boston-parti"[A] to which the deceased
+belonged, agreed to give the widow a monthly allowance. For a few days
+Mrs. Worse was quite bewildered and broken down by the ruin she had so
+little expected. She had never had the slightest knowledge of her
+husband's affairs, but she was quite convinced that he was very rich. On
+the evening after the funeral she was sitting alone with her son Jacob,
+who was a boy of about seven or eight, when a little wizened,
+grey-haired man came into the room, who, after respectfully wishing Mrs.
+Worse good evening, laid on the table some account-books and papers. The
+old man was well known to Mrs. Worse: it was Mr. Peter Samuelsen,
+commonly known as Pitter Nilken, the manager of the small shop in the
+back premises. Worse's property had consisted of an entire building, of
+which the front looked out towards the sea and the quay where the
+steamers were moored, and at the back was a little dark lane, where
+Pitter Nilken had his shop. Worse never liked anybody to allude to the
+shop; he considered that he was far too respectable a man of business
+for anything of the sort. He used to say that it was mostly for old
+Samuelsen's sake, that he kept the little shop going; it could have no
+importance in a concern like his.
+
+    [Footnote A: "Boston" is a game of cards, and the
+     "Boston-parti" is a club, the members of which meet and play
+     at each other's houses.]
+
+Mrs. Worse had also believed this story; but that afternoon she learnt
+to think otherwise. It was quite clear to her, after hearing Mr.
+Samuelsen's figures and calculations, that the shop was not at all to be
+despised, and she came at last to perceive that this was what had really
+so long kept everything going.
+
+The two sat over their figures far into the night. At first
+comprehension seemed quite hopeless to Mrs. Worse. The explanations she
+had heard from her husband's friends and creditors during the last few
+days were so complicated, and couched in terms beyond her understanding;
+but with Peter Samuelsen it was quite otherwise. He never went on until
+he was quite sure that she comprehended what he said. At length it all
+began to dawn upon her, and she kept on repeating, "I declare, it is all
+as clear as daylight."
+
+Next morning she ordered her carriage and drove off alone. The scandal
+this excited in the town was beyond description. To think that she, who
+scarcely owned the very clothes on her back, should have the audacity to
+drive in a carriage and pair before the very noses of those whom her
+husband had swindled! The general feeling towards her had hitherto been
+favourable, and several people could not help feeling a mischievous
+delight at the idea of seeing the haughty Mrs. Worse live on a monthly
+allowance. But now all were as hard as stone. Mrs. Worse herself did not
+seem to be so nervous as she was the day before, and when she entered
+Consul Carman's office, with Pitter Nilken's papers under her arm, her
+step was as firm and confident as a man's.
+
+It was now several years since Worse had left the firm, but some
+ill-feeling had long remained on both sides, and the deceased and Mr.
+Garman had never got on well together. It was thus no light matter for
+the widow to betake herself to Consul Garman; but Mr. Samuelsen had
+assured her that it was quite out of the question to think of keeping
+the business going without a guarantee from Garman and Worse.
+
+When the Consul saw Mrs. Worse come into the room, he imagined that she
+was bringing a subscription-list to raise the means for educating her
+son, or something of that sort; and, as he offered her a chair on the
+opposite side of the table, he turned over in his mind how much he
+should subscribe. But when Mrs. Worse began to give an explanation of
+her affairs, according to the calculations of Pitter Nilken, the
+Consul's manner changed, and he got up, walked round the table, and
+seated himself near her. He calmly and patiently examined each paper,
+went through the calculations and figures, and at last read the draught
+of a guarantee which Samuelsen had made, with the greatest attention.
+
+"Who has assisted you with all this, Mrs. Worse?" he asked.
+
+"Mr. Samuelsen," she answered, somewhat anxiously.
+
+"Samuelsen? Samuelsen?" repeated the Consul.
+
+"Yes, that is to say, Pitter Nilken. Perhaps you know him better by that
+name."
+
+"Ah yes! the little man in the shop. H'm! Does Mr. Samuelsen wish to go
+into partnership with you?"
+
+"No. I have asked him, but he prefers to remain in his present position,
+and give me his assistance in the business."
+
+The Consul got up with the guarantee in his hand. It was one of his
+peculiarities that he could not write the signature of the firm except
+when he was sitting in his usual place. But as soon as he had seated
+himself in the old wooden armchair, he wrote in a large and bold hand,
+"Garman and Worse," taking care to adorn the signature with several
+flourishes, which he had inherited from his predecessors.
+
+Armed with this document, Mrs. Worse and Mr. Samuelsen set to work at
+the ruins. The first thing they did was to sell everything there was to
+sell; but, with the assistance of Mr. Garman, they managed to save the
+whole of the valuable premises. The front of the house was let, and the
+old lady moved over to the back, where she took turns in the shop with
+Mr. Samuelsen. She was at her post from early in the morning till late
+in the evening, gossiping with her customers, and selling tobacco,
+tallow candles, salt, coffee, tar-twine, herrings, train oil, paraffin,
+tarpaulins, paint, and many other commodities.
+
+In the course of a few years Mrs. Worse quite lost her manners. People
+in polite society had never forgiven her her drive, but still less were
+they willing to look over the fact that she, a lady, had not more
+self-respect than to sink down into the position of a common shop-woman.
+The lower orders, on the other hand, had quite a fellow-feeling for Mrs.
+Worse, and the dingy little shop was just to their taste; and thus,
+contrary to all expectation, Mrs. Worse's business, common little retail
+affair as it was, went on capitally.
+
+The trustworthy Mr, Samuelsen did the work of three. He was a little
+grey shrivelled man, with a face like a dried fig. He might be forty, or
+he might be sixty, it was not easy to tell. In his monotonous life there
+had only been one single event which he particularly remembered, and
+that was the afternoon when he had taken his books and calculations in
+to Mrs. Worse, and since that time he had, with the greatest honesty,
+helped her to overcome her many difficulties. Mr. Samuelsen had also his
+own private enemies to contend against, and these consisted of nearly
+all the school children in the town. It had always been, and was still,
+a favourite amusement for the children to "Sing for Pitter Nilken." The
+game was carried on in the following manner. Boys and girls all
+assembled, the more the merrier, generally in the dusk of the evening,
+and sneaked quietly down into the alley at the back of the Worses'
+house, and when they got under Samuelsen's shop-window, they began
+singing, to a well-known air--
+
+     "Little Pitter Nilken,
+     Sitting on his chair!
+     He's always growing smaller,
+     The longer he sits there."
+
+This couplet was repeated again and again, each time in a louder tone,
+until the tormented man seized his iron ruler and sprang over the
+counter. Then off flew the crowd, screaming and shouting along the
+narrow lane, for there was an old tradition that the iron ruler had a
+rusty stain of blood on it. Samuelsen would then retire quietly to his
+desk. In the course of years the episode had been of constant
+occurrence, and he well knew that the only way of getting a little peace
+was to make this sally with the ruler.
+
+No one could blame Mrs. Worse for making an idol of her son; he was all
+she had to care for. Although Jacob was a good son, and grew up strong
+and healthy, he had cost his mother many tears when he came home from
+school bruised and untidy after a fight. The boy had almost too much
+spirit, as the principal said, and when he was roused he did not mind
+tackling the biggest and strongest boys in the school. But he got better
+as time went on, and when he came home from abroad to take his place in
+the business, he was, and not only in his mother's opinion, one of the
+best-looking and most agreeable young men in the town.
+
+Jacob Worse took his father's old office in the front of the house,
+which looked on to the market and the quay. He carried on a business
+partly on commission and partly on his own account. He did a good deal
+of trade, particularly in corn, which had hitherto been almost entirely
+in the hands of Garman and Worse. The old firm had established itself so
+securely on every side, that he seemed to meet them whichever way he
+turned.
+
+Morten wished that Garman and Worse should at once use their strength,
+and crush their tiny rival before he had had time to become dangerous,
+but Consul Garman would not hear of it. He seemed to have an
+extraordinary liking for Worse, and even went out of his way to help
+him, and latterly "the rival" had become a constant Sunday guest at
+Sandsgaard.
+
+At first Jacob Worse did not like leaving his mother on Sunday, but Mrs.
+Worse said, "Go along, you great stupid! do you suppose that Samuelsen
+and I care to have you sitting and laughing at us when we are playing
+draughts; and besides," said she, giving him a sly poke with her finger,
+"don't you know there is somebody out there that expects you?"
+
+"Ah, mother, do stop those insinuations of yours; you know perfectly
+well nothing will ever come of it."
+
+"Now, Jacob," said Mrs. Worse, with her arms akimbo, "you think yourself
+very clever, but I tell you you are as stupid as an owl, a barn-door
+owl, when it is anything to do with women. You ought to see it must all
+come right some day. I dare say Miss Rachel is a little bit singular,
+but she is not quite cracked. You see, it will all get straight in the
+end; it will still all come right some day."
+
+This was the refrain of all Mrs. Worse's observations on this head, and
+her son saw plainly it was of no use to contradict her. It was of no use
+either to advise her to give up her shop, or, at any rate, to give up
+the management to somebody else.
+
+"Why, I should die of dropsy," said she, "and Samuelsen would dry up to
+nothing in about a fortnight, if we had not got the shop to attend to."
+
+"Yes," suggested Jacob, "but still you need not work any longer: you
+have earned some rest for your old days; besides, your legs are not so
+young as they were."
+
+"As to my legs," cried Mrs. Worse, with a gesture of impatience, "my
+legs are quite good enough for a shop-woman."
+
+"Well, why not get a horse and carriage? You have every right to have
+one."
+
+"I took a drive once that made stir enough," answered his mother; "I
+hope to take another some day, but that won't be before everything comes
+right."
+
+It was no use trying to persuade her, and so she and Samuelsen remained
+in the back premises they were so fond of, and Jacob set up his
+establishment in the front.
+
+When Mrs. Worse was in her son's rooms, she used to play the fine lady
+to her own great edification; but when she got him into her own
+apartments, her behaviour entirely changed, and her laughter was coarse
+and noisy. Her manners had really quite gone.
+
+One Saturday afternoon Delphin came into Jacob Worse's office with some
+books he had borrowed.
+
+"Have you heard that I have bought a horse?" asked he, in a merry tone.
+
+"No," answered Worse. "What new folly now?"
+
+"Well, you see, I have got an idea that it will make a favourable
+impression on Miss Madeleine if she sees me on horseback. Just fancy me
+on a horse with a long mane and tail, like the picture of General Prim;
+there!" and he went cantering round the room, and pulled up suddenly
+before Worse--"there, like that: a good fierce expression. Is not that
+it? I believe that will do the business."
+
+Worse could not help laughing, although he did not think much of the
+frivolous way Delphin had of paying his addresses to Madeleine.
+
+"You are not going to ride up to Sandsgaard this morning?"
+
+"No, not exactly; it would not do. I can't very well go up there dressed
+for riding, and if I were to ride in these clothes I should look absurd.
+But I thought of riding out there this evening, somewhere about seven
+o'clock. Just fancy me coming in over the garden wall with a flying
+salute, and lighted by the last rays of the evening sun! Why, it would
+be irresistible."
+
+"Well, I am afraid, or perhaps I ought rather to say I hope, that Miss
+Madeleine will not fully appreciate your novel way of paying her your
+addresses," said Worse, half-seriously.
+
+"Ah, my most respected friend, you know very little of woman's heart;
+and how should you, when your ideal is a woman who goes in for her
+rights? a tall bony creature with a moustache under her nose, and
+'Woman's wrongs' under her arm."
+
+"Leave off, will you?" cried Worse. "You are just in your most
+disagreeable vein. You had better go off to young Mrs. Garman. She will
+find you most amusing to-day."
+
+"A good idea, which I was already thinking of," answered Delphin, as he
+took his hat; "and at the same time I will take a place for myself in
+her carriage for to-morrow."
+
+"Won't you drive with me?" cried Worse after him.
+
+"No, thanks; I would rather go with Mrs. Garman, if for nothing else
+than to have the pleasure of seeing her worthy husband on the box," said
+he, as he went out of the door.
+
+Jacob Worse stood watching him. At first he had been very glad to make
+Delphin's acquaintance. There were not many young men in the town with
+whom he could associate. Delphin was intelligent, well read on different
+subjects, and when alone was good company enough. But by-and-by he
+showed more of the frivolous side of his character, and Worse began to
+get a little tired of his friend.
+
+Fanny was sitting all this time in a state of absolute boredom. Little
+Christian Frederick had gone out with his nurse, and the street was
+uninteresting, dusty, hot, and thronged by country people making their
+Saturday purchases. She did not care to look out of the window, but sat
+leaning back in her most comfortable armchair, yawning in front of the
+glass. Would it be better to send for Madeleine? it was several days
+since she had paid her a visit. But then she would have to play the part
+of go-between again. Or should she begin on her own account? Yes; why
+not? But then he never came except when Madeleine was there. It really
+was too tiresome.
+
+When he now came unexpectedly into the room it gave her quite a start,
+but she still remained leaning back in her armchair, and gave him her
+left hand, which was the nearest, as she said, "I am glad to see you. I
+was just thinking of you as I was sitting here all alone."
+
+"It was very kind of you, I am sure," answered he, as he sat down in a
+chair in front of her.
+
+"Yes; all sorts of foolish things come into one's head when one is
+sitting alone."
+
+"I hope I was not the most foolish thing that could come into your
+thoughts," answered Delphin, jestingly. "But it is quite true; you have
+been left a great deal alone lately."
+
+"Yes; but perhaps I have my own reasons for it."
+
+"May I venture to ask what these reasons are?"
+
+"Perhaps it would be better if I were to tell you," said she, regarding
+attentively the point of her shoe, which projected from her dress as she
+lay back in her chair. She had tiny pointed French shoes with straps
+across the instep, through which appeared a blue silk stocking.
+
+"I assure you I shall be very thankful, and at the same time most
+discreet."
+
+"Well, then, Madeleine is so young," said Fanny, as if following the
+train of her own thoughts, "that I feel it to a certain extent my duty
+to look after her, and--"
+
+"I scarcely see that it is absolutely necessary," answered he.
+
+"Yes; but when a girl so inexperienced as Madeleine is brought into
+contact with gentlemen who are--well, who are so clever as, for
+instance, yourself, Mr. Delphin, you see--" She looked at him as she
+paused in her sentence.
+
+"You are paying me too great a compliment," said he, laughing; "and
+besides, you can never imagine that I would take advantage--"
+
+"Nonsense!" rejoined Fanny; "I know all about that. You are just like
+all the rest. You would never hesitate to take advantage of even the
+slightest opportunity; would you, now? Tell me frankly."
+
+"Well," answered he, rising, "if you really wish for an honest answer, I
+must confess that when I see a strawberry that nobody else seems to
+notice, I generally pick it."
+
+"Yes; it is just that greediness that all men have, and which I find, at
+the same time, so dangerous and incomprehensible."
+
+"Yes; but, Mrs. Garman, strawberries are really so delicious."
+
+"Yes, when they are ripe," answered Fanny.
+
+The words fell from her lips as smoothly as butter. Delphin had taken a
+few paces across the room, and just turned in time to see the last
+glimpse of a look which must have been resting on him while she spoke.
+It was not very often that he lost his self-possession in a conversation
+of this kind, but the discovery he had made, or thought that he had
+made, with all its uncertainty, and the feeling of pleased vanity it
+brought with it, confused him, and he stood stammering and blushing
+before her. She still lay stretched in the armchair, a position which
+displayed to the best advantage the lines of her lovely form. Her beauty
+was fully matured, and showed freedom and elegance in every movement.
+She could see that she had said enough for the present, and she got up
+without apparently taking any notice of his confusion.
+
+"You must think," said she quickly, with a smile, "that it is absurd for
+me to preach you a sermon. We all have to attend to our own affairs; and
+if you will excuse me, I have to go and try on a dress. Good-bye, Mr.
+Delphin; I hope you will find your strawberries to your taste."
+
+Delphin was quite confounded; but before he had had time to get his hat
+she put her head in at the door, still smiling, and cried, "You will
+drive over with me to-morrow?" and, without waiting for an answer, she
+nodded her head and disappeared.
+
+Delphin had hardly recovered himself when he went for his ride to
+Sandsgaard, and he quite forgot about the flying salute over the garden
+wall, for there was no one to be seen either at the window or in front
+of the house. The fact was, his adventure had made such an impression on
+him that he did not take very much notice.
+
+Fanny at first repelled his advances haughtily; but he accepted his fate
+with resignation. George Delphin was not the man to lose his time or his
+temper, in a hopeless pursuit. There are many respectable prizes in a
+lottery without aiming at the first. But now here was the chance of
+winning the great prize, the charming Fanny, the admiration of all. His
+heart swelled with pride, and if Jacob Worse could have seen the look
+with which he regarded the passers-by, it would certainly have reminded
+him of General Prim.
+
+The next day at Sandsgaard, Fanny and Madeleine were together during the
+whole afternoon. Delphin could not manage to get an opportunity of
+talking to either separately. Just once he came upon Fanny in the
+morning-room at the piano, but she got up and went out hurriedly as he
+entered. As they drove home that evening scarcely a word passed between
+them. Fanny kept gazing the whole time over the fjord, of which they
+caught glimpses from time to time through the trees of the avenue. It
+was a still, peaceful autumn evening, and Delphin was in an excited
+mood. Each time he moved he felt the rustle of her silk dress, the folds
+of which nearly filled the carriage. Both sat quite silent to the end of
+the drive.
+
+During the next few days Madeleine was again staying with her cousin,
+whom she found more gracious than ever. Delphin came even more
+frequently than before; but she did not meet him during her walks, a
+fact which she related to Fanny. Fanny said with a smile that Delphin
+was perfectly right, and his conduct was only proper, now that people
+had begun to talk about their frequent walks together.
+
+Madeleine thought with regret upon how much there is to be careful of in
+this world; but a short time afterwards she met Mr. Delphin, and during
+the pleasant walk they had together he was most attentive, and in the
+best of spirits.
+
+Fanny was now more beaming than ever. Whenever she saw her own and
+Madeleine's reflection in the glass, which, to tell the truth, was very
+often the case, a smile of satisfaction would pass over her features.
+Without Madeleine having a suspicion, the _roles_ had been changed, and
+the play was ready to begin, now that Fanny had made up her mind that
+the parts were in the right hands.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+
+All the Miss Sparres, of whom there were five, rushed to the window.
+
+"It is Mr. Johnsen, the new school-inspector! No, it isn't! Yes, it is!
+It _is_ Mr. Johnsen! Do you think I don't know him, although he has got
+a new coat? I declare, he is coming in!"
+
+"Clementine, you have taken my cuffs! Yes, you have! They were on the
+piano. He is only going in to see father. Clara, Clara! you are standing
+on my dress! Here he is! It is a visit! Who can have taken my cuffs?"
+
+Mrs. Sparre was not long in getting them into order. The street door was
+opened. There was a moment's breathless expectation in the room. It was
+agreed that Miss Barbara, the eldest, was to say, "Come in," and as all
+eyes were fixed upon her, she became quite pale with emotion. A knock at
+the door was heard; but it was at the study door, and the dean said,
+"Come in!" The door was heard to open, and a subdued conversation began
+in the room.
+
+"I told you he was only going to see father."
+
+"Yes, and so did I," another said. "What was the good of rushing about
+looking for your cuffs?"
+
+"I didn't rush about!"
+
+"Yes, you did!"
+
+"Hush! I wonder what he wants with father?" said Mrs. Sparre. All were
+silent, but they could not hear anything of the conversation which was
+going on in the other room.
+
+Mr. Johnsen had come to ask the dean to fulfil the promise he had made
+to him some weeks previously, and to kindly give him permission to
+preach in the church the next Sunday. The dean had not forgotten his
+promise, and was only too glad to have an opportunity of fulfilling it.
+He also begged to thank Mr. Johnsen for his goodness in offering to
+assist him in his duties.
+
+As far as that went, answered Mr. Johnsen, he would not conceal from him
+that it was not so much consideration for the weight of his duties which
+had impelled him to make the request. He must confess, that it was
+rather that he wished to have an opportunity of addressing the
+congregation on a personal matter.
+
+The dean could quite feel that his connection with the school would lead
+to the desire of speaking a few words to the parents of the children who
+were entrusted to his care.
+
+But this again was not exactly the subject on which Mr. Johnsen wished
+to speak. There were many things which might weigh on the mind and
+oppress the thoughts. It would be better, once for all, to disburden the
+conscience by coming forward honestly and truthfully.
+
+The dean allowed that the idea was only natural. It was the duty of
+every Christian, and especially of a clergyman, to speak truthfully. But
+sincerity was a rare virtue, and was often hidden under the changing
+circumstances of life. But great care would be necessary. It was of the
+first importance to examine closely both one's mind and one's
+composition.
+
+Johnsen was able to say honestly that he had arrived at his conclusions
+after earnest thought and conscientious inquiry, and that his conviction
+was the result of many lonely hours of self-examination.
+
+The dean could assure him that he well knew these lonely hours of
+thought, and great was the blessing that might be found in them; but he
+would venture to suggest what he knew from his own experience, that the
+problems which a man worked out alone were not always the most
+trustworthy. He would, therefore, remind him of the passage where we are
+recommended to confess to each other, which seemed to suggest working in
+fellowship, and giving each other mutual assistance.
+
+Johnsen answered that that was the very reason why he wished to speak to
+the congregation.
+
+The two sat on opposite sides of the dean's table, regarding each other
+attentively. Johnsen was pale and had something nervous about his
+manner, which seemed to betoken a wish to bring the interview to a
+close.
+
+Dean Sparre sat leaning back in his armchair, and in his hand he held a
+large ivory paper-knife, which he used to emphasize his words; not,
+indeed, for the purpose of gesticulating or striking on the table, but
+every now and then, when he came to some particular point, he drew the
+knife up and down on the sheets of paper which lay before him.
+
+To speak the thoughts plainly before the congregation was certainly
+desirable in itself, and entirely in accordance with Scripture. But it
+was quite easy to imagine that a man might want to make other
+confessions which should not be for every ear. The Church had,
+therefore, another and more restricted form of confession, which was not
+only just as much in accordance with Scripture, but might often be still
+better adapted to ease the troubled heart.
+
+Johnsen got up to take his leave. He felt a great wish to speak before
+the congregation. It was, in his opinion, of the greatest importance
+that he should have a perfectly clear idea of his own views, and that
+there should be nothing obscure or insincere between him and his
+hearers.
+
+The dean also got up, and shook hands on wishing him good-bye. He gave
+his young friend his best wishes for his undertaking, and hoped he would
+bear in mind that he, as dean, was always ready to assist him in every
+way, if he should at any time feel the need of his services.
+
+"You will bear this in mind, my young friend, will you not?" said the
+old dean, with a fatherly look.
+
+Johnsen muttered something about thanks as he hurried out of the room.
+He was no longer in the frame of mind in which he had been during the
+last few weeks. The peaceful, genial air of the dean's study, with its
+well-filled bookshelves, had had a wonderful effect upon him, as had
+also the dean, with his manner, which was at the same time so mild and
+so earnest. The mind of the young clergyman seemed, as it were, softened
+by an influence which he did not clearly understand, and the power of
+which he was not willing to recognize.
+
+After a long walk, Johnsen at length arrived in the large field which
+lay beyond Sandsgaard. From this position he could look down into the
+garden and premises near the house. He could follow with his eye the
+broad path where Rachel and he had so often walked together, and their
+conversation seemed to come before him with the greatest distinctness.
+For a long time he stood there gazing, until he felt strong again in his
+resolve. What would he not have given to have seen her, if only for a
+moment! But he felt he could not approach the house. He would not allow
+any other feeling to mingle with the holy determination with which his
+thoughts were filled, and with an heroic effort he turned away, and bent
+his steps towards the town. His mind had now regained its former tone.
+
+The church was filled to overflowing that Sunday on which Mr. Johnsen
+was to preach his first sermon. There are always plenty of people who
+are glad of the opportunity of hearing a new preacher, and this number
+was increased by the interest which was felt in the earnest young man
+who had attracted so much attention.
+
+Mrs. Garman sat with her daughter in the family seat, in which were also
+Fanny and Madeleine. Dean Sparre, with his wife and daughter Barbara,
+were in the front row of the pew which belonged to them; while behind
+were Pastor Martens with the other Miss Sparres; and behind, again, Mrs.
+Rasmussen, the chaplain's housekeeper.
+
+The congregation was so large that the voices swelled as when the
+Christmas hymn is sung, and as the preacher wended his way towards the
+pulpit, the heads of all the singers were turned as if to follow him.
+
+As Johnsen ascended the narrow winding stair where no eye could see him,
+he felt a momentary weakness, as if he must almost sink under his
+burden, and he never afterwards clearly remembered how he had managed to
+get up the last few steps which led to the pulpit; but when he at length
+reached his place, and the hundred eyes were again fixed on him, he
+forced himself, with that energy which was peculiar to him, to conquer
+his feelings. He looked so calm that many people averred that they had
+never seen a young clergyman more at home in the pulpit.
+
+Johnsen had sharp eyes, and could recognize many of the faces below him;
+but he was conscious of Rachel's presence, as she sat opposite to him in
+the Garmans' pew, more by an instinctive feeling than because he
+actually saw her. He was, in fact, obliged to avert his eyes from her
+direction, lest the sight should unman him. The part of the church in
+which the women sat was immediately under him, just below the pulpit,
+while the private pews were in a kind of gallery opposite. As the
+congregation sang the last verse of the psalm, he gazed deliberately
+over all the upturned eyes. Some were piercing, some curious, some pious
+and devotional, while some appeared as deep and unfathomable as if he
+were looking into unknown depths.
+
+After an introductory prayer, he read his text in a clear and composed
+voice, after which he began a short and clear explanation of the
+passage. It was only in the last part of the sermon that he really
+intended to go into more personal matters, and the nearer he approached
+them the less confidence he seemed to feel. When he had begun his
+sermon, he had fixed his eyes on a certain point, which he sought every
+time he lifted his eyes from his notes; and this point, although he had
+not remarked it at first, was Dean Sparre's head. The snowy hair and the
+white collar stood out in the sharpest contrast against the dark
+background, and the more the speaker gazed at this noble face, the more
+he seemed to dread the conclusion. He was already close upon the point
+where he was first to begin to speak about sincerity, and the necessity
+of a perfectly truthful existence, and although he could not exactly
+tell the reason, he could not but feel that the stirring discourse he
+had set himself to deliver, was but little in keeping with that bright
+and peaceful smile, and with that commanding countenance so full of
+earnestness and harmony.
+
+His head seemed to go round, and not another word could he utter. There
+was a deathlike stillness in the church, as he wiped his brow with his
+handkerchief.
+
+But when he again raised his head, he made an effort, and, looking
+beyond the dean in his need, he sought her who was really the cause of
+his standing where he did. He was not disappointed, for the moment his
+eyes met the calm and determined face, a change seemed to come over him.
+Her eye rested upon him with an inquiring and almost anxious expression,
+which he well understood.
+
+She should not be disappointed of her trust in him, and with renewed
+strength, and without a tremor in his voice, he began upon the last part
+of his discourse. Ever higher and fuller rang his voice, until its
+sonorous tone filled the church, and was re-echoed from the vaulted
+roof. The congregation followed him with attention, while some of the
+old women were moved to tears. And now a sensation of uneasiness seemed
+to pass through those who composed the great assembly. It was indeed an
+extraordinary sermon, with its earnest entreaties to be thoroughly
+upright and sincere, and with its reckless condemnation of all forms and
+ceremonies, all of which were but of secondary consideration. It seemed
+too bold, too exaggerated.
+
+He seemed anxious to confess his sceptical opinions, in holding which he
+did not stand alone. He was only alone in confessing them. He knew only
+too well that fine web of soothing compromise, with which people were in
+the habit of deadening their consciences. He knew it still better, too,
+from his own point of view as a clergyman, who even more than others was
+bound to live in the full glare of truth, even though he might be
+despised, hated, and persecuted by an unreasoning world. If he followed
+the beaten track, whither would it lead? To a position of comfort and
+respectability, in which the first duty was to throw a veil over one's
+own heart and those of others: to suppress all doubt and inquiry, and to
+deaden all real life in the individual, so that the whole machine might
+continue its regular movements without noise or friction. But truth was
+a two-edged sword, sharp and shining as crystal. When the light of truth
+broke into the heart of man, it caused an agony as piercing as when a
+woman brings her child into the world.
+
+But, instead of this, was a man to lead a life of slumber, shut in by
+falsehood and form, without force or courage; giving no sign of firmness
+or power, but stuffed and padded like the hammers of a piano?
+
+He was so carried away by his thoughts that he forgot his notes and said
+many things he would never have dared to write; and after the last
+thundering outburst, he concluded with a short and burning prayer for
+himself and for all, to have power to defy the falsehood by which man
+was bound, and to live a life of sincerity.
+
+He then went on in an entirely changed voice with the rest of the
+service; but Rachel particularly noticed that he left out the prayer for
+the arms of the country, by land and sea; and now, as he read the
+prayers in a calm, quiet voice, the assembly seemed to breathe more
+freely, as if after a storm.
+
+Among the men could be heard whispers, and the prevailing idea seemed to
+be that the sermon was a complete scandal; while those who had to do
+with the law were of opinion that he would be cited before the
+Consistorial Court. Among the women the feeling seemed rather undecided,
+and many inquiring glances were thrown towards where the men were
+sitting, in the hope of divining what the opinion would be, either of a
+husband, or a brother, or, in fact, of that particular person of the
+opposite sex, according to whose decision each woman was in the habit of
+forming her own.
+
+Most eyes, however, sought the dean, who sat as he had done during the
+whole sermon, slightly leaning back on his seat, and holding a large
+hymn-book, which was a gift from his previous congregation, between his
+hands. From the upper windows on the other side of the church a subdued
+light fell on his form. The face had the same exalted and peaceful
+expression; not a sign of uneasiness or annoyance had passed over it
+during the whole sermon, which was not without a soothing effect upon
+the congregation. The feeling of restlessness and excitement was
+universal, but most people seemed inclined to defer, their final
+judgment.
+
+Pastor Martens had left the pew immediately after the sermon, for he had
+to conduct the Communion Service. While he performed it, his somewhat
+unmusical voice trembled with inward emotion. There could be no doubt
+whatever as to what were the inspector's real opinions.
+
+The chaplain could not help being rather pleased at the satisfaction the
+dean would now be obliged to render him, for it had been quite against
+the chaplain's wish and advice, that Johnsen was allowed to preach at
+the morning service. It would have been more advisable to have given him
+a first trial either at a Bible-reading, or at most at the evening
+service. But now the murder was out, and he had shown his feeling of
+antagonism to the Church before the whole congregation. What would the
+dean do? The affair would naturally have to be reported.
+
+As soon as the service was over, Martens left the altar and hurried into
+the sacristy, into which he had already seen the dean enter.
+
+"What do you say to that, sir?" he cried breathlessly, as he shut the
+door after him.
+
+Dean Sparre was sitting in his armchair, reading the hymn-book he had in
+his hand. At the chaplain's question he raised his head with an
+expression of mild reproof at the disturbance, and said abstractedly,
+"To what are you alluding?"
+
+"Why, the sermon; of course I allude to the sermon; it is perfectly
+scandalous!" cried the chaplain, excitedly.
+
+"Well, certainly," answered the dean, "I cannot say that it was a good
+sermon, taken as a whole, but if you take into consideration--"
+
+"But really, sir--" interrupted the chaplain.
+
+"It appears to me, and it is not the first time I have noticed it, my
+dear Martens, that you do not quite get on with our new fellow-worker;
+but is it not to us that he ought really to look for support?"
+
+The chaplain cast down his eyes; there was some extraordinary power
+about his superior. Not an instant before he had formed his opinion
+quite clearly, but the moment he found himself face to face with the
+dean's genial countenance, all his ideas seemed to change.
+
+"It grieves me to be obliged to speak to you thus, my dear Martens, but
+I do so with the best intentions; and, then, we are alone."
+
+"But don't you think, sir, that he was far too bold?" asked the
+chaplain.
+
+"Yes, clearly, clearly so," assented the dean, in a friendly tone. "He
+was unguarded, like all beginners; perhaps the most unguarded I have
+heard. But then we know quite well that the same thing often occurred in
+our own time. It would be quite unreasonable to expect the Spirit's full
+maturity in the young."
+
+This remark caused Martens involuntarily to think of his own first
+attempt. He answered, however, "But he maintained that we ministers,
+above all others, are living a life of falsehood, shut in by meaningless
+forms."
+
+"Exaggeration! a wild and dangerous exaggeration! In that I quite agree
+with you, my dear Martens. But, on the other hand, which of us can deny
+that a ceremonial, be it ever so beautiful and full of meaning, still in
+the course of time, when it is frequently repeated, loses something of
+its influence over us? But who will dare cast the first stone? Is it not
+youth, as we see, who has not yet experienced the wear of that
+continuous labour which strives to be true to the end? And then
+naturally we get exaggeration--dangerous exaggeration. But," continued
+the dean, "before everything, let us agree to look upon his sermon in
+the right light, for the opinion of many will be formed upon ours, and
+if we now allow this young man to slip out of our hands he will, likely
+enough, be entirely lost for the good work; and I must say I have great
+hopes of him. I feel sure that in his right place, which would be in a
+large town--for instance, in Christiania--he will make a name for
+himself in the Church, and I venture to think that his labours will bear
+abundant fruit."
+
+Martens again looked up at the dean as he pronounced these words, and
+for the first time he now perceived what it was that made his manner so
+irresistible. It was the smile, that changing and varying smile, which
+yet never entirely left the noble features. It seemed to mingle in all
+he said, like a warm and soothing sunbeam; and as the chaplain
+constrained himself to alter his opinion under its influence, he felt
+that the muscles of his mouth involuntarily assumed the dean's
+expression.
+
+Madame Rasmussen could not conceal her astonishment at the moderation
+with which the chaplain spoke of Johnsen's sermon. She was herself in
+the highest degree shocked, and when Mr. Martens told her that, in his
+opinion, Mr. Johnsen would be likely to become a clergyman of
+considerable note in Christiania some day, she almost thought that he
+was carrying his forbearance too far. Still she could not but like
+Pastor Martens, who had now lived with her for two years without a
+single ill word having passed between them. Madame Rasmussen was a young
+widow, plump, good-looking, and light-hearted. She had no children, and
+it was quite a pleasure to her to manage for the chaplain--to prepare
+his little dishes, and to keep his things in order. She was the only
+person in the whole town who really knew that Martens wore a wig. This
+was not, however, a thing to be spoken about, and nobody else was
+admitted into the secret.
+
+As Mrs. Garman drove home from church with Rachel and Madeleine, she
+spoke disapprovingly of Johnsen's sermon. She considered that it was
+highly improper for a young man to be so forward and daring; but it was
+quite in accordance with the spirit of the times, as Pastor Martens had
+explained on the previous Sunday.
+
+"Ah, Pastor Martens is quite a different man, is he not?" asked Mrs.
+Garman, addressing Madeleine, as Rachel made no reply.
+
+"Yes--oh yes!" answered Madeleine, abstractedly. She was wondering all
+the time where Delphin could have come from so suddenly, when he
+appeared close to her and Fanny in the crowd at the church door He had
+greeted her in a most friendly way, but when they got to the carriage
+they found that both he and Fanny had vanished without saying good-bye.
+
+Rachel let her mother talk away, as was her wont. She was all the time
+meditating on the importance of the event which had just taken place,
+and was wondering how Johnsen would come out of it all. It was quite
+clear that her mother's was the prevailing opinion, and it was but too
+probable that with most people the ill feeling would take a still more
+bitter form. She could picture him to herself calm and steadfast in the
+midst of it all. Here at length she had found a truly courageous man.
+
+During dinner Delphin gave his own rendering of some extracts from the
+sermon, with as much spirit as his fear of Mrs. Garman would allow, and
+the performance afforded Uncle Richard great amusement. Rachel thought
+it best to contain her feelings, for she knew that conversation with Mr.
+Delphin on a serious subject was nothing else than an impossibility.
+Madeleine, on the contrary, could not help laughing. She always found
+Delphin very amusing, and at the same time so good-natured. She had
+latterly been almost annoyed with Fanny because she treated Delphin
+coolly and distantly. But Delphin seemed scarcely to notice her conduct;
+on the contrary, he seemed even in better spirits than before. He really
+was a good fellow.
+
+Several people also thought that Morten Garman was a good fellow, to
+allow Delphin to carry on with Fanny without interference. It was not
+easy to know if Morten saw anything or not, and whether his confidence
+in his wife, or his own bad conscience, caused his indifference.
+
+Rachel passed the Monday and Tuesday in an anxious state of mind.
+Something, she thought, must happen. The feeling against Johnsen was
+strong, but it must surely take some more decided form. She knew that he
+would come to see her, happen what might, and she expected him.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+
+Fanny and Madeleine had accepted an invitation for the Wednesday in the
+same week. Rachel had simply refused without giving a reason, but people
+were now used to her manner.
+
+"I have such a dreadful headache!" sighed Fanny, as she came into
+Madeleine's room, who was getting ready to go out. Madeleine had come
+into the town on the Sunday evening.
+
+"Poor Fanny!" said Madeleine, feelingly; "have you got that headache
+again?"
+
+"Yes, it came just as if it were on purpose, at the very moment I was
+going to change my dress. Oh, how bad it is!"
+
+"I think you have had a great many of these headaches lately, Fanny; you
+ought to speak to the doctor."
+
+"It is no use," answered Fanny, endeavouring to cool her forehead by
+pressing a little hand-glass against it. "The only thing that does me
+any good is fresh air and perfect quiet. Oh, the noise here from the
+street is dreadful! To think that I have to spend the whole evening in a
+hot room! I can't bear it; it will be too much for me!"
+
+"You shan't go out at all when you are so unwell," said Madeleine,
+decidedly. "I will make such a nice excuse for you."
+
+"Oh, if I could only stop at home, or, even better still, if I could get
+to Sandsgaard; it is so quiet there!" said Fanny, with a sigh.
+
+"Yes, that is just what you shall do," cried Madeleine. "You take the
+carriage when it has left me, and drive out there. I believe it is
+clearing up, and we shall have a lovely quiet moonlight evening."
+
+"Yes; I don't much mind what the weather is," said Fanny, with a sickly
+smile. "But do you think it will do for me--"
+
+"You need not trouble about that. I will make such charming and
+plausible excuses for you, that you will really feel quite rewarded for
+all the trouble you have had in teaching me the ways of society. Look
+now, I will begin like this;" and Madeleine, who had now got on her
+dress, curtsied and smiled, and began a most pathetic story about dear
+Fanny's dreadful headache. Fanny began to laugh, until it gave her head
+so much pain that she could not help crying out. She, however, allowed
+herself to be persuaded, and Madeleine drove off alone.
+
+Madeleine now began to find herself at home in her new life. Fanny was
+so good and kind to her, that the young girl at last got the better of
+her shyness, and told her friend the whole story about Per, and the rest
+of her doings at home.
+
+Fanny did not laugh at her in the least; on the contrary, she said that
+she quite envied Madeleine the romantic little episode, which would be a
+sweet recollection for the rest of her life. But when Madeleine timidly
+said that she considered it more than a recollection, and that she
+regarded herself as really engaged, she met with such a determined
+opposition that she did not know what to think. "Young girls, often have
+these absurd adventures," said Fanny, "when they are not old enough to
+know better." She had herself been madly in love with a chimney-sweep--a
+common chimney-sweep, just think of that!
+
+The more Madeleine became accustomed to town life the easier she found
+it to deaden her recollections of the past. But however successful she
+was in burying them out of sight for the time, they would recur whenever
+she was alone. But she refused to listen to them; they could never
+become realities. Still, she never cared to go home to Bratvold with her
+father, even for a few days. She seemed to dread looking on the sea
+again.
+
+All that day Rachel had waited in vain; she was beginning to be uneasy.
+Why did he not come to see her--she who had been so much the cause of
+his enterprise? He must know how anxious she was to talk with him, and
+to thank him. It was surely impossible for him to think that she also
+believed that he had gone too far. Should he not come to-morrow, she
+would write to him.
+
+There was but little conversation that evening at dinner. The Consul was
+as precise and polite as he generally was when he was alone with the
+ladies. Fanny, who had come in hopes of curing her headache, was silent
+and suffering. By ten o'clock the whole house was perfectly quiet, but
+Rachel was still sitting in her room, lost in thought. She could not
+read, but several times she took up a pen to write, she scarcely knew
+what. She never accomplished her intention, and at last she put out the
+light, and sat down and gazed over the fjord, which lay sparkling in the
+moonlight. If, forsaken by every one, he now came to her and prayed for
+even more than her friendship, for this too she was prepared, and had
+finally decided on her answer. He was a man, and a courageous one, and
+she was determined to follow him. What a joy it had been to her to meet
+such a man! But why was she out of spirits now?
+
+Rachel sat by the window till she heard the carriage which brought home
+Madeleine, and then hurriedly undressed and went to bed.
+
+As Madeleine was driving home the carriage stopped for a moment in front
+of the club, while a boy spoke a few words to the coachman.
+
+The driver that evening was old Per Karl, who many years ago had come
+from Denmark with a pair of horses for the young Consul. Both he and the
+horses were long past their work; but whenever he could get the
+opportunity, he was only too pleased to get the old blacks into the
+carriage, and himself upon the box. This had been the case this evening,
+when it was only the good-natured Miss Madeleine for whom the carriage
+was going, and she was always perfectly satisfied, as the old Jutlander
+well knew, even if the pace was not very terrific.
+
+Per Karl now turned round and said to Madeleine, "What shall we do,
+miss? Now there will be a bother. Mr. Morten is going to drive out with
+us, and when he sees we have got the old horses he will be angry."
+
+A few moments afterwards Morten came out, and, after many apologies for
+the delay, took his place by Madeleine's side. He said he thought he
+would go out and see how Fanny was, she looked so very unwell; and
+besides, what a lovely moonlight evening it was for a drive! He sat
+himself down comfortably in the carriage, and had just taken a long
+whiff of his cigar, when all at once he leant forward and said, "Stop!
+what was that?"
+
+One of the horses had made a slight stumble, and the jar was felt in the
+carriage.
+
+"I declare, it is those old horses and Per Karl!" cried Morten, partly
+standing up. "What is the meaning of this?"
+
+"Oh!" muttered Per Karl, who was quite ready to defend himself, "there
+is nothing the matter with the old horses; but, of course, if we had
+known we were going to have you in the carriage, sir--"
+
+"Rubbish! You know perfectly well the old horses were not to be used any
+more. I will tell my father, and have them shot to-morrow, as sure as
+ever it comes."
+
+Morten was very fond of horses; and besides, he was just in that excited
+and obstinate mood in which people sometimes are, when they have been
+dining at their club.
+
+Madeleine tried to pacify her cousin, but it only made him all the
+worse.
+
+"Just look how lame that one is--the left-hand one!"
+
+"You mean the near one, sir."
+
+"Go to the devil with your near and off! I mean the left-hand one, the
+mare; both her fore legs are as round as apples. Why, I saw that in the
+spring."
+
+"Not both of them," answered the old coachman, doggedly.
+
+"Yes, they are; but I will have this looked to. I will have a stop put
+to it, once for all," said Morten, decidedly. He was just in the humour
+to take everything very much in earnest.
+
+As soon as they arrived, he scarcely gave himself time to help Madeleine
+out of the carriage, so anxious was he to examine the mare's fore legs;
+and she heard the voices disputing and wrangling away in the direction
+of the stable, as she went into the house.
+
+Madeleine's window looked to the westward, and when she reached her room
+she found it open. She was going to shut it, but the sea looked so
+peaceful down below in the clear moonlight, that she knelt down on the
+window-seat, and remained gazing at the lovely scene. The moon had just
+reached the point at which it began to shine upon her window, and the
+shadow fell obliquely from the corner of the house, just beyond the
+hedge below, thus leaving a triangular space in darkness close
+underneath. As Madeleine leant out she could see that Miss Cordsen's
+window was also open. She was just going to call to the old lady, with
+whom she was on the most friendly terms, but on consideration she
+thought it would be nicer to enjoy the delightful moonlight evening
+alone.
+
+In that part of the garden the paths were to a great extent overgrown by
+the spreading trees. The little pond, which had once been full of carp,
+and where even now some remained, only no one seemed to notice them, was
+fringed with tall rushes. On the other side was the old summer-house,
+almost hidden among the shrubs, which were now never clipped. The fact
+is, that part of the garden which was now most cared for was that which
+lay just in front of the house, and the part we are now speaking of was
+left pretty much to itself. Along the inside of the garden-wall there
+stood a row of aspen trees, whose leaves were beginning to turn yellow
+and strew themselves on the paths. Almost all the other trees still kept
+their foliage, although it was already September. The mountain ash
+berries were beginning to redden, and shone in heavy clusters among the
+leaves, while here and there a leaf was to be seen turning from red to
+yellow. The beech trees, which had been planted in the time of the young
+Consul's grandfather, spread out their branches far and wide. The
+shining dark green foliage hung in rich festoons nearly to the ground,
+and the long shoots were fringed with masses of tufted beech-nuts.
+
+A mysterious silence reigned in the garden, while the moonlight came
+rippling noiselessly through the leaves and stealing down the trunks,
+forming patches of radiance on the grass, which were sharply defined by
+the edges of the dark shadows. Goldfinches, bullfinches, a few thrushes,
+and other autumn birds, were sitting in the aspen trees. They were
+mostly occupied in quietly pluming their feathers, and only some of the
+young birds, which had been hatched that spring, were hopping about from
+branch to branch. The parents sat watching them, thinking, doubtless,
+how delightful it was to be young and innocent. All nature seemed to
+have reached maturity, and the restless activity of spring was
+forgotten. The birds were now calm and sober enough. The cocks and hens
+sat peacefully side by side, no advances were made or encouraged.
+Love-making, with all its follies, was at an end for that year. Only the
+curious dragon-flies, with their four long wings and taper bodies, were
+still busy with their love-dances over the pond. August had been so
+rainy and windy that they seemed anxious to make the most of the still
+autumn evening. The males were sitting dotted about among the reeds,
+peering on every side with their prominent eyes, and when one approached
+another too closely, the two would rush at each other till their
+transparent wings, like delicate plates of silver, and their scaly
+bodies, made a tiny rustling when they met in conflict. Then all was
+still again among the rushes, until the arrival of a female dragon-fly.
+She would come slowly and carelessly humming along from some other part
+of the garden, and when she got near the pond would change her course,
+turn off, and fly back again. Her little heart was doubtless beating
+high; but casting aside her fears, she at length took courage, and sped
+on over the pond. Away started five or six males, dashing at each other
+like knights in helm and harness, and battling confusedly amid the clash
+of tiny weapons. But the happy victor soon bid adieu to the conflict,
+and sailed past the others to the side of his lovely prize. Their wings
+met for a moment in mimic combat, and then away they glided in close
+embrace far over the heads of the discomfited champions, each aiding
+other with fairy wings, to seek a lonely spot far away among the rushes.
+
+A plaintive air, sung by some shrill girlish voices in the West End, was
+wafted over by the light evening breeze. It was so still that Madeleine
+could follow every word:
+
+     "I now myself must sever,
+     My little friend, from thee.
+     Let naught oppress thee ever;
+     Soon home again I'll be."
+
+She felt more than usually depressed, and now, just as it had happened
+after church on Sunday, Delphin's image seemed suddenly to spring up
+into her thoughts. Where he came from she knew not. A web of confused
+reveries seemed to weave themselves in her soul, just as the moon shed
+its mysterious network of shadows over the grass.
+
+Her attention was all at once attracted by a noise in the garden. She
+certainly fancied that she heard the door of the summer-house creak on
+its rusty hinges. At the same moment she heard Morten's heavy tread on
+the stone steps leading up to the front door: he must be returning from
+the stable. It was time to go to bed, but still she remained at the
+window, looking towards the summer-house. She now discovered two forms
+that were going slowly down the path which led to the wicket in the
+garden wall. This path was fringed on both sides by high overgrown
+hedges, and she could only see the heads every now and then as they
+passed. In the idea that it was one of the maids with her sweetheart,
+she was just going to shut the window. It was surely nothing which
+concerned her.
+
+The pair had just reached the place at which two paths crossed each
+other, which was illuminated by a broad patch of moonlight. Madeleine
+could not help being curious to see who it might be, and still stood
+leaning out of the window, holding on to the fastening of the sun-blind.
+The lovers stood still for a moment, as if they felt that there was
+danger in passing the place. At length they took courage, and sped
+hastily by. But not hastily enough--Madeleine had recognized them both.
+Her pulse seemed to stop and her heart to sink within her, and without
+uttering a sound she slipped down on the floor under the window. In the
+passage, outside her door, she heard Morten go grumbling back from the
+bedroom which he and Fanny usually occupied, and in which she was not to
+be found.
+
+Madeleine's head became clear in a moment In another instant he would be
+down the staircase, out in the garden, and then--They must be saved, but
+why she did not know, nor how; but save them she must. Her first idea
+was to close the window with a bang, but she did not dare to stand up.
+In her need she saw the water-bottle on the table. She seized it, and,
+without lifting her head, put it on the window-sill. She gave it a push,
+and a second after she heard the crash of the glass, and the splash of
+the water on the paving-stones with which the house was surrounded. She
+lay still, crouched in a heap under the window.
+
+A light hurried step and the rustle of a dress were heard over the lawn.
+All was so still, and her nerves were in such a state of tension, that
+Madeleine could hear one of the French windows carefully opened and
+closed again. The step came upstairs, and as it passed her door she
+heard Morten's voice say, "I am sure you never thought that I should
+come out this evening;" and Fanny's answer, "Oh, one feels that sort of
+thing instinctively!"
+
+Madeleine breathed again. It was indeed Fanny's voice, in its most
+insinuating and deceitful tones.
+
+A short time afterwards she got up and closed her window, and
+withdrawing into the farthest corner of the room, she hastily undressed
+and crept into bed. Her tears flowed the whole time, but she was utterly
+crushed, and soon fell into a heavy slumber.
+
+A good hour after Madeleine had gone to sleep, her door opened
+noiselessly, and a tall shadowy form glided into the chamber. The form
+placed a water-bottle upon the table. The moon had reached the point at
+which it shone obliquely into the window, and down upon the bed where
+Madeleine was sleeping. The apparition drew the curtains more closely,
+and the while a beam of moonlight passed over its features. They were
+furrowed with innumerable small wrinkles, and a night-cap with starched
+strings was knotted tightly under the chin.
+
+Noiselessly as it had entered, the apparition glided out again, and the
+door closed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+
+The next day it rained in torrents. Morten drove into the town
+immediately after breakfast. Madeleine lay in bed with a fever. Rachel
+went in to see her, but she found her in such a curious state that she
+wished to send for the doctor. Miss Cordsen, however, was of opinion
+that it would be better to let her have perfect rest, and that with time
+she would soon come round. Rachel would all the same have sent for the
+doctor, if she had not forgotten it almost before she got downstairs;
+she was so taken up with her own thoughts. Would another day pass
+without his coming?
+
+A carriage drove up to the door. Mrs. Garman, who had just finished a
+little private breakfast in her own room, put down her paper and said,
+"Is it possible? Can it be visitors in this weather?"
+
+Rachel felt that she was blushing. She had recognized his voice in the
+hall, and to conceal her emotion, she sat down at the piano and
+aimlessly struck a few chords.
+
+The door opened and in came Dean Sparre, followed by Mr. Johnsen. Rachel
+turned round on the music-stool, bringing her hand down with a crash on
+some of the bass notes of the piano. Her eye never wandered from
+Johnsen, as if she expected every moment that he would begin to speak,
+and give some explanation as to why he came in such company.
+
+Dean Sparre gave a cordial greeting to the ladies, at the same time
+mildly reproaching Rachel for not having paid them a visit at the
+deanery. He had a great many messages for her from his "little girls."
+
+Mrs. Garman became reconciled as soon as she saw who were the visitors.
+There was nothing she enjoyed more than a gossip with clergymen.
+
+The conversation first turned upon the disagreeable weather, but
+Rachel's eyes never once moved from the inspector. He did not look in
+her direction; his face was pale, and his lips closely pressed together.
+
+"We particularly wished, my young friend and I," at last began the dean,
+"to pay this visit at your house together. There are many things that
+can be explained, and many misunderstandings which can be avoided, if
+one only has an opportunity of talking a matter thoroughly over."
+
+The dean paused and looked at Mr. Johnsen, who made a momentary effort
+to speak, in which he signally failed.
+
+"It would be most unfortunate," continued the dean, "if a few
+ill-considered remarks should leave an impression on our congregation
+that there was any want of agreement, or rather, I should say,
+difference of opinion, among those who have to work together in the
+service of the Church."
+
+Rachel had left her seat, and was now standing before Mr. Johnsen. "Is
+that your opinion?"
+
+"My dear Rachel!" interrupted Mrs. Garman. Rachel's eccentricities
+really exceeded all bounds.
+
+"Is that your opinion?" repeated Rachel, with the severity of a judge
+condemning a criminal.
+
+Johnsen raised his head nervously and looked at her. "Allow me to
+explain, Miss Garman," he began. But he could not withstand the
+penetrating glance of those clear blue eyes, and hung down his head, and
+stopped in the middle of his sentence. Rachel turned round, and without
+saying another word left the room.
+
+"I must really, gentlemen," said Mrs. Garman, "beg you to excuse my
+daughter. Rachel's conduct is sometimes so very extraordinary; in fact,
+I don't understand it at all."
+
+"The behaviour of youth, my dear Mrs. Garman," said the dean, blandly,
+"is undoubtedly somewhat strange in these days; but we ought to consider
+how times have changed." And the pressure of his soft persuasive hand
+was so soothing, that when they were gone, Mrs. Garman felt almost as
+much edified as if she had been listening to a sermon.
+
+That the dean, in the course of three or four days, had been able to
+bring about this entire change in the inspector, was for Martens a new
+source of wonder and admiration; and every one could not but feel
+greatly relieved when they saw the two going about and paying their
+visits together.
+
+The whole of that memorable Sunday Johnsen had spent in pacing up and
+down his room, repeating to himself different parts of his sermon. Some
+of his thoughts he had managed to express clearly enough, while others
+might have been a little more incisive; but on the whole he was
+satisfied. He was not satisfied in the sense that he thought he had
+accomplished a great work, but he was so far satisfied that he now felt
+that he had room to breathe. Wind in one's sails, even if it is a storm,
+is preferable to a dead calm. What emotions he must have stirred in many
+a careless soul! How many of his hearers might not now be struggling
+with the mighty thoughts which he had thrown amongst them? In the mean
+time he looked out upon the street, and he felt almost inclined to
+wonder that the town showed its usual Sunday calm. In the afternoon he
+expected the dean; he felt certain he would come, and he had a speech
+ready with which to receive him. Give way he would not, rather resign
+his position; and besides, he knew of one who had promised him her
+friendship, if all others should turn their backs on him. And now as the
+day went on, and the shadows of evening began to fall, and no dean
+appeared, she came more and more into the foreground of his thoughts. He
+imagined her by his side, battling with him against the whole world, and
+full of hope and courage he laid down to rest.
+
+When he awoke the next morning, he heard the wind whistling, and the
+rain pattering on the window-panes. Empty drays were driving at a trot
+down the street under his windows, and the busy Monday was again alive,
+on that dingy autumn morning. He had to be in the school before eight
+o'clock, and begin the work of the day with a prayer and a hymn.
+Yesterday his ordinary duties had scarcely entered his thoughts; but
+when the faint odour of the children's clothes as they came wet to
+school, their inharmonious singing, and that flagging indifference with
+which the school week opens after Saturday and Sunday's holiday, rose in
+his imagination, his everyday work appeared more than he could bear.
+
+What was it to him? While he was sitting at his breakfast, and was just
+thinking of sending the maid down to the school to say he was unwell, a
+knock was heard at the door, and Dean Sparre entered the room. Johnsen
+at once endeavoured to recollect what he had yesterday arranged to say
+to the dean; but at that early hour, and in the presence of that
+perplexing smile, he might just as well have tried to sing "Lohengrin"
+without notes as to bring to his recollection his ideas of the day
+before.
+
+The dean went straight to the point without any parley, but quite from a
+different point of view to which Johnsen had expected. He was of
+opinion, in fact, without making any further assumption, that Johnsen
+was in love with, and even perhaps engaged to, Rachel Garman, and that
+in his sermon of yesterday he had been expressing her ideas, which,
+although they were certainly original, were still somewhat distorted. At
+the same time, he was quite ready to allow that Miss Garman was no doubt
+a lady of first-rate ability.
+
+All the efforts that Johnsen made to get the dean out of this line of
+thought were entirely thrown away; neither could he make it clear to him
+that his assumption of the possibility of his being engaged to Rachel
+was incorrect.
+
+The dean listened with much patience and with perfect good nature to
+what he had to say, and took up the argument where he had left it. At
+last he said, calmly and plainly, "Are you not in love with this woman?"
+
+Johnsen's first idea was to answer no; but he failed in the effort,
+hesitated, and said, "I don't know."
+
+From that moment the dean had completed his task. Johnsen tried to break
+off the conversation by looking at the clock, which was now nearly
+eight.
+
+"You are thinking of your school, like a conscientious man, are you
+not?" said the dean. "But you need not be anxious about it. I have been
+in and told them that you would be unable to attend. Mr. Pallesen will
+take your place this morning."
+
+Johnsen sat down again, entirely crestfallen. He felt that he had been
+hopelessly outwitted and beaten. The dean's sonorous voice still rolled
+on. He did not directly attack any particular point in the sermon--not
+at all; but he showed how earthly love, although it was but the type of
+a heavenly one, was often apt to lead us mortals into error. This he
+knew of his own experience. He did not wish to make himself out better
+than he was, but he felt that it was of the highest importance for all,
+and especially for the young, to be constantly on their guard against
+the danger. Johnsen could see for himself to what lengths he had allowed
+himself to be carried yesterday.
+
+"There is, however, one thing," continued the dean, "in which you show
+very great merit, my dear young friend, and for this very reason I have
+had, and I may say still have, great hopes of you. What I speak of is
+your integrity, and the natural leaning towards truth and sincerity,
+which seems to pervade your whole nature. But, my dear friend, how can a
+man claim to be sincere when he comes forward and cries, 'I love truth
+beyond everything, and my heart is full of love for what is elevated and
+pure,' and then it appears all the time that the love with which his
+heart was full is nothing more than an earthly love for the woman who
+has put these thoughts into his mind? Now, can you deny that this was
+your case yesterday?"
+
+Johnsen could not exactly deny the accusation, and the dean seized upon
+the half-confession he had made, and continued his homily, without
+betraying a sign of weariness. And when he at last took his leave, which
+was not till nearly twelve o'clock, he said, "I will look in again this
+afternoon. Your thoughts are doubtless so much occupied that you will
+not go out to-day, and perhaps it would look quite as well if you stayed
+at home."
+
+The next day also Johnsen remained in his room, and the dean paid him a
+visit, both morning and afternoon. At length, all at once, his
+conversion was accomplished. In a moment it seemed clear to him by how
+little he had escaped getting on the wrong path, and now all the
+apprehensions which he had felt on his first visit to Sandsgaard again
+reappeared. He felt how near he had been to forgetting and abandoning
+his mission--that mission among the poor, which was really his duty; but
+now his eyes were opened, and that very affection, the strength of which
+he had now only begun to recognize, he would bring as a peace-offering
+for his shortcoming, and for having so nearly been untrue to himself and
+to his calling.
+
+He sprang up and grasped the dean's hand. "Thank you! thank you! You
+have saved me!" His eyes flashed, and his broad, powerful bosom seemed
+to swell. At that moment the dean might have sent him to certain death,
+and he would have obeyed.
+
+As they drove back from Sandsgaard, the dean narrowly observed his young
+friend. The visit at the Garmans' had not passed off quite so
+successfully as some of the others which they had paid, where the
+inspector's calm and genuine manner had made a favourable impression.
+The dean thought, however, that it was better not to carry things too
+far, now that they seemed to have taken a good direction. They did not,
+therefore, pay any more visits, but drove home to the dean's to get a
+cup of chocolate, which Miss Barbara had prepared for them.
+
+Miss Cordsen had now two patients to attend to, for Rachel had also kept
+her room for some days. The old lady went to and fro between the two. It
+was not easy to discover how much she comprehended of it all. Her mouth,
+surrounded by its innumerable wrinkles, was so tightly closed that
+gossip was, for her, out of the question. Calmly and methodically did
+Miss Cordsen carry on her duties. Both upstairs and down were to be seen
+her well-starched cap-strings, and the faint, old-fashioned smell of
+lavender seemed to hang in her very clothes.
+
+Rachel sat for hours looking before her, without caring to do anything.
+To think that this should be the end of all her hopes! Was it, then,
+impossible to find a man with courage in his heart, and blood in his
+veins? She felt that she was precluded from any line of action that
+would really satisfy her, condemned as she was to a life of daily
+drudgery; but her thoughts became more and more embittered, first
+against him who had deceived her, and finally against the whole human
+race.
+
+Madeleine, on the contrary, had no feelings of this nature; but she had
+a feeling of dread, which seemed daily to increase. She felt that the
+duplicity of her friend was so great, so enormous, that it quite passed
+her imagination; and then the thought that it must be he--he, to whom
+alone, among all this world of strangers, she felt herself attracted on
+the very ground of his sincerity! Again and again these thoughts arose
+within her and tortured her. She felt as if her foothold must be
+insecure for evermore. A stain of impurity seemed to have passed over
+her life, which made her timid and apprehensive of all these so-called
+friends who had thus misunderstood and deceived her.
+
+The morning after that night she was awakened by Fanny, who came into
+her room in her dressing-gown before it was quite light. The truth was,
+Fanny had not slept very soundly, tormented as she was the whole time by
+her fears, and by wondering from whence the warning came. It was quite
+certain that it must have proceeded either from Miss Cordsen or
+Madeleine, for the windows of both rooms were open. If it were
+Madeleine, the plot had become so involved that she did not dare to
+think of it. If it were Miss Cordsen, it was bad enough, but still not
+so desperate. From the sound she guessed that it must be a glass of
+water, or something of that sort, and as soon as day began to dawn she
+got up and left her room in the hope of clearing up the mystery.
+Madeleine sat up as she heard Fanny come in.
+
+"I beg pardon, Madeleine. I came to see if you could give me a glass of
+water. There is a spider in our water-bottle."
+
+She drew back the curtains, and there, sure enough, stood the
+water-bottle with its glass. Fanny gave a sigh of relief, and left
+Madeleine still gazing in astonishment. It was more than she could
+understand.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+
+The autumn rains had now begun in earnest. Day after day the water came
+down in streams, and at night it could be heard pattering on the
+window-panes, and dripping from the eaves, every time one woke.
+
+At first the rain came for a long time from the south-west, but there
+was nothing wonderful in that, for the south-west is a rainy quarter.
+But when it rained for a whole fortnight with a north wind, people who
+were weatherwise maintained that if it once began to rain steadily from
+the north, there would be no end to it.
+
+One morning the wind ceased, but the clouds lay heavy and lowering
+overhead; and now the weatherwise averred, with much shaking of heads,
+that it would be worse than ever. The morning, however, actually passed
+without rain, and the air grew lighter and clearer; but just as the
+aspect began to improve, the drizzle again commenced.
+
+The rain now set in with renewed vigour, with all its pleasing varieties
+of shower and deluge; but the worst form it took was when it poured
+persistently and unmercifully from morning to night.
+
+The new moons came in with rain and went out with rain, and every day of
+the calendar was alike wet. The wind veered about to every point of the
+compass, and heaped up banks of fog out to sea, and heavy masses of
+cloud up in the mountains, which finally drifted together, and poured
+down their contents in torrents all along the west coast.
+
+And now the storms began in earnest, and went soughing through the trees
+in the avenue, and whistling in the rigging of the vessels that were
+laid up for the winter.
+
+In the old house at Sandsgaard each separate wind had its own pet
+corner, to which it returned with delight every autumn. The north wind
+came howling along between the warehouses; the south wind took the wet
+leaves from the garden and hurled them in handfuls against the
+window-panes; the east wind whirled down the chimneys till all the rooms
+were full of smoke; while the pet amusement of the west wind was to make
+a clatter with all the loose tiles on the roof, during the whole
+livelong night.
+
+The Consul kept going and looking at the barometer, and tapping it to
+see if the quicksilver was rising or falling: but, to tell the truth, it
+did not seem to make much matter which it did; for the sky, the clouds,
+the rain, and the storm had all got into such a jumble, that the weather
+continued equally abominable, week after week, during the whole winter.
+
+In the ship-yard work went on but slowly, for Garman and Worse were not
+so new-fangled as to build under cover; but Mr. Robson still thought
+that he would be ready by the appointed day, although the weather
+certainly was "the very devil!"
+
+But the person who most of all anathematized the weather, and indeed the
+whole west coast, and everything that belonged to it, was our friend Mr.
+Aalbom. When he left his house in the morning, the wind and rain would
+persist in beating in his face, and when he came out of school, they
+were so obliging as to follow him right up again to his very door. When
+he had gone part of the way down the avenue, the wind managed to blow
+down on the top of his umbrella, which, after many struggles, it finally
+pressed down until his hat got jammed in among the ribs. Then all at
+once it began the same tactics from below, and blew up under the
+umbrella, and between the master's long legs, filling out the closely
+buttoned waterproof, until it bid fair to blow it away altogether.
+
+All October and November went on much in the same fashion, and people
+who were given to jokes began to say that they had quite forgotten the
+sun's appearance.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+
+At last, one day well on in December, the dreadful weather seemed to
+have worn itself out for a time. The sky was perfectly clear, and not
+even the smallest cloud was to be seen which could give rise to
+apprehension. During the night there had been a few degrees of frost,
+and the roads, which had for a long time been nearly impassable, became
+all at once hard and dry. On the puddles lay the first ice, as thin and
+clear as glass, and the meadows were hoary with frost.
+
+The chaplain was on his way to Sandsgaard, with his newly acquired smile
+on his features. The lovely weather enlivened him, and made his thoughts
+cheerful and full of hope; for the chaplain was going a-wooing.
+
+It was fully two years since Martens had lost his first wife; he had
+really regretted his loss, but now it was a long time ago. It would have
+been quite improper, and not at all in accordance with the views of the
+congregation, for so young a widower to remain single longer than was
+absolutely required by the ordinary rules of society. Now, the chaplain
+knew just as well as any one that a particular charm attaches to an
+unmarried clergyman--that is, for a time; and he also fully agreed with
+Dean Sparre, when he said a short time previously, "If a congregation is
+to have the peaceful, comforting feeling that their souls are well cared
+for, they should have the example of a peaceful, homely life before
+their eyes, in the form of a motherly wife at the rectory, and even
+better still, a family of happy children."
+
+And besides, Pastor Martens was really in love. Madeleine Garman had
+long ago, in fact as soon as ever she left Bratvold, taken possession of
+his heart by her modest and natural demeanour; and no worldly
+expectations mingled in the chaplain's affections. He knew that Richard
+Garman had not a shilling, and he was sufficiently free from prejudice
+to disbelieve the general report that Madeleine's father had never been
+properly married to her mother. In Madeleine he hoped to find the
+retiring and simple-minded woman for whom he was seeking, and latterly,
+since her manners had become even more quiet, he had paid her greater
+attention, and it appeared to him that she met him in a modest and
+womanly manner.
+
+On his arrival at Sandsgaard, he met Mrs. Garman in her room, and to her
+he entrusted his secret. At first she did not seem to take to the idea,
+but on second thoughts she appeared more favourably disposed. She
+considered that sooner or later something of the kind must happen, and
+it was perhaps just as well that the chaplain, who was already so dear
+to her should become a member of the family. She therefore said, when
+she had made up her mind--
+
+"Well, Mr. Martens, if you really think that Madeleine will make you a
+good wife in the eyes of God and man, I have nothing to do but give you
+my very best wishes on the choice you have made. You will find Madeleine
+in the green-room."
+
+Pastor Martens went off to the green-room, and returned after a quarter
+of an hour had elapsed; but Mrs. Garman's astonishment defies
+description, when she learnt that he had met with a refusal.
+
+"Tell me," she groaned--"tell me every word. Oh, the poor misguided
+child!"
+
+"I am afraid I cannot tell you every word that passed, Mrs. Garman,"
+answered Martens, pale with emotion; "I am too much shocked and--"
+
+"And surprised too, I am sure," said Mrs. Garman, concluding his
+sentence; "yes, that I can readily believe. What is the matter with the
+child? What reason did she give?"
+
+"She did not say much," answered the pastor; "she seemed to be almost
+afraid of me. She went off to the door and began to cry, and said--"
+
+"What--what did she say?"
+
+"She simply kept repeating 'no,'" answered the chaplain, quite
+crestfallen.
+
+Mrs. Garman could not disguise her astonishment.
+
+The bright sunshine had not the same enlivening effect upon the pastor
+as he returned to his lodgings. He, however, managed to control both his
+feelings and his countenance. This was a trial that he would have to
+receive with humility. The only thing that annoyed him was, that he had
+said anything about it to Mrs. Garman.
+
+Mr. Martens's proposal was the only thing that was wanted to complete
+the life of wretchedness, which Madeleine had passed ever since that
+moonlight autumn evening; and yet the chaplain was to a certain extent
+right, when he thought that Madeleine had met him with some degree of
+warmth. There was, in fact, something in the almost fatherly manner with
+which he treated her, something which seemed to soothe her affrighted
+heart. She had a longing to be able to feel confidence in somebody, and
+the calm, earnest clergyman seemed to her so different from all those
+for whom she had such an abhorrence, since she had made her fatal
+discovery. And now he, too, was to come to her with the same story;
+told, certainly, in a different way--that she was quite willing to
+allow; but still the gist of it was the same--the very same whichever
+way she turned.
+
+Mrs. Garman took her most severely to task for having so unreasonably
+and foolishly rejected such a man as Pastor Martens; and at length, what
+with one thing and another, the poor girl quite lost her health, and the
+doctor had as much as he could do to pull her through an obstinate
+attack of low fever.
+
+George Delphin had soon got to know from Fanny that it was old Miss
+Cordsen who had seen them in the garden, and given them the timely
+warning. This was for him a greater relief than Fanny expected; for,
+after the first feeling of pride and delight at having gained his lovely
+prize, Delphin had felt more and more compunction in his inmost heart
+every time he thought of Madeleine. He was not willing to break off with
+Fanny--this was more than he dared to do; but, careless and clever as he
+was, he thought that he would be able for the present to keep up the
+double game with both.
+
+He could make up his mind when the time came, and he would make up his
+mind, too, if he could win Madeleine, and if he thought she was worth
+the price of breaking off with the lovely Fanny. But within a few days
+after that evening on which they had been so careless, his eyes began to
+be opened. Fanny was not at Sandsgaard that day, for little Christian
+Frederick had got the measles, and Delphin, therefore, attempted to talk
+with Madeleine in the good-natured and patronizing way which he had
+hitherto done. But a single look from her frightened eyes was enough for
+him; he could not endure her glance, and became silent, and immediately
+after dinner made an excuse for taking his leave. He had promised to
+look in at Fanny's during the afternoon, and he found her expecting him,
+as she came from the child's sick-room in a charming demi-toilette. When
+he came in, she ran forwards with her hands stretched out to meet him.
+Delphin did not take them, but said with a serious air--
+
+"I know now who it was that saw us that evening; it was not Miss
+Cordsen."
+
+"That is what I have long suspected," answered Fanny, with a smile; "but
+I did not wish to alarm you. Besides, Madeleine is far too stupid to
+allow of her doing us any harm."
+
+At that moment he was almost afraid of her. He felt he could not remain
+with her any longer, although she besought him to do so.
+
+Fanny stood watching him as he went down the street, biting her lips to
+restrain her feelings; but the tears stood in her eyes, and she kept a
+convulsive hold on the curtains, behind which she was concealing
+herself. For the conquest she had made, which had also on her side been
+at first only mere vanity, had ended by becoming a serious matter. She
+really loved him, and could now see clearly exactly how the situation
+lay.
+
+Christmas came and passed. The ordinary festivities of the season went
+on as usual at the Garmans'; but this year they were less merry than
+usual. There were several members of the family who each had to bear his
+own separate sorrow; and little Christian Frederick, the only hope of
+the family, was lying at home, slowly recovering from the measles. Uncle
+Richard never seemed to gain quite his usual Christmas spirits, for
+Madeleine's appearance caused him considerable anxiety. Since he had no
+longer been able to keep her under his eye by means of the big
+telescope, she had quite got beyond his ken amongst all the others with
+whom she constantly mixed, and whenever they happened by chance to find
+themselves alone together, Madeleine did nothing but cry, and that was
+more than her father could bear.
+
+Morten was dreading the settling of the year's accounts with his father.
+That part of the business which was carried on in the town, and which
+was regarded as a kind of offshoot from Garman and Worse, had to be most
+carefully examined on account of a large amount of private business and
+debts, which the son had incurred during the past year. His housekeeping
+account, which his father always wished to see, had also to be worked
+out carefully by itself. But the worst of it all was, that when they
+were sitting together in the Consul's office, Morten could never get rid
+of the feeling, that however he might twist and wriggle, the clear blue
+eyes still seemed to pierce through his every manoeuvre; and the part he
+had to play was very painful to him. As soon as they had reckoned up the
+result of the year, the Consul put his finger on the gross receipts and
+said, "These are far too small."
+
+"Times have been very bad," answered Morten. "I feel sure that by next
+year--"
+
+"The times have not been so bad," interrupted the father, "but that a
+house with the capital with which we have to work ought to have managed
+to earn double. In my father's time we earned twice as much with half
+our present capital."
+
+"Yes; but times were quite different in those days, father."
+
+"And people were quite different too," answered the Consul, severely.
+"In those days we were contented to move with caution and foresight,
+without ruining our credit by mixing with a lot of speculators in all
+kinds of doubtful undertakings."
+
+Morten felt the rebuke, and answered, "I did not think Garman and Worse
+set such store by its credit in those days."
+
+"The house is no longer what it has been," said the young Consul dryly,
+closing the thick ledger. He then held out his hand to Morten over the
+table, and said, "Best wishes for the new year."
+
+"The same to you, father," said Morten, as their eyes met for a moment.
+
+The young Consul thought upon the time when he himself stood where
+Morten was now standing, and when the old Consul sat in the armchair.
+How utterly different everything was in the old days! However, the
+year's account was over, and Morten was glad of it.
+
+After Christmas there was a succession of balls and parties in the town.
+At Sandsgaard only one large ball was given every year, and that was on
+the old Consul's birthday, which fell on the 15th of May.
+
+Madeleine did not go out that winter, neither did she pay any more
+visits to Fanny. Rachel was, as usual, quite incomprehensible. Sometimes
+she would answer her well-known "No, thanks," and sometimes she would
+take it into her head to make herself smart, go to a dance, and be
+either pleasant or the contrary, just as the fit took her.
+
+The disappointment she had experienced at the hands of Mr. Johnsen made
+her more bitter than ever; but she never gave him another thought. She
+had done her best for him, as she said to herself, and now that it was
+over, she heard with the greatest indifference that his Bible
+explanations at the prayer-meeting were so wonderfully successful; but
+in her innermost heart Rachel often felt a void, which sometimes made
+her uneasy. It seemed as if she was indifferent to everything. She felt
+no pleasure in anything; and it was generally when she was in this mood
+that she felt most inclined to go to a ball.
+
+In February there was a dance given at the Club, at which both Rachel
+and Fanny were present. Fanny was dressed entirely in blue, even to her
+shoes, fan, and blue flowers in her hair; but her eyes were bluer than
+all.
+
+     "Ein meer von blauen Gedanken
+     Ergiesst sich ueber mein Herz,"
+
+as Delphin said when he came into the room. The pleasure caused her by
+this compliment had to suffice her for the whole evening. She could no
+longer hide from herself that Delphin was in danger of slipping out of
+her hands; but she never reproached him, for she felt instinctively that
+as soon as anything of the kind arose between them, all would be over,
+and part from him she could not.
+
+Jacob Worse danced a waltz with Rachel, and during the pauses he tried
+several times to lead the conversation on to the injustice she had done
+him in calling him a coward. At first she avoided the subject, which
+was, indeed, too serious a one for the ballroom; but Worse was
+persistent--it was not very often that he had the opportunity of
+speaking with her--and at last Rachel promised him half jestingly to
+give him an answer when the dance was over.
+
+As they were sitting by themselves in a corner of one of the rooms
+leading off the ballroom, and while the dancing was still going on, she
+said, "I must beg your pardon for what I said the other day. You are not
+a bit more cowardly than the rest of them."
+
+"If we could manage to define exactly what you mean by cowardice," said
+Jacob Worse.
+
+"But you know perfectly well."
+
+"Well, then, is not this about your idea? When a man, either in
+politics, or in religion, or in any other serious matter, is not at all
+in accordance with the general tone of the society in which he
+lives--then, if he holds his tongue, it can be from no other cause than
+from what you are pleased to call cowardice."
+
+"That is exactly my opinion, and I maintain it is correct."
+
+"But, on the other hand, I am sure you must allow," continued Jacob
+Worse, "that all opposition has not the same weight. In many cases it
+might do more harm--"
+
+"Oh, I know that miserable, cowardly excuse!" broke in Rachel, abruptly.
+"'What is the good,' you say, 'of even my best endeavours when I work
+alone?' and then you lie down and go to sleep. That is indeed cowardice
+_par excellence_."
+
+"I must, however, tell you, Miss Rachel," answered Jacob Worse, who was
+beginning to lose his self-control, "that there is many a man who during
+his whole life is painfully conscious that he has not the power of
+making his views felt, or has even the opportunity of bringing them
+before the world. But it is not in courage that such a man is
+wanting--far from it."
+
+"I could almost believe that you were speaking of yourself," said
+Rachel, with indifference.
+
+"Yes, and so I am!" answered he, hurriedly. "I have always been one of
+those heavy, slow-thinking people, but I have a quality which that kind
+of person would be better without. I am hasty. From my boyhood I have
+known it, and have kept it under to the best of my ability. But,
+notwithstanding my efforts, this hastiness sometimes gets the better of
+me, just when I am most in want of a little cool reflection. I lose my
+head, the words begin to flow like a torrent, and I listen to them
+myself almost with terror. Yes, you have heard me yourself on one
+memorable occasion, Miss Rachel," he added with a smile, "and I am sure
+you will confess that a man of my nature is but little suited to engage
+in a struggle with prejudice. For, for such a struggle, patience and
+coolness are imperative."
+
+"It is quite possible that the attributes of which you speak are most
+desirable," answered Rachel, "but still it seems quite clear to me that
+every man who has a conviction is bound to act up to it. How much he can
+accomplish is not the question he must ask himself, but he is bound to
+make the attempt."
+
+"I will just tell you how my first attempt turned out," said Jacob
+Worse. "When I came home, which is now about two or three years ago,
+still breathing the comparative freedom of other lands, the first thing
+in our own country which attracted my attention was the exceptionally
+bad social condition of our labourers and mechanics. Their houses and
+food, the bringing-up of their children, their teaching and education,
+in fact, everything which belonged to them, fell far short of what I
+thought it ought to be."
+
+"I have often thought upon the same subject," rejoined Rachel. "But
+father says it is the fault of the people themselves; they are so
+greatly opposed to change."
+
+"That is one of your most excellent father's worst prejudices. However,
+I began by getting up a society, which with us is no easy matter. All
+went well at first, and then a president had to be chosen. Some one
+suggested myself, a proposition to which all the others agreed, which
+was quite natural. I thus became president, and took no little trouble
+in instructing the people as to what questions were important for them,
+and what were their requirements. Then I began to hear a whisper here
+and there that it was a curious thing that the president of the society
+had never been properly elected. I did not take much notice of these
+whispers, but still I suggested that there should be an election. The
+day came, and some one else was chosen in my place."
+
+"It was Mr. Martens, was it not?" asked Rachel.
+
+"Yes; you are quite right. I was greatly astonished, and did not attempt
+to conceal my feelings. Martens had not attended a single one of our
+meetings before the afternoon on which he was elected. I found the whole
+thing quite incomprehensible. However, in our state of society, it is
+not difficult to get to know anything if you only give yourself the
+trouble to make a few inquiries; and so I soon got a clear knowledge
+that the person who had got up the whole thing was the dean. So one day
+I called upon him."
+
+"No! I never heard of that!" cried Rachel. "What did the dean say?"
+
+"Nothing. The answer he gave me amounted to nothing. Not that I wish you
+to understand that he held his tongue. On the contrary, he talked
+incessantly in his best-modulated voice, and was smiling, friendly, in
+fact, almost appreciative, but not a single word fell from his lips that
+was really to the point. Do what I would, I could not get him to discuss
+a single question, or to give me a reason as to why he had got me turned
+out of the workman's society, and put his chaplain in my place. He
+denied nothing and confessed nothing, and the end of it was--there,
+again, my misfortune--I got so annoyed to see him leaning back in his
+chair, with his white hair and everlasting smile, that I got into one of
+my worst tempers and poured out a regular volley of thunder at him."
+
+"Well, and the dean--did he lose his temper?" asked Rachel.
+
+Worse laughed. "I might just as well have tried to get a spark out of
+wood, as to get him to lose his temper. No; the dean was bland as ever,
+and when I left he shook my hand, and hoped he might soon have the
+pleasure of seeing me again. But afterwards I got well paid out for that
+visit."
+
+"How was that?" she asked.
+
+"Well, you see, since then I seem to have been under a ban, which shows
+itself in all sorts of little ways--in business, in society, everywhere.
+My mother, poor thing, hears it in her shop from her customers, and it
+always takes the same annoying form: regret about modern disbelief, and
+free-thinking, and so on; and I am certain that most people regard it as
+a stroke of wonderful good luck, that I was prevented in good time from
+corrupting--yes, no less than corrupting--our noble workpeople. So I
+said to myself, 'Since there is such a wide difference between my
+opinions and those of the people whom I wish to assist, and since my
+nature is what it is, there is nothing else to be done but for me to
+keep myself thoroughly occupied with my work, and hold my peace.'"
+
+"Peace! Yes, there it is again!" said Rachel. "But no, no! I am sure you
+are not right."
+
+"Well, let me speak to you about yourself, Miss Garman," said Jacob
+Worse, becoming more courageous. "Neither I nor any one else of your
+acquaintance will be able to comply fully with the conditions you lay
+down. But I know one person who has the power, and that, Miss Garman, is
+yourself. You have all the qualifications we others lack."
+
+"I! a woman! and, worse than all, a lady!" said Rachel, looking at him
+with the greatest astonishment. "And how, if I may ask?"
+
+"You must write!"
+
+Rachel hesitated, and looked at him suspiciously. "That is not the first
+time I have heard this. More than one person has mentioned it to me
+before. I suppose it is that authorship is reckoned as one of the bad
+habits of an emancipated woman."
+
+Jacob Worse again began to lose his self-command. "I don't mind your
+calling me a coward, Miss Garman. But when you think, or pretend to
+think, that I am not speaking more seriously than some of these--"
+
+"No, no; sit down, I beg you," said Rachel, anxiously, putting her hand
+on his arm. "I did not mean any harm, but I am so suspicious. I beg
+pardon. There, now, don't think any more about it. You really do think,
+then, that I ought to write?"
+
+"I am quite sure you ought," answered Worse, who soon became quiet
+again. "You have so much originality and so much energy, that you will
+be able to overcome every difficulty, and in courage you are certainly
+not wanting."
+
+Amid the whirl of the dance around them, these encouraging words sounded
+doubly strange in her ears, and seemed to open out new vistas before
+her.
+
+"But what have I got to write about? What do I know that the world does
+not know already? No, you really must be wrong, Mr. Worse. It is beyond
+me;" and she looked down at her dress, and could not help feeling that
+Worse was becoming rather dull.
+
+"It is not very easy to say beforehand what your subject ought to be,"
+said he; "but it is clear that there are endless things that the world
+can only learn from a woman, and which it seems to be expecting to hear.
+For you it is but to have the will. You are now passing through a crisis
+in your life, and you have such a fund of energy--"
+
+"You seem to be treating me more like a chemical equivalent than like a
+human being, not to say like a lady," said Rachel, laughing.
+
+"Let us be thankful that you have so little of the lady about you," said
+Jacob Worse, bluntly.
+
+The dance now began for which Rachel was otherwise engaged, and her
+partner came and carried her off.
+
+Jacob Worse stood watching her for a few minutes. He then got his coat
+and went home.
+
+He perfectly understood that by awakening these thoughts in her, he
+would make the fulfilment of what was really the dream of his life
+become more distant than ever. But he felt convinced that Rachel's
+splendid abilities would be entirely thrown away in her present narrow
+sphere; and he felt, too, that he was perfectly honest to himself, when
+he said that he would not hinder her from taking the path she ought to
+follow, even if he thereby destroyed his own greatest happiness. But
+when he got home and was alone in his own quiet room, he was even more
+dispirited. He could not but see that when Rachel came to have a proper
+estimate of her own powers, she would find her present home too narrow
+for her, and a marriage such as he could offer would be quite unworthy
+of her.
+
+He saw a light in the rooms at the back of the house. It was not much
+past eleven; so he went over to his mother, whom he found in her
+dressing-gown, busied in arranging her small remnant of hair for the
+night.
+
+It was not astonishing that the worthy Mrs. Worse's eyes kindled with
+pride when she saw her tall, handsome son come in, dressed as he had
+been for the ball: but when he threw himself on the sofa, and hid his
+face in his hands, and said, "Oh, mother! mother!" just as he had done
+in his boyhood when he had done something foolish, Mrs. Worse shook her
+clenched fist against some imaginary foe in the corner of the room, and
+muttered, "Is it decent to send me home a son in such a plight?"
+
+She did not, however, say the words aloud, but went over and took his
+head upon her lap, and, as she passed her fingers through his hair, she
+said with her unwavering constancy, "There, my dear boy, only keep
+yourself calm, and it will all come right, somehow or another."
+
+Rachel would also have been glad enough to have been taken home at once;
+but Mrs. Garman had heard that the new cook had something new in
+_filets_, and they therefore had to wait until after supper.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+
+At length winter went stealing off to the northward, like a weary
+monster, leaving its long train of dirty white snow patches along the
+hedges, and its neutral-tinted ice pitted all over with small holes,
+upon the pools. The spring followed closely on its heels, and had work
+enough to make the earth look green again, and deck it out in all its
+finery for a little time, until the monster came creeping southward
+again with its wreaths of new-fallen snow, and its dark-blue ice shining
+like polished steel.
+
+It was the 14th of May, and Uncle Richard was riding on Don Juan along
+the road from Bratvold. To-morrow was the great day at Sandsgaard. The
+ship was to be launched in the morning, and in the evening was to be
+given the yearly ball.
+
+The old gentleman was deep in thought, and Don Juan went pacing slowly
+along, turning his well-shaped head on every side, while the south wind
+that came swelling up along the coast persisted in lifting the locks of
+his long mane and throwing them on the wrong side, and played with the
+forelock on his brow.
+
+The road led over swelling ground covered with heather, past
+well-stocked farms, over moors, and desolate wastes thickly strewn with
+boulders. Not a tree was to be seen as far as the eye could reach, and
+it reached far, both out to sea and over the country, which sloped
+gradually up to the mountains many a mile inland.
+
+What a wealth of life seemed bursting from the thawing earth! How many
+balmy odours seemed to rise; how many changing colours; how many wreaths
+of mist were gliding over the pools, and hanging in the rushes, or
+spreading themselves over the moorland; while the clear sunny air was
+ringing with the song of larks singing in emulation! There were the
+plovers racing after each other, the sandpipers, the snipes, starlings,
+and ducks. A whole life of joyous bustle; while out to the westward
+could be seen the line of bright yellow sand standing out against the
+dark-blue sea.
+
+Uncle Richard saw but little of all this as he went along. Things had
+not gone well with him during the winter. While at home, Madeleine was
+constantly in his thoughts; and when he went to Sandsgaard and saw her,
+it did not tend to make him more cheerful.
+
+She had told him about Pastor Martens's proposal to her; but there was
+nothing to worry over in that, thought the _attache_, especially as she
+had refused the offer. There must be some other cause for her
+depression, and to-day he had made up his mind to talk to Christian
+Frederick, who always gave such good advice. He had also determined that
+he would at length take courage, and ask his brother how money matters
+stood between them. It was really too bad not to have a clear knowledge
+of one's own affairs.
+
+At Sandsgaard he found the whole house in an uproar. On the second floor
+the furniture was being moved, dusting was going on, and candles were
+being put in the chandeliers. Downstairs the table was already laid for
+supper; only the old gentlemen's bedrooms and the offices were
+respected; and in the window of the still-room he noticed jellies and
+blancmanges, which had been put there to cool.
+
+"Oh dear me! what a bustle it all is!" said Mrs. Garman, faintly.
+
+She had had her armchair moved into a room at the side of the kitchen,
+where the dishing-up was done.
+
+Here she remained the whole day, and had samples of everything that was
+cooked in the kitchen brought to her. The kitchen-maids were as nervous
+as if they had been undergoing an examination.
+
+Miss Cordsen was everywhere, prim and noiseless as usual, and without
+wasting a word, she gave an eye to the vast amount of knives and forks,
+lights and silver, glass and china. Everything was arranged in her
+experienced head, from the ladies' cloak-room to the supper for the
+musicians.
+
+But if there was a busy stir in the house, it was even greater down at
+the ship-yard. Tom Robson had kept his promise, and the ship stood trim
+and ready, "as a bride," as he put it. And now the whole staff of
+workmen were occupied in getting everything in order for the morrow, and
+clearing out the yard, so that it might look tidy and neat when all the
+visitors came to see the ship "go."
+
+"What time will it be high water, Mr. Robson?" asked the young Consul,
+as he and Uncle Richard were making an inspection of the ship-yard in
+the afternoon.
+
+"At half-past ten, sir," answered the foreman.
+
+"Very well, then, let me see that you have everything ready to-morrow at
+half-past ten, on the stroke, you understand--at half-past ten on the
+stroke."
+
+"All right, sir!" said Mr. Robson, touching his cap.
+
+But Tom Robson was not going to leave anything till the morning. That
+evening he had every intention of making a night of it, and Martin had
+already got the money to make some extensive purchases. There would be
+time enough to sleep it off before half-past ten. He was careful to have
+everything ready that evening. The ways were carefully smeared with
+tallow and soft soap, and put in their places; the props were all ready
+to be removed; and everything that might get in the way in the harbour,
+was hauled out of the way and secured to its moorings.
+
+The ship lay with her stern towards the water, and her stem slightly
+raised above it. Under her bows lay all the material for use the next
+day. The spare pieces of timber that were to be put under her, and the
+wedges which were to be driven in to raise her forward, were ready to
+hand, as were the jacks and levers. Everything, in fact, down to the
+long-handled mauls was in its place.
+
+Gabriel followed at Tom's heels all day. He wanted to take in everything
+clearly, and succeeded fully in so doing. Only one thing, the ship's
+name, that he was so anxious to know, still remained a secret, which Tom
+would not betray. And Tom himself it was who, in accordance with the
+Consul's orders, had spiked on the name-board when it was nearly dark.
+
+The company at Anders Begmand's had been busy that evening, especially
+Tom Robson, and by the time it was about ten o'clock he was pretty well
+tipsy. Woodlouse was no better; but Torpander kept as sober as usual,
+looking towards the door every time he heard a noise. With the darkness
+a fresh breeze began to blow up from the south-west, which swept over
+the open ground above Sandsgaard and down on to the fjord. It made the
+old cottage shake again when the wind came back in eddies from the hill
+behind it, and Torpander got up every moment, thinking that the door was
+opening, to the endless amusement of Mr. Robson.
+
+Martin drank in silence, and looked even more gloomy than usual. The
+whole winter he had been out of work. Tom Robson had lent him money, and
+that made him even more morose, for he was proud after his own fashion,
+and gratitude was not in his nature.
+
+At last Marianne came. Torpander greeted her in his usual respectful
+manner, to which she answered with a faint smile. She looked almost
+ready to fall from weariness, as she passed hurriedly through the room.
+"Hulloa!" cried Tom, who only saw her when she had reached the kitchen
+door, "here comes my sweetheart! Marianne, my darling! the ship is ready
+now, and Tom Robson has got some money. Let's have the wedding;
+to-night, if you like! Come along!" cried he, struggling to get over the
+bench.
+
+Martin thrust him back. "Will you let my sister alone?"
+
+"I suppose she is not good enough for an honest seaman, because of that
+infernal young Gar----"
+
+He did not get any farther, for Martin aimed a blow at him and struck
+him behind the ear. Marianne hastily left the room. Torpander now threw
+himself courageously on his ancient enemy from the other side, and a
+frightful scuffle ensued.
+
+Tom Robson put himself in position like an English boxer, drunk as he
+was, and squared his arms and elbows for the fray.
+
+At first he made a few feints at Martin, which were not meant to be
+serious. But when he had received a few blows which were really painful,
+he sprang away from the table so as to get more room. Torpander had not
+the least idea of using his fists, but hammered away like a blacksmith
+with his long skinny arms, either at Tom or else in the air, just as it
+might happen. Mr. Robson gave him a tap every now and then which made
+his bones rattle again, but on the whole he allowed the Swede to hammer
+away at his back as much as he liked.
+
+Woodlouse looked on for some time with the greatest satisfaction, until
+the idea struck him that he would clear the room. He accomplished his
+object with the greatest perseverance, and what with butting with his
+head and pushing his heavy body between the combatants, he at length
+managed to get the whole lot turned out of doors. Begmand threw their
+hats after them, and shut the door.
+
+The fresh wind had a cooling effect on them all, and on Woodlouse's
+suggestion a truce was concluded. In order to ratify this, it was
+arranged that they should go to Tom Robson's house, and have another
+dram and a bit of English cheese.
+
+They then clambered up the steep path at the back of Begmand's house,
+Tom Robson leading, and as he was helping himself with his hands up the
+steepest places, he chanced to get hold of a loose stone, which, in pure
+drunken wantonness, he threw at Marianne's window, where he happened to
+see a light. The stone struck with such force, just where the bars of
+the window-frame crossed, that all the four panes were smashed, and the
+glass came clattering down.
+
+"That was Tom Robson!" yelled Martin, who was the last. "Let me get up
+to him! Out of the way! Only let me get my hands on him!" and he worked
+his way past the others, and got up to Tom, just as he had reached the
+top of the slope where the flat meadow began.
+
+Martin went at him with such violence that the other had not time to put
+himself in position. Blow after blow rained down on him, until he fell
+to the ground half stupefied. Martin threw himself upon him, put his
+knees on his breast, and struck him in the face, and then continued
+hitting and kicking at random until he could do so no longer.
+
+The others now came up, but did not get between the combatants. Martin
+was now perfectly wild, and went on in front, swinging his arms, cursing
+and swearing horribly. Tom Robson came limping behind; but no sooner did
+Martin catch sight of him, than he threw himself upon him a second time,
+until he again lay apparently dead upon the meadow. They thus continued
+their way over the field, but just as Martin was making a third attack
+upon Tom, a tall, slender boy came springing over the field, and put
+himself in front of Martin. It was Gabriel Garman.
+
+"Will you leave him alone, Martin?" he cried, breathless from running.
+
+"Oh!" cried Martin, "here is one of the bloodsuckers! You have just come
+at the right time. I will wreak my vengeance on you, you infernal young
+scoundrel!"
+
+But just as he was on the point of attacking Gabriel his arms were
+seized from behind.
+
+"Are you mad, Martin? It's Gabriel, the Consul's son. You are out of
+your senses, lad!" cried Woodlouse. Both he and the Swede threw
+themselves upon Martin, and held him fast. Martin yelled and struggled,
+until he at length fell back, wearied with his efforts, and lay still.
+
+Tom Robson did not know much about what was going on, but managed,
+however, to stumble up to his house, which was close by.
+
+"You have no occasion to be afraid, Mr. Gabriel," said Woodlouse, in a
+fawning tone; "we have got him tight."
+
+"That is what you ought to have done before," answered Gabriel. "I
+should have been able to look after myself."
+
+He was so slight and slender that Martin could have crushed him, mad as
+he was; but Woodlouse could not help saying, as he went down the slope,
+"There is good blood in them."
+
+Martin, whom they had now let go, raised his head. "Blood, do you say?
+Yes, there's blood in them--the blood of the poor that they have sucked
+from father to son. And all that blood have they turned to
+gold--shining, blood-red gold; but," added he, mysteriously, "I will tap
+the gold out of them--I will--till it shines as red as blood all over
+Sandsgaard! Just wait a minute!" And off he rushed down the slope with
+the activity of a deer. Woodlouse and the Swede looked at each other
+meaningly, and each went his way without saying a word.
+
+After the window had been broken, Marianne quickly put out the light.
+She took her petticoat, and tried to stop up the window, but the wind
+was blowing so hard that she could not manage to make it tight. She
+shivered with the cold as she stood, and hurriedly got into bed. But
+every time a blast came she felt the cold draught, and could not get
+warm.
+
+In the room below she heard her grandfather stumbling about, drinking up
+what was left in the glasses. Marianne clasped her hands, and prayed
+that she might die; but in the night she got up, and felt herself
+throbbing with heat and shivering with fever. She thought she could hear
+a tumult, and the sound of many voices.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+
+Mrs. Garman had already gone to bed after her long and tiring day.
+Madeleine had also slipped out of the way, as she always tried to do
+when Fanny came. Both Fanny and Morten were at Sandsgaard that evening.
+The latter behaved to Madeleine just as before, and was so smiling and
+kind that Madeleine had often to ask herself if she had not, after all,
+been dreaming on that moonlight evening.
+
+It was nearly eleven o'clock, and Gabriel had just returned from his
+expedition to the field above the West End. He had heard a noise up
+there when he had gone out to see how the wind was.
+
+The Consul and Uncle Richard were playing chess. Morten, Fanny, and
+Rachel were talking of to-morrow's ball, and they every now and then
+addressed themselves to Miss Cordsen, who was sitting by the fireside
+polishing the silver.
+
+"It is a south wind, is it not, Gabriel?" said the Consul, as he
+listened to the sough of the wind through the trees.
+
+"South-west, and blowing fresh, father," answered Gabriel.
+
+"Good!" said the Consul. "It won't do us any harm if only the wind
+doesn't get round to the northward, because that drives the sea right in
+on to the yard."
+
+The ladies were getting up to say good night, and Morten was just
+going to brew himself another glass of toddy, when excited voices
+were heard below. Some one came hurriedly up the staircase, the door
+opened, and in rushed Anders Begmand. His face was as white as it
+could be for sweat and pitch, his stiff hair was standing on end,
+while, hat in hand and with his eyes fixed on the young Consul, he
+began--"The--the--the"--quicker and quicker. It was quite plain that
+it was something of great importance, and his face grew as red as fire
+with the effort. "The--the--the--"
+
+"Sing, will you?" shouted the young Consul, stamping on the floor.
+
+Begmand began singing to a merry little air, "A fire's broken out in the
+pitch-house!"
+
+At the same moment some one in the yard below shouted at the top of his
+voice, "Fire! fire!"
+
+Morten tore aside the blind, and the red glare could be seen on the dewy
+panes. Every one sprang to the window.
+
+"Silence!" cried the young Consul, while every one paused and looked at
+him. The little man was standing as erect as an arrow, his eyes calm and
+clear, and his lower jaw projecting as usual; and as if conscious that
+he was the chief of the house, he said, "A fire has broken out in the
+building-yard. You, Morten, go and get the two engines from the
+warehouse. The keys are hanging in the men's bedroom. Take the
+fire-buckets with you."
+
+Morten dashed off.
+
+"Dick, you must go up to the second floor in the same building. There's
+a large sail there; put it in the sea, and stretch it over the roof of
+the storehouse. You understand? The storehouse must be saved, or else--"
+
+Uncle Richard was already out of the door with Anders Begmand.
+
+"Gabriel! you run up to the farm! Gabriel!" cried the Consul. But there
+was no Gabriel to be seen; he had already vanished through another door.
+
+"Oh! what a wretched boy it is!" said the young Consul, in spite of
+himself.
+
+There was something uncanny about the black smoke, and the dark red
+flame, which seemed every moment to get a surer foothold, and to gather
+strength without a soul to oppose them. Gabriel noticed nothing: he saw
+only the red glare on the ship, which loomed against the dark grey sky,
+and off he ran like a madman over the field above the house. When he saw
+the ship was in danger, Tom Robson was his first and only thought, and
+he went straight into the house where he was so well known.
+
+"Mr. Robson! Tom! Tom!" he shouted into the dark room, which smelt like
+an old rum-cask. "She's on fire, Tom! The ship's on fire!"
+
+He groped his way to the bed, and gave Mr. Robson a good shaking. The
+landlady, a slatternly sailor's wife, now entered with a light. Only a
+few minutes before, she had managed to get Tom undressed, somehow or
+another.
+
+"Oh no! can that be Mr. Gabriel?" said she, drawing her night-dress
+closer to her. "Is it a fire? Mr. Robson!" she cried, and helped Gabriel
+to shake him.
+
+"What's the matter?" muttered he in English, turning round his face, all
+bruised and bloody as he was.
+
+"Oh no, no!" whined the woman, "how beastly drunk he is! Isn't it a
+shame for such a fine fellow to make himself just like a pig? Tom! Tom!
+Oh dear me, how tipsy he is!"
+
+Without a moment's hesitation, Gabriel dashed the contents of the basin
+in his face. Mr. Robson sputtered and blew, and raising himself on his
+left arm, swung the right feebly over his head, and shouted, "Three
+cheers for Morten Garman! Hip--hip---" But before he got to "Hurrah," he
+fell back on his side and was snoring again. Gabriel left the room;
+there was nothing to be done with Tom.
+
+The wind was sweeping down over the meadow, and driving the thick smoke
+from the pitch-house out over the fjord. All round the house it was as
+light as day. Long tongues of flame were flying far away over the
+fields, shedding their glare here and there on the front of a
+whitewashed house, while up above on the level ground it was still dark,
+under the shadow of the vessel. And now a glitter was seen, and a rumble
+was heard in the direction of the town. The fire brigade was on its way.
+And from the farmhouses which lay near, down over the fields, but
+chiefly in the avenue leading from the town, people were to be seen
+running, first singly, then two or three, then several together, until
+the crowd in the avenue appeared like a close black mass, dotted here
+and there with red-and-white specks. When Gabriel got down again to the
+house he was at his wits' ends, and, leaning against the garden wall, he
+sobbed aloud.
+
+Some one came skirting along the wall; it was the schoolmaster, Aalbom.
+He recognized Gabriel, and stopped. "Isn't it what I always said?" cried
+he, triumphantly. "You are a regular Laban, standing here blubbering.
+You might at any rate manage to lend a hand with the water, you lout!"
+
+Gabriel sprang up, as if seized with a sudden inspiration, pushed the
+master aside, and dashed down towards the building-yard.
+
+"An ill-mannered cub," muttered Aalbom, as he continued his way to get a
+good place from which to see the fire.
+
+Rachel was naturally most anxious to make herself useful, but there was
+nothing for her to do. She therefore stood on the steps in front of the
+house, and watched the crowd streaming up from the town, while the fire
+threw its ever-increasing glare down the highroad, which was now
+thronged with people. Suddenly she heard a voice she recognized. "Out of
+the way! Let the engines pass! Look out there--the engines! Out of the
+way!" The crowd opened, and out of the throng came two rows of men,
+dragging the red-painted fire-engine by a long rope. Jacob Worse was
+running in front, shouting and giving his orders. He gave her a hurried
+greeting as he passed, and away rumbled the engine towards the
+ship-yard. It struck Rachel that his face was the only one that showed
+any feeling of sympathy or sorrow; all the rest appeared indifferent,
+and some showed, openly enough, that they thought the fire glorious
+sport. Rachel turned away and went into the house.
+
+All this time the young Consul was standing at the corner window, on the
+north side of the small sitting-room. The pitch-house was now blazing
+inside; the flames came bursting out of the door, and followed the line
+of melted pitch which flowed along the ground. The thick wooden walls
+were glowing with the heat, and he could see the people shrink back when
+they got too near them. The wind was blowing so strongly, that it beat
+down the smoke and shrouded the engines and spectators from his view,
+but upon the roof of the storehouse he could see Uncle Richard, in
+company with some other forms, working away with the wet sail. The
+storehouse was only a few yards distant from the pitch-house, and was
+thus so close under the stern of the ship that she was as good as lost,
+if the fire once happened to catch the former building.
+
+The Consul could see that they had got the sail drawn over the roof; but
+at that instant the tiled roof of the pitch-house fell in, and the
+flames suddenly shot high into the air, and were borne by the wind right
+down on to the storehouse. The _attache_, and those that were with him,
+had to get down from the roof on the other side as best they might.
+
+A step was heard running up the stairs and through the passage.
+
+"Father! father!" It was Morten, who dashed in breathless and dripping.
+"Father, we must have some powder; the storehouse must be blown up!"
+
+"Nonsense!" answered the Consul, drily. "Why, it is right under the very
+stern of the ship."
+
+"Well, I don't know," answered Morten, "but something must be done. I
+don't see much good in those old fire-engines."
+
+The young Consul drew himself up; he seemed to hear an echo of all the
+disagreements there had been between them. It was the old story, the new
+against the old, and he answered shortly and coldly--
+
+"I am still the head of the firm. Go back and do your duty, as I
+directed."
+
+Morten turned and left the room with an air of defiance. The idea of
+using powder had taken his fancy, although it was not his own. An
+engineer had been standing behind Morten with his hands in his pockets,
+after the manner of engineers, and had said, as engineers do say, "If I
+had my way, I'm blest if I wouldn't do different to this."
+
+"What would you do?" asked Morten.
+
+"Powder!" answered the engineer, curtly, as engineers have a habit of
+answering.
+
+It was hard for Morten to give up his powder, and he muttered many ugly
+oaths as he went down the staircase.
+
+When the Consul again looked out of the window after Morten had gone, he
+involuntarily seized the damask curtains tightly in his grasp, for the
+change which had taken place in these few minutes was only too apparent.
+The wet sail had already turned black, and in another minute was
+beginning to shrivel; while the whole of one side of the storehouse
+burst into a bright yellow flame, which came streaming down over the
+roof, flashing amid the thick smoke, and long fiery tongues began to
+lick underneath the vessel.
+
+The Consul knew what there was in the building--tow, paint, oil, tar.
+The ship was hopelessly lost; the good ship of which he was even more
+proud than any one suspected.
+
+After the first feeling of despair, he began to calculate in his head.
+The loss was heavy, very heavy. The business would be crippled for a
+long time, and the firm would receive an ugly blow.
+
+And yet it was not this which seemed to crush the determined little man,
+until it almost made his knees quiver. This ship was to him more than a
+mere sum of money. It was a work he had undertaken in honour of "the
+old" against "the new;" against the advice of his son, and with his
+father always in his thoughts, under whose eye he almost seemed to be
+working. And now all was thus to come to such an untimely end.
+
+The large engine belonging to the town managed to reach up just so high
+as to keep the ship's side wet as far as the gold stripe which
+surrounded her; but in under the stern the water could not get properly
+to work, and small points of flame soon began to break out, and the
+Consul could now see that the fire had caught the stern-post.
+
+The side of the ship which was towards the fire became so hot that the
+steam rose from it every time the thin stream of water swept over it.
+And now all at once a large part became covered with small sparkling
+flames, just as if sheets of gold leaf had been thrown against it, which
+crackled in the wind, and at last got fast hold in the oakum seams
+between the planking. The hose played upon them and swept them away; in
+another moment they were there again. They broke out in other places,
+ever gaining ground, taking fast hold with their thousand tiny feet
+until they got up to the gold band, and even beyond it; and see! the
+flames now seemed to take a spring, and seize upon the name-board, and
+the shining letters stood out amidst the flames. It could be read by
+all. The Consul saw it. There it stood: _Morten W. Garman_. It was the
+old Consul's name--his ship--and now what was its fate?
+
+"Look at the young Consul; how pale he is!" said one of the spectators
+to his neighbour.
+
+"Where? Where is he? I don't see him."
+
+"He was standing close by the corner window. He looked as pale as death.
+I wonder if he was insured?"
+
+But the young Consul lay stretched upon the floor, and had pulled down
+the heavy damask curtains with him in his fall.
+
+Miss Cordsen came into the room. When she saw the Consul, she pressed
+her hand to her heart, but not a sound escaped her lips. For a moment
+she stood collecting her thoughts, then she knelt down, freed the
+curtain from his grasp, and lifted him in her long bony arms.
+
+He was not heavy, and she managed to raise herself with her burden. At
+this moment her glance fell on the mirror opposite. A shudder passed
+through her, and it was with difficulty she kept herself from falling. A
+whirlwind of recollections swept through her brain as he lay on her
+shoulder; and she bore him along, an aged and withered man. But she
+pressed her lips together, and drawing herself up, she carried him along
+like a child; and, as all the doors were open, she was able to get as
+far as the staircase. There she called to one of the maids, who came to
+her assistance.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+
+After Uncle Richard had been driven from the roof of the storehouse, and
+could see that all hope was over, he went off to take his turn at the
+engines. He worked at the pumps with all his-might and main, as if to
+deaden his sorrow; but now and again he looked towards the house and
+thought, "Poor Christian Frederick!"
+
+Jacob Worse was directing the operations, and had had the planking,
+which surrounded the building-yard on the side where the warehouses lay,
+pulled down in order to get room for the engines. He managed to get some
+order among the men who were handing the water, and drove the idle
+spectators up into the yard near the house. As he happened to pass Uncle
+Richard, the latter asked him, "Do you think there is any hope, Worse?"
+
+"No!" answered Worse, in a low tone; "I am working in sheer
+desperation."
+
+"So am I," said the _attache_, with a nod; "but think of poor Christian
+Frederick."
+
+Just then a murmur went through the crowd, who could read the name of
+the vessel--_Marten W. Garman._
+
+"Why, that's the old Consul's name," said several voices.
+
+Uncle Richard had already heard the name from his brother, and, looking
+up, he saw the name of their father standing out in its gold letters
+amidst the flames, which were curling up the vessel's side. Jacob Worse
+seized the nozzle of the hose, and with one sweep forced the water to
+such a height that the fire was quenched for the moment.
+
+But now it was plain to all that the ship's fate was sealed, and even if
+there were some among the spectators who might owe Garman and Worse a
+grudge, still they could not but feel that it was a pity for the proud
+ship to be thus doomed to destruction.
+
+Morten had returned after his interview with his father, and was
+standing close by Uncle Richard. Every eye was fixed on the ship. The
+fire increased every second, and with a loud roar the flames burst out
+above the roof of the storehouse, and at each blast of wind the
+conflagration waxed higher and higher, until the heat by the engines
+became almost intolerable. The more furiously the fire raged, the more
+silent grew the crowd. No orders were heard, and the shouts of
+encouragement from the seamen died away; while the strokes of the pump
+no longer fell with the same determined regularity. Even Jacob Worse
+lost heart.
+
+But now a shout is heard from a small boy belonging to the West End, who
+had climbed up into the rigging of a coaster which lay off one of the
+warehouses. "She's giving way! She's off! Hurrah! She's off!"
+
+A murmur of disapproval went through the crowd at this ill-timed joke.
+But see! it almost seems as if the joke were a reality. The excitement
+increases every moment, and with it are heard cries of hope and fear.
+Yes!--no!--yes! she really is moving. She's off! The pumps are deserted
+amidst breathless expectation, while the sound of voices waxes higher
+and higher, not only in the yard itself, but among the crowd who
+surround it, till it becomes a cheer, a joyous cry of hundreds; men,
+women, boys, all shouting they know not what, till all is mingled in one
+tumultuous roar.
+
+For see! she's starting. The huge dark mass begins to move; and inch by
+inch, with ever-increasing speed, the massive hull glides out through
+the flames; her shining sides disappear foot by foot through the smoke;
+the golden band flashes in the glare, and high as if in triumph does the
+bow rear itself heavenwards, while the stern dives deep into the waves.
+Then is heard a hissing and a crackling as if a hundred glowing irons
+had been cast into the water, as the burning stern cleaves its way into
+the billows, which come foaming up over the sides, and in under the
+counter, while the tiny flames which were flickering along the seams are
+quenched by the rush of air.
+
+The wind, which got more power now that the ship was away, swept down on
+to the still burning buildings, and, spreading out over the ground, hid
+from view the vessel, which was gliding out into the harbour, by a
+curtain of dark smoke fringed with flame; and in the midst of the place
+where she had stood, which looked vast indeed now she was gone, stood a
+little band of bent and tar-stained men, fanning their faces with their
+caps. In the midst of the band was seen the form of a tall and slender
+youth, his face glowing red in the light of the fire.
+
+"Gabriel!" shouted Uncle Richard. "Gabriel!" was repeated by a hundred
+voices. The _attache_ elbowed his way towards him, followed by some of
+the crowd, who, however, stopped and formed a respectful ring round the
+hero of the day. Uncle Richard gave Gabriel a hearty embrace, and then
+turning round to the crowd he cried, "Three cheers for Gabriel Garman!
+Hurrah!" He was about to wave his hat, when he discovered that he was
+bareheaded.
+
+"Hurrah!" shouted the spectators with a mighty cheer; they were just in
+the humour for cheering.
+
+"Three cheers for the carpenters!" shouted Gabriel; but his boy's voice
+broke into a discordant scream in the effort. But it did not matter; a
+wild hurrah was given for the shipwrights, another for the ship, and
+another for the firm. There was cheering and rejoicing without end.
+
+"Come with me," said Gabriel to the workmen. "Father was going to give
+you a breakfast, but now it will have to be a supper."
+
+The shipwrights laughed heartily at this joke, but the laughter was even
+louder when Uncle Richard added, "I think you have earned your breakfast
+as well." They thought the remark so wonderfully witty, that they
+laughed as if they would never stop, and the joke about "Uncle Richard's
+breakfast" was a proverb both with them and their successors ever after.
+
+In the mean time, the storehouse, and everything the yard contained
+which was burnable, was on fire. The flames began stealing down the
+ways, but no one took any notice of them. The ship was saved. Nothing
+else was of much consequence, and fortunately the wind was blowing off
+the land. Morten was busy setting a watch for the night, and the engines
+were kept ready in case the wind might change.
+
+As Uncle Richard and Gabriel were walking back arm-in-arm to the house,
+the latter had to relate how it had all happened. Gabriel told his uncle
+how he had found the shipwrights all beginning to assemble under the
+ship, and so he had thought he had better take command.
+
+"Take command!" cried Uncle Richard; "why, what a boy you are, Gabriel!"
+And then Gabriel went on to explain how they got the ways in their
+places, loosened the cradle, and wedged up the fore part of the vessel;
+then the stays were hastily removed; it was Begmand who had taken away
+the last from the stern amidst the fire and smoke, and so away went the
+ship just in the nick of time. Tom Robson ought really to have all the
+praise, since everything was ready to hand, and in the most perfect
+order.
+
+Rachel came to meet them on the steps; she went straight up to Uncle
+Richard and whispered in his ear, "Be calm, uncle; don't let us spoil
+Gabriel's evening. Father has had a stroke. He is in bed, and the doctor
+is here."
+
+The _attache_ entered without saying a word, and Rachel threw her arms
+round her brother's neck and said, "Who would have thought of your being
+such a clever boy, Gabriel?"
+
+"Boy!" said Gabriel.
+
+"Or man, I shall have to say in future," answered Rachel, with a smile.
+"But what have you done with your workmen?"
+
+They were not far behind; and Rachel distributed among them beer, wine,
+sausages, bacon, white bread, and other delicacies, until Gabriel
+remarked, "You are much more liberal than Miss Cordsen; but had you not
+got some chickens for the ball?"
+
+Yes, indeed! She had forgotten the ball. Rachel's feelings were so
+pained by seeing Gabriel in such high spirits, that she could not
+contain them any longer, so she said quietly, "Gabriel, there will be no
+ball to-morrow. Father is ill."
+
+Gabriel had not to ask why. He saw it was something serious. The workmen
+were standing by the steps, laden with the good things, and uncertain
+where they should take them.
+
+"Come, let us go back to the ship-yard," said Gabriel; "we shall be all
+to ourselves there, and besides, it will be nice and warm."
+
+Rachel could hear from his voice that there were tears in his eyes, and
+the thought occurred to her, how he had grown from a boy to a man in the
+last few hours.
+
+The storehouse had now fallen in, and the ruins were still burning on
+the ground. The yard, thanks to Mr. Robson, had been so well cleared,
+that the watchmen had but little difficulty in keeping the fire
+isolated. After midnight the wind lulled, and the thick clouds of smoke
+soared up into the air, and were driven slowly over the fjord.
+
+As the ship took the water, she drove across the wind a little way from
+the shore, and fouled an old brig belonging to the firm; and for the
+rest of the night was heard the shouting and singing of the numerous
+volunteers, who were hard at work clearing the vessels, and mooring the
+newly launched one.
+
+The shipwrights sat comfortably in the yard, just near enough to the
+fire to feel its warmth. They had got far more than they could fairly
+take on board, and, every now and then, they treated one of the watchmen
+to something as he passed.
+
+The only flaw in their pleasure was that Gabriel could not be with them.
+He had been obliged to tell them that the Consul was ill, and that he
+must, therefore, remain in the house. No one thought of accusing Gabriel
+of pride, and they all drank his health, and as many other healths as
+they could find an excuse for, in bumpers of the wine to which they were
+so little accustomed. Of the food which had been given to them, they ate
+as much as they could, and when they could eat no more, they divided the
+remainder by lot, just as they shared the shavings for their fires,
+laughing the whole time heartily at the sport. Then away they all
+wandered homewards to the West End, carrying sausages, chickens, bottles
+of wine, and other delicacies. The sun was just rising over the corner
+of the mountain to the east of the town, and lit up the window-panes of
+the cottages, till it looked as if the whole West End was illuminated.
+
+That morning there was not a wife who had the heart to find fault with
+her husband because he had had a little drop too much. Eating and
+drinking went on merrily, combined with gossiping and running from house
+to house. The children sat up in bed, blinking at the sunlight, and
+stuffing themselves with sausages, still half in doubt whether it was
+real tangible sausage they were eating, or whether it was not one of
+those lovely dreams which sometimes visit the hungry.
+
+The sun was shining over the bay of Sandsgaard, where the new ship now
+lay securely moored with hawsers both ahead and astern. The sounds of
+activity from West End could be heard far out into the fjord.
+
+In Begmand's cottage Marianne lay raving in delirium, and the neighbour
+who attended her said she had the fever. Anders, who had burnt himself
+on the side of the face at the fire, was sitting with her, a
+handkerchief tied round his head.
+
+The townspeople managed to get home by degrees. Some pretended that they
+did not see the sun, and went to bed. Others stayed up, and went yawning
+about all day. More than half the town had been at Sandsgaard that
+night, or else on the heights above the house, looking on the fire.
+
+One of the few people who had not been at the fire was our friend
+Woodlouse. When he and the Swede parted, after the fight between Martin
+and Robson, he went straight off to his home in the town. As he passed
+the first house, he met some people who were running, and deaf as he
+was, he heard the two cannon-shots which gave warning of a fire. When he
+got to the church, he saw that the door was open, and that there was a
+light in the place from whence the bells were pulled. Woodlouse looked
+in and saw a pair of legs, now bending, now straightening again, now
+going up, and now down. From what he saw, he drew the conclusion that
+some one was tolling the big bell. He observed carefully what time it
+was by the church clock, and as he went along, he was already making up
+his mind how he should answer the inquiries of the police, for he fully
+expected the cause of the fire would be the subject for investigation.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+
+Consul Garman was in bed, now three days after the fire. The left side
+was almost powerless; but the doctor said there was still a chance of
+recovery, since the patient had managed to get through the first few
+days. The Consul had not hitherto spoken a word, but the eyes moved
+occasionally, and especially the right one, for the left was half
+closed, and the mouth remained crooked.
+
+Uncle Richard sat constantly by the bed, watching his brother, until
+their eyes happened to meet, when he would look away with an expression
+that was meant to be unconcerned, for the doctor had particularly said
+that the patient was not to be excited.
+
+When the _attache_ was alone with his brother, he was always anxious
+lest he should begin to speak, and it so happened that he began to do so
+one day just after the doctor had been, as if he had been waiting for
+him to leave the room.
+
+"Richard," said he all at once, "there will have to be a great many
+changes."
+
+"There, now he is off!" thought the _attache_.
+
+The Consul waited a little before he continued. "It was a heavy loss,
+which will affect us all. The ship was not insured."
+
+"Yes; but, you see," answered Uncle Richard, in a tone that was most
+unbecoming in its frivolity, "it is extraordinary what may possibly
+happen; in the case of a ship, for instance."
+
+The Consul regarded him expectantly.
+
+"How shall I get on?" thought his brother, looking round vainly for
+assistance.
+
+"What do you mean, Richard?"
+
+"Yes, he is a wonderful boy, Gabriel is," said the _attache_, trying to
+smile. "I don't mean in school, but I mean--well, I hardly know; well,
+he knows a good deal about ship-building."
+
+"What's the matter with Gabriel?" asked the Consul, quickly.
+
+"Oh, nothing is the matter with Gabriel; he is all right--quite right.
+Did you think there was anything wrong?"
+
+At this moment Rachel entered the room, and Uncle Richard gave a sigh of
+relief.
+
+Rachel saw in a moment that her father had begun to talk, and went over
+to the bed.
+
+"Tell me all about it, Rachel," said the invalid. "I should like to tell
+you the whole story, father; everything has turned out so well. But I am
+not sure that you could bear the surprise--and such a joyful surprise,
+too." As she said these words she looked at him calmly.
+
+The invalid began to get impatient, and Rachel took hold of his hand as
+she continued her story. "You see, the ship was ready for launching,
+quite ready, and so away she went just at the very nick of time--without
+being burnt, you understand--out into the fjord; and now she is quite
+safe, and everything is all right. Now, father, you know it all."
+
+"But what about Gabriel?" said the Consul, looking at his brother.
+
+"Oh, it was Gabriel who managed everything, because Tom Robson never
+came," said Rachel.
+
+"Drunk, you know; drunk as a lord. In bed all the time. Dead
+drunk--don't you see?" said Uncle Richard, explaining his words with
+signs and gestures.
+
+"There, now, father, you mustn't ask any more questions," said Rachel,
+decidedly. "Now we have told you the whole story."
+
+Her father looked at her, and she could just feel the light pressure of
+his hand on hers. She then took Uncle Richard with her out of the
+sick-room, and gave him strict orders not to be there alone in future;
+an injunction which he found most unreasonable.
+
+Miss Cordsen's time was fully occupied, both with the invalid, who would
+have none but her and Rachel near him, and also with getting everything
+into order again after the preparation for the ball. In those few days,
+however, the old lady formed a far higher opinion of Rachel than she had
+hitherto done.
+
+Pastor Martens had not had an opportunity of speaking to Madeleine by
+herself since his proposal. But at this time of anxiety and excitement
+he came very frequently to Sandsgaard. Mrs. Garman kept her bed, for
+what reason it was not easy to know; and so it chanced that several
+times, when he came, no one but Madeleine happened to be in the room. At
+first she was very shy and timid, but when she found that he was not in
+the least offended with her, she could not help appreciating his
+conduct. Of all others, he was certainly the person who showed her the
+most attention; for her father's thoughts were entirely engrossed with
+her uncle's illness.
+
+A few days after this, when the Consul had been quiet for some time, he
+said to Rachel, "Send Gabriel in here."
+
+Mr. Garman gave Gabriel his right hand, which he was now able to move a
+little. "Thanks, my boy; you have saved us from a heavy loss, and shown
+yourself a man. If what I hear from Rachel is true, that you would
+prefer to give up your studies--"
+
+"Not without you wish it, father," stammered the boy.
+
+"I should wish you to go to the commercial school in Dresden, and then
+take your place in the firm, when you have gained sufficient
+instruction."
+
+"Father! father!" cried Gabriel, bending down over the Consul's hand.
+
+"There, my boy, let me see that you are able to work, and then you may
+turn out good for something after all. And now will you do me the favour
+of finding another name for the ship? For I wish her to have a new one,"
+said the Consul, calmly.
+
+This great honour was almost too much for Gabriel, but with a sudden
+inspiration he cried, "_Phoenix_!"
+
+A faint smile flitted over the right side of the Consul's face. "Very
+well; we will call her _Phoenix_. And will you see the name painted on
+her stern?"
+
+As Gabriel left the room he met Miss Cordsen. He threw his arms round
+her neck, and began hugging and kissing her, repeating all the time,
+incoherently, the words, "_Phoenix_--Dresden--the firm."
+
+Miss Cordsen scolded and struggled. She was afraid to scream; but he was
+too strong for her, and the old lady had to resign herself to her fate.
+At length he ran off, and Miss Cordsen was left, arranging her
+cap-strings, and saying to herself, "They are all alike, one and all."
+But when Gabriel ran across the yard, and, meeting the fat kitchen-maid
+Bertha, gave her a friendly slap on the back, the old lady clapped her
+hands together, and exclaimed, "Well, I declare, he is the worst of the
+whole lot!"
+
+The Consul had several long interviews with Morten, who put on an air of
+importance before the clerks and workpeople. But his feelings, when he
+took his father's place in the old armchair in the office, are not
+easily described.
+
+Fanny saw little of her husband, and noticed him even less. Her
+connection with Delphin had obtained a power over her, which she could
+not previously have believed possible, and she strove by every means at
+her command to keep him fast. But since the day on which Delphin had
+discovered that Madeleine knew of his intimacy with Fanny, his position
+became almost unbearable. He would gladly have done with it, but had not
+the will, and he lacked the courage to leave the place, and be quit of
+it all for ever. And so deeper and deeper he fell into the snare. He was
+weary of lying and living a life of shame, but the effort required was
+more than he could command. And often, when conversation flagged, he
+felt instinctively that she knew what was passing in his mind; as if
+their secret was determined to make its voice heard, although Fanny
+kissed him, and went on talking and laughing incessantly in order to
+deafen it.
+
+One thing was a source of wonder to every one, and that was, how
+lukewarm the authorities were in endeavouring to discover how the fire
+had arisen; for that it was malicious no one doubted for a moment. It is
+true there were a few inquiries made at long intervals, but nothing came
+to light. This was not, however, much to be wondered at, considering
+that it was only a pack of old women and children from the West End who
+were questioned, while those to whom suspicion really attached were
+allowed to go unexamined.
+
+Anders Begmand had been brought up, but the magistrate stated that his
+evidence could not be received, on the ground of his mental deficiency
+and general infirmity. So there the matter ended.
+
+Woodlouse's expectation was not fulfilled; neither he, nor the Swede,
+nor Martin were examined, and after a few ill-natured remarks in the
+papers, the affair died out and was forgotten. But in the West End, and
+indeed also in the town amongst the lower orders, people would smile and
+shake their heads mysteriously when the matter was mentioned. They might
+say what they liked about Garman and Worse in other ways, but the firm
+must be allowed the credit generally of not placing their people in an
+uncomfortable position. And since the ship had so fortunately been
+saved, there was no more use in raking up the matter any further. Every
+one knew the story about Marianne, so now the best thing for both
+parties was to cry quits, and start fair for the future. It was all very
+well for the police magistrate to sit there looking so serious, bullying
+and questioning as if he meant to get at the point; but this was really
+only for the sake of appearances. One thing was perfectly plain--that it
+must all end as the grand folks chose it should; and when Garman and
+Worse were determined that nothing should come out, the magistrate might
+do whatever he liked, but he would certainly never discover anything.
+
+This kind of thing might be unpleasant enough sometimes, but in this
+particular instance it was most fortunate, and the lesson to be learnt
+from it all was--if, indeed, there was any one who did not know it
+already--that it is as well to be on good terms with grand folks, even
+if it does cost something.
+
+But no one would have anything to do with Martin. He had escaped
+scot-free from those common enemies of mankind, the law and the police,
+but he was a marked man, even among his own friends, and they did not
+scruple to let him know plainly, that the sooner he packed himself off
+out of the country the better.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+
+There was no hope of the young Consul's recovery. For a fortnight he had
+been wavering to and fro. Sometimes it appeared as if the right side
+would prevail, but then the left got the upper hand again; and each time
+the paralysis seemed to get a firmer hold.
+
+Miss Cordsen heard the doctor say to Richard, "He may perhaps linger for
+a few hours, but he cannot live through the night." The old lady
+remained for a few minutes in the sick-room, and then went upstairs. Her
+own apartment was a picture of old-fashioned neatness. Carpets and
+chairs carefully covered, boxes locked, nothing lying about; everything
+trim, well cared for, and shielded from prying eyes.
+
+There arose an odour of clean linen and lavender she opened the press,
+and in a little secret drawer behind a bundle of well-starched
+nightcaps, there lay carefully wrapped up, a miniature portrait in a
+black frame. It represented a young man dressed in a green frock-coat,
+with a broad velvet collar. The hair was slightly red, and brushed back
+in the fashion of the time, in two locks in front of the ears. The eyes
+were blue and clear, and the under jaw was slightly projecting. Miss
+Cordsen sat a long time gazing at the portrait, and tear after tear
+dropped down among the other secrets which lay cherished in the old
+press among the linen and dry lavender.
+
+Uncle Richard sat gazing at his brother. The doctor's words had deprived
+him of all hope, but even yet he could not bring himself to believe that
+the end could be so near.
+
+"It will soon be all over, Richard," said the invalid, in a feeble
+voice.
+
+The _attache_ sat down by the side of the bed, and after a short
+struggle broke into tears, and laid his head on the coverlid.
+
+"Here am I, so strong and well," he sobbed, "and can't do even the
+smallest thing to help you! I have never been anything to you but a
+trouble and a burden."
+
+"Nonsense, Dick!" answered the Consul; "you have been everything to
+me--you and the business. But I have something for which to ask your
+forgiveness before I die."
+
+"My forgiveness?" Uncle Richard thought he was wandering, and looked up.
+
+"Yes," said the Consul, as what was almost a smile passed over the
+half-stiffened features. "I have made a fool of you. Your account does
+not exist. It was only a joke. Are you angry with me?"
+
+How could he possibly be angry? He laid his face down again on the
+withered hand, and as he lay there in his sorrow, with his curly head
+buried in the pillows, he looked almost like a great shaggy
+Newfoundland.
+
+The doctor came into the room.
+
+"I really cannot permit your brother to lie so close to you--it will
+interfere with your breathing; and if you don't wish--"
+
+"My brother," said the young Consul, interrupting him in a voice which
+bore some resemblance to his business voice. "I wish my brother, Mr.
+Richard Garman, to remain exactly where he is." He then added with an
+effort, "Will you summon my family?"
+
+The doctor left the room, and a few minutes afterwards the invalid drew
+a long breath, and said, "Good-bye, Dick! How many happy days we have
+had together since our childhood! You shall have all the Burgundy. I
+have arranged it all. I should have wished to have left you better off,
+but--" A movement came over the features, which feebly reminded Richard
+of the gesture he used when adjusting his chin in his neckcloth, and he
+said slowly and almost noiselessly, "The house is no longer what it has
+been."
+
+These were the last words he spoke, for before the doctor had got the
+family assembled in the sick-chamber, the young Consul was dead; calm
+and precise as he had lived.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXI.
+
+
+The same morning Torpander was seen, going along the road which led to
+Sandsgaard. Contrary to his usual custom, he had taken a holiday that
+Monday. On his head he wore a grey felt hat of the particular shape
+which was called in the trade "the mercantile." The hatter had assured
+him that it had been originally made for Mr. Morten Garman, but that it
+was unfortunately just a trifle too small. The hat, however, exactly
+fitted Torpander, and dear as it was, he bought it; and he could not
+help noticing the coincidence, that he was that day wearing a hat which
+Morten Garman had rejected. He had also bought a coat for the occasion,
+not quite new, it is true, but of a most unusual light-brown hue. The
+trousers were the worst part of the costume, but the coat was long
+enough, in a great measure, to hide them. Torpander could well enough
+have bought trousers as well, but he did not wish to trench too deeply
+on his savings, before he saw how it fared with him that day. If all
+went well she should have everything he possessed, and if it went badly
+he would return at once to Sweden, for he could bear the suspense no
+longer. He had not, truth to say, great hopes as to his ultimate
+success. He had heard a report that Marianne was unwell, but perhaps she
+was upset by the disgrace which Martin had brought upon the family. The
+fact that he was making his proposal at that particular time might be a
+point in his favour; but no, he could not help feeling that such
+happiness was almost bewildering.
+
+It was a lovely sunshiny day, and the tall light-brown form went briskly
+on its way, moving its arms unconsciously, as if rehearsing the scene
+which was shortly to follow. In the left-hand pocket of his coat he had
+a silk handkerchief, which had long been his dream, of a bright orange
+colour with a light-blue border, and of which the corner was seen
+protruding from his pocket. It was not at all his intention to put the
+handkerchief to its legitimate use; for that purpose he had a red cotton
+one, adorned with Abraham Lincoln's portrait. The silk handkerchief was
+to be used only for effect, and every time he met any one in the avenue
+before whom he thought it worth while to show off, and that was nearly
+every passer-by, he drew the brilliant handkerchief from his pocket,
+raised it carefully to his face, and let it fall again. He derived the
+greatest satisfaction from feeling the rough surface of the silk cling
+to the hard skin on the inside of his hands.
+
+At the building-yard he met Martin, who was coming hastily along in the
+opposite direction.
+
+"Is your sister at home?" asked Torpander.
+
+"Yes, you will find her at home," answered Martin, with an ominous
+smile.
+
+In the yard close to the house at Sandsgaard, Martin met Pastor Martens,
+who was on his way from the town, dressed in cassock and ruff.
+
+Martin touched his cap. "Will you come and see my sister, sir? She is at
+the point of death."
+
+"Who is your sister?" asked the pastor.
+
+"Marianne, sir; Anders Begmand's granddaughter."
+
+"Oh yes, I remember now," answered the pastor, who knew her history
+perfectly well. "But I cannot come just now; I have to go in here first.
+Consul Garman is also on his death-bed. But I will come afterwards."
+
+"Oh yes, this is just what I might have expected," muttered Martin,
+turning to go away.
+
+"Wait a moment, young man," cried the pastor. "If you think that time
+presses, I will go and see your sister. It's the last house, is it not?"
+Upon which he went on past Sandsgaard, and on towards West End.
+
+Martin was astonished, if not almost disappointed. The pastor meanwhile
+continued his way, which he did not find very pleasant when he had to
+pass among the cottages. Ragged urchins waylaid him, the girls and the
+old women put their heads out of the doors and gaped after him, while a
+group of children who were grovelling on the shore cheered him lustily.
+Wherever he turned, all reeked of filth and poverty.
+
+As Torpander could get nothing out of Anders Begmand, whom he found
+huddled up in a corner of the room, he went upstairs and knocked at
+Marianne's door. No one said "Come in," and he therefore ventured to
+open the door slightly and look into the room.
+
+Poor man! he was so appalled that he could scarcely keep his feet. There
+she lay, his own beloved Marianne; her mouth half open, and moaning
+incessantly. Her cheeks, which were sunken, were of an ashy white, and
+in the dark hollows round her eyes were standing small drops of
+perspiration. He had no idea that her state was so hopeless; and this
+was the time he had chosen for making his proposal! Marianne lifted her
+eyes. She knew him--of that he felt assured, for she smiled faintly with
+her own heavenly smile; but he could not help remarking how conspicuous
+her teeth appeared. She could no longer speak, but her large eyes moved
+several times from him to the window, and he thought that she was asking
+for something. Torpander went to the window, which was a new one Tom
+Robson had had made, and laid his hand on the fastening. She smiled
+again, and as he opened the window, he could see a look of thankfulness
+pass over her features. The midday sun, which was shining over the hill
+at the back of the house and falling obliquely on the window, threw a
+ray of light for a short distance into the room. Away in the town the
+bells were tolling for a funeral, and their sound, which was re-echoed
+from the hill, was soft and subdued in its tone.
+
+Marianne turned towards the light; her eyes were shining brilliantly,
+and a delicate shade of red mantled her cheeks. Torpander thought he had
+never seen her look so lovely.
+
+When Pastor Martens entered the room, he was as much struck by the
+appearance of the dying woman as Torpander had been, but in quite a
+different manner. It was impossible she could be so near death; and he
+could not help feeling annoyed with Martin, who had thus exaggerated his
+sister's danger, and had perhaps been the cause of his arriving too late
+at Consul Garman's death-bed. The extraordinary figure dressed in the
+long light-brown coat, which kept ever and anon bowing to him, did not
+tend to calm his feelings, and it is possible that something of his
+annoyance showed itself in the words which he now addressed to Marianne.
+
+The clergyman was standing by the bed in such a position as to shield
+the light of the window from Marianne, who was gazing at him with her
+large eyes. He did not wish to be severe, but it was well known that the
+woman at whose death-bed he was standing, was fallen. At the close of
+such a life, it was only his duty to speak of sin and its bitter
+consequences. Marianne's eyes began to wander uneasily as she turned
+them, now on the clergyman, and now on Torpander. At length she made an
+effort, and turned her face in the other direction.
+
+The pastor did not intend to finish his discourse without holding out a
+hope of reconciliation with God, even after such a life of sin; but
+while he continued speaking about repentance and forgiveness, the
+neighbour, who had been at her dinner, entered the room.
+
+The woman went to the foot of the bed, but when she looked at Marianne's
+face she said quietly, "I beg your pardon, sir, but she is dead."
+
+"Dead!" said the minister, rising hastily from his chair. "It is most
+extraordinary!" He took up his hat, said good-bye, and left the room.
+
+The woman took Marianne's hands and folded them decently across her
+breast; she then put her arms under the bedclothes and straightened the
+legs, so that the corpse should not stiffen with the knees bent. The
+mouth was slightly open. She shut it, but the chin fell again. Torpander
+could see what the woman was looking for, and handed her his silk
+handkerchief. How rejoiced he was that he had not used it! The woman
+regarded the handkerchief suspiciously, but when she saw that it was
+perfectly clean, she folded it neatly and tied it round Marianne's head.
+
+Torpander stood gazing at the little weary face, bound round with his
+lovely silk handkerchief, and he felt at length as if he had some part
+in her. He had received her last look, her last smile, and as a reward
+she had accepted his first and last gift. After all, his courtship had
+had the best ending he could possibly have hoped for. He bent his head,
+and wept silently in Abraham Lincoln's portrait.
+
+Begmand came upstairs, and sat gazing at the body. Since the fire he had
+not been altogether himself.
+
+"Shall I go to Zacharias the carpenter, and order the coffin?" asked the
+woman. But as she did not get any answer, she went off and ordered the
+coffin on her own account. It was not to be any more ornamental than was
+usual in the West End.
+
+Meanwhile Pastor Martens was continuing his journey. Marianne's death
+had made a most disagreeable impression upon him, which probably added
+to his former ill humour.
+
+The women, both old and young, were again on the look-out for him. A
+clergyman was not often to be seen in West End. The boys, who had found
+a dead cat on the shore, and which the eldest was dragging after him,
+came marching along like little soldiers. Behind them followed a tiny
+little creature not higher than one's knee, with his mother's wooden
+shoes on his feet, and wearing a paper cap on his head. The whole band
+was in high spirits, and sang with a ringing voice a national air,
+according to the comic version which was in use in West End:
+
+     "Yes, we love our country;
+       Yes, indeed we do!
+     He who dares deny it,
+       We will let him know!"
+
+The pastor had to pass the children, whose song went through his head.
+The cat, of which he just caught a glimpse, was half putrid, and its
+skin was hanging in rags. Parson Martens pressed his handkerchief to his
+mouth; he was afraid that the unhealthy atmosphere would be injurious to
+his health.
+
+He hurried out of West End and up to the house, as fast as his cassock,
+and having to pick his way among the dirty puddles, would allow; but he
+came too late. The Consul had already been dead half an hour, and so
+Pastor Martens turned and went back to the town. It was very hot walking
+in the long black garment, and already well past dinner-time.
+
+Madame Rasmussen came running to meet him. "My dear Mr. Martens, dinner.
+Why, it's half-past two! Why, how exhausted you look!"
+
+"Let us rejoice, Madame Rasmussen," answered the clergyman, with a bland
+smile, "when we are thought worthy to endure trials."
+
+He was indeed a heavenly man, was the pastor. How pious and amiable he
+looked as he sat at table! No one could ever have suspected that he wore
+a wig.
+
+Madame Rasmussen sat down to embroider some cushions to put in the
+window, for the chaplain could not bear the slightest draught.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXII.
+
+
+Consul Garman's death caused a great sensation in the town. The
+wonderful escape of the ship was already material enough for several
+weeks' gossip; and now there came this death, with all its immediate
+circumstances and possible consequences. The whole town was fairly
+buzzing with stories and gossip.
+
+The business men gave each other a knowing wink. The old man at
+Sandsgaard had been a hard nut to crack, but now they would have more
+elbow-room, and Morten was not so dangerous.
+
+The preparations for the funeral were on the grandest scale. The body
+was to be taken from Sandsgaard and laid in the church, where Dean
+Sparre was to deliver a discourse, while the chaplain was to conduct the
+funeral service at the cemetery.
+
+All the different guilds were to follow with their banners, and the town
+band was busy practising till late at night. A regular committee of
+management was formed, and there was almost as much stir as if it was
+the 17th of May.[B]
+
+    [Footnote B: Anniversary of the declaration of the
+     Norwegian Independence in 1814.]
+
+Jacob Worse did not take any part in all this. He truly regretted the
+Consul, who had always been almost like a father to him.
+
+Mrs. Worse was more annoyed than sorry. "It was too bad, it was really
+too bad," she grumbled, "of the Consul to go and die!" She was sure that
+he would have arranged the match, such a sensible man as he was; but now
+that there were nothing but a lot of women in the house--for the
+_attache_ was little better than an old woman himself--And so on, and so
+on, thought the old lady, and she wondered that Rachel, who had such a
+clever father, had not inherited a little more sense.
+
+Sandsgaard was silent and desolate from top to bottom. The body lay
+upstairs in the little room on the north side, and white curtains were
+hanging in front of all the windows of the second story. Not a sound was
+heard, except the monotonous step of one, who went pacing unceasingly to
+and fro in the empty rooms. Thus had Uncle Richard been wandering every
+day since his brother's death. Restlessly he passed in and out of one
+room after another, then up and down the long ballroom; now and again
+into the room where the body lay, ever to and fro, in and out, the whole
+livelong day, and far into the night.
+
+Rachel was more grieved at the loss of her father than she could have
+believed possible during his lifetime. But a change had lately taken
+place in her nature; she, who was so exacting towards others, was now
+brought to examine herself, and could see how much there was in her own
+nature which required reform. She could now see plainly enough, that it
+was principally her own fault that she and her father had not understood
+each other better. It was only during his illness, that they had both
+come to know how many ideas they had in common, and what they might have
+been to each other. Now it was too late, and she looked back on her
+wasted life with regret; for Jacob Worse's idea seemed to her quite
+impracticable.
+
+The day before the funeral, Madeleine was sitting in the room which
+looked on to the garden. It was a raw, cold spring morning, with a
+drizzling rain from the south-west, and she had been obliged to close
+the window. Upstairs she could hear her father's heavy footfall, which
+came nearer, passed overhead, and then became lost in the distance.
+Never had she felt so oppressed, sick at heart, and lonely as in that
+house, in which there reigned the silence which always seems to
+accompany death.
+
+A knock was heard at the door, and Pastor Martens entered the room. Mrs.
+Garman had particularly invited him to pay them a visit every day.
+
+"Good morning, Miss Madeleine. How do you feel to-day?"
+
+"Thanks," answered she, "I am pretty well; I mean about as well as I
+usually am."
+
+"That means, I am afraid, not particularly well," said the clergyman,
+sympathetically. "If I were your doctor I should order you to go
+somewhere for a change this summer."
+
+He still kept his hat in his hand, and remained standing near the window
+which led into the garden. Madeleine was sitting on the end of the sofa
+at the other end of the room.
+
+"This is a gloomy day for so late in the spring," observed Mr. Martens,
+looking into the garden; "and a house like this, to which Death has
+brought his sad tidings, is a mournful place."
+
+She listened to him, keeping her eyes fixed on the ground, and without
+returning a word.
+
+"A house like this," he continued, "in which death is lying, is a
+picture of the lives of many of us. How many of us carry death at our
+hearts! Some hope or another that for us has long passed away, or some
+bitter disappointment that we have buried in the depths of our soul."
+
+He could see that she bent her head lower over the sofa, and he went on
+speaking earnestly and soothingly, and almost to himself.
+
+"Since it is a good thing for us not to be alone; since it is good for
+us to have some one to cling to, when the bitter experiences of life
+cast their shadows over us, so--"
+
+Madeleine suddenly burst into tears, and her sobs reached his ears.
+
+"I beg your pardon," said he, coming close to the sofa. "I was but
+following the bent of my own thoughts, and I fear I have made you
+unhappy, when my object ought rather to have been to endeavour to cheer
+you. Poor child!"
+
+Her sobbing had now become so violent that she did not any longer try to
+conceal her emotion.
+
+"Dear Miss Madeleine," said the pastor, seating himself on the sofa at a
+little distance from her, "I am sure you are not well--I have observed
+it for some time; and you may imagine how painful it is for me to see
+you thus suffering, without having any right to offer you my
+assistance."
+
+"You have always been so good to me," sobbed Madeleine. "But no one can
+help me, I am so wretched--so wretched!"
+
+"Do not indulge such thoughts, my dear young lady; do not allow yourself
+to think that any feeling of wretchedness is so great that it cannot be
+mitigated. Intercourse with the friend who understands our nature has a
+wonderfully soothing power over the sick heart. And for that very
+reason," added he, with a sigh, "I feel it doubly painful that you will
+not allow me to be such a friend to you."
+
+"I cannot," stammered Madeleine in dismay. "Do not be angry with me. I
+do not mean to be ungrateful. You are the only one--But I am so
+nervous--I don't understand it all. But don't be angry with me;" and she
+held her hand a little nearer to him.
+
+Pastor Martens took the hand, and pressed it gently between his own.
+
+"You know I mean to be kind to you, Miss Madeleine," said he, in an
+earnest and soothing tone.
+
+"Yes, yes, I know you do. But do you believe--" and her eye rested on
+him with an earnest expression.
+
+"I am afraid your mind is disturbed; but I hope that I may be able to be
+a trustworthy guide for you through life. You have been unwilling to
+accept me, and I will not importune you; but I must tell you that
+everything I have is at your service."
+
+"But if I am unable--but if it is too much for me. No, I cannot!" she
+replied, hiding her face in her hands.
+
+His voice was kind, almost fatherly in its tone, as he moved nearer to
+her and said, "Tell me, Madeleine, do not you feel as if it was almost a
+dispensation of Providence? When I asked you for your hand, you rejected
+my offer hastily--without consideration, may I venture to say? That hand
+now lies in mine." She made an attempt to withdraw it, but he held it
+fast. "Here are we again brought together. Is it not as if you were
+destined to be mine--you who are so lonely and forsaken amongst your own
+relations? You do feel lonely, Madeleine, do you not?"
+
+"Oh yes; I do feel lonely--so dreadfully lonely," said she,
+disconsolately; and whether he now drew her to him, or whether she gave
+way of herself, she now lay with her head on his shoulder, wearied and
+helpless. And, as his voice sounded bland and soothing in her ears, she
+seemed to recover her breath, as if after a long period of oppression.
+
+In a moment she was on her feet: he had ventured to kiss her brow. He
+also rose, but still retained his grasp of her hand.
+
+"We will not tell any one about it to-day," he said reassuringly,
+"because of the affliction which has come upon your family. But we had
+better go to Mrs. Garman, and ask her blessing. With respect to your
+father----"
+
+"No! no!" she cried; "father must not know anything about it! Oh,
+heavens! what have I done?" she murmured, holding her hand before her
+eyes.
+
+A bland smile passed over his face as he took her arm in his. "You are
+still a little discomposed, child, but it will soon pass away." He then
+led her to Mrs. Garman's room.
+
+"Could not we wait till to-morrow? My head is so painful," entreated
+Madeleine.
+
+"We will only just show ourselves to your aunt," said he, quietly but
+decidedly, as he opened the door.
+
+They found Mrs. Garman in her room, sitting comfortably in her armchair.
+Before her she had a tray, on which stood a bottle of water and a small
+straw-covered flask of curacoa. On a plate was some chicken, which had
+been cut into small pieces and neatly arranged round the edge, and in
+the middle was a little shape of asparagus butter, garnished with some
+chopped parsley.
+
+When Madeleine and the pastor entered the room, she was just in the act
+of holding a piece of chicken on a fork and dipping it into the butter,
+but when she saw them she put down her fork with an air of indifference,
+and said, "I hope, Madeleine, you will not forget to thank the Lord for
+thus changing your obstinate heart; and for you, Mr. Martens, I will
+hope and pray that you will never have to repent the step you have
+taken."
+
+For a moment Madeleine's eyes seemed to flash, but Mr. Martens hastened
+to observe, "My dear Madeleine is quite overcome. Would you not rather
+go to your room? We shall meet again to-morrow."
+
+Madeline felt really thankful for his suggestion, and gave him a feeble
+smile as he followed her to the door.
+
+When the pastor had gone, Mrs. Garman could not help thinking how
+differently people behave as soon as they are engaged. She suspected
+that she would not find the chaplain's society so agreeable for the
+future.
+
+Pastor Martens was so overjoyed that he could scarcely take his usual
+midday nap. Later in the day it began to clear up; it was only a sea-fog
+which had come up during the night, as is frequently the case in the
+spring. Everything appeared radiant and bright to Martens as he came
+along the street from the jeweller's, where he had been to order the
+ring, but he took care not to show his feelings; it would not do to look
+too pleased on the day before the funeral of his intended's uncle.
+
+In the market-place he met Mr. Johnsen.
+
+"You are coming to the funeral to-morrow?" said Martens, insensibly
+leading the conversation into the direction of his own thoughts.
+
+"No," answered Johnsen, drily; "I have to give an address at the Mission
+Bazaar."
+
+"What, between twelve and two? Why, the whole town will be following the
+funeral."
+
+"It is for the women, my address," said the inspector, as he continued
+his way.
+
+"Well," thought Martens, "he is indeed changed! Prayer-meetings,
+missions, Bible-readings--quite a different kind of work!" said the
+chaplain mysteriously to himself. His feelings were almost too much for
+him.
+
+A little farther up the street he met Delphin on horseback. There was
+such an unusual expression on the clergyman's face, that Delphin pulled
+up his horse and called out, "Good morning, Mr. Martens! Is it the
+thought of the discourse you have to deliver to-morrow that makes you
+look so pleased?"
+
+"Discourse! discourse!" thought the chaplain. He had never prepared it.
+It was well indeed he had been thus reminded. However, he answered, "If
+notwithstanding my--or perhaps I ought to say our--sorrow, I do look
+rather more cheerful than I ought under the circumstances, I only do so
+from something which has happened to myself. It is purely on personal
+grounds."
+
+"And may I venture to ask what the circumstances are which make you look
+so happy?" asked Delphin, carelessly.
+
+"Well, it ought not really to be told to any one to-day, but I think I
+may venture to tell you," said the pastor, in a calm voice. "I have
+proposed to a lady, and have had the good fortune to be accepted."
+
+"Indeed? I congratulate you!" cried the other gaily. "I think, too, I
+can guess who it is." His thoughts turned on Madam Rasmussen.
+
+"Yes, I dare say you can," answered Martens, quietly. "It is Miss
+Garman--Madeleine, I mean."
+
+"It's a lie!" shouted Delphin, grasping his riding-whip.
+
+The pastor cautiously took two or three steps backwards on the footpath,
+raised his hat, and continued his way.
+
+But Delphin rode off rapidly down the road, and away past Sandsgaard,
+ever faster and faster, till his steed was covered with foam. He had
+ridden four miles without noticing where he was going. The coast became
+flat and sandy, the patches of cultivation ceased, and the open sea lay
+before him. The sun shone on the blue expanse, while far out lay the
+mist like a wall, as if ready to return again at night.
+
+Delphin put his horse up at a farmhouse, and went on foot over the sand.
+The vast and peaceful ocean seemed to attract him. He felt a longing to
+be alone with his thoughts, longer, indeed, than was his usual custom.
+George Delphin was not often given to serious thought--his nature was
+too frivolous and unstable; but to-day he felt that there must be a
+reckoning, and on the very verge of the sea he threw himself on the
+sand, which was now warmed by the afternoon sun. At first his thoughts
+surged like the billows over which he gazed. He was furious with Pastor
+Martens. Who could have believed that he, George Delphin, should have
+suffered himself to be supplanted by a chaplain, and, more than that, a
+widower? And Madeleine! how could she have accepted him? And the more
+his thoughts turned upon her, the more he felt how truly he loved her.
+
+How different it might have been! Yes, many things might have been
+different in his life, when he came to review it fairly. His thoughts
+then fell upon Jacob Worse, who had lately quite given him up. It had
+often happened to Delphin that people did not remain friends with him
+long. It was only Fanny who did not give him up. He made one more effort
+to bring up her image in his thoughts, in all its most enchanting
+beauty, but he failed in the effort. Madeleine seemed to overshadow
+everything. Then his thoughts reverted to Martens, and his agony
+returned. He seemed no longer to have any aim in life, which had been so
+utterly wasted, useless and desolate, and he began to regard himself
+with loathing, friendless as he was, and thus entangled in an intrigue
+with one for whom he had no affection, and despised by her whose love he
+really longed for.
+
+All this time the mist was stealing in light wreaths over the shore; it
+came gliding beyond the line of the waves, and on over the sand. It
+paused for an instant at the man who was thus lying in despair, then
+stole on further, and finally settled behind the sand-hills. The grey
+wall of mist had now attained such a height that it obscured the evening
+sun, so that the landscape became all at once cold and grey, whilst the
+fog went scudding along, denser and denser every moment.
+
+Delphin stretched himself on the sand, wearied with his long ride and
+his bitter thoughts. The long white breakers came curling ever nearer
+and nearer, as they broke on the beach with their subdued and monotonous
+roar.
+
+He could not but think how easy it would be to have done with the life
+altogether, which now seemed to him of so little worth. He had but to
+roll himself down the sandy slope, and the waves would take his body
+into their embrace, and, after rocking him on their bosom, perhaps bear
+him far away and leave him on a distant shore. But he felt full well
+that he had not the courage; and as he lay there, thus pondering over
+his past life, he fell into a reverie, while the breakers murmured their
+monotonous song, and the mist, which was borne up on the light evening
+breeze, breathed over him cold and chill.
+
+The landscape assumed a general tone of grey. The mist stole on, still
+more close and compact, and the form of him who lay by the waves became
+more and more indistinct. At last he was gone; the sea raised her mantle
+and wiped him out, while the fog drifted inland thick as a wall, and,
+reaching the first dwellings, swept round the corners of the houses, and
+sent cold gusts in at the open doors and windows.
+
+But swifter than the mist, closer and ever more penetrating, swept the
+report of the chaplain's engagement through the town. It crept in
+through cracks and keyholes, filled houses from cellar to garret, and
+stood so thick in the street that it stopped the traffic.
+
+"Have you heard the news? They are engaged? Guess! where? who? Miss
+Garman; I heard it an hour ago! Have you heard the news? It's the
+chaplain who is engaged! Well, I am surprised! They might have waited
+till after the funeral. Are you sure? He has been at the jeweller's!
+Have you heard the news?"
+
+Thus it spread, buzz, buzz, from house to house; and when at length the
+weary town went to its bed, there was certainly not a soul who had not
+heard of the engagement from at least five separate people. It was a
+wonderful time, rich in important events.
+
+But just as one sometimes sees a little brawling and muddy brook flowing
+into a clear stream, and following along in its course, but ever keeping
+its little band of dirty brown water separate from the translucent
+river, even so there followed with the news of the great event, a little
+whisper of uncomfortable gossip. It always accompanied the main story,
+cropping up everywhere, whispered, muttered, doubted, but never
+contradicted; and this little bit of intelligence was, that Pastor
+Martens wore a wig. It was scarcely credible, but it was undeniable;
+Madame Rasmussen herself was the authority.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIII.
+
+
+Like all wise rulers, who feel that they ought to mark the epoch of
+their arrival at power with certain merciful actions, Morten had given
+permission to Per Karl to drive the hearse with the old blacks, which
+were, however, condemned to be shot on the following day.
+
+The old coachman had got them into "funeral trim," as he said, and for
+three days had groomed them incessantly. The last night he had passed in
+the stable, so that they should not lie down and spoil their coats. They
+were therefore shining as they never shone before, when, at eleven
+o'clock on Saturday morning, they drew up with the hearse at the door.
+
+There are three kinds of hearses, so that one has the option of driving
+to the churchyard just as one travels by rail--in a first, second, or
+third class carriage. Unless, indeed, one manages to quit life in such
+an abject state of poverty, that one has to get one's self carried on
+foot by one's friends. Consul Garman drove first class, in a carriage
+adorned with angels' heads and silver trappings. Per Karl sat under the
+black canopy, with crape round his hat, and looking with pride and
+sadness on his old blacks.
+
+When the coffin, which was adorned with flowers and white drapery, was
+carried down from upstairs, Miss Cordsen stood at the foot of the
+staircase, with the servants assembled in a group behind her. The old
+lady folded her hands on her breast, and bowed low as they bore him
+past; she then went up to her room, and locked the door.
+
+The ladies of the family followed in the close carriage with Uncle
+Richard, so as to be present at the ceremony in the church. Morten and
+Gabriel were in the open carriage. The whole staff of workmen belonging
+to the firm, and many of the townspeople who were not contented with
+following from the church to the grave, joined the procession on foot
+when the hearse set itself in motion. The spring sunshine was reflected
+from the silver trappings and angels' heads, and from the sleek and
+well-groomed horses, who were going on their last drive with a step full
+of pride and solemnity. It happened most awkwardly that Marianne had
+also to be buried that day. Martin had tried his best to prevent the
+_contretemps_, but the answer which he had received from the authorities
+was, that it was impossible to make an exception on his account; that
+the present arrangement would be most convenient for all parties, and
+particularly so, because it would save the clergyman a double journey to
+the cemetery; besides, there would be only the simple funeral service,
+and no address would be given.
+
+Very well, then; since there would be no address the funeral would take
+place on Saturday, between twelve and two.
+
+Outside Begmand's cottage a group of young seafaring men were
+assembling. There were a few relations from the town, and some of
+Marianne's acquaintances, such as Tom Robson, Torpander, and Woodlouse.
+Anders Begmand was not there: no amount of persuasion could prevent him
+from following the Consul's funeral.
+
+At Marianne's funeral there was no undertaker to regulate the pace of
+the procession, and the young sailors stepped out briskly with the
+coffin. They thus managed to arrive at the town just as the Consul's
+remains were being carried into the church. Now, it would scarcely do
+for them to go through the town along the road leading to the cemetery,
+which was strewn with green leaves, and with lilac and laburnum
+blossoms, for Mr. Garman. There was, therefore, nothing for it but to
+wait until the service was over. It was hot work carrying a coffin,
+dressed in Sunday clothes, and they therefore put down their burden on
+the steps of a cottage hard by, whilst several of them took off their
+jackets in order to get a bit cooler.
+
+On the opposite side of the street there was a small beerhouse. There
+were several of them to whom a pint of beer would have been very
+grateful, and who had the money in their pockets to pay for it; but
+perhaps it would hardly do.
+
+The sailors stood talking together, and turning their quids in their
+mouths; dry in the throat were they, and opposite was the open door of
+the beerhouse, with jugs and bottles on the counter. It looked so cool
+and moist in there, and the street was perfectly empty, for all the
+world was crowding to the cemetery. At length one slunk across the
+street and sneaked in; two more followed. It seemed but too probable
+that all the bearers would give way to the same temptation; so Tom
+Robson went over to the group, and, putting a five-kroner note into the
+hand of the eldest, said, "There! you can drink that, but on condition
+that only two go in at a time."
+
+The stipulation was agreed to without a murmur, and they took their
+turns in the most orderly way. A great many pints of beer go to a
+five-kroner note. Martin and Tom Robson resolutely turned their backs on
+the temptation. Woodlouse resisted it for a long time, but in the end he
+was obliged to give way. Torpander was sitting on a stone at the corner
+of the cottage, gazing at the coffin. His silk handkerchief had, in
+accordance with his earnest request, been allowed to follow Marianne to
+the grave; and on the lid of the coffin, over her heart, lay a garland
+which had cost him three kroner. This was the only adornment the coffin
+possessed, for most of the flowers from the West End had been bought by
+the townspeople for the Consul's funeral. Marianne would otherwise have
+had plenty.
+
+At length the people began to stream out of the church; those who were
+with Marianne had to wait till the main procession arrived at the
+cemetery. The seamen then, after moistening their palms in the usual
+way, went on with their burden with renewed vigour. There was no change
+from the five-kroner note.
+
+No one could remember to have seen so long a funeral procession as that
+which followed the young Consul. It reached almost from the church door,
+to the gate of the cemetery, which lay in a distant part of the town. As
+they began to move slowly along the road, a whole crowd of hats came
+into view, hats of all kinds and shapes. There was Morten's new hat
+fresh from Paris, and the well-known broad brim of Dean Sparre. There
+were hats of the old chimney-pot shape, with scarcely any brim at all,
+while others had brims which hung over almost like the roof of a Swiss
+cottage. Some hats had a red tinge when they came into the glare of the
+sunshine, while others were brushed as smooth as velvet. Twenty years'
+changing fashions were blended together like a packet of "mixed drops."
+Only old Anders was still constant to his cap, which was covered with
+pitch as usual. A crowd of boys and children followed on both sides of
+the road, and the cemetery, which lay on the slope of the hill, was
+already thronged at the part near the Garmans' tomb.
+
+At the entrance of the churchyard were planted two large flag-staves
+decorated with wreaths; the flags, which were at half-mast, hung down to
+the ground, waving gently in the light breeze. The town band was now
+allowed a moment's rest. The whole way from the church it had played
+incessantly an indescribable air; and it was only in the evening, when
+an account appeared in the papers, that the air was recognized as
+Chopin's Funeral March.
+
+The precentor, with his choristers, "Satan's clerks," as he used to call
+them when he was annoyed, begun to intone a psalm. The coffin was lifted
+from the hearse, and carried through the cemetery, by the principal
+merchants of the town.
+
+It was a magnificent spectacle, as the long funeral procession, with
+here and there a uniform, and its many flower-decorated banners, moved
+majestically along through the seething crowd of women and children,
+which stood closely packed on and among the graves on both sides of the
+path.
+
+The funeral party now assembled round the grave, into which the coffin
+was lowered. The merchants who had carried it looked relieved when he
+was laid to rest; he had been an equally heavy burden to them both in
+death and in life. The singing ceased, and a silence ensued, as the
+clergyman ascended the little heap of earth which had been thrown up at
+the side of the grave.
+
+During the latter part of the preparation of his discourse, the chaplain
+had felt keenly in what a difficult position he was placed in regard to
+the deceased. Since his engagement with Madeleine, his first duty was to
+be strictly impartial, and not to allow himself to be led into any
+flattering expressions, which would be quite out of place from the lips
+of one who had, in point of fact, become one of the family.
+
+The dean had, in his discourse in the church, dwelt entirely on the
+merits of the deceased, as a fellow-citizen and as a good man of
+business, who had, almost like a father, found daily bread for hundreds,
+and who had shed happiness and prosperity all around him. The chaplain
+began his address as follows:--
+
+"My sorrowing friends, when we look into this grave--six feet long and
+six feet deep, when we look at this dark coffin, when we think of this
+body which is going to decay, we naturally, my dear friends, say to
+ourselves, 'Here lies a man of riches, of great riches.' But let us
+search the depths of our own hearts. For where is now the glitter of
+that wealth which dazzles the eyes of so many? Where is now the
+influence which to us, short-sighted mortals, appears to attach to
+earthly prosperity? Here in this dark tomb, six feet long and six feet
+deep, it is buried from our sight.
+
+"Oh, my friends! let us learn the lesson which is taught by this silent
+tomb. Here all is finished, here is the end of all inequality, which is,
+after all, but the result of sin. Here, in the calm peace of the
+churchyard, they rest side by side, rich and poor, high and low, all
+alike before the majesty of death. All that is perishable on earth is
+swept aside like a used garment. Six feet of earth, that is all; it is
+the same for each one of us."
+
+The gentle spring breeze breathed on the silk banners of the various
+guilds, lifting the heavy folds out from the staff, and making a glad
+rustle in the silk. And the same breeze also carried the words over the
+cemetery, to the old crones who were sitting on the tombstones, and the
+girls and women who were grouped along the slope. Yes, even to the far
+distant edge of the cemetery did the wind bear the eloquent discourse,
+so that the words could be distinctly heard at the grave in which
+Marianne was about to be laid. And those words about equality and the
+evanescence of worldly wealth, were indeed words of comfort for the
+poor, as well as for the rich. But those who stood by Marianne's grave
+scarcely listened to them--not even Torpander, who stood gazing intently
+at his solitary wreath, which lay on the simple coffin.
+
+Woodlouse was guiltless of inattention, for he could not hear; but
+instead, he made his observations and gave vent to his philosophical
+reflections as was his wont.
+
+There lay, in the gravelly heap which had been thrown up from the grave,
+a few bones and skulls. The story was, that that part of the churchyard,
+which was especially devoted to the poor, had been a burying-place at
+some former period, and the graves which had not been paid for for
+twenty years were, after the lapse of that time, again made use of,
+according to the rule and custom of the Church. It was thus no unusual
+thing to find coffins while a new grave was being dug, which fell to
+pieces under the spade. The bodies had been packed closely, and often
+several had been placed in the same grave.
+
+It was, however, a scandal that the bones should be allowed to lie out
+in the light of day, until the new corpse came to be buried. Abraham the
+sexton had his orders, to take such bones at once to the house which was
+appointed for them, and which was a mere shed in one corner of the
+cemetery, where it was left to each skull to discover the bones
+belonging to it as best it might. But when any of the officials found
+fault with Abraham for his neglect, he would stand leaning on his spade,
+and cocking his red nose knowingly on one side, would answer with a
+smile, "Well, you see, what are we to do? The poor are just as much
+trouble in death as they are in life. They never will die like
+respectable people, one by one, now and again; but they all die at the
+same time, you see, and then come out here and want to get buried.
+Particularly all through the winter, when the ground is hard, and then
+in the early spring, what are we to do? It is really too bad. Yes, at
+those seasons they bring such shoals of children--ah, preserve us from
+the children!--yes, and grown-up people too, for that matter; and they
+all want graves just at the wrong time of year! They always choose the
+wrong time! It would not be so bad if one could only skimp the
+measurements a bit; but, you see, no one is so particular as the poor
+about the measurements. Six feet long and six feet deep--they will have
+it, never an inch less. And so, you see, it is not always so easy to get
+these bones out of sight in time for one of these pauper funerals. No,
+no! it is quite true what I say. The poor are just as much trouble in
+death as they are in life!"
+
+There was once a new manager of the cemetery who wished to get rid of
+Abraham, who caused general indignation when he went tumbling about
+tipsy among the graves. But the dean said, "What is to become of the
+poor man? He will remain as a burden either to you or to me; and
+besides, he has been with us as long as I have been here, and I have
+always been able to bear with his sad infirmity. It would really go to
+my heart to drive him away." And so the public were content to keep
+Abraham as an evidence of Dean Sparre's kindness of heart.
+
+As Woodlouse stood looking at the bones, he was absorbed in
+philosophical meditation, and he could not help thinking that there was
+a sort of air of defiance in the grin, with which one of the skulls
+returned his gaze. It struck him that this skull might perhaps be
+thinking how peaceful it was to rest here in the sacred earth of the
+churchyard. But surely it was just as peaceful over there in the house
+in which the bones were placed; and if neither church nor provost,
+chaplain nor sexton, gravedigger nor organist, bell-ringer nor acolyte,
+no, not one of them had got his due, it was quite impossible that it
+should be otherwise. And when he came to consider further, he thought
+that he could discover in these bare bones and these bleached skulls, an
+expression he knew only too well in life; a kind of cleared-out
+expression, which seems to cling to those who have not paid their debts.
+
+Meanwhile Pastor Martens's sonorous voice echoed over the cemetery as he
+was approaching the end of his discourse. "The six feet of earth" was
+repeated again and again, like the refrain upon which a good composer
+will hang a whole symphony; and each time it seemed to make a deeper
+impression. The account in the evening papers might perhaps be slightly
+exaggerated, when it said that not an eye was dry; but certain is it
+that many wept, and not only women, but men also. Some even of the
+merchants, who had carried the coffin, were seen using their
+pocket-handkerchiefs.
+
+It was really an extraordinary address. Just at the commencement it had
+caused an uneasy feeling, when Martens began to speak about the great
+riches of the deceased. There was some apprehension lest he should make
+some ill-timed application of the parable of the camel and the needle's
+eye; but the speaker had just managed to say the right thing. There is
+nothing which gives the poor so much pleasure, as to hear how little
+power really belongs to earthly wealth, and how little there is to
+grudge when it comes to the last. And so this allusion to "the six feet
+of earth" had a good effect throughout.
+
+When the funeral discourse was over, Abraham came forward with the box
+which was to hold the earth to be thrown on the coffin.
+
+Struggling with his inmost feelings, the pastor seized the box, filled
+it with mould, and uncovered his head. Off in a moment came all the
+various hats, and just as many various heads were disclosed to view.
+Some were smooth, some were rough, some had long hair, and on others the
+hair was clipped as close as the top of a hair trunk, while here and
+there appeared a skull as smooth as a billiard ball.
+
+The clergyman threw the earth into the grave, deeply moved, and almost
+mechanically, as if the task were too much for him. The loose mould
+could be heard rustling down on the flowers and silk ribbons. One more
+short and thrilling prayer was heard; the service was over, and the hats
+appeared again.
+
+The bandsmen, who had been standing in a group among the mourners,
+keeping their instruments under their coats, so that they might not get
+cold, suddenly broke out into music, at a mysterious sign from the
+bandmaster. The effect was striking. Just as when a stone is thrown into
+the water, and the ripples roll outwards in an ever-widening circle, so
+did the mighty waves of sound drive back the bystanders in all
+directions, until there was quite an open place around the players. The
+undertaker turned the opportunity to advantage, and took his place at
+the head of the procession, which returned in the same order as it came.
+
+At a short distance behind the musicians, came the precentor with his
+choristers. He was terribly annoyed by the band, and in a great state of
+anxiety, lest the sorrowing relatives of the deceased should not notice,
+how much extra trouble he had taken with the singing.
+
+The undertaker, on the contrary, was extremely pleased with the band,
+which had made such a nice clear space for him, and when he got home to
+his wife he said, "Even if the drums of my ears are nearly broken, I
+must say I fully appreciate the effect of a brass band. Nothing can be
+more opportune, when one has to lead a procession through a large crowd
+at a respectable funeral."
+
+At a short distance from the grave, the clergyman left the _cortege_ and
+went in a different direction across the cemetery. As soon as he was out
+of sight of the crowd, he took a short cut over the graves, which in
+that part of the cemetery were low and overgrown with grass, and every
+now and then he held up his cassock, and stepped over one which lay in
+his path.
+
+Abraham the sexton had got an extra lurch on, in honour of the grand
+funeral, and came stumbling along after the pastor, carrying the black
+box, which was the same that was used for all burials, without
+distinction.
+
+When the pastor arrived at Marianne's grave, he found Anders Begmand and
+some others from the West End, who had already been in the Consul's
+procession. The chaplain took off his hat and wiped his brow, as he
+stood looking round for Abraham. The others also uncovered their heads.
+At length Abraham came up, and the three handfuls of earth fell,
+hurriedly and mechanically, on the simple coffin. "Of earth thou art, to
+earth thou shalt return, and from the earth thou shalt rise again.
+Amen."
+
+The pastor went scrambling along farther over the graves. There were
+still some other poor people to be buried, and it was getting late.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXIV.
+
+
+The young Consul's death did not bring with it any great changes, either
+in the household or in the business. Everything was in such a solid and
+well-regulated condition, that it kept on going like a good machine. The
+new driver had as much as he could manage, and there were some who
+thought that the more delicate parts of the complicated mechanism would
+be likely to suffer under his hands.
+
+At the same time, no one could say of Morten that he did not bring great
+energy to bear on his new duties. Now, indeed, it was almost impossible
+to find him; he was continually on the go between the town and
+Sandsgaard. His carriage might be seen waiting at the most unlikely
+corners, or all of a sudden he would pop up out of a boat at the quay,
+tear off to the office, call out something to the bookkeeper, and flash
+out of the door again. But when the bookkeeper hurried after him, to ask
+what the instructions were, all he saw was a glimpse of the dogcart as
+it turned the corner.
+
+The business men in the town used to say, quietly among themselves, that
+it was easier to work against Morten than with him. Garman and Worse's
+predominance began to grow weaker, and what had been the central power
+was now distributed in several hands. The year which followed was not a
+prosperous one for shippers; most of the ships belonging to the firm had
+been working either at a loss or at a very small profit. The most
+successful was the _Phoenix_, which had been put on the guano trade. She
+still continued to be a favourite, and her voyages were followed with
+great interest in the newspapers. The poet of the town had written some
+verses in her honour:--
+
+     "Rock proud, thou fire's daughter,
+     Thy flame-enshrouded helm!"
+
+It was doubtless this allusion to the helm, which had been most in
+danger at the time of the fire, which caused the success of the poem,
+and insured it a permanent position in all the concerts.
+
+In accordance with the express wishes of the deceased, Jacob Worse had
+been chosen as guardian for Rachel and Gabriel. Mrs. Garman was still to
+remain in the position of partner, with Morten as manager of the
+business. For each of the younger children a considerable sum was set
+apart; a sum, in fact, which was just about equal to that with which
+Morten had entered the firm.
+
+Rachel had thus to go to Jacob Worse for an explanation of her affairs,
+for she wanted to have a clear idea of what she really possessed, and
+what her exact position was. Worse answered her in a calm and measured
+business tone.
+
+"Well, then, this money," said she, one day, in Worse's office, "is my
+own, and is entirely under my own control?"
+
+"Yes, in addition to your share in the business," added Worse, in
+explanation; "and if your mother should die, your part of her property
+will come to you at the division which will follow. It will then depend
+upon you or your future husband--"
+
+"My future husband will surely allow me to manage my own property," said
+Rachel.
+
+"It is to be hoped he will; but, as you perhaps know, in the event of
+your marrying, you will lose the entire control."
+
+"Then I will never marry!"
+
+"I am of opinion myself that you might do something better than
+marriage," said Jacob Worse.
+
+Rachel observed him closely, but failed to fathom his thoughts.
+
+"How I envy you your clear intelligent head!" said she, somewhat
+scornfully. "You lay out for yourself some plan or another in life, and
+then your object is forthwith accomplished. You quietly follow your
+plans, and in the same way you expect that those to whom you give your
+advice, will follow it without wavering. You are just like father. You
+really are too precise."
+
+"I regard that as the greatest compliment I have ever received,"
+answered Worse, smiling.
+
+"But father was in many respects an old-fashioned and somewhat
+prejudiced man. It was just these very modern ideas that you find so
+attractive, which were to him strange or even positively distasteful."
+She made this remark more for the purpose of drawing out Worse than
+because she wished to disparage her father.
+
+"Consul Garman," said Worse, rising from his chair, "was a dissatisfied
+man. His whole life was an ill-concealed struggle between the old and
+the new. He placed extraordinary confidence in me, and I found in him
+ideas, which no one would have expected to meet with in such a precise
+and old-fashioned man of business. But to reconcile the two incongruous
+currents was beyond his power; the immature and impetuous want of
+exactitude of modern times was repugnant to his nature; and when his
+great sense of justice forced him to recognize certain fundamental
+truths, it was still always a source of annoyance to him to be obliged
+to do so. It appears to me that he sought a counteracting influence to
+all this, in his boundless admiration for old Consul Garman."
+
+"But was not my grandfather a remarkable man? Don't you think so?" asked
+Rachel, with interest.
+
+"I will tell you my opinion, Miss Garman. He was a man who lived in a
+time to which he was suited, and in which, on the whole, existence was
+far more easy."
+
+"You mean to say, then, that existence was easier in those times than in
+the present?"
+
+"Yes, I am sure of it," continued Worse, pacing hurriedly up and down
+the room, as was his custom when he was excited. "Do you not see how
+existence becomes more difficult with each year as it passes? New
+discoveries and experiences are springing up every hour, and doubts and
+inquiry are burrowing under, and undermining the whole fabric. Revered
+and well-grounded truths are falling to the ground, and those who are
+too timid to advance with the times, are gathering confusedly about the
+rotten framework, supporting, preserving, and terrified, denouncing
+youth, and predicting the destruction of society. Your grandfather stood
+on the very summit of the cultivation of his day, living as he did in a
+state of society which was peaceful and conscious of its security, with
+aristocratic intelligence above and aristocratic ignorance below. Your
+father, on the other hand, had grown to manhood when the movement
+reached us, and he had already a fixed understanding as to his own line
+in life, when the new ideas came streaming in upon him. Then followed
+the long and painful struggle. But we who are a generation younger, and
+who enter upon life from school, with the old maxims only half rooted in
+our minds, feel the whole fabric tottering. Doubt and uncertainty reign
+on every side, and we find ourselves now in a state of eager
+expectation, and now plunged in gloomy apprehension. Wheresoever we
+place our foot, the ground gives way beneath us, and if we wish to sit
+down and rest awhile, the chair is drawn from under us by some invisible
+hand. Thus are we whirled to and fro in a struggle for which we were
+never prepared, and in which numbers of us miserably perish. Fathers
+scold and threaten, while mothers weep because we have forsaken the
+traditions of our childhood. Bitter words and party names are caught up
+in the continuous strife, and find their way into family life; the one
+no longer understands the motives of the other; we stand railing at each
+other in the pitchy darkness; no distinction is made between sincere
+conviction and restless love of change. All strive blindly together,
+whilst society becomes interwoven with a tissue of hostility, mistrust,
+falsehood, and hypocrisy."
+
+Rachel looked at him with open eyes, and at length she exclaimed, "I
+cannot imagine how you can be content with your present existence, so
+silent and so reserved, when such a tumult of thought is passing through
+your brain."
+
+Jacob Worse stopped, and his face grew calm as he said, "I have a simple
+remedy, which I have learnt from my mother, and which your father also
+employed--and that is, work. To keep at it from morning to evening; to
+begin the day with a large packet of foreign letters here on my desk,
+and to leave off in the evening, tired but content--content for that
+day. That is my remedy--that keeps the life in me; so far it suffices;
+higher I cannot attain."
+
+"I said a short time ago that I envied you your calm and logical mind. I
+now regret the tone in which the words were spoken. I often, somehow or
+another, I don't know why, but I often find myself speaking to you
+somewhat--" She faltered, and her face became suffused with blushes.
+
+"Somewhat plainly, you mean," said Worse, smiling.
+
+"May I hope it is because you think me worthy of your confidence?"
+
+She looked at him again, but his eyes were now fixed on the map which
+hung over her head.
+
+"Well," said Rachel, "perhaps that is the reason; but what I really envy
+you is your love of work, or, I should say, not so much the love of
+work--for that I have myself--but your having discovered an employment
+which keeps you calm. But you are able to work, that's where it is," she
+added, meditatively.
+
+"My opinion about you, Miss Garman, has always been, that the aimless
+life a lady in your position is obliged to lead here at home, must
+sooner or later become unbearable to you."
+
+"I cannot work," said she in a crestfallen tone.
+
+"Well, but at least you can try."
+
+"How am I to begin? You remember that time when father would not receive
+my offer of assistance."
+
+"Your father did not understand you; nor will you find it easy to
+discover satisfactory employment in your own country. But travel, look
+around you. You are rich and independent, and there are other lands
+where work is to be had, and in them you ought to find suitable
+occupation."
+
+"Do you really advise me to travel elsewhere, Mr. Worse?" said Rachel.
+
+"Yes; that is to say--yes, I think it would be best for you. Here you
+have little opportunity of development, and, to speak plainly, I think
+you ought to travel." As he said the last words he regained his
+self-possession, and could now look her in the face calmly, and without
+flinching.
+
+"But where shall I go--a lonely woman without friends? I am afraid you
+over-estimate my powers," said Rachel, with a reluctant air. It was as
+if she did not fancy his advising her to go away.
+
+"I may as well tell you what I think now," he began, hurriedly. "I have
+some acquaintances in Paris. In fact, an American firm--Barnett Brothers
+they are called--who have a house in Paris; and Mr. Frederick Barnett is
+a personal friend of mine."
+
+"You seem to have been arranging to get rid of me for some time," said
+Rachel; "why, you have the whole plan ready prepared."
+
+He showed some signs of confusion, for it was a scheme he had carefully
+considered, but which he had always hoped he would not have to put into
+execution.
+
+"Yes," answered he, endeavouring to laugh; "as your guardian, it is my
+duty to assist you, to the best of my ability, to arrange for your
+future."
+
+"But are you going to send me to Paris alone?"
+
+"No; I have been thinking of offering you Svendsen as an escort. You
+surely know old Svendsen, my bookkeeper? He has been several times in
+Paris, and is a most trustworthy man. I am sure you will be contented
+with Mr. Barnett's house, which is more like an English one. And that, I
+think, will suit you better than a purely French household."
+
+"Does your friend take boarders?" asked Rachel, quickly.
+
+"Not as a rule, as far as I know. You will thus find it more expensive
+than at an ordinary _pension;_ but I am almost certain that both Mr. and
+Mrs. Barnett, who is a French lady, are the sort of people you will
+like. And it is exactly in the American society of Paris that you will
+have the best opportunity of finding employment if you wish for it. At
+any rate, you can stay some time in Mr. Barnett's house, until you find
+something else you prefer."
+
+His tone was deliberate and decided, as if he already regarded the
+matter as finally settled; and when Rachel got up to take her leave she
+found that her mind was already made up, without being conscious of how
+she had arrived at her conclusion. She looked forward to a new and more
+active life, with mingled feelings of expectation and pleasure. But at
+the same time she was somewhat hurt--no, not hurt, but sad--no, not
+exactly sad, either; but she could not help thinking it was
+extraordinary, that he should show himself so eager to get her away.
+
+Jacob Worse followed her to the door leading into the street, but when
+she had gone he did not go back to the office, but crossed over the yard
+to his mother's.
+
+A month later, Gabriel and Rachel set off under the escort of old
+Svendsen; Gabriel to Dresden, and Rachel to Paris. Madeleine also
+quitted Sandsgaard. Her intended had arranged, with the assistance of
+the doctor, that she should go to the baths of Modum, where Martens's
+mother, who was the widow of a clergyman from the east coast, was to
+take care of her.
+
+Uncle Richard was utterly confounded when he heard Madeleine was going
+to marry a clergyman, and he had a kind of dim feeling that he would
+have done better to have kept her under the observation of the big
+telescope. But the old gentleman, who had never been very strong-minded,
+had become still more feeble in his sorrow, and now that he could no
+longer go to Christian Frederick for advice, he gave way in everything.
+
+As for Madeleine herself, the exhaustion which followed her illness had
+produced a feeling of indifference; and now that the important step had
+once been taken, she allowed herself to be led without offering any
+opposition, and did not find it disagreeable, when the pastor took upon
+himself to think and act for her in everything. But when it came to
+saying good-bye to her father she gave way, and was carried senseless to
+the carriage.
+
+Martens soon found that if he wished to educate Madeleine to be a
+pattern wife after his own heart, he must get her away from Sandsgaard.
+With the same object in view, he sought, and standing as well as he did
+with those in authority, soon obtained, a living at some distance in the
+country; and, a year after his betrothal, he celebrated his marriage at
+his mother's house.
+
+After his ride along the shore, George Delphin suffered from a dangerous
+attack of inflammation of the lungs. His illness lasted so long that a
+substitute had to be provided for the time in the magistrate's office;
+and as soon as he recovered sufficiently to write, he informed the
+magistrate that he wished to resign his situation. The magistrate
+accepted his resignation with alacrity, for George Delphin had never
+been the kind of man he liked.
+
+During the whole time of the illness, Fanny was in a state of nervous
+excitement. To visit the invalid, or put herself in any sort of
+communication with him, was quite out of the question. She had thus to
+content herself with such news as she could pick up, either accidentally
+or through Morten; but she dared not ask as many questions as she could
+have wished. One day when she was standing before the glass, she
+discovered three small wrinkles at the corner of her left eye. When she
+laughed, they improved her; but when she was serious, they made her look
+old. Nothing seemed to suit her any longer, not even mourning, in which
+she had always looked her best. Fanny, in fact, suffered as much as she
+was capable of suffering, and one day she received a note from him, in
+which he said adieu.
+
+"I start to-night, and say farewell thus to spare us both a painful
+parting. Farewell!" This was all the note contained.
+
+Her lovely complexion turned almost to an ashen grey, but only for a
+moment. The whole night she lay awake, listening to her husband, who lay
+breathing heavily by her side; but the next morning found her sitting by
+her window, as calm and bright as ever. Many of her friends, as she had
+expected, came to visit her, but she disappointed them all. Delphin's
+sudden departure was a subject of conversation in which she joined,
+jesting and laughing as usual. Her friends could perceive no change in
+her, and yet how much scandal had been talked about her and Delphin! It
+was a lesson to people to keep their tongues to themselves.
+
+But Fanny herself noticed several changes in her appearance, and was
+reminded of it every time she saw her reflection in the glass.
+
+In small circles great events seem to come all at once, one after
+another in startling succession. The worthy town had been quite upset by
+all those remarkable events, of a joyful, mournful, or mixed nature,
+which followed after the night of the fire at Sandsgaard; and while busy
+tongues kept reverting to the materials for gossip thus provided, the
+years rolled by without anything further taking place.
+
+Tom Robson had taken Martin with him to America, where they disappeared.
+
+Contrary to his intention, Torpander did not travel home to Sweden. He
+put off his departure from time to time. _Her_ grave never seemed pretty
+enough, and he never felt perfectly certain that it would be kept
+properly in order. He thus remained where he was, and at last moved over
+to old Anders Begmand's cottage. The old man's head had become somewhat
+affected. He received his week's pay every Saturday, without, however,
+doing any work to earn it. And now Torpander grew to be quite a fixture
+in the cottage, and the two would sit for many a winter's evening over
+the fire, repeating to each other the same stories, which never varied
+year after year, about her who had been, and still continued for both,
+the very sunshine of their lives.
+
+Uncle Richard soon gave up the lighthouse at Bratvold, and he and Mrs.
+Garman shared Sandsgaard between them. Downstairs the lady went about in
+her wheel-chair, and she had had all the thresholds of the doors
+removed, so that she might be able to have herself rolled into the
+kitchen.
+
+Upstairs Uncle Richard continued his ceaseless wanderings, in and out,
+to and fro, just as he had begun on the day after his brother's death.
+Once only he had had Don Juan saddled; but when he was brought round to
+the door, the old gentleman, thought he was too fresh for him. He put
+his hand before his eyes, and had Don Juan taken back again, to the
+stable.
+
+Summer and winter, day after day, the sound of his footfall overhead
+never ceased. A long strip of soft carpet had been put down the whole
+length of the house, partly for warmth, and partly to deaden the sound
+of his step.
+
+In winter he wore a long coat lined with fur, a fur cap, and a pair of
+deerskin gloves; and there were some people who confidently maintained
+that he carried an open umbrella when the weather was wet. In the little
+room on the north side, there was a cupboard in which a bottle of
+Burgundy was always kept standing. When the old gentleman got to this
+point he would pause, drink a glass of the wine, and look thoughtfully
+in the large mirror. He then shook his head and continued his
+wanderings.
+
+No change took place in Miss Cordsen. The well-starched cap-strings and
+the odour of dry lavender still followed her wherever she went; while
+all the secrets of the family lay carefully preserved, together with her
+own, to both of which the closely pressed mouth, with its innumerable
+wrinkles, formed a lock of the safest description.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXV.
+
+
+Thus passed six years. According to Martens's prediction, Dean Sparre
+had been made a bishop. His predecessor in office had been a strict and
+haughty prelate, and there was, therefore, no little disturbance in the
+camp when he departed. But from the moment Dean Sparre mounted the
+vacant seat, all friction ceased, and everything went on evenly and
+smoothly. It was like covering the hammers of an old piano with new
+felt. The hitherto sharp tone gives place to a soft and agreeable sound;
+and after Dean Sparre's patent felt had been introduced into the
+mechanism, it all worked silently and noiselessly, and gave the greatest
+pleasure to all parties concerned.
+
+The bishop did not forget his young friend, Inspector Johnsen, of whom
+he had always had such "good hopes." He obtained for Johnsen a
+chaplaincy in his cathedral town; and some people were so mischievous as
+to assert that the bishop's "good hopes" were now fulfilled, for Pastor
+Johnsen was shortly after engaged to Miss Barbara Sparre.
+
+A great change had taken place in the _ci-devant_ school inspector. When
+the turning-point was once reached, he set to work in his new line in
+real earnest, as was only to be expected from one of his energetic
+character. He never dabbled any more in advanced philosophy, and had but
+little to do with grand society; on the contrary, he grew to be a
+clergyman to whom the women were particularly attracted. His sermons
+were always severe, very severe; and those who cared to listen closely,
+might remark that he never repeated the prayer for the arms of the
+country by land and by sea.
+
+Down at Mrs. Worse's shop, in the dark corner of the lane, trade went on
+regularly and well. Little Pitter Nilken had arrived at that stage of
+shriveldom, at which both fruits and people cannot hold out much longer
+without a change. He still managed to swing himself over the counter as
+lightly as a cork when the enemy became too troublesome, and the
+redoubtable iron ruler had lost none of its gruesome terrors.
+
+Mrs. Worse, on the contrary, had become rather stout in the course of
+years. Her legs would no longer "balance" her properly, as she said. But
+still she refused to buy a carriage until all had "come right," which
+she thought could not be long now.
+
+When all had come right! It required a faith as blind as Mrs. Worse's to
+reckon on such a possibility. Rachel had now been six years in Paris
+without saying a word about coming home. What her occupation there
+really was, Jacob Worse could never discover. Each time he sent her
+money--and it was marvellous how much she used--he wrote her a few
+lines. She always answered briefly and reservedly. Through his friend
+Mr. Barnett he did not learn anything explicit. He only knew that Rachel
+was still living in the house, and that they were much attached to her.
+Mrs. Barnett's _salon_ was quite a place of assembly for the American
+colony, among which were many rich and accomplished men. Any day might
+bring the intelligence of her approaching marriage.
+
+Worse was in the habit of reading the papers every morning as they sat
+at breakfast in his mother's room. One day Mrs. Worse, who usually
+occupied herself half the morning with her paper, read out to her son
+that Pastor Martens had been nominated as clergyman in the town.
+
+"Just fancy! So they are coming westward again!" ejaculated Mrs. Worse.
+"I should like to know how little Madeleine has got on in married life,"
+sighed the old woman, who knew but too well the uncertainty which
+marriage brings with it. The news awoke many painful recollections in
+Worse's breast, and he paced up and down in his office for a long time,
+before he could bring himself to begin upon the foreign post, which lay
+in a formidable packet on his desk.
+
+Among the letters there was one from Barnett Brothers in Paris; he knew
+the handwriting, but the office stamp was missing. As he opened it, it
+struck him that it was longer than usual. He turned it over hastily.
+What was this? Rachel Carman's signature stood at the foot of the
+letter! Jacob Worse read as follows:--
+
+"DEAR MR. WORSE,
+
+"As I sit down to write to you, and thus carry out a long-formed
+resolution, I feel so overcome by emotion, that I find it difficult to
+control myself sufficiently, to express my thoughts _verbatim_. But now,
+as I have made up my mind, I will endeavour to make my letter clear and
+concise.
+
+"I have, as you now perhaps perceive, carried on the Norwegian
+correspondence of Messrs. Barnett Brothers for several years. In my
+private letters to you I have disguised my handwriting, so as not to
+betray my secret. I wished, in fact, to see first if I could make myself
+useful, and am at length satisfied I that I can. I have learnt to adopt
+your mother's homely maxim--remember me kindly to her--I can work.' In
+your kind letters, for which receive my best thanks, I have sometimes
+thought that I could perceive a feeling of astonishment, as to how I
+could be employing all the money you have sent me. It is placed in our
+business. I say our business, because Messrs. Barnett Brothers have
+offered me a share in their Paris house. I have thus attained the object
+of my ambition in that direction.
+
+"You once gave me some advice. You see, I attack each point separately,
+so as to prevent confusion, to avoid wasting words, or forgetting
+anything important. But to return. When you advised me to come forward
+as an authoress, I did not at that time think that your idea was
+reasonable. Since then I have, however, thought the subject carefully
+over, and have indeed made some small attempts that way, and now I beg
+to thank you for the good advice you gave me. I have indeed much to
+thank you for.
+
+"Now that I am able to work, I no longer feel so apprehensive about the
+future. It is true, as you said long ago, that there are many things
+which a woman may have to write about, and this is more especially true
+with us in our own country. I am fortunately in an independent position,
+_bonheur oblige_, and I have courage, so I will make the attempt. But I
+must first get home, not only because I am as homesick as a child--for I
+know perfectly well that when I have been at home for a short time, I
+shall be anxious to start again on my travels--but I feel that if I am
+to accomplish anything, I must be among those I wish to help. I also
+wish to be able to go abroad again, and thus make existence more
+interesting; but I must at the same time have a _pied a terre_ at home,
+so as to be able to return whenever I may desire to do so. And now comes
+the great 'but' which is, in fact, the chief point in this letter--and
+that, Mr. Worse, is yourself.
+
+"I do not wish to return home before I know clearly in what position we
+stand to each other. Of this I feel convinced, that you have no ill
+feeling towards me on account of my former behaviour to you. But still I
+know nothing further; and if there is nothing more to know, I hope we
+may meet as good friends. If there should be anything further, kindly
+let me have a few lines.
+
+"There, now! you see how the matter lies; let us now understand each
+other plainly, and I beg that you will be honourable and straightforward
+towards me. On one thing you can count for a certainty, which is, that I
+am, in any case,
+                     Your very sincere friend,
+                               RACHEL GARMAN."
+
+When Jacob Worse had read this letter, he sprang up, seized his hat and
+umbrella, and went into the clerk's office.
+
+"Has the Hamburg steamer started?"
+
+"No, sir, but the first bell has just rung," was the answer.
+
+"Have you any gold?"
+
+"Yes; that is to say, not very much," answered the cashier.
+
+"Let me have what you have got, and send Thomas over to the bank for
+some more. A couple of thousand kroner or so will do."
+
+The boy ran off with a bundle of notes and a little canvas bag.
+
+"I am going abroad, Svendsen, for a fortnight or so--I cannot say for
+certain. Look, here is my address. And with that he snatched the pen
+from behind Svendsen's ear and wrote across a large sheet of paper, on
+which the unfortunate man had just begun a magnificent letter:
+
+                 "_Pavilion Rohan_,
+                     "_Paris_.
+
+The second bell was now heard on board the steamer.
+
+"All right, Svendsen. Now you must manage as well as you can; telegraph
+if you want anything--my keys are in my desk." When he reached the door
+he turned round and cried, "Yes, I forgot, Svendsen; run over to my
+mother and tell her--yes, just tell her that it's all 'come right;'" and
+with that away he ran.
+
+Old Svendsen stood perfectly speechless, staring through the open door,
+as he rubbed his thumb and forefinger together, which was a habit of his
+when anything unusually perplexing occurred. Every door was open, a
+chair upset in the inner office, and Mr. Worse on the road to Paris with
+a hat and umbrella, Thomas after him in full career with the canvas bag.
+The cashier was sitting with the coin and notes scattered on the table
+in front of him, looking as if he had been robbed; and as old Svendsen's
+eye rested on the ruined letter, he discovered that he had a smudge of
+ink on one of his fingers. Now, it was thirty years since old Svendsen
+had had any ink on his fingers. Mr. Worse must have made a splutter with
+his pen when he snatched it so hurriedly; and as the old bookkeeper's
+eye wandered from the smudge of ink, to the frightful confusion which
+reigned in the office, and back again to the smudge, he repeated, slowly
+and majestically, the magic words which were to awake him from this
+horrible nightmare: "Tell my mother it has all come right." But matters
+grew still worse when, a short time afterwards, he presented himself
+before Mrs. Worse in the back room; for scarcely had he pronounced the
+fatal words, "It has all come right!" than Mrs. Worse flew at him and
+kissed him right on his lips.
+
+This kiss, in connection with the smudge of ink, made this day a
+memorable one for old Svendsen, and he used to reckon from it as an
+epoch which he could never forget.
+
+The same post brought, among other things, a note for Morten Garman. He
+opened it, smiled in a singular manner, and sent it upstairs to his
+wife. Fanny took the two enclosed cards, on one of which was written the
+name of a lady, which she recognized as belonging to a wealthy family in
+Christiania, and on the other was the name of George Delphin.
+
+She stood before the looking-glass with his card in her hand, observing
+narrowly the expression on her face, while the genuine sorrow she had
+hitherto felt, now turned to mortification and bitterness. There was
+scarce a shadow to be seen on her brow while these sensations passed
+through her heart. She had accustomed herself to these exercises before
+the glass; this was a grand rehearsal, and she bore it bravely. Only the
+delicate wrinkles round her eyes quivered slightly; but when she smiled
+again they made her as charming as ever. No emotion should spoil her
+beauty; and while these six years of pain and sorrow seemed again to
+burst forth, she stood as lovely and undisturbed as ever, without losing
+anything of her self-command.
+
+At this moment the doctor entered the room.
+
+"Have you spoken to my husband, doctor?"
+
+"No, Mrs. Garman. Is there anything the matter with him?"
+
+"Has he anything the matter with him! I am really surprised that you
+should ask such a question," replied Fanny, sharply. "Can you not see
+that he is weary--overworked? He must go to Carlsbad this year, or his
+health will suffer severely."
+
+"Oh yes!" said the doctor, good-humouredly, "it might perhaps have a
+good effect; but you know yourself that his answer always is that he has
+no time, and so--"
+
+"Bah!" answered Fanny; "as if a doctor ought to listen to rubbish of
+that sort!"
+
+The doctor went off straight to the office, and succeeded in frightening
+Morten to such a degree that the journey was arranged for the next week.
+
+Jacob Worse's "disappearance," as it was called, caused a great
+sensation, and the astonishment did not diminish when a telegram
+arrived, announcing his engagement to Rachel Garman. At the same time he
+begged Morten to arrange everything for the wedding, as they intended to
+be married shortly after their return home.
+
+Morten, after consulting his wife, answered that the doctor had ordered
+him off to Carlsbad at once; but he proposed to meet them both in
+Copenhagen, where the wedding might take place. He received an answer
+assenting to his proposal, and the day was fixed. Although he had not
+been consulted, Morten was much pleased with the match.
+
+During the last six years, he had often thought upon the advice his
+father had given him before his death, when he had advised him to take
+Jacob Worse into partnership. Morten had never mentioned the idea to any
+one. He could not reconcile himself to such a humiliation. Now the
+opportunity came of itself, and at a most fortunate time, when he was on
+the point of starting for abroad. Worse would, therefore, be able to get
+an insight into everything during his absence, and there were some weak
+places in the business which were causing Morten much uneasiness.
+Matters of this nature are more easily got over when they can be
+explained by letter.
+
+The wedding thus took place in Copenhagen. Gabriel was present at the
+ceremony. He had been for some time in an office in England, whither
+they had telegraphed to him from Paris, and he joined them at Cologne.
+It was already more than half settled, that Gabriel should take Rachel's
+place with Barnett Brothers in Paris, a prospect at which he was quite
+overjoyed.
+
+The wedding-breakfast was served at the Hotel d'Angleterre, in one of
+the large _salons_ looking out on the Kongen's Nytorv. Every one was in
+the highest spirits, and Morten made a speech in which he remarked, that
+Garman and Worse would now again become a reality.
+
+"And my old enemy Aalbom?" asked Gabriel at dessert.
+
+"Oh, he is the same as ever," answered Morten. "The other day he made a
+virulent speech somewhere about the Garman dynasty. He is terribly
+bitter since we have ceased inviting him to Sandsgaard."
+
+"Poor Aalbom!" said Gabriel, thoughtfully. He was so happy himself, and
+in such a forgiving mood, that he sat down at a table by the window, and
+began sketching, with the greatest care and attention, the equestrian
+statue on the Kongen's Nytorv. The sketch was intended as a present for
+Mr. Aalbom.
+
+A few days after each went to his own place; Morten and Fanny to
+Carlsbad, Gabriel to England to arrange his change of quarters, and the
+newly married couple home to Norway.
+
+On the quay where the steamers landed their passengers was to be seen a
+shining new carriage, with a new coachman and a new pair of horses. In
+the carriage sat Mrs. Worse, wearing a new silk mantle and a new bonnet.
+She had telegraphed for the whole set-out to Worse's agent in
+Copenhagen, with whom the money had for some time been lying ready.
+
+On the box of the carriage, huddled up in a heap, sat Mr. Samuelsen.
+Mrs. Worse's efforts to make him take his place by her side had been
+unavailing; he thought it was quite bad enough as it was.
+
+A group of small boys were naturally standing round the carriage, partly
+to see the horses, and partly to have a good look at the dreaded Pitter
+Nilken. Suddenly one of the young rascals took it into his head to
+repeat the well-known irritating verse--not exactly singing out loud,
+but only barely moving his lips. The idea was soon caught up by his
+comrades, and wherever the unhappy Mr. Samuelsen turned his head he
+could read the couplet on the busy lips, and follow the song--
+
+     "Little Pitter Nilken,
+     Sitting on his chair"--
+
+It was enough to drive one mad.
+
+     "He's always growing smaller
+     The longer he sits there."
+
+The newly married couple got in, and the carriage rolled off through the
+town. Mrs. Worse laughed boisterously with tears in her eyes the whole
+way; she kept bowing in all directions, and her face was radiant with
+smiles. As they turned into the yard, the new bonnet had slipped so far
+over to one side that it fell off when the carriage stopped at the door;
+and as the worthy Mr. Samuelsen jumped down, in his great anxiety to
+help the ladies to alight, he came with both feet right on top of the
+bonnet, notwithstanding that he had seen the danger when he was making
+his spring.
+
+It was quite a business to get Mrs. Worse "balanced" upstairs, she
+laughed so immoderately. They all laughed; the coachman laughed; the
+maids laughed; the newly married couple laughed; every one laughed
+except the unfortunate Mr. Samuelsen, who followed the others upstairs,
+carrying, with averted eyes, his mistress's bonnet by one string, and
+dragging the other after him up the staircase. The lovely new bonnet,
+which was scarcely recognizable as a bonnet any longer!
+
+They had dinner in the young people's apartments, where Mrs. Worse did
+the fine lady to her own intense satisfaction, and persisted in talking
+something which she called French. In the evening, when Rachel and her
+husband returned from a visit from Sandsgaard, the whole party moved
+over to Mrs. Worse's room at the back of the house.
+
+And there, there was laughing, story-telling, drinking of healths, and
+rejoicing, until Pitter Nilken was quite overcome, and offered of his
+own accord to sing "The Knife-Grinder's Courtship"--a song which had
+been a great favourite in the days of his youth. He sang amidst rounds
+of applause, in a curious thin voice, which sounded as if he had all at
+once recovered his boy's treble, and which was high, squeaky, and
+cracked. He, however, rendered the air with a great deal of feeling, and
+his eye rested on Mrs. Worse as he sang--
+
+     "Maiden, oh list! With those sweet winning glances,
+     Thy looks nought but goodness and kindness betide!
+     Oh, couldst thou but smile on my timid advances!
+     Say, wilt thou be thine own knife-grinder's bride?"
+
+Mrs. Worse beat time with her knitting as she joined in the chorus--
+
+     "Whirr! whirr!
+     Blithely we go. Never say no!
+     My foot's on the treadle,
+     which rocks to and fro!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XXVI.
+
+
+In the bright sunshine the yellow sand, dotted here and there with
+patches of bent grass, stretched away to the northward as far as the eye
+could reach. The coast-line, with its succession of bays and
+promontories, was here and there enlivened by a cluster of boats, or a
+flock of gulls, or wild geese, busily at work on the shore, while the
+sea came curling in with its small crested ripples, which sparkled in
+the clear sunshine. Over the heather-covered heights, which rolled away
+far inland, came a carriage, in which were sitting a lady and a
+gentleman. They had left the post-road, and were making their way along
+the narrow sandy track which led down towards the village of Bratvold.
+
+It had been much against Madeleine's wish, but as her husband happened
+to hear from the coachman, that the _detour_ only made a difference of
+about an hour, the order was given to drive down to Bratvold, where they
+would be able to rest for a little time on the road.
+
+The pastor and his wife were on their way westward, on a visit to the
+new living, although they would not come into actual residence till
+August. They wished to take a house, and visit their relations and old
+acquaintances in the town. Pleased as Madeleine was at the prospect of
+again seeing her father, she was still far from glad when she heard that
+her husband was endeavouring to obtain the living. He did so, however,
+in accordance with the express wish of Bishop Sparre, and it was
+moreover looked upon as a great piece of advancement. Madeleine had, as
+usual, made but little opposition to the project. Pastor Martens had at
+length succeeded in educating her into a wife after his own heart.
+
+As she sat there, somewhat crowded in one corner of the carriage, for
+her husband had grown rather stout with the lapse of time, she resembled
+but little that Madeleine whose home had once been among the
+surroundings they were now approaching. She was not ill, but her look
+suggested weariness--great weariness. In a large country rectory there
+is much work to be done, and three children are pretty well to begin
+with.
+
+For the first few years she was almost in a state of despair, and
+several times her old violent temper broke out. But her husband had his
+own particular method of dealing with her. He never lost his temper, and
+the more Madeleine flared up, the more gentle his answers became, as
+with a quiet smile he gently placed his hand upon her shoulder.
+
+But when Madeleine began to calm down, he would speak to her in an
+admonishing tone, and by degrees he succeeded wonderfully in getting her
+into the groove he desired, until at last she got accustomed to the
+method.
+
+Pastor Martens's genial and open countenance did not look its best that
+day. He had, to tell the truth, been dreadfully sea-sick, and so for
+that reason they had left the steamer, preferring to travel the last
+part of the journey by land. His sleek face wore a decidedly green hue,
+and he made a grimace ever and anon, as he looked out of the carriage
+window towards the element they had quitted.
+
+He was, however, a fortunate man, and he was thankful for it. Madeleine
+had improved beyond all expectation under his hands. Her violent temper
+now seldom appeared, and if it did, he was perfectly certain of his
+method of dealing with it. Many a time he remembered with thankfulness
+his dear Bishop Sparre, from whom he had learnt so much, and whose
+fatherly kindness seemed to follow him wherever he went.
+
+The nearer they approached the sea-shore, the broader grew the dark-blue
+line out to the westward, where the sea lay glittering in the sunshine.
+Madeleine gazed and gazed, and thoughts of the past came surging up in
+her heart.
+
+The plovers had their young, and followed after the carriage, swooping
+down in front of the horses with their well-known cry. Larks in hundreds
+filled the air with their joyous warble, which went straight to her
+heart, and the breeze began to waft to her the fresh salt flavour of the
+sea. There was something in it of seaweed, something of fish, but all
+was so wonderfully rich in recollection. Madeleine leant towards the
+breeze and drew in a deep breath; it seemed like a greeting from the sea
+she knew so well, and which recognized her in return; it was a
+reminiscence of her short day of love and happiness. She longed to fill
+her lungs with the pure fresh sea air, so that it might purify all the
+dark and dusty corners in her fettered soul. All the time she had been
+away from Bratvold a taint of impurity seemed to have rested on her; and
+now that she found herself once again face to face with the ocean, she
+seemed almost ashamed thus to return. Oh that she were lying out there
+in its cool depths, with the fresh salt billows dashing over her!
+
+The carriage now approached the top of the last hill, and the village of
+Bratvold, with its lighthouse, burst upon her view. She hid her face in
+her hands and groaned aloud.
+
+It was probable that her husband had not noticed this sudden outburst.
+He had kept his eyes turned to the landward side, for he did not yet
+feel sufficiently strong to bear the sight of the waves as they came
+rolling in.
+
+"Where shall we put up?" asked the driver. "Per Bratvold's is the best
+house, but there are several others that will do well enough."
+
+"Let us go to Per's," said the clergyman.
+
+For a long time Madeleine had not been certain whether Martens knew of
+her adventure with Per; but after a short time of married life, she
+found that a story does not travel very far, without reaching the
+clergyman, and without looking up she felt that his eye was resting upon
+her, with the smile with which he used to bend her to his will.
+
+Per was in the peat-shed when they drove up, and saw her as he peeped
+through a chink in the boards. The moment he did so, he involuntarily
+took the quid of tobacco out of his mouth and threw it from him. After
+waiting a long time, he had begun again to chew tobacco, and after a
+still longer time he had married. It was thus Per's wife who, with
+numberless excuses, conducted the clergyman and his lady into the best
+room. She repeated that it was not what such people were accustomed to.
+While she went out to find Per, and introduce him to the strangers, the
+pastor went round the room examining the curiosities it contained.
+Madeleine sat gazing out of the window. The sight of Per's wife, looking
+so fresh and happy, had pained her--she knew not why.
+
+"Look here, Lena!" he cried, every time he found something of interest.
+
+Lena was a name of his own invention, and which he had given her in
+spite of all her entreaties. Lena sounded so homely, and was well suited
+to a clergyman's wife; while Madeleine had a foreign, French ring, which
+was quite out of place in a rectory.
+
+In the room were several things worthy of his attention. In the first
+place there were two pictures, representing Vesuvius by day, and
+Vesuvius by night; then came a drawing of a coasting vessel called _The
+Three Sisters of Farsund_; then Frederick VII. with his red uniform and
+hook nose; and over the bed, which was heaped up with eider-downs as
+high as one's head, hung a huge horn of plenty, made of white cardboard,
+and on which was the motto, in gilt paper letters, "Be fruitful and
+multiply," which had been given them as a wedding-present. On one end of
+the chest of drawers stood a yellow canary on a red pear, and on the
+other end a red bullfinch on a yellow pear. The floor was dazzlingly
+clean and neatly sanded. The window-panes were small, and the glass of
+different tints; while over one of the windows was nailed a board, on
+which was painted in gold letters the words "_L'Esperance_," which was
+the name of the vessel to which it had belonged. At length Per came in.
+He held out his hand first to the pastor and then to Madeleine, and
+said, "How do you do?" to both. As Madeleine touched the hard and
+powerful hand, she involuntarily drew back her own, and turned away
+without pronouncing the usual greeting. The words seemed to stick in her
+throat.
+
+At that moment Per's wife entered and asked him in a whisper to cut her
+a few chips to make the peat fire burn more quickly, as she wished to
+prepare some coffee. Per went out of the room, and the pastor followed
+the prosperous little peasant woman to inspect the house.
+
+Madeleine took a few steps to and fro in the room, and then went to the
+door. As she stood on the stone steps under the porch, she could see
+down into the little harbour, and her eye could follow the path which
+led across the flat meadow, and up across the steep slope as far as the
+lighthouse. There lay her old home, with its solid stone walls, and the
+lantern with its red-painted cover. She turned away: the sight was more
+than she could bear. Her ear now caught the sound of Per chopping the
+wood in the peat-shed, and almost without knowing what she did, she
+found herself in the shed, standing by his side. He ceased for a moment
+from his work, raised himself up, and looked beyond her over the sea.
+Per wore a stiff sailor's beard, and his face had grown older and
+coarser with the lapse of time, but still every feature was familiar to
+her. Madeleine made a step towards him and endeavoured to take his hand.
+In this she was unsuccessful, for he drew it away from her. She could no
+longer command her feelings, and, throwing her arms round his neck, she
+laid her head on his breast.
+
+Delphin's remark was perfectly true about the mixture of fish, tobacco,
+and damp woollen clothing; but she felt that this was her place, and
+here she ought to rest. At that moment, too, she perceived why the pang
+had passed through her heart when she met Per's wife. She envied her
+everything. Husband, home, even her very existence,--all belonged to
+her. Here was her place, and here the man she loved and understood. Oh,
+how all her so-called friends had mocked and deceived her! What a life
+was hers!--a life which consisted only in being the wife of a man she
+did not love, in keeping his house, and bearing his children, surrounded
+on every side by an unwholesome atmosphere of form, ceremony, and
+selfishness.
+
+Closer and closer she clung to the broad breast whereon she lay, and
+that heart, so well drilled and confined, ran over in one supreme moment
+of mingled happiness and anguish, while the recollections of her
+youthful love passed through her sobbing heart.
+
+"It was not my fault--it was not my fault!" she repeated plaintively,
+like a child who has had the misfortune to break something.
+
+He lifted his hard heavy hand, and laying it on her head, passed it
+gently over her hair. Now he understood it all, but not a word passed
+his lips.
+
+"Lena, Lena!" cried the pastor from the door, "you must come and see
+what I have found. Here are twins. Lena, Lena! where are you? Make
+haste! What a good wife! Just think, twins the first time!"
+
+It was not easy to tell what Per's thoughts were as he stood again alone
+looking over the sea. Thus had the billows rolled to and fro in storm
+and sunshine, whilst he had waited and waited. And this was what he had
+waited for! He drew a long breath, and his face seemed to grow clearer
+again as he slowly nodded his head several times towards the ocean.
+
+Per's wife made many apologies, as is but right and proper on such
+occasions, for the repast, which, however, consisted of coffee, with
+cream and sugar, bread and butter and cakes, and lastly a dish of small
+lobsters. She insisted that it was a shame to offer such small lobsters
+to her guests. It was a pity they had not some larger ones.
+
+But now it was just one of the pastor's favourite theories, and which he
+always defended with much energy and conviction, namely, that small
+lobsters are really better and more delicate than large ones. He was,
+therefore, in the best of humours, and made several innocent jokes with
+the friendly peasant woman.
+
+Per now came in and begged they would begin their meal, as everything
+was ready. He then sat down by the side of the fireplace, with his
+elbows resting on his knees.
+
+The sun shone so brightly through the small window-panes, the room was
+so clean and comfortable, the table-cloth so white, the cream so yellow,
+and the small lobsters so red and appetizing, that the pastor felt
+constrained to improve the occasion.
+
+He chose as his text a fact which he had heard from the woman, namely,
+that Per had built the house entirely of the wreckage of a French brig,
+which had been stranded on the coast a little way to the northward. This
+was the vessel to which the board over the window had belonged.
+
+The pastor dwelt on the uncertainty of human affairs, how often we are
+disappointed, but how there is a leading thread which seems to run
+through our existence.
+
+"And look," said he, "on that proud ship, fitted out in the sunny land
+of France, and bearing a name which points to hope and expectation; for
+_L'Esperance_, my friends, signifies hope, only to be lost on our
+desolate coast. So it is with us mortals. How many a vain hope sails out
+with flag and banner, only to be miserably wrecked in the storms of
+life! But observe! that which has been dashed to pieces by the tempest,
+has been refashioned by humble hands into a new dwelling-place. Thus
+does life spring from death, comfort from desolation, and happiness from
+shattered hopes, and thus our whole career may be but a patchwork of
+mere wreckage!"
+
+It was with the last remains of her old impetuosity that Madeleine
+repeated the words, "Thus live we all!"
+
+At this moment Per got up and went out. His wife could not understand
+why his behaviour was so unseemly.
+
+Pastor Martens saw it all; but explanations, if any were necessary,
+might follow later on. It was not worth while to spoil the delightful
+meal. He handed his wife the cream, as, with a friendly smile, he placed
+his hand upon her shoulder.
+
+He then set to work on his small lobsters, which he found excellent.
+
+
+
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
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author	Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org>	2025-10-15 04:47:42 -0700
committer	Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org>	2025-10-15 04:47:42 -0700
commit	ef48cf5ec3514bb51b650d18b364e8f2b86cb4f6 (patch)
tree	a13ea3de349c4b8a267ab8278cf8536019e207dd