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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Home in the Valley, by Emilie F. Carlen
+
+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: The Home in the Valley
+
+Author: Emilie F. Carlen
+
+Translator: Elbert Perce
+
+Release Date: August 3, 2005 [EBook #16422]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE HOME IN THE VALLEY ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Bill Tozier, Barbara Tozier, Sigal Alon and
+the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+https://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+[Transcriber's Note: Some words which appear to be typos or misspelled
+are printed thus in the original book.]
+
+
+
+
+THE
+HOME IN THE VALLEY.
+
+By
+EMILIE F. CARLEN,
+
+Author of "One Year Of Wedlock," "The Whimsical Woman,"
+"Gustavus Lindorm," etc. etc.
+
+From the original Swedish by
+ELBERT PERCE.
+
+
+New York
+Charles Scribner, 145 Nassau-street.
+
+1854.
+
+
+  Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1854, by
+                    CHARLES SCRIBNER,
+  in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States
+  for the Southern District of New York.
+
+
+
+Tobitt's Combination-Type,
+181 William St.
+
+
+
+
+
+TRANSLATOR'S PREFACE
+
+
+A few years ago, Mrs. Carlen was comparatively unknown to readers in
+this country; but the marked success which followed the publication of
+"One Year of Wedlock" encouraged the translator in the endeavor to
+present that lady's works to the American public.
+
+In her writings Mrs. Carlen exhibits a versatility which may be
+considered remarkable. While in one book she revels in descriptions of
+home-scenes and characters, in another she presents her readers with
+events and incidents that bear a strong resemblance to the startling
+and melo-dramatic productions of many of the modern romance writers of
+France.
+
+This peculiarity, however, may be accounted for by the fact that she
+writes--as she herself confesses--entirely from impulse.
+
+When her mind is clouded by sorrow--and she has been oppressed with many
+bitter griefs--she seeks to remove the cause of her despondency by
+creating a hero or heroine, afflicted like herself, and following this
+individual through a train of circumstances which, she imagines, would
+naturally occur during a life of continued gloom and sorrow.
+
+On the other hand, when life appears bright and beautiful to her, then
+she tells a tale of joy; a story of domestic life, for where does pure
+happiness exist except at the fireside at home?
+
+It must have been during one of these bright intervals of her life that
+Mrs. Carlen wrote "The Home in the Valley," for the work is a continued
+description of the delights of home, which, although occasionally
+obscured by grief, and in some instances, by folly, are rendered still
+more precious by their brief absence.
+
+_New York_, August 15th, 1854.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+THE VALLEY.
+
+
+In one of father La Fontaine's books, may be found a description of a
+lovely valley, the residence of a beautiful and modest maiden, and of
+the heroine of this Arcadia he writes:
+
+"There stands our heroine, as lovely as the valley, her home, and as
+virtuous and good as her mother, who has devoted a lifetime to the
+education of her daughter."
+
+But with the history of this maiden he weaves the workings of an evil
+genius, which in the end is triumphant; for even the pure are
+contaminated after they arrive at that period when they consider that
+vice has its virtues.
+
+Our story is located near the beautiful Lake Wenner, in a valley which
+much resembles that described by La Fontaine. As we enter this valley,
+the first object that meets our view is a small red-colored cottage. A
+vine twines itself gracefully over one of the windows, the glass panes
+of which glisten through the green leaves, which slightly parted,
+disclose the sober visage of an ancient black cat, that is demurely
+looking forth upon the door yard. She has chosen a sunny spot on the
+window sill, for the cheering beams of the sun are as grateful to a cat,
+as is the genial warmth of the stove to an old man, when winter has
+resumed his sway upon earth. If we should enter the cottage, we would in
+all probability find the proprietor of the little estate seated in his
+old arm-chair, while his daughter-in-law--but more of this anon.
+
+From the cottage the ground descended in a slight slope, which
+terminated in a white sandy beach at the margin of the lake. Near the
+beach were fastened the small skiffs, which swayed to and fro amongst
+the rushes, where the children delighted to sail their miniature ships.
+From the rear of the house the little valley extended itself in
+undulating fields and meadows, interspersed with barren hillocks and
+thrifty potato patches. In the fields could be heard the tinkling of the
+cow-bells, the bleating of lambs, and the barking of a dog as he
+gathered together his little flock. Carlo was a fortunate dog, for the
+farm was so small that he could keep his entire charge within sight at
+all times.
+
+Near the centre of the valley stood a large tree, the widely spread
+branches of which shaded a spring, which gushed forth from beneath a
+huge moss-covered stone. This was the favorite place of resort of a
+beautiful maiden, who might be seen almost every summer evening
+reclining upon the moss that bordered the verge of the spring.
+
+"There stands our heroine, as lovely as the valley, her home, and as
+virtuous and good as her mother, who has devoted a lifetime to the
+education of her daughter."
+
+But many years before the date of our story, Nanna had lost the
+protection of her beloved mother; yet the loss had been partially
+supplied by her sister-in-law, who occupied the places of a kind mother,
+a gentle sister, and a faithful friend.
+
+Nanna was now in her sixteenth year; but to all appearances she was much
+younger. Unlike others of her years, her cheeks did not display the
+bloom of maidenhood, and her countenance lacked the vivacity natural to
+her age. Her features wore an expression of melancholy, which was
+perfectly in keeping with the pallor of her cheeks, the pearly whiteness
+of which vied in brilliancy with the hue of a lily.
+
+Nanna was the child of poverty, and belonged to that class of beings,
+who, situated between riches and nobility on the one hand, and poverty
+on the other, are considered as upstarts by the wealthy as well as the
+poor.
+
+Nanna's father, when young, was placed in an entirely different position
+of life than that in which we now find him. An illegitimate son, he
+entered the world with a borrowed title, but with fair prospects for the
+future; for his father, a man of consequence and wealth, intended to
+marry his mother, and thus the son would bear no longer the stigma of
+his father's crime. But death, who in this case had been forgotten,
+suddenly cut the thread of his father's life, and the mother and son
+were driven forth from the house of their protector, deprived of honor,
+wealth, and station.
+
+This is an old, very old and thread-bare story, and not more novel is
+that which generally follows. First comes melancholy, then great
+exertions on the part of the injured party; next dashed hope, and
+finally gloomy resignation.
+
+The mother died, the son lived to pass through the life we have above
+described, but which was ended, however, by matrimony. He married after
+he had passed his fortieth year.
+
+Before his marriage, Carl Lonner passed through the various gradations
+in society, from the nobleman to the simple gentleman. He supported
+himself by revenues he derived from a small business, and by drawing up
+legal papers for the surrounding peasantry and fishermen. For a wife he
+had chosen the daughter of a half pay sergeant, and in this case his
+fortunate star was in the ascendant, for she not only brought him a
+loving heart, but also the little farm on which he resided at the date
+of our story.
+
+We will now, however, turn our attentions to Nanna, who is sitting
+beneath the tree near the spring, in which she has been bathing her
+feet.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+As Nanna glanced into the clear water of the spring, she shuddered
+convulsively, although the air was warm, for it was a June evening, but
+it was a shudder from within that shook her slight form. Nanna had
+lately perceived that her dear sister-in-law, Magde, when she thought
+herself unseen, had shed tears, and the poor girl's heart beat with a
+sensation of undefined fear, for when Magde weeps, thought she, there
+must have been a great cause.
+
+"Why is the world so formed as it is? Some flowers are so modest and
+little that they would be trodden under foot unless great care is taken,
+while others elevate their great and gaudy heads above the grass. The
+latter are the rich, while the little down-trodden blossoms are the
+poor. And so it is with even the birds! one is greater than the other,
+and mankind is not behind them. We belong to the poor; there," she
+continued, turning her deep eyes towards a distant point in the horizon,
+on the other side of the lake, "there lives the rich; they take no
+notice of us. Even the poor fishermen and peasants say, 'Our children
+cannot be the play-fellows of Mademoiselle Nanna.' Mademoiselle,
+Mademoiselle," she repeated slowly, "it is shameful to call me so! and
+how much better it would be to call Magde good mother, than to give her
+the title of My Lady! To be poor is not so bad, but to be friendless is
+bitter indeed."
+
+As she thus sat, with her eyes fixed mournfully upon the distant object
+which was the roof of an elegant house, which was barely visible over
+the brow of a hill, she was startled by the noise of approaching
+footsteps. She had scarcely cast her mantle over her white shoulders,
+which she had uncovered during her ablutions, when, to her great
+astonishment, she discovered a stranger rapidly approaching towards her.
+He was clothed in a light frock coat; a knapsack was fastened upon his
+shoulders, and in his hand he swung a knotted stick. Nanna had never
+before beheld a personage who resembled the stranger. His face, browned
+in the sun, until it resembled that of a gipsy, wore an honest and frank
+expression, and his dark curling hair, which fell in thick clusters from
+his black felt hat, added to the pleasing aspect of his countenance.
+
+Nanna, who at her first glance at the youth, had thought him a gipsy,
+which wild tribe she greatly feared, was reassured by a second look.
+
+The stranger, on his side, appeared greatly astonished at the sudden
+appearance of the beautiful water nymph, for such a goddess Nanna much
+resembled, as she stood, with her garments flowing gracefully around her
+slight figure; her tiny white feet playing with the moist grass, and her
+pale and mournful face, encircled with golden locks, that fell
+negligently upon her white and well rounded shoulders.
+
+The youth thus addressed her:
+
+"Pardon me, lovely naiad. It appears that I have taken the wrong path,
+although I supposed that I had chosen the right direction."
+
+"Whither are you going?" inquired Nanna, in a voice sweet and melodious.
+
+"To Almvik," replied the stranger.
+
+"Alas!" said the maid, casting a peculiar glance at his knapsack, "I
+hoped that you were not a member of the aristocracy."
+
+"Oh, my little sylph, for I know not what else to call you, is my face
+so poor a recommendation, that I cannot be considered a man because I
+carry a pack on my back?"
+
+"Are those of noble birth the only men?" inquired Nanna, and a gloomy
+expression fell upon her lips, which a moment before had been illumined
+with a sunny smile.
+
+"Ah," replied the youth, "the longer I gaze upon your dear face, the
+more I esteem you. Far be it from me to wound your sensitive nature. If
+it will comfort you, I will say that no man can long more earnestly
+than I do for the time when all mankind shall be equal."
+
+"Do you speak from your heart?"
+
+"I do, earnestly; but tell me your name."
+
+"Nanna, Nanna of the Valley, I am called."
+
+"That is poetical; but have you no other name?"
+
+"I am sometimes called Mademoiselle Nanna; but that grieves me, for we
+are poor people."
+
+"Ah! I thought that you were something more than a peasant girl. Pardon
+me, I have spoken too familiarly. I knew not your station."
+
+"Familiarly!"
+
+"I addressed you too warmly."
+
+"Your words sounded well when you thus spoke."
+
+"Possibly; but henceforth I shall address you as Mademoiselle Nanna."
+
+"Shall we then see each other again?"
+
+"Yes, yes, quite probably--we are to be neighbors."
+
+"You intend, then, to reside at Almvik?"
+
+"Yes, for a few weeks, perhaps during the whole summer; but I pray you
+come with me a few steps on my road, I need your guidance."
+
+Nanna sprang to her feet, and as she stood before the young man, her
+eyes sparkling with unusual brilliancy, her garments falling in graceful
+folds over her sylph-like limbs, he gazed at her as if enchained by her
+almost superhuman beauty. To the youthful stranger's request she
+answered by putting her little white feet in such active motion, that
+they seemed to tread upon the air instead of the green sward.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+THE COTTAGE.
+
+
+The interior of the little building to which we now turn, was thus
+arranged: The ground floor was divided into a kitchen and three other
+apartments, viz:--a middle sized room, by favor called the parlor, in
+which was generally the dwelling place of the family, and a small
+chamber on either side of the parlor. One of these was the bed-chamber
+of Carl Lonner, and the other was occupied by his eldest son and his
+wife.
+
+The upper story, that is, the attic, contained two divisions, and the
+sole dominion of these airy apartments was granted to two younger
+members of the family; the front room belonging to Nanna, and the other
+to her brother Carl, known in the neighborhood by the nick-name of
+"Wiseacre," and under certain circumstances as "Crazy Carl," although it
+would have been difficult to find throughout the entire neighborhood a
+personage wiser than honest Carl.
+
+Throughout the entire building the marks of poverty were plainly
+evident; but at the same time each object presented a tidy and cleanly
+appearance and although the cottage lacked many luxuries, still comfort
+seemed to reign supreme. The rush covered floor; the table, polished to
+brightness; and the flower vases, filled with odorous boquets of lilacs,
+the neat window curtains, the handicraft of Nanna, the crimson sofa
+curtain, embroidered by the thrifty Magde, all combined, proved that the
+inmates of the cottage, had not only the taste, but also the inclination
+to render home pleasant even under the most adverse circumstances.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+At the time that Nanna had started forth as a guide to the youthful
+stranger, old Mr. Lonner was seated near the side of his bed in his
+private apartment. Although weighed down by age and the grief that had
+oppressed his early life, he nevertheless possessed that gentleness and
+sociability, which had ever been the characteristic traits of his life.
+His flowing white locks fell around his countenance, from which the
+traces of manly beauty had not been entirely eradicated, and as he
+smoked his pipe with an air of dignified pleasure, he would occasionally
+glance towards a young matron, who, seated in a large arm chair, was
+reading aloud a letter to him.
+
+The letter bore the postmark of Goteborg, and was written by the old
+man's eldest son, Ragnar Lonner, the husband of the matron. He was mate
+of a trading vessel, and three months before had bidden farewell to his
+wife and family. As she continued reading the letter, three children who
+had been playing, commenced a little dispute about the proprietorship of
+a large apple. In an opposite corner Carl had stationed himself. He was
+a full grown youth with a face bearing an expression of mingled
+silliness and wisdom.--As he glanced from under his long hair, first at
+the bed-quilt, then at the quarrelling children, he paid close attention
+to all that his sister-in-law was reading aloud. Carl was not the
+simpleton people considered him, although his highest ambition appeared
+to consist in erecting dirt houses and making mud-pies.
+
+"Magde," said the old man, casting a glance of affection upon the
+vivacious Magdalena. "You had better read that letter again. Ragnar is a
+son who has his heart in the right place."
+
+"And a husband too!" added Magde, and a flush of joyful pride overspread
+her blooming cheeks.
+
+"Yes, and a brother also; read the letter once more, it will be none
+the less pleasant to read it a third time when Nanna returns."
+
+Magde, who had not refolded the letter, commenced reading again, and her
+voice trembled with pride and emotion as she read as follows:--
+
+     "Beloved Magde:
+
+     "When you shall break the seal of this letter, I feel assured that
+     you will wish you possessed wings that you might be enabled to fly
+     to your loving husband. And as I think I see you approaching me
+     through the air, surrounded by our little angels,--may God protect
+     them,--the tears start to my eyes, tears which no man should be
+     ashamed to shed, and I feel an inward desire to hasten to meet you.
+
+     "But now, dear Magde, I must control my thoughts, and so direct
+     them to you, that they shall prove intelligible. I arrived, on the
+     eighth day of this month, at Goteborg, in safety and in good
+     health. I hope our father is well and capable of enjoying as usual,
+     the balmy air and bright verdure of summer.
+
+     "Our little cottage is a pleasant residence, in spite of all its
+     disadvantages, and I feel assured that both yourself and Nanna do
+     all that lies in your power to cheer our mutual parent, when he is
+     sick and dispirited.
+
+     "One night while our vessel was lying in the canal, I was visited
+     by an evil dream, but dreams are empty and meaningless, and I hope
+     that no more of my disagreeable fancies will be realized than that
+     you at home, may experience a little anxiety and solicitude
+     concerning the welfare of the absent one.
+
+     "The Spring of the year is always the most severe season, for
+     winter consumes the harvest of the preceding summer.
+
+     "Well, we have many mouths to feed--God protect our children.--When
+     they are older they will work for us. It was my intention to send
+     you a small sum of money in this letter; but I was obliged to wait
+     until Jon Jonson, who is here at present with his sloop, shall
+     commence his homeward voyage, for I can place no dependence upon
+     young Rask to whom I am obliged to entrust this letter, as he might
+     be tempted on his way to the post office to enter a beer-house, and
+     there lose the money. I am forced to send Rask to the office, as I
+     am obliged to remain on the vessel until it is unloaded.
+
+     "I will tell you in advance that I shall not be able to send you a
+     large amount of money; but instead of that, I shall forward you
+     when Jonson returns, a quantity of foreign goods which I have been
+     fortunate enough to purchase and to place on board his sloop
+     without paying the duty, which you know is heavy. It consists of
+     sugar, coffee, tobacco, cotton yarn, and a package of silks.
+
+     "You, my dear wife, must select the best, a silk shawl which you
+     will find in the package. Nanna may have the next best shawl, and
+     you may give Carl the blue handkerchief which is at the bottom of
+     the parcel. I have not forgotten father. I shall send him a small
+     cask of liquor, and in the parcel of silks you will find a bundle
+     of toys for the children.
+
+     "You cannot imagine--but still you must--how pleasant it is to
+     deprive oneself of luxuries that you may provide for the wants of
+     those whom you have left at home.
+
+     "My ship-mates frequently say that I am severe towards them when at
+     sea, perhaps I am; but it grieves me when I see those noble men, so
+     skillful in the management of our vessel, lavish their money when
+     on shore in foolish pleasures. They have as great reason to be
+     economical as I have myself, and I cannot resist from occasionally
+     censuring them, and therefore I may not appear so kind to them as I
+     am to you when at home, or while I am writing this letter. Although
+     all my efforts may be fruitless, still I feel assured that there is
+     not one man amongst them who would not peril his existence to
+     rescue 'the tiger,' as they call me, from any danger. They well
+     know that I would not stop to think, but would spring into the
+     ocean at once, if it was necessary, to rescue them.
+
+     "But, my dear Magde, a word in confidence. I am neither as wise or
+     as well educated as my father was in his younger days, yet I would
+     not wound your feelings either by word or action; but I must inform
+     you that a rumor has reached my ears about a certain man, whose
+     neck I once would have twisted willingly, because, when in church,
+     he looked at you oftener than he did at the minister.
+
+     "But if, when I return, I discover that that villain from Almvik
+     has been poaching on my grounds, he must look to safety. In you,
+     Magde, I can place all confidence, and shall therefore say nothing
+     further. And now farewell. Remember me firstly to my father, and
+     then to my sister, and my children.
+
+     "Your faithful husband,
+     "RAGNAR LONNER.
+
+     "P.S. During the soft moonlight nights, when on my watch, I see
+     your form, dear Magde, bright and beautiful, as I look over the
+     wake of the vessel. And when the night is dark and cloudy, I see
+     you sitting by my side, the binnacle light shining upon your
+     pleasant face, which is illumined with smiles as I gaze upon little
+     Conrad, whom I imagine a fine full grown lad, climbing the shrouds
+     with all the eagerness of a competent sailor. But, belay, otherwise
+     my letter will be under sail again."
+
+When Magde read the portion of her husband's letter which he had
+intended as confidential, her voice trembled as it did when she had
+first read the letter.
+
+"It would have been my desire," said she, "that Ragnar had sent the
+money in the letter. It has been more than three weeks, dear father,
+since you have partaken of other food than fish, bread and potatoes.
+Ah! I wish we had a quarter of beef!"
+
+"O, stop your prating, child! Fish is very good food indeed."
+
+"But not strengthening. How delicious it would be if we only had a
+partridge, or even a rabbit. Certainly they would not cost much! But who
+dare think of such luxuries? All delicacies must be sent to Almvik."
+
+"God grant that we may have nothing worse to expect from Almvik, than
+that they should prevent us from enjoying luxuries that poor people
+cannot expect to procure."
+
+"O, that is not my opinion. In winter-time, when Ragnar is at home, he
+procures us many a savory dish with his gun."
+
+"Yes, but I think that if Ragnar has disturbed the hunting grounds of
+Almvik, he may consider himself fortunate if the proprietor has not
+poached upon his own premises in return. The affairs of Almvik are far
+differently conducted than they were formerly, under the sway of the
+ancient proprietor."
+
+During their conversation the old man and Magde had taken no notice of
+Carl, who, while he listened to their words, contorted his face in such
+a manner that it would have been difficult to decide whether he was
+laughing or crying. He placed his hands over his face; but between his
+fingers his eyes could be seen peering out with a peculiar expression at
+Magde.
+
+"I will no longer feign ignorance of your meaning, father," replied
+Magde, with a visible effort to suppress her anger. "It is true that in
+words, and even in actions, he has conducted himself with more
+presumption than he would have dared to assume last winter; but fear
+not, I well know how to protect the honor of my name."
+
+"And as you thus speak you vainly endeavor to conceal your emotions,"
+said the old man suspiciously.
+
+"Do not think that he has endeavored to plant his snare for a simple
+dove. When he would snatch his prize, he may learn that I possess both
+beak and talons."
+
+"Well, my child," replied Mr. Lonner, with a laugh, "it is a fortunate
+chance that you are the daughter of a father who was a man of the world;
+but your birth entitled you to a higher position in life than that which
+you now occupy."
+
+"You speak strangely, father."
+
+"Why, you might have married Mr. Trystedt who possessed riches and
+lands, while now you live in absolute poverty."
+
+"Why should you think of that? Is it not better to live in poverty with
+love, than to possess untold riches without love? Does the whole earth
+contain a better husband than my Ragnar? Is he not a skillful sailor? I
+have no doubt but that had he not been married he would long ago have
+been promoted to a captaincy. He is a thousand times more of a
+gentleman, at any time, than that old Trystedt, who was a torment to all
+he whom he met."
+
+"Thank God! If you are satisfied, then all is right, and even if we are
+at present in straightened circumstances all will be made right when
+Jonson arrives. I hope that he will be careful of the goods entrusted to
+him."
+
+A slight noise in an adjoining room, notified the mother that her infant
+child had awakened. She instantly arose and left the apartment. Magde
+was a dignified and elegant woman, although her countenance was pleasing
+rather than beautiful, and as she moved towards the door the old man's
+eyes followed her with a gaze of admiration and love.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+HUSBAND AND WIFE.
+
+
+About a half a mile from the valley--the name of which we shall conceal,
+as many personages who are to play a part in our little story are still
+living--was situated the estate of Almvik, which the present proprietor
+Fabian H----, had purchased one year before, and had immediately removed
+thither with his family.
+
+Mr. H----, and above all his puissant wife Mistress Ulrica Eugenia, her
+proper name, but which she had afterwards tortured into the more refined
+patronymic, Ulrique Eugenie--were individuals who moved in the higher
+classes of society, at least he who should endeavor to prove to the
+contrary would find the task a thankless one.
+
+Mr. Fabian H----, imagined himself a second Brutus, that is to say; he
+was fully convinced that the time would certainly arrive when he should
+arouse himself from his present listlessness; when he should be released
+from the thraldom of his wife, and awaken to renewed strength and vigor.
+But it was much to be feared that poor Brutus never would realize his
+bright anticipations of liberty.
+
+Mistress Ulrica Eugenia was characterized by a strong desire to assist
+in the work of emancipating women from the tyranny of men, and that she
+might forward the good work she had entirely set at naught the command
+that a wife should obey her husband; she openly declared that the
+ancient law which compelled the woman to subserve to the man, was but a
+concoction of man himself, that the Bible itself never contained such an
+absurd command, but that the translators, who she triumphantly affirmed
+were men, had placed that law in the scripture, merely to suit their own
+selfish ends. She also affirmed that she would stake her life upon the
+issue that she would not find, even if she should search the scriptures
+through, such an absurd command. And she was right. _She_ would not find
+it.
+
+In the immediate neighborhood of Almvik, Mr. H---- was reverenced as a
+wealthy nobleman, and a man of power. He wished to be considered a
+hospitable man, and frequently rejoiced his neighbors with invitations
+to visit his beautiful estate. To him strangers were godsends. He
+entertained them to the best of his ability, invited the neighbors to
+see them, and although his little soirees were very pleasant, still, as
+the guests were drawn from all classes of society, many amusing scenes
+were enacted, in all of which, Mistress Ulrica Eugenia performed a
+prominent and independent part.
+
+Although Mrs. Ulrica had liberated herself from all obedience to her
+legal master, and had in fact assumed the reins of government herself,
+she nevertheless possessed some, if not a great deal of affection for
+the rosy cheeks and sleepy eyes of her husband, and at the same time she
+kept a watchful eye upon those whom she suspected of partaking with her
+in this sentiment. Not only was Mrs. H---- occasionally aggravated by
+the pangs of jealousy, but she was also tormented by the thought that
+her husband entirely confided in her own fidelity, thus at once cutting
+off the possibility of a love quarrel and a reconciliation.
+
+Upon the evening when we first made the personal acquaintance of the
+inmates of Almvik, Mr. H---- and his wife were riding out in their gig;
+for in the morning they rode in a light hunting wagon, and at noon they
+used the large family coach.
+
+Mr. H----, immediately before starting forth on the ride had received a
+severe lecture from his spouse, because he indulged in an afternoon's
+nap, instead of devising means for the amusement of the family, that
+is, of the worthy dame herself, and their only treasure, the little
+Eugene Ulrich, and Mr. H----, we say, never felt inclined for sprightly
+conversation after such a lecture.
+
+He well knew that he would be obliged to succumb in everything; but like
+a stubborn boy, who is punished by being compelled to stand in a corner
+until shame forces him to submit, Mr. H---- determined, to speak
+figuratively--to stand silently in that corner the entire day rather
+than to acknowledge himself conquered.
+
+That was, at least, one point gained, towards his emancipation. It
+cannot but be supposed, however, that, if the lecture had been upon any
+other subject less trivial than the mere act of sleeping, Mr. H----
+would have undoubtedly acted in an entirely different manner. At least
+that is the only excuse we can find for his conduct on this occasion.
+
+"Well," said Mistress Ulrica, straightening herself up in her seat with
+the utmost dignity, "upon my honor, Mr. H----, you are a _very_
+agreeable companion."
+
+"I am obliged to be careful while driving."
+
+"Is it necessary that you should sit there as dumb as a fence post?"
+
+No reply.
+
+"Well, I must say that your sulkiness is not to be envied. Suppose some
+one should see us--I mean you--why they would readily believe that your
+wife was an old woman."
+
+"Now, now, my dear Ulrique Eugenie, don't--"
+
+"Your dear Ulrique Eugenie is not yet thirty eight years old, and even
+though you are two years younger, I do not think that should make any
+difference."
+
+"On the contrary, on the contrary," grumbled her husband, chuckling
+inwardly.
+
+"I do not know but what your words have a double meaning; but Fabian,
+_we_ must not quarrel, let us become reconciled, there is my hand."
+
+"Your heart ever overflows with the milk of human kindness, my dear,"
+said he.
+
+"Thank you, my dear husband,--but can you imagine what I really intended
+to say?"
+
+"Indeed I cannot."
+
+"I intended to say, should you ever cast your eyes upon another--"
+
+"God forbid!"
+
+"You may well say God forbid, am I not your wife, who will not allow her
+rights to be trodden under foot?"
+
+"Am I not aware of that?"
+
+"Even if you are, my dear, there is no harm in my saying that if I
+should discover the slightest cause which would arouse my suspicion I
+would scratch out your eyes!"
+
+"Sweet _Ulgenie_!"
+
+_Ulgenie_, a word which the reader will observe, is compounded from the
+words Ulrica and Eugenie, was one of those contorted terms of
+endearment, which Mrs. H---- permitted her husband to use during their
+moments of tenderness. Should he wish to address her in an extremely
+affectionate manner, he would term her his "pet Ulte," an expression
+which had also originated in the fertile mind of the loving wife!
+
+On this occasion the husband considered the first expression
+sufficiently affectionate, and in all probability many tender
+recollections were associated with those three syllables, for no sooner
+had he uttered the name "Ulgenie," than she cast her eyes downward with
+an unusual gentle expression, and in a changed tone of voice, she
+whispered:--
+
+"Never again my dearest husband shall we differ in our opinions.
+Equality in marriage renders it a useful institution; but to change the
+subject, it is long since you have made any hunting excursions, dear
+Fabian, to-morrow you must go."
+
+As Mistress Ulrica was determined that her husband should become a
+skillful sportsman, she gave him rest neither night nor day, unless he
+devoted at least two days of the week to hunting or fishing excursions.
+Not that Mr. H---- was a sportsman; but that it afforded his wife great
+pleasure to inform her guests, that a certain moorcock was killed by her
+dear Fabian, or that he had caught the pike which then graced their
+table, for, she would add complacently, her Fabian was well aware that
+she took great delight in eating the game taken by his skillful hand.
+
+Therefore there were no means of escape for him, he must by force become
+a sportsman, for a wife who is laboring for the emancipation of
+womankind, never will permit her desires to remain ungratified. During
+the conversation the vehicle approached the mansion. Mr. Fabian H----,
+during the entire ride, had thought upon the pipe and sofa which awaited
+him upon his return, for he smoked like a Turk, and loved the ease of
+oriental life. There was one pursuit, however, which afforded him still
+greater pleasure, and that was to ogle other men's wives, for he was an
+unfortunate son of Adam, never being able to discover beauties which his
+wife might have possessed.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Who can that be!" exclaimed Mistress Ulrica Eugenia as the gig entered
+the court-yard, "who is that elegant young man descending the door
+steps? is it possible that he is my nephew little Gottlieb?"
+
+"Yes he is, my dear Aunt Ulrica, I was little Gottlieb, but I have grown
+up to be big Gottlieb," answered a cheerful voice, and the next moment
+the young man whose acquaintance we have before made, embraced the lady
+warmly, and then heartily shook his uncle's extended hand. Uncle Fabian
+however, was not overjoyed at his wife's determination of introducing
+into his house a stripling who might perhaps become a spy upon his
+actions and make reports that would call forth the entire vigor of his
+wife's tongue.
+
+After the first torrent of welcomings, questions and answers,--for Mr.
+H---- did not dare do otherwise than to cordially welcome his guest--had
+subsided, and the family had entered the dining room, and the hostess
+had pressed the acceptance of a third cup of tea upon the young man, who
+was already sufficiently heated without undergoing this ordeal; she thus
+addressed him:--
+
+"Now, my dear little Gottlieb, you look remarkably well, you little
+rogue. Is it really true that you have made this long journey to see us
+on foot?"
+
+"It is indeed true; this green coat is my usual costume when I do not
+wear a blouse, which is my favorite garment. My better apparel is
+contained within my knapsack, and thus I have given you an invoice of my
+wardrobe, which you see, my dear aunt, is not very extensive."
+
+"But your under-clothes, my child?"
+
+"What, under-clothes, do you think I could give my dear uncle so much
+trouble as to bring linen clothes with me?"
+
+"What a careless fellow you are!"
+
+"'You have now,' said my mother, when I took my leave, 'you have now
+four rare pieces of linen, styled shirts; but when you return, you must
+travel by steam, for you will undoubtedly possess twenty-four!'"
+
+"Ah!" replied his aunt, with a smile, "I understand you now."
+
+"How do you understand me?" inquired Gottlieb.
+
+"As belonging to that class of persons, sir, who never find themselves
+at a loss," replied uncle Fabian, in a tone of voice which he intended
+should be overwhelming.
+
+Gottlieb, however, was not inclined to be thus easily driven from the
+field. "You have hit the nail upon the head," said he, with an assumed
+expression of respect for the decision of his uncle, "and it is by the
+means of that very trait of character which you have mentioned, that I
+hope to work myself through the world, although I am only the son of a
+poor secretary in a government office, who is embarrassed by debt and a
+large family, thus you perceive I cannot depend solely upon the whims of
+fortune."
+
+"What then are your prospects for the future?" inquired the lady
+seriously.
+
+"I have but one," replied Gottlieb.
+
+"And what is that?"
+
+"My plan is very simple, I have thoroughly studied financial matters,
+and in the fall intend to help my father in his office, so that he can
+spare the services of his two assistants. He will then have only one
+salary to pay; but I think that I can do the work of three, and as I
+intend to become a model of order, capability and energy, I hope to be
+able to win the favor of the head of the treasury department, so that
+when my father, who at present is in a very feeble state of health,
+shall be obliged to resign, I may be appointed in his stead. This is my
+plan."
+
+"You are a shrewd young man," said Mistress Ulrica.
+
+"It is not necessary to be shrewd when the high road is plain before
+you."
+
+"But at least you must possess sufficient knowledge of the world to
+prevent you, in your youth, from leaving the high road, and wasting your
+time in useless dreaming."
+
+"Of dreaming, he who has nothing but his head and hands to depend on,
+must not be afraid. If one wishes to enjoy pleasant dreams, he must not
+trouble his head about that which he is to eat when he awakes."
+
+"Good! good!" exclaimed Ulrica, "I hope that your wise plans will
+succeed, and I do not doubt but what they will, they are so well laid,
+and aside from that you are not striving for yourself alone, but for
+your parents, to whom I am sure you will always prove a dutiful and
+grateful child."
+
+"That is why I should become my father's successor, dear aunt. Had I not
+thought of this plan, I would undoubtedly have formed some other; but
+with this I am satisfied."
+
+"And do you intend to afford us the pleasure of your company this
+summer?" inquired uncle Fabian, abruptly.
+
+"With your permission, dear uncle, your invitation arrived at a lucky
+moment, as it came during my vacation."
+
+"Well, well, nephew," said Mrs. Ulrica, "we will go and prepare a
+chamber for you."
+
+"Nephew, nephew," exclaimed Gottlieb, merrily, "why we look more like
+cousins!"
+
+"You are a little wag!"
+
+"O, I must say more. My mother might have been your mother also, from
+all appearances."
+
+"Ah, I was a mere girl when she was married. She was the eldest while I
+was the youngest of the family, and the fourteen years discrepancy
+between our ages accounts for the differences in our appearance."
+
+"And riches and fortune also," added Gottlieb; "poor mother, misfortune
+has always been her lot; and although she has much trouble, she has
+nevertheless an angel's forbearance."
+
+"Her disposition resembles mine more than her person does," said Mrs.
+H----, casting a glance of tender inquiry upon her husband.
+
+"Yes, my dear," replied he, "your angelic disposition and patience are
+well known."
+
+He well understood the smile with which his wife had accompanied her
+words.
+
+"Good Fabian, you know how to appreciate your wife!"
+
+"Sweet Ulgenie!"
+
+Gottlieb glanced from his aunt to his uncle.
+
+"Strange people these," thought he. "I think they are playing bo-peep
+with each other, or perhaps they are blinding me; well, I care not; so
+long as they do not disturb me, I will not meddle with their affairs."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+THE ATTIC-ROOMS.
+
+
+As we have before stated, Nanna had supreme control over one of the
+attic-rooms of the cottage, and for a long time it had been a sanctuary
+in which she stored her precious things.
+
+Old Mr. Lonner loved Nanna as the apple of his eye. She was not only the
+youngest child, and consequently the favorite, but she also possessed
+strong perceptive qualities, and a heart susceptible of the tenderest
+emotions. She was, so to speak, a living emblem of those harmonious
+dreams that her father in his youth had hoped to see realized.
+
+The pale and delicate countenance of Nanna, who he thought was destined
+in all probability to droop and die like a water lily, which she so much
+resembled, carried the old man's mind back to the time when his father
+had promised to wed his mother, and he sighed as he thought how
+different Nanna's station in life would have been had that promise been
+fulfilled. Instead of neglect and insult, homage from all would have
+been her portion.
+
+Yet Nanna was the pride and joy of her father's heart, for Ragnar, who
+at an early age was obliged to labor for his own support, had preferred
+to become a sailor, rather than to acquire a refined education, and Carl
+could scarcely comprehend more than that which was necessary for the
+performance of family worship. Nanna, on the contrary, would listen to
+her father with the utmost pleasure and interest as he related and
+explained matters and things which were entirely novel to one placed in
+her position of life.
+
+And then, with what eagerness would Nanna read those few books with
+which her father's little library was supplied! She fully comprehended
+all she read, and she could not resist from becoming gently interested
+in the characters described in her books. She sympathised with the
+unhappy and oppressed, and although she rejoiced with those happy heroes
+and heroines who had passed safely through the ordeals of their loves,
+yet when she read of the fortunate conclusion of all their troubles,
+she would sigh deeply.
+
+But after sighing for those who _had_ lived, she sighed also for the
+_living_.
+
+She looked forward, with terror, to the day when she should lose her
+father, whom she worshipped almost as a supreme being.
+
+Her innocent heart shrunk within her as she thought of the time when a
+man,--for these thoughts had already entered her little head--should
+look into her eyes in search of a wife. Who shall that man be? she
+thought. Is it possible that he can be any other than a peasant or a
+fisherman? Perhaps he may be even worse; a common day-laborer of the
+parish.
+
+O, that would be impossible!
+
+Such a rude uncouth husband would prove her death. How could she
+entertain the same thoughts, after her marriage with such a boor, as she
+had before? He could never sympathise with her. No, she would be obliged
+to remain unmarried for ever. Perhaps not even a laborer would wed her!
+On St. John's eve, when she had ventured to attend the ball, did any
+body request her to dance? No, not one, no, they only gazed at
+Mademoiselle Nanna, with a stupid and imbecile stare--_she_ did not
+belong to their class.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The next evening after Nanna had encountered the young stranger near the
+spring, she was seated alone in her bed-chamber. During the entire day
+she had endeavored to assist her sister-in law, in the various domestic
+duties, with her usual activity; which however it must be confessed, was
+mingled with much pensive abstraction. But after the tea service was
+removed, she had retired to her chamber, that she might in solitude
+commune with her own thoughts.
+
+The silence of her apartment was soothing to Nanna's mind.
+
+Besides a small sofa, which was her sleeping place, her little dominions
+contained a book shelf; three or four flower vases; a bureau, and a
+small work table. The two latter articles of furniture were specimens of
+Carl's workmanship.
+
+Carl, when he _chose_ to display his ability, was a skillful carpenter,
+and formerly Nanna was his special favorite. Of late, however, it could
+readily be perceived that Magde possessed his affections. She, had she
+so chosen, could have abused him as if he had been a dog, and like a cur
+he would have crept back to kiss the hand which had maltreated him.
+Magde, however, was soft-hearted, and did not abuse her power over the
+singular boy; but she compelled him to labor with much more assiduity
+than he had formerly. When at home, Carl generally performed the duties
+of a nursery maid. The children remained with him willingly, for he
+tenderly loved them; in fact every child in the neighborhood loved the
+"Wiseacre," for he would play with them, and upon all occasions take
+them under his special protection. When he saw his little nephews and
+nieces, subjected to the discipline of their mother, he would fly into a
+frenzy of passion, and then he was called, "Crazy Carl." He was an
+inveterate enemy to corporeal punishment, and he could invent no better
+method of explaining his doctrine, than by administering to those, who
+differed with him, a practical illustration of the cruelty of personal
+castigation. Therefore he would fly around among the parents and the
+straggling children, preventing their punishment of his favorites by
+means of his own stalwart arm, and then after the tumult had subsided he
+would repent and tearfully sue for pardon.
+
+Crazy Carl was laughed at for his exertions in behalf of the children,
+yet to spare his feelings the necessary punishment of the children was
+deferred till he was out of sight. None of the neighboring peasant
+women would leave their homes, to go to the market, to a wedding, or to
+a funeral, without requesting Carl to remain with the children, and upon
+his compliance they would go forth untroubled, for they were well aware
+of the unbounded influence "Wiseacre" possessed over the young people.
+
+Carl's bed-room, which adjoined Nanna's apartment, contained a bedstead,
+a well whittled table, and a chair mutilated in a like manner. In this
+chair Carl would rock backward and forward, for hours, and with half
+closed eyes would look as if by stealth, at a striped woolen waistcoat,
+which was suspended against the wall, or some other little gift from
+Magde.
+
+At the same time that Nanna was seated in her room looking towards the
+large tree near the spring, Carl was rocking in his chair, gazing with
+his peculiar expression at a brown earthen vase, which was standing upon
+the table before him. The vase contained two freshly plucked lilacs, one
+blue and the other white, which emitted a fragrant odor. After Carl had
+sufficiently regarded these objects, he slowly jerked his chair towards
+the table, and at each pause his mouth widened into a simple simper. At
+length he arrived so near the table that by bending forward he could
+have easily touched the flowers with his nostrils. To accomplish this
+movement, which was his evident intention, he proceeded with as much
+gravity and carefulness as he had evinced in approaching the table. He
+bowed down his head inch by inch, until he could no longer withstand the
+desire of his senses. With one plunge he thrust his nostrils amidst the
+fresh leaves of the fragrant flowers.
+
+Suddenly, however, he raised his head, a thought struck his mind--his
+face lengthened and his brow became cloudy.
+
+And yet a few moments ago he appeared supremely happy.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Nanna's pretty face was pressed against the window pane. Her little
+world had never before appeared so fresh and beautiful. So great was her
+abstraction that she did not hear the door open, as Carl with his
+peculiar lofty strides entered the room.
+
+"Thank you, Nanna," said Carl. Nanna did not hear him. His voice was
+lost in her recollection of the words of the strange youth, she had met
+the day before.
+
+"Thank you, Nanna," repeated Carl.
+
+Nanna started. "What for?" said she.
+
+"Do you not know?" replied Carl, "why for the flowers!"
+
+"Flowers?"
+
+"O," said Carl smiling imbecilely and gazing vacantly around the room.
+
+"If you found lilacs in your room, I did not place them there," said
+Nanna.
+
+"Ah! then perhaps little Christine sent them to me."
+
+"No, dear Carl," replied Nanna, "the flowers were sent by one who is
+better than even myself or Christine."
+
+"Who can it be?"
+
+"Magde, of course."
+
+"Ah!" Carl slowly stepped towards the door. "Magde, yes, I ought to have
+known that!"
+
+"Ask her, and then you will know certainly," said Nanna.
+
+"O, no, but they are beautiful flowers. I hope I will not break them,
+they smell so sweetly!"
+
+Thus saying Carl strode across the floor to his own chamber where he
+again seated himself upon his chair and resumed his former occupation;
+but he did not profane them with his nostrils, for now he regarded them
+in a holier light. They were Magde's gift.
+
+While he was thus happily engaged, a messenger arrived at the cottage to
+disturb him. A peasant's wife, who wished to attend a funeral desired
+his services, and the obliging Carl, although he protested that he had a
+great deal to engage his attention at home, willingly promised to go to
+the woman's cottage and take care of her children until her return. In
+order that his arrival at the cottage might be joyfully welcomed, he
+returned to his room, and commenced the manufacture of sundry whistles
+and as he whittled and sung verses of his own composition--for Carl was
+a poet--he occasionally cast loving glances towards the brown earthen
+vase.
+
+But how was Nanna employed? Was she reading some of her favorite books,
+an amusement to which she often devoted her leisure hours? or perhaps
+she was proceeding over the path which conducted to the spring in the
+meadow. Neither. She at present appeared perfectly satisfied with her
+unaccustomed listlessness, from which however she was soon aroused.
+
+From between the trees that bordered the side of the hill, she saw a
+green coat emerge, which when it reached the plain made its way towards
+the little fountain beneath the tree.
+
+The wearer of the coat, who was the young man who had carried the
+knapsack and had called Nanna his little naiad, a term which he supposed
+she did not understand, cast himself upon the grass near the trunk of
+the tree. Perhaps he was expecting some one.
+
+For a few moments Nanna stood undecidedly upon the threshold of the
+door. Her inclinations drew her towards the spring; but her modesty
+cautioned her to remain.
+
+Why had she so long postponed her usual walk on this particular
+occasion? She had not expected any one. Certainly not!
+
+At length, however, she seized her bonnet and hastened from the room.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+THE FIRST DISAPPOINTMENT.
+
+
+Nanna had arrived at the bottom step of the flight of stairs, when she
+encountered Magde who was returning from a visit at a neighbor's house.
+She had walked fast, and her face was crimson with heat and vexation.
+When Magde first saw the young girl, she drew her bonnet close around
+her face, intending to enter the house as quickly as Nanna wished to
+depart; but when Nanna had reached the threshold she exclaimed:
+
+"Where are you going?"
+
+"To take a little walk," replied Nanna.
+
+"Be careful, Nanna," said Magde seriously, "you will soon be a young
+woman."
+
+"And why should that affect you so?" replied Nanna, astonished at
+Magde's caution.
+
+"O, only that poor women who wish to preserve their fair fame, are not
+allowed to go out when they choose."
+
+"What did you say?"
+
+"I say that the sun, earth, water, trees, and flowers, are made only for
+the rich, who can admire them from their fine carriages and pleasure
+yachts."
+
+"But, dear Magde, you have always--"
+
+"Silence, child," interrupted Magde, "you do not know the insults to
+which we females of humble birth are exposed."
+
+"We are not born that we should thus be insulted," said Nanna.
+
+"True, true; but then we should have been born as deformed and ugly as
+those sins, which even our modesty will not preserve us from being
+suspected of."
+
+"Can that be possible!" thought Nanna. Magde, who as she spoke had
+passed her hand upon her forehead, now removed it, and from the
+expression of her dark eyes, which beamed with her accustomed
+cheerfulness, and from her proud and lofty bearing, it could be
+perceived that she had regained her usual self-possession.
+
+"I grieve you, dear Nanna," said she in a softened tone of voice, "I do
+not imagine you to be more than a dove which is still fostered within
+the dovecote. But I was troubled, as I am sometimes, without really
+knowing the cause."
+
+"Is there no cause, then?" inquired Nanna.
+
+"I can say that there is or is not a cause, and therefore shall remain
+silent."
+
+"Then remain silent, dear Magde, let us speak no further on the
+subject," said Nanna quickly, for she was burning with impatience to
+visit the spring.
+
+She longed to discover by experience whether it was really so dangerous
+for a woman to walk out alone.
+
+Until the day before, it had not been dangerous, for no one had
+forbidden her the free enjoyment of God's beautiful earth, and neither
+had her modesty ever been insulted. On any other occasion, Nanna would
+have been influenced not only by curiosity, but by a far purer feeling,
+namely, sympathy for Magde's sorrows,--for she dearly loved her
+sister-in-law,--and would have asked an explanation of matters which she
+at present was anxious to avoid.
+
+Magde was silent.
+
+Nanna stepped over the door sill.
+
+But stern fate compelled her to turn back a second time, for the moment
+that Magde turned to pass into the house, old Mr. Lonner advanced to the
+door.
+
+"Nanna my child," said he, "bring my chair out into the door-yard. The
+evening air is so cool and pleasant that it will invigorate my old body;
+but it would be better I think, if my rheumatism will permit it, to
+take a little stroll in the fields, with the aid of my walking cane on
+one side, and with you as a staff to support me on the other."
+
+Nanna blushed so deeply that she felt the blood burning her cheeks, as
+she advanced the opinion that the exercise might prove injurious to him.
+
+"Poor child, you are grieved on account of your old father. I will take
+your advice. Bring my arm-chair out, and we will sit here and have a
+little chat together."
+
+Hitherto, when her father had chatted to her of all that he had seen and
+experienced, Nanna had considered herself amply rewarded for her days of
+labor, but on this occasion, she not only went after the chair
+reluctantly, but also, when she as usual seated herself with her
+knitting work on her little bench at his side she sighed deeply. Her
+father did not observe her dejection, perhaps he considered it an
+impossibility for his precious jewel to sigh when she was with him.
+
+"Well, Nanna," said he stroking his long beard which gave a venerable
+appearance to his benevolent features, "are you thinking of the fine
+shawl that Ragnar is to send you by his friend Jon Jonson?"
+
+"Not at all, dear father," replied Nanna.
+
+"True," continued the old man, "your disposition in that respect does
+not resemble Magde's. She is pleased, as every young woman should be,
+when she has an opportunity of decorating her person with elegant
+clothing."
+
+"I think, that hereafter," said Nanna, slightly confused, "I shall also
+cultivate a taste for such things; but thus far I have had but little
+opportunity."
+
+"I hope so," replied her father, "I have frequently been much troubled
+in mind, when I have observed your indifference to dress, so unnatural
+to one of your age; but which is only a result of the romantic notions
+that you have always indulged in."
+
+"But dear father, is it not wrong to strive to make ourselves beautiful
+when we are only poor people?"
+
+"Beautiful!" exclaimed the old man, "what put that into your little
+head?"
+
+"Magde told me that all poor women ought to be born ugly, that their
+reputation might not be suspected."
+
+"Magde was a little out of humor, when she said that, and she who wishes
+to please her husband so much, could not have really intended what she
+said."
+
+"Yes, but when a woman is married, it alters the case entirely."
+
+"But why should not an unmarried girl wish herself handsome for the sake
+of her father, her brother, and above all for her own sake? That is a
+good wish so long as it continues innocent."
+
+"When then, is it not innocent?" inquired Nanna.
+
+"It is no longer innocent when the love of fine apparel, and the desire
+to be beautiful, changes the heart, and the girl neglects her duties,
+and gives her sole attention to that which should only serve as a
+simple recreation; but that I am sure will never be the case with you."
+
+Nanna was silent. She drooped her head. "There is no danger of that,"
+thought she, "for who will care to witness the change?"
+
+"On next St. John's day," continued her father, "you must wear that
+elegant silk shawl which belonged to your poor mother."
+
+As Nanna heard these words, a smile of peculiar meaning passed over her
+lips. It was the smile of a woman who anticipates a future triumph.
+
+"Thank God," said the old man, turning the conversation in another
+channel, "for all the blessings he has bestowed upon us. Although we may
+now be in trouble, when Ragnar's packages arrive, we shall be in better
+circumstances. Poverty has many blessings of which the rich man cannot
+even dream. The poor man's gratitude and joy for even the slightest
+piece of fortune is too great to describe. The rich man has not that
+relish for the good things of life that the poor man has."
+
+While honest Lonner was thus losing himself in his meditations, Nanna
+moved in her seat uneasily, and dropped stitch after stitch of her
+knitting-work. The former topic of conversation was endurable, but
+this--
+
+Meanwhile, however, she did not dare to express her desire to be
+liberated from her irksome position. Why was she afraid to do so? She
+asked herself the question; the only reply she could make was, that
+yesterday it would have been easy for her to say, "Father, I want to
+take a little walk in the meadow;" but to-day, oh! that was different!
+
+"I see you have your bonnet on!" said her father, "were you about taking
+a walk?"
+
+"I have not been out of the house before, to-day," replied Nanna.
+
+"Well, then run away, my child; take all the enjoyment you can. You have
+but little here."
+
+Perhaps it was by expressions of this description from her father, that
+mournful thoughts were engendered within the mind of the young girl,
+causing her to fancy that something was wanting to complete her
+happiness, and that she stood beyond the pale of those who should have
+been her companions.
+
+It is certainly plausible to suppose that these moments which the old
+man had set apart for familiar conversation with his daughter, whom he
+loved above all earthly things, for she reminded him of past days, might
+have proved highly detrimental to Nanna's sensitive and susceptible
+mind.
+
+As matters now stood, it was plainly evident that, however economical,
+industrious and thrifty she might be, Nanna would be compelled to be
+content with her lot, should she wed an honest mechanic or a sloop
+captain, which were the highest prizes which she, or any of the
+neighboring maidens, might expect to win.
+
+Like a captive bird which, after many fruitless struggles, finally
+regains its liberty, Nanna quickly made use of her restored freedom, and
+hastened from the door-yard. She was fully convinced that the young man
+was no longer in the meadow, and now she suddenly remembered that she
+had said nothing to her father or Magde about the stranger whom she had
+encountered the previous evening. How strange it was that she had
+forgotten to tell them! Yes, it was the strangest thing that ever had
+occurred during her whole life, and how greatly astonished they would be
+when she should tell them of her little adventure! Thus thought Nanna,
+as she proceeded towards the meadow.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+THE AGREEMENT.
+
+
+"It was just as I thought!" exclaimed our heroine, as she looked, with
+pouting lips at the reflection of her pretty figure in the clear waters
+of the spring. Never before had her hair been so nicely arranged, and
+her neat white apron, which she had kept concealed beneath her cloak
+during her entire conversation with Magde and her father, and which she
+had carefully tied about her waist as soon as she had entered the
+meadows, how pretty it looked! But how was she repaid for all her
+trouble? She was about disencumbering herself both of her apron and a
+little scarf which she had thrown over her shoulders, when she heard a
+voice that she had already learned to distinguish, calling to her in the
+distance.
+
+With pleased astonishment she lifted her eyes, and saw an individual
+whom we need scarcely inform our readers was the owner of the knapsack.
+He was descending a hill, holding to his lips a blade of grass, upon
+which he would occasionally blow a vigorous and ear-piercing blast.
+
+"Have you come at last, my naiad queen?" said the youth. "We were such
+pleasant companions last evening, that I came hither in the hope of
+finding you at your bath again."
+
+"A naiad queen might bathe her feet before you; but I--" She ceased
+speaking, and a deep blush suffused her cheeks.
+
+"Ah! then you know something about the naiads, my child?"
+
+"Yes, and about the sylphs, too," replied Nanna, nodding her head, proud
+at having an opportunity of displaying her knowledge before one whom,
+besides her father, was the only person that she had ever cared to
+interest.
+
+"You surprise me! What have you read?"
+
+"O, a little of everything. My father has a large book case, and I have
+a small collection of books, myself."
+
+"Hm, hm," said the embryo secretary, "but enumerate to me some of the
+books you have read."
+
+"Do you really wish to know?"
+
+"Yes, dear Nanna,--pardon me--Mademoiselle Nanna I should have said.
+Now Mademoiselle, please be seated, the grass is quite soft. I wish to
+catechise you a little."
+
+"But I shall not answer you, sir, if you call me Mademoiselle; it sounds
+so cold and disagreeable."
+
+"Well, I will be careful not to do so; but let us make a commencement."
+
+"With my qualifications?"
+
+"Certainly; but why do you sit at such a distance?"
+
+"We are not so far from each other."
+
+"That proves you to be no mathematician. Now, tell me, how many yards
+distance are there between us?"
+
+"Three, I think."
+
+"Poor child, you have not reached your A B C's in arithmetic; but I will
+be your instructor."
+
+"How so?"
+
+"You shall soon see." He quickly unloosed his neckcloth. "This," he
+continued, "is precisely one yard in length. Now, I will measure the
+ground, and when I have measured three yards, then--"
+
+"What then?"
+
+"Then I will seat myself; for you have yourself chosen the distance."
+
+The unsuspecting Nanna had not the slightest idea of the little plot the
+young man had arranged to entrap her. The poor child was unaccustomed to
+mirth; for although Magde, Ragnar, and Carl, often indulged in
+boisterous sports, still Nanna never could feel an inclination to
+mingle with them, but had merely smiled at their ridiculous jokes. Never
+had the clear ringing laugh of gleeful childhood issued over her lips;
+but upon the present occasion her innocent heart entered into the spirit
+of her gay companion, and when he deliberately measured three lengths of
+his neckcloth from the spot where he was sitting, and then gravely
+seated himself at her very side, a merry laugh broke from her lips, in
+which the youth joined.
+
+"Well," said he, assuming a comfortable position, "I can touch you, at
+least, now."
+
+"Yes," replied Nanna seriously, for she was musing on Magde's words of
+caution, "yes, you can; but I do not wish you to."
+
+"You do not?"
+
+"I do not," replied she firmly.
+
+"What an obstinate little creature you are!"
+
+"You desired to know what I have read," said Nanna, wishing to change
+the subject of conversation.
+
+"True, but why do you hide your little hand under your apron, I shall
+not touch it without your permission?"
+
+Nanna smiled as she slowly withdrew her hands from their place of
+concealment and folded them upon her lap.
+
+"Now, my child," said the young man with an assumed air of dignity,
+"first of all, you may commence at the beginning."
+
+"When I was a little girl, my father bought for me some picture books,
+which as I read, he explained to me. Next as I progressed further--"
+
+"Well, what happened?"
+
+"Next I studied the catechism, which I liked very much, then I commenced
+reading the bible, a book which I love above all others, the new
+testament especially. All that I do not understand my father explains to
+me, and after he has finished, I go alone to my room, and as I read I
+cannot refrain from weeping--But my tears are not sorrowful, I think
+only of--"
+
+"Of what?"
+
+"I know not whether I should tell you that."
+
+"Certainly you should; am I not your friend?"
+
+"Well then--but do not speak about it to any one--I cannot help thinking
+that if I had lived when our Saviour was upon earth, I should have been
+one of the holy women."
+
+"Who ever heard of such ambition! Why perhaps you would like to have
+been the virgin Mary, herself?"
+
+"Oh," exclaimed Nanna, turning her face, that she might conceal the
+blush, which his words of ridicule, as she esteemed them, had called
+forth.
+
+"But, my child," continued her companion, "we will dwell no longer upon
+your holy thoughts, so different from others of your age; proceed if you
+please."
+
+"Aside from the books I have mentioned, at my father's request, I
+studied history, geography, natural philosophy, and finally ancient
+mythology."
+
+"You surprise me! Your education has not been neglected; but you can
+write, can you not?"
+
+"Certainly, and I have also practised drawing a little."
+
+"Indeed! upon my honor, Mademoiselle Nanna you frighten me!"
+
+"Why?"
+
+"Because I cannot comprehend how you can use all your knowledge in this
+valley."
+
+"I have often thought of that," replied Nanna, sighing deeply.
+
+"Perhaps, it is not such a terrible matter after all," said Gottlieb, "I
+must thoroughly convince myself."
+
+Gottlieb now commenced to examine and cross-question Nanna in the
+various departments of learning that she had mentioned, and was pleased
+to discover by her accurate replies that she comprehended thoroughly all
+that she had studied. In fact, Nanna was quite his equal in her
+knowledge of Ancient Mythology, which had always been her favorite
+study.
+
+"But how is it possible that your father should be so well educated?
+Yesterday, when we were walking together, you told me that he had
+resided in this valley nearly half his lifetime, with scarcely
+sufficient means to support himself and family."
+
+"Alas! a sorrowful story is connected with my father's younger days;
+but he never speaks of it. He had high hopes, when young, and had they
+been realized, he would have been a man of consequence; but the death of
+his patron crushed everything."
+
+"I must call upon your father some pleasant evening. Do you think he
+would be pleased to see me?"
+
+"Of course, and Magde would also."
+
+"Your sister-in-law? Well, well, I will soon visit them both; but listen
+now--"
+
+"I will."
+
+"As the error has already been committed--"
+
+"What error?"
+
+"That you should have been taught more than you ought to know; but
+still, it is now too late to repent as you have already learned a
+little, and I do not think there will be any harm in teaching you more."
+
+"Who will teach me?"
+
+"I shall of course.--I have an idea."
+
+Nanna glanced inquiringly towards her companion. "You might be able," he
+continued, "to earn a little competency for yourself; would you be
+willing to become a school-teacher?"
+
+"O, yes, nothing could be better! Then I would not be obliged to think
+of--of--"
+
+"Of marriage?"
+
+"Yes, of marriage."
+
+"And I am of your opinion, for to speak candidly, whom could you
+marry?"
+
+"I do not know; there is the parish tailor, who has already spoken to
+Magde about it--"
+
+"The parish tailor!--Aha!"
+
+"And Captain Larsson who owns a sloop, offered Ragnar two barrels of rye
+flour if he would speak a good word to me about him."
+
+"Two barrels of rye flour as a bribe! And your brother's reply?"
+
+"O, Ragnar is not to be played with," replied Nanna; "'if you wish to
+purchase my sister,' said he, 'you had better speak to her yourself, she
+has not authorized me to sell her.'"
+
+"So you have two lovers!"
+
+"Yes, and the sexton, an old widower, is the third. He has considerable
+wealth, and therefore applied to my father, himself."
+
+"Without success?"
+
+"Yes, father told him I was too young."
+
+"Do you not prefer either of your suitors?"
+
+"I would rather throw myself into lake Wenner, than to marry either of
+them."
+
+"Then let us speak of the school. It will give you a little income, and
+is, as far as I can see, the only method of using your accomplishments
+to advantage."
+
+"You are right. It is my only choice."
+
+"I fear so too, for a lover suitable for you would not in all
+probability find his way hither; but in me you have found a friend at
+least."
+
+"Thank God, for that."
+
+"But it is necessary that we should make one agreement--"
+
+"What is it?"
+
+"That we shall not fall in love with each other."
+
+"Oh, there is no danger!"
+
+"Ah! who can be sure of that? You possess beauties beyond your personal
+charms, Miss Nanna, that may conquer me in spite of myself."
+
+"You are also beautiful; but I do not believe that--that--"
+
+"You do not believe that you would ever fall in love with me, you were
+about saying. Upon my word that is so much the better, for to speak
+truly I am placed in as bad circumstances as you are yourself."
+
+"You are!"
+
+"Yes, yes, I speak the truth. My only ambition is to become an assistant
+in my father's office."
+
+"If that is the case," said Nanna, "you must fall in love with a rich
+girl only."
+
+"I shall be careful of my own interests I assure you," replied Gottlieb,
+"but now this perplexing point is rightly settled--is it not?"
+
+"Yes, you are to marry a wealthy girl, and I am to keep a school, is
+that the agreement?"
+
+"Yes, and now we must make another arrangement, which is that we must agree
+to meet each other during the evening hours at this spot. I own many
+books that will be useful to you, and if you can sing--"
+
+"I can sing a little, and the old sexton says my voice is beautiful."
+
+"Allow me to hear you sing."
+
+"To-morrow, I cannot this evening."
+
+"O, you should not refuse a friend in that manner. It would be quite
+different if I was your lover."
+
+Without further words, Nanna commenced singing an old ballad, and her
+sweet voice, as she trilled forth the beautiful words of her song, fell
+upon the ear of her young companion like the soft music of a bird.
+
+"You sing excellently, Nanna, and I think your voice would be improved
+if you could play upon the guitar. I have one at home, and might bring
+it with me."
+
+"But the guitar would not benefit my future pupils."
+
+"It will serve for your amusement after your scholars have left you in
+the afternoon. You will find such a relaxation quite necessary, and when
+you play upon it, and sing one of your beautiful ballads, you will think
+of your friend."
+
+"And drive away the tedium of the long hours.--O, sir, you are too
+kind!"
+
+"Stop, Nanna! Call me Gottlieb, not sir. You know friends should--"
+
+"Thanks, Sir Gottlieb! What a beautiful name! But it is quite late!"
+
+Nanna, who was fearful that Magde, anxious at her long absence, would
+come in search of her, arose from her seat upon the grass, and hastily
+departed.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+THE CHASE.
+
+
+The next morning, a few hours before Carl, whistling a ballad of which
+he was the author, commenced his journey over ditches and stiles, to
+fulfill his engagement to watch with the children of the peasant woman,
+Mr. Fabian H---- was awakened by his affectionate wife, who informed him
+that it was time for him to prepare himself for his hunting expedition.
+
+Sleepy, and unwilling to leave his cozy bed, for the sake of enjoying
+the damp morning air, Mr. Fabian addressed his spouse with all the
+tenderness which his state of mind would permit:
+
+"Dear Ulgenie, you--"
+
+Mistress Ulrica, however, did not permit herself to be moved by this
+gentle epithet.
+
+"Fabian," said she, shaking his shoulder roughly, "you are going to
+sleep again. Quick! get up! I have had your top boots nicely greased,
+and on the chair you will find your hunting coat and game-bag.
+Everything is made as comfortable as possible."
+
+"Sweet Ulgenie," expostulated Mr. Fabian.
+
+The amiable lady smiled as she heard him speak, and had not an
+unfortunate yawn accompanied those two tender words, in all probability
+they would have terminated this chapter. But the word yawn is not found
+in Love's dictionary, and consequently the unlucky husband was forced to
+rise from his bed preparatory to going forth to perform deeds of valor
+in obedience to the commands of his mistress.
+
+"Do not neglect to awaken Gottlieb. He also must learn the noble art of
+hunting."
+
+"I will, my dear, I will," said her husband, perspiring with his
+exertions, as he forced himself into his hunting garments which Mistress
+Ulrica had made from a pattern of her own invention. But when Mr. Fabian
+had completed his toilette, he hastened from the house, intentionally
+forgetting to awaken Gottlieb, for, as we shall soon discover, he had
+urgent reasons for wishing to perform his hunting exploits without the
+hindrance of a companion. As Sir Fabian was, so to speak, his wife's
+butler, he had provided himself with a deputy butler, who generally
+received a hint of the day and the hour, when stern fate would compel
+his master to encase his feet in heavy hunting boots.
+
+We now see this martyr to the holy cause of matrimony, puffing and
+blowing beneath the weight of his heavy gun, as he wends his way across
+the fields towards a certain spot in the forest at which he finally
+arrives. He looks around him with searching eyes; his brow is clouded
+with anxiety and impatience. Suddenly his eyes gleam with an expression
+of joy; but he instantly recovers himself and assumes an air of
+dignified composure, while he gazes angrily upon the form of a man, who
+is approaching him through the trees.
+
+"Fool! you have kept me waiting!" said he harshly as the man advanced.
+
+Humbly but with a humility which was more assumed than natural, the
+"Butler," presented Mr. Fabian with two hares, and two partridges; which
+would fill his game-bag uncommonly well and ensure a loving welcome upon
+his return home. After this ceremony was performed Mr. H---- threw his
+accomplice a few pieces of silver, and when the last named performer in
+this little scene had vanished, our huntsman fatigued by his arduous
+exertions cast himself upon a moss-covered bank and was soon continuing
+the dream which had been so unpleasantly interrupted by his sweet
+Ulgenie.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+    "In the woods, near the sea I have lived
+     Many a day!
+     Ho, ho, ho,
+     Ha, ha, ha,
+     It is so lovely on the earth!"
+
+Thus sang or hummed Carl as he proceeded on his way.
+
+Suddenly he experienced a strong desire to rush into the woods to listen
+to the sighing of the wind as it swept through the high branches of the
+trees. In this music Carl took such delight that he would listen to it,
+for hours, while great tears of pleasure and excitement would roll down
+his sun-burnt cheeks. But it was the pleasure and excitement of a
+religious enthusiast in the house of the God he worshipped. Carl never
+spoke of these sentiments, and how would it have been possible for him
+to do so. He never thought from whence they originated. He followed his
+inclination only.
+
+While Carl was thus engaged he suddenly saw an object which caused him
+instantly to neglect the sound of his favorite music. In the grass near
+the fence over which Carl was about climbing, he saw the slumbering
+huntsman, with the freshly killed game reposing at his side.
+
+Carl, without knowing why, had conceived the idea that Magde disliked
+Mr. Fabian H----, and as for himself, he instinctively hated that
+worthy gentleman. And another thought entered his head as he looked upon
+the game. He remembered that Magde had once said: "Ah! had we but a hare
+or a partridge, how delicious it would be! But such things are too good
+for us, they must be sent to the manor house."
+
+Carl laughed silently. He extended his hand towards the sleeping man,
+and then withdrew it undecidedly. Our friend Carl possessed a few
+indistinct ideas concerning the law of _meum and teum_. By dint of great
+exertion, his father had implanted in his mind the great necessity of
+observing the eighth commandment, and upon the present occasion the
+lesson of his younger days interfered in a great degree with the
+accomplishment of his present designs; for as he gazed upon the objects
+of his envy, he muttered to himself:
+
+"_The Eighth Commandment:_ Thou shalt not steal!"
+
+His brain was not only troubled with the eighth, but the words of the
+tenth commandment came to his memory, "Thou shalt not covet thy
+neighbor's wife, nor his servant, nor his maid, nor his ox, nor his
+ass."
+
+As he thus spoke, and thought first of the commandments and then of
+Magde, he continued to advance and retreat, wavering in his decision,
+and he might have remained in this state until Mr. Fabian awoke, had not
+a bright idea forced itself upon his mind.
+
+"O," exclaimed he, "the commandments say nothing about _game_!" and as
+even the veriest simpleton has it in his power to convince himself of
+the purity of an action, however wrong, Carl soon satisfied himself with
+the excuse which he had so ingeniously invented. He entirely forgot the
+closing line of the commandment, "nor anything that is his," which,
+however, would not bear consideration on that occasion. He therefore
+seized the two hares that were nearest him, and by the assistance of a
+long stick he gained possession of the partridges also.
+
+In the meantime, Mr. Fabian's assistant, who had not yet left the
+forest, having been attracted by Carl's movements, had been an
+eye-witness to his proceedings. But instead of warning the lad of his
+crime, the spectator seemed rather to rejoice at his patron's
+misfortune. He might safely do this, for after the crime had been
+committed, he could easily disclose the name of the thief, and thus
+avert suspicion from himself. He thought that Mr. H---- would not injure
+a person of Carl's character, and that at all events he would be likely
+to receive a proper reward for any zeal he should exert to promote the
+interest of his employer. Carl had discovered that his actions had been
+observed; but as the spectator, by sundry winks and nods, seemed rather
+to encourage than to prevent him, Carl proceeded without fear.
+
+And now, having won the victory, he hastened to Magde.
+
+But here trouble awaited him.
+
+When Carl presented Magde the game, she was delighted; but after her
+outburst of admiration had subsided, her first question naturally was as
+to where he had procured his prize.
+
+"Is it not enough that it is here?" said Carl, as he stood on the
+threshold, twirling his hat in his hand.
+
+"Heavens! I trust you have not procured it in an unlawful way?"
+
+"No, I got it while going the right way," replied Carl, mischievously.
+
+"My dear Carl," said Magde, seriously, "you must not think to deceive me
+by your cunning words."
+
+"You should not say so," answered Carl, sulkily.
+
+"No, I should not, Carl, I spoke foolishly; but if you are a good boy,
+and love me, you will tell me who has given you this game, or whether
+you have promised to pay for it by working by-and-bye."
+
+"I have already worked for it," said Carl, with a laugh, "but I must go
+now, or else I will be too late at Sunnangaarden."
+
+Thus saying, Carl was about putting his long legs in active motion, when
+Magde exclaimed:
+
+"Carl! Carl! a word more! stop, Carl!"
+
+"I have staid too long already," said Carl; but still he remained.
+
+"Tell me frankly, Carl, did you procure the game honestly?"
+
+Carl, who rested upon the tenth commandment, in which neither hares nor
+partridges were mentioned, answered shrewdly:
+
+"If you doubt my honor, I will refer you to the catechism. Do you
+believe in the catechism?"
+
+"Is it true then that you have done nothing contrary to its precepts?"
+
+"It is indeed true," replied Carl, gravely.
+
+"Then I am satisfied," said Magde, "and I am grateful to you, my good
+Carl, for the welcome present."
+
+"Good? Yes, can I really believe you, Magde?"
+
+"Yes, I so consider you, and therefore I am good to you."
+
+Carl commenced laughing, and assumed a crane-like position, as he
+balanced himself upon one leg. This was his usual custom when pleased.
+
+"Well, well, then you love poor Carl a little. That's good!"
+
+"Carl is my good boy," replied Magde, who during the conversation had
+been engaged in spreading out a number of skeins of knitting yarn that
+had been placed out to bleach upon the grass plot.
+
+"Listen," said Carl, approaching nigher to Magde, "would Magde shed a
+tear upon my grave if God should call me from earth?"
+
+There reposed in these words a tone of mingled fear and humility, and
+Magde, much moved by the peculiar expression of Carl's countenance,
+replied:
+
+"Certainly, Carl, I would shed many, many tears, for I believe there are
+none who love you as I do."
+
+"I am grateful, Magde," said Carl, violently scraping the ground with
+the sole of his hob-nailed shoe, an action which could scarcely be
+called a bow--"your words shall be remembered. I am Magde's servant, and
+shall be so as long as I live."
+
+With these words, he turned on his heel, and trotted towards his place
+of destination.
+
+"The poor lad has a good heart," thought Magde, as she concluded her
+labors in the yard; but she little imagined the true state of Carl's
+heart.
+
+Magde now entered the house to prepare breakfast. Her three children
+crowded around her, loudly testifying their admiration of the partridges
+and hares. She commenced dressing the game with that placidity of
+countenance, and with that dexterity which proved she was well versed in
+that most important branch of a housekeeper's duties--cookery.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII.
+
+CONCERNING THE HUNTER IN THE WOODS, AND HIS HOMEWARD WALK.
+
+
+We now return to our friend the sportsman, who soon awoke from his sound
+slumber, quite refreshed. He yawned, stretched himself, and mechanically
+extended his hand towards the spot where he had placed his game-bag.
+
+Although his hand touched nothing but the grass and his gun, he
+nevertheless was not troubled, for he thought that he had miscalculated
+the distance. He searched still further; but to his surprise the
+game-bag was still missing. He now raised himself up in a sitting
+posture, and rubbing his eyes vigorously, he searched the ground
+closely. But his eyes, usually so good, must have been dimmed by some
+enchantment, for he could perceive neither the hares nor the partridges,
+which he could not but think were there.
+
+Determined, however, not to believe in such marvels, for honest Fabian
+was a man of intelligence, he arose and peered through the bushes in the
+grass; he looked in the air, and he closely scanned the tops of the
+trees; but his efforts were fruitless. The game was not to be found.
+
+"It is astonishing!" said he to himself. "I can not believe it! They
+must be here! But where the devil are they then!"
+
+The trees retained a stubborn silence, and their example was followed by
+the earth, the air, and the water. Although the heat of the day was
+rendered still more insufferable by Mr. Fabian's thick hunting suit, yet
+his flesh chilled with fear when he discovered the actual loss of his
+partridges and hares.
+
+To return home without his game, was a misfortune, which under ordinary
+circumstances he could have endured; but on this occasion he had reason
+to expect a more than usually severe lecture from his wife whose command
+he had stubbornly disobeyed by not awakening Gottlieb. While the
+unfortunate sportsman was bewailing his fate he discovered the face of
+his "butler," who was peering out from between the bushes with an
+expression of mingled humility and mirthfulness.
+
+"Where are my partridges, you rascal?" shouted Mr. Fabian, his face
+glowing with anger.
+
+"Do you think, Mr. H----, that I have taken them?"
+
+"Such a jest would be but natural. What are you doing here? Have I not
+paid you enough?"
+
+"I never do anything without orders, and if you do not wish me to
+remain, I will go instantly. I thought, however, that you would be
+pleased if I should tell you what had become of your game."
+
+"That is just what I wish to know! Has any one presumed to steal it?"
+
+"Very likely."
+
+"Who? Quick! Tell me!"
+
+But the butler answered only with a long drawn. "Ah!"
+
+"Can you substantiate what you are about to say?"
+
+"I can swear to it, if it is necessary. I waited here only that I might
+be able to explain everything to my employer, after he should awake."
+
+"You are a fine fellow, now tell me what evil being has entered the
+woods, and committed this depredation?"
+
+"If you wish to have a full account of the matter, you should tender
+full payment," said the butler, who considered this play of words
+exceedingly apt and forcible.
+
+"Yes, yes, I will not be ungenerous," replied Mr. Fabian taking a
+bank-note from his pocket.
+
+"Carl,--the fool of the valley--purloined the hares and partridges."
+
+"What! that cur!--the son of old Lonner!"
+
+"The same."
+
+"Are you certain?"
+
+"Yes, as certain as I am that I live."
+
+"Good," said Mr. Fabian, and he repeated the same word several times,
+each time appearing better satisfied, and certainly the thoughts that
+occupied his mind must have afforded him great pleasure, for he not only
+forgot the trouble that awaited his return home, but also the question,
+which in truth should have been the first one--why the Butler had not
+stopped the thief and rescued the booty. The Butler, however, thought it
+expedient not to await further questions, and therefore soon found an
+opportunity of retreating.
+
+Our readers may be assured that when the sportsman returned home his
+wife was not in the best of humor. She awaited his coming in the parlor;
+but when she heard his footsteps in the court-yard, she could no longer
+restrain her impatience, but hastened to the window and exclaimed:
+
+"Where were your silly thoughts wandering, when you left the house
+without calling Gottlieb. I must say that you conduct yourself friendly
+towards _my_ relations, and I do think it is equally astonishing that
+you have come home without him. I sent him to look for you a long time
+ago. What! can I believe my eyes! Where is the game that I was to have
+for dinner?"
+
+"Dear Ulrique Eugenie, can you not wait until I have changed my clothes?
+I have travelled so far through the woods, that I can scarcely breathe,
+I am so weary."
+
+"Where is the game?"
+
+"Whew!" ejaculated her husband, "I can stand these clothes no longer."
+Thus saying, he hastened into the house, and proceeded to his apartment.
+
+But this respite was of short duration. Mistress Ulrica Eugenie was
+familiar with the road to the chamber, and her rage reached its highest
+point, when she heard that the game which was intended for her dinner,
+had been stolen while her husband, overcome by his arduous exertions,
+had fallen asleep.
+
+"O, if I only knew who did this, yes, if I only knew, I would have the
+rascal put in the stocks. But you, you dormouse, yes you, you call
+yourself a man! you! Don't you wish to borrow my petticoat! To sleep
+when engaged in the noble art of hunting! To complain of fatigue! Fie
+upon such men! But can you not discover the thief?"
+
+"No, my dear, I assure you. I cannot, how could I know what happened
+while I was sleeping?"
+
+"That is the reason why you never knew anything in your life," replied
+the exasperated woman. "But see there comes Gottlieb with a partridge in
+his hand. He is a pattern. _He_ never allows _his_ game to be stolen,"
+and Mistress Ulrica composed her features, and assumed an expression of
+motherly benevolence, while she descended the stairs to receive her
+nephew.
+
+"Thank you, good Gottlieb," said she meeting him at the door, "thank
+you, your uncle has been unfortunate this morning; but come with me to
+the dairy, and you shall have the cream of an entire pan of milk."
+
+"The milk also, if you please, aunty, I feel myself able to devour every
+thing, pan and all."
+
+"Well, satisfy yourself. By and by we will go to my bleachery and you
+may select a piece of linen.--Do you understand?"
+
+"Not a word. It is all a mystery. But I do know that there is not a
+nephew on the entire Scandinavian peninsula, who possesses an aunt with
+such an affectionate disposition."
+
+"Ah, you flatterer, it is well that you are my nephew or else Fabian
+might be jealous."
+
+"Well I am not sure but that he may yet have an occasion, for, I am not
+aware that nephews are forbidden to love their aunts."
+
+From that day forward Gottlieb was taken under the especial protection
+of his aunt, and as her favorite he was certain of a comfortable and
+pleasant life. When she became acquainted with his manners, virtues and
+accomplishments, her esteem for him was, if possible, doubly increased.
+
+What could he not do, the dear boy? Not to speak of his wonderful
+success in amusing little Jean Ulrick, Mr. Fabian's sole heir, he was
+able to read aloud to his aunt from her favorite volume, and to repeat
+with almost sublime patience, all those tender passages to which she in
+a plaintive tone would sigh _de capo_. More than all this. He could
+sing--the model nephew--and accompany his voice with the guitar not only
+to the tune of "my love and I," but also to his aunt's favorite ballad,
+"In the shadows of the wood; in the cavern hid away." And finally there
+was not a female domestic in the house who dared to compete with
+Gottlieb in the art of chopping string beans. In short, he was a nephew
+whose peer could not be found in all Sweden, and who knows whether the
+piece of linen he chose from the bleachery was the last he received from
+his indulgent aunt.
+
+Poor Gottlieb, while you are thus the prime favorite of your strong
+minded aunt, having free access to the pantries and dairy-rooms, have
+you no misgivings that the day will arrive when the doors of this house
+shall be closed against you? Relentless fate who ever demands a
+sacrifice. How true are the words of the wise Solomon, "All is vanity
+and vexation of spirit; and there is no profit under the sun." But it is
+not to be believed that Mr. Fabian's slumbers were disturbed because his
+wife had deserted him. No, he even preferred the company of hunger and
+thirst rather than that of his Ulgenie. Not that this state of mind
+originated from the many lectures he had received from his wife. Ah,
+no, there were far more powerful reasons; but it is certain that if
+Mistress Ulrica had suspected that her husband's indifference arose from
+any other motive than the wish to escape a deserved punishment she would
+have, undoubtedly, increased the vigor of her tongue to such a pitch
+that his house would have been uncomfortably warm to him.
+
+After dining upon Gottlieb's partridge which had done much to smoothe
+her ruffled temper, Mrs. Ulrica was thus insinuatingly addressed by her
+husband:
+
+"Have you any errands for me to perform at the parsonage, dear Ulgenie?
+I wish to ride down there to talk over the parish matters with the
+parson."
+
+"That's right, dear Fabian. Take Gottlieb along with you. He would like
+to see the young ladies, each of whom are worth a ton of gold."
+
+At this proposal Mr. Fabian's brow darkened; but the gloom was soon
+dispelled as Gottlieb declined the pleasure of going, and the first
+smile which the young man had received from his uncle was when he
+replied: "Excuse me to-day, my dear aunt, I wish to write to my mother."
+
+He had no desire to disappoint his young pupil of the valley.
+
+"Excellent youth!" exclaimed his aunt, "pleasure cannot wile you from
+your duties. God forbid that I should attempt to do so; and you Fabian,"
+she added extending her arms towards her husband, "kiss me before you
+go. Your Ulgenie has no desire to deprive you of any reasonable
+enjoyments."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX.
+
+MR. FABIAN AND MAGDE LONNER.
+
+
+"O, how thankful I am that you can come out here on the green, dear
+father." Thus said Magde, as she gave old Mr. Lonner his hat and cane,
+after Nanna had filled and lighted his pipe.
+
+It was a beautiful scene to behold the two sisters thus employed. Ragnar
+was right. Without waiting for a request, they were apparently striving
+to outvie each other in performing little services for the old man. In
+short, Mr. Lonner had not a wish which was not gratified. They
+anticipated his every desire.
+
+"There, that will do, my daughters; I thank you. I feel so young
+to-day, that I am quite happy. My rheumatism has left me almost
+entirely; so give me your arm, Nanna, and we will go."
+
+"Where are you going?" inquired Magde.
+
+"O, after we have taken a short walk," replied Nanna, "I have proposed
+that we should go to the spring in the meadow, and sit down awhile. It
+used to be one of papa's favorite spots."
+
+"Perhaps you had better take a book with you," said Magde, "and then you
+can read to him."
+
+Nanna blushed. Her object was to afford to her father another and much
+greater pleasure. She hoped in this manner to introduce Gottlieb to him
+before the youth should visit the cottage, because she feared that Magde
+in that case would wonder at her familiarity with the new comer.
+
+Many times during the day, Nanna had endeavored to say to Magde, "last
+evening, and the evening before, I met an elegant young man near the
+spring in the meadow;" but for some unknown reason, the words never
+passed over her lips. She imagined that if she was alone with her
+father, she would not fear to tell him, and she also thought that when
+Gottlieb would see her with the old man, he would know that she had not
+agreed to meet him alone.
+
+Her father would also converse with them about the time when she should
+commence her school, about which she had already erected many castles in
+the air. A little house she had thought should be erected in the valley.
+Here she should dwell alone with her cat, her little goldfinch with his
+elegant green cage, and she would also have a shed for her cow. She also
+wished to take a dog with her; but finally she thought she would not do
+so, for he would eat too much, and aside from that, would not be of the
+slightest benefit to her, for Carl would certainly assume the entire
+control of him.
+
+There was no doubt, she had thought, but that good Carl would help her
+with her heavy work. That is, he would come to her little house on
+Wednesday and Sunday afternoons, to scrub her floors and bring the wood,
+while she was engaged in making cakes and pies for her father and Magde,
+who should visit her on those evenings. Of course this plan was to be
+followed during the summer only. During the winter, she would spend
+those afternoons and evenings in the large house.
+
+What true happiness did the girl experience as she thus innocently
+dreamed of her future life! Her joy was increased as she fancied herself
+seated in her little school-room after the close of her labors for the
+day. That little room was to be a bright place in her memory forever for
+was it not he, her friend, who had told her that she would require some
+recreation after school hours, and was he not also to teach her the
+means for doing so?
+
+We will not describe Nanna's blushing confusion as she told her father
+of her acquaintance with Gottlieb, neither will we paint at length, the
+mingled sentiments of fear and hope which filled the old man's heart as
+he heard his daughter's story; but will simply remark that the meeting
+between old Mr. Lonner and Gottlieb was mutually gratifying, and that as
+is naturally the case under such circumstances, they each wished to
+continue the acquaintance thus pleasingly commenced.
+
+Upon the sand in front of the cottage Magde's children were playing in
+the sun, while Christine, the servant girl, was dividing her attention
+between her sewing work, and the baby which was reposing in a kneading
+trough, upon a little bed of rushes. She would also occasionally cast
+her eyes towards the other children, as they dug little ditches which
+they filled with water brought from the house in an old kettle, and then
+sailed their little bark boats in these miniature canals.
+
+In the meantime, Magde, as usual, was sitting in the parlor, weaving at
+her loom with such violence that the window panes rattled in their
+sashes. As she was thus engaged she hummed a little song, which Ragnar
+during their courtship had frequently sung beneath her window as a
+signal that he wished to see her alone. As Magde loved her husband above
+all other earthly things, his favorite song had never become discordant
+to her. This song she took most pleasure in singing when she was alone,
+for then she could give full rein to her fancy, and look forward to the
+time when her loved husband should become a captain, and command an
+elegant schooner in which he could receive his wife, for she hoped that
+she might be able to take one voyage at least to Goteborg, to preside at
+the table in Captain Ragnar's cabin.
+
+Then thought she, what a great stir her appearance in the vessel would
+create! "Heavens," one would say, "what a beautiful wife our captain
+has!" Yes, the captain is a man of taste. "The captain, always the
+captain. O, how grand it sounded! The captain loves her so much," the
+sailors would also say, "that he scarcely takes his eyes from her, and
+how affectionately she looks at him! O, it must be a happy life, to be
+thus married!"
+
+While Magde was thus engaged in her pleasant reveries, the latch was
+lifted and the door swung open slowly.
+
+"Mercy! What can be Mr. H----'s business here!" she exclaimed.
+
+"O, do not disturb yourself," said Mr. Fabian, for it was our valorous
+huntsman who thus disturbed Magde's dreams, "I hope everything may be
+arranged without trouble. I am not the man who would injure his
+neighbor, even if I had it in my power."
+
+"What do you mean!" exclaimed Magde dropping her shuttle in her terror.
+
+In the meantime the worthy gentleman had gradually approached Magde,
+but so softly and cautiously that he resembled a cat about pouncing upon
+a trembling mouse.
+
+"Heaven forbid," replied Mr. Fabian, "that I should think that you knew
+anything about it. A woman so virtuous as you are, would not engage in
+any wrong action; but I do think that a man's property should be
+respected."
+
+"Mr. H----, if you have any evil tidings speak them out at once. Perhaps
+Jon Jonson has arrived, and the goods that Ragnar--"
+
+"With a deep blush Magde suddenly ceased speaking; but her visitor
+required nothing further. He pretended, however, not to have understood
+her words; but as he well knew that Jon Jonson's vessel was still at
+Goteborg for he expected some merchandise in it himself, it did not
+require much penetration for him to surmise that the mate Lonner had
+taken an opportunity of sending home some smuggled goods by his friend
+Jonson.
+
+"I know nothing about Jon Jonson's vessel," said Mr. H---- after a
+moment's pause, "but, I can readily perceive that you expect some
+compliments from your husband."
+
+"Yes, not only compliments; but also a quantity of merchandise," replied
+Magde, who, after a moment's reflection had concluded that it was better
+not to make a secret of it, "as Ragnar had a little overplus he
+concluded to send us a few necessary articles from Goteborg. We are
+poor, and cannot demand credit until he returns."
+
+"It is better not to do so," replied her visitor, "but at present we
+have neither Jon Jonson nor Ragnar to speak about. A certain person in
+this neighborhood has placed himself in an unpleasant position."
+
+"Who can it be?" exclaimed Magde, terrified by Mr. Fabian's imposing
+aspect, "I will run and call father!"
+
+"If the old man is not at home," replied her visitor concealing his joy
+by assuming a frown of vexation, "it will be better not to call him as
+it will only cause the venerable man much pain."
+
+"Tell me, do tell me, what has been done?" stammered the frightened
+woman.
+
+"I refer to your brother Carl!"
+
+"Carl, the half-witted Carl."
+
+"O, he is in no want of wit, and his weak mind shall not serve him as a
+protection when he stands before the justice. Theft is theft, no matter
+who commits it. At least so the law considers it."
+
+"The game!" cried Magde clasping her hands in despair and terror.
+
+"You are right, the game that he stole from me this morning while I was
+sleeping. I knew full well that the proud and conscientious Magde, would
+not deny that he had brought it home."
+
+"But who could have--have--"
+
+"Right, who could have believed that he would have done so, and that is
+the very point, and an unlucky one, for it proves that he must have been
+seen while committing the theft."
+
+"How terrible this is! A few days ago I happened to say that I wished we
+had some game for our old father, and now--now--"
+
+"Calm yourself," interrupted Mr. Fabian, extending his hand and
+enforcing his consolation by a love-tap upon Magde's shoulder. In her
+affliction Magde did not withdraw from this salute, and Mr. Fabian had
+an opportunity of gazing upon her lovely neck for a full moment, to
+prolong which he would have given the value of a hundred hares and
+partridges. But Magde arousing herself from her stupor, looked her guest
+full in the face, and there read an expression which displeased her.
+
+With a blush she replaced the handkerchief around her neck, and suddenly
+enquired:
+
+"What then, sir, is the real intention of your visit? You said you would
+not disturb us, and as the game is untouched we can return it
+immediately."
+
+"The game is not the object of my visit."
+
+"What is then?"
+
+"The theft. Carl will be brought before the justice, I told you there
+was a witness to his crime."
+
+"But how can that happen unless you enter a complaint?"
+
+"Have I not the right to enforce the law which is made to protect our
+property? but it is possible that I might hush the matter up if I chose;
+and when I fancy that I see the poor fellow under arrest, when I behold
+him in the culprit's box, in the court-room; when I--"
+
+"May God protect him!" interrupted Magde, "you have said enough, Mr.
+H----. I am but the wife of a poor sailor; but if my humble prayers will
+be of the least avail--" and Magde, the proud Magde, who before had
+often dismissed Mr. Fabian with disdainful gestures, now clasped her
+hands, and looked into his face with an expression of tearful entreaty.
+
+"O, do not despair, my dear Magde," said he, "such tender prayers and
+looks, have a wonderful influence upon me. Aside from that your present
+attitude is perfectly charming."
+
+Overpowered by a sudden revulsion of feelings, Magde closed her eyes,
+and sank her head upon her bosom.
+
+"I see," said she, "that you do not intend to assist us from our present
+trouble."
+
+"On the contrary," replied Mr. Fabian with much animation, "I will do
+everything for you, if you will only conduct yourself towards me, in a
+manner different from that which you have done heretofore."
+
+"If Mr. H---- demands nothing more than friendship," replied Magde, with
+difficulty repressing her anger, "that shall not be wanting."
+
+"Nothing more, upon my honor," said Mr. H----, joyfully, "if you, dear
+Magde, will promise that when you meet me you will favor me with a look
+of kindness, I assure you by my honor, that nothing more shall be heard
+about this unpleasant affair; and as a proof that we shall hereafter be
+friends, I demand the slight favor of a kiss."
+
+"That cannot be," replied Magde, with the coolness of despair, "I love
+Carl as my brother, and will give anything to preserve him from
+disgrace, except that which does not belong to me."
+
+"What do you mean, my little piece of stubbornness, do not your lips
+belong to yourself?"
+
+"From the moment that I entered my bridal chamber, I considered myself
+as belonging to my husband alone, and Mr. H----, you can be assured that
+you are not the person who can cause me to forget my husband's rights."
+
+"Look you," shouted a harsh voice from the door, "before Magde should
+kiss your wrinkled old lips, I would run into the prison of my own
+accord;" and first Carl's head, and then his uncouth form appeared, as
+he entered the room. His face was convulsed with passion, and his eyes
+glanced irefully upon the surprised Fabian.
+
+"Simpleton! you trespass upon my good nature!" exclaimed Mr. Fabian,
+foaming with rage.
+
+"Do I?" replied Carl, "perhaps I shall trespass upon something else. Do
+you know, sir, what I shall say when the justice questions me?"
+
+"What would you say, good Carl?" inquired Magde, encouragingly.
+
+"I would say, for I know exactly how it will come to pass, I would
+humbly say to the justice, that I did take the hares and partridges from
+the proprietor of Almvik."
+
+"Yes," interrupted Mr. Fabian, "you will be obliged to show your hand."
+
+"'Now,' the judge will reply," continued Carl, without noticing the
+interruption, "'My lad, why did you do so?' Then I will answer, because
+it is not forbidden in my catechism; if the game had been an ox or an
+ass, I would not have taken it. Then I would say to the justice, at the
+same time looking at him in this way"--and Carl made such a ridiculous
+grimace that Magde nearly laughed outright--"that there was no danger
+that Mr. Fabian H---- would frighten such fierce animals as the ox and
+the ass, for it is his custom to charm the hares and partridges by the
+sweet sound of his snores, for your Honor must know that this huntsman
+pursues his game while comfortably snoring in the grass."
+
+"What do you say, clown?"
+
+"And then I can call as a witness the very man whom you intend to use
+against me, and finally I think that the justice will smile a little
+when I tell him that Mr. Fabian H---- was willing to forget all harsh
+measures for a kiss from Magde."
+
+"Ha! ha! ha!" exclaimed Mr. Fabian, with a forced laugh, with which he
+attempted to conceal his uneasiness, "you are a waggish rogue! Your last
+words have afforded me so much amusement that I have not the heart to
+injure you for such a trifle. But listen, you little simpleton; you must
+not suppose that the justice would allow you to say all that. No, he
+would have sent you away long before you could have had time to utter a
+word about it."
+
+Carl made no further reply than by applying his thumb to his nasal
+organ; and gyrating his fingers in a manner so significant that we will
+not endeavor to interpret his meaning. Having executed this manoeuver,
+he hastily left the room, but remained at such a distance that he could
+keep a watchful eye through the open door upon the unwelcome guest.
+
+Mr. Fabian, who did not wish to appear vanquished, was at a loss how to
+change the conversation to such a theme as would afford him a suitable
+opportunity to take his leave in a dignified manner. But good Magde, who
+had now entirely recovered her usual equanimity, soon assisted him--by
+means of that instinct which sometimes puts superior knowledge to the
+blush--out of his dilemma by saying:
+
+"I am grateful to you, Mr. H----, for having forgiven Carl because his
+words amused you; but what a simpleton the boy is!"
+
+"It was because he was a simpleton that I forgave him; but now as my
+visit is at an end, I will release you from your unwelcome guest. As for
+the game, Carl can keep it. It would at all events create suspicion if
+it was sent to Almvik."
+
+"And you, Mr. H----, you will not be angry with us?"
+
+"I, God forbid. When I forgive I forget everything."
+
+Magde arose and courtesied as her visitor took his departure. She
+accompanied him a short distance from the house, and waited till he
+unfastened the horse's halter.
+
+After mounting his animal, he drove his horse near the spot where Magde
+was standing, and as he passed her he bowed deeply, but his face wore an
+expression that caused her entire form to tremble with an undefined
+fear.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+THE TRUANT.
+
+
+Fourteen days elapsed. Gottlieb had fully learned the road from Almvik
+to the cottage in the valley. It had never entered the mind of any one
+of the inmates of the cottage to consider him a dangerous guest. Magde,
+who possessed a quick eye, soon discovered that Nanna was the cause of
+his visits; but she also perceived that Gottlieb was no dissembler.
+Magde did not look further than this, for she did not suppose Nanna
+would ever love one who did not return her affection. Unrequited love
+she did not believe in, and she thought that Nanna was of her opinion in
+this respect.
+
+And in truth thus it appeared, for neither Nanna nor Gottlieb
+experienced the slightest degree of restraint when in each other's
+society. The change that had taken place in Nanna's appearance was
+marvellous; the blossoms of buoyant and happy girlhood had usurped the
+place formerly occupied by lilies on her cheeks, and our young hero had
+more than once laughingly said:
+
+"It is fortunate, Miss Nanna, that we made our agreement when we first
+met, for if we had not I do not know what would have happened. You
+become lovelier every day, Nanna."
+
+Yet in spite of these words Gottlieb would blush with displeasure when
+their meetings at the spring were disturbed by a third person.
+
+The youthful teacher and pupil continued their meetings at the little
+fountain, and Gottlieb at this spot gave Nanna her first instructions
+upon the guitar. To his great pleasure she learned quickly, and soon she
+was able to sing her beautiful songs to her own accompaniment on his
+favorite instrument.
+
+Words are inadequate to describe Gottlieb's pride and elation when this
+was accomplished, and he was none the less rejoiced when he discovered
+how readily Nanna comprehended him when he read to her the writings of
+his favorite bards.
+
+On her part Nanna replied to her kind teacher, by confiding to him all
+of her little plans, among the first of which she mentioned the
+school-room, the cat and the singing bird which he was to have, and
+Gottlieb gave her his advice concerning the arrangement of the benches
+in the school-room; the position which the black-board should occupy,
+and what little presents she should make her pupils as rewards of merit.
+He concluded by promising to send her every year a letter of advice;
+possibly he might come himself, occasionally, who knew?
+
+"I am sure of that," said Nanna, one afternoon in reply to Gottlieb, as
+he thus expressed himself, "for when you are married you will be obliged
+to visit Almvik to show your rich wife to your uncle and aunt."
+
+"Perhaps," replied Gottlieb, with a laugh, "that journey will not be
+necessary, for if my aunt could only have her own way, she would
+certainly find me a wife in this neighborhood."
+
+"Who could you possibly marry in this neighborhood?" inquired Nanna
+curiously.
+
+"Ah! Mademoiselle Nanna," replied Gottlieb, "I easily perceive that you
+are not in the least danger, for you can hear that your friend Gottlieb
+is to be married and betray not the slightest emotion."
+
+"Why should I be moved, Mr. Gottlieb? It will have to occur sometime,"
+said Nanna innocently.
+
+"And yet--"
+
+"What yet!"
+
+"You are a good girl."
+
+"Ah, but don't you remember the agreement?"
+
+"Yes, and I only intended to remark that it would not be difficult for
+you to adhere to it."
+
+"Does that displease you, sir?" inquired Nanna in a tone of displeasure
+which was the more pertinent as it was foreign to her usual manner.
+
+"Certainly not, Miss Nanna, on the contrary I am delighted that you
+should follow my advice so faithfully--either of the young ladies at the
+parsonage are suitable."
+
+"Did you refer to one of those?" inquired Nanna, her countenance
+assuming a deathly paleness, "O they are so beautiful."
+
+"Yes, perfectly angelic--especially Miss--Miss--what is her name?"
+
+"You probably allude to Miss Charlotte."
+
+"Right, Miss Charlotte, whose hair is so black and beautiful."
+
+"O, no, that is Sophia!" exclaimed Nanna.
+
+"Well then, Miss Sophia, I prefer her."
+
+"But why is it that you changed their names?" inquired Nanna.
+
+"Why, you heard that I did not confound her black hair with her sister's
+brown ringlets."
+
+"How strange! Charlotte's hair is quite light!"
+
+"Of what earthly difference is it," replied Gottlieb, "whether
+Charlotte's hair is brown or white, I think only of the roguish and
+pretty Miss Sophia."
+
+"I think you are jesting with me, sir," said Nanna laughing so heartily
+that the roses instantly returned to her cheeks.
+
+"I jest with you!"
+
+"Of course. Miss Sophia is so serious and thoughtful that no person
+would call her roguish."
+
+"Were you not as quiet as an old prayer-book the first time I saw you?"
+replied Gottlieb.
+
+"And even if it was so--"
+
+"Just look into the water, my little miss, and tell me whether you look
+as you used to."
+
+"Then you would say, Mr. Gottlieb, that by some magic spell you have
+driven away Miss Sophia's gloominess?"
+
+"Yes, I can say Miss Sophia's also."
+
+"_Also?_--that is a bold speech!"
+
+"Are you angry?"
+
+"Oh, Gottlieb!"
+
+"Ah, Miss Nanna. Are you weeping?"
+
+"Mr. Gottlieb may be mischievous and tantalizing enough to compel me to
+do so; but this time he has not succeeded."
+
+"Well, as I cannot force you to weep, I must confess the truth, and that
+is--"
+
+"That you have seen neither of them," interrupted Nanna.
+
+"Not that, there you are mistaken, for I called at the parsonage one
+evening with my aunt, and I was so much pleased with the young ladies,
+that now I am here with you, while they are at Almvik, where they
+arrived this morning. What do you think of that?"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+What Nanna thought Gottlieb did not learn; but he soon was made
+acquainted with his aunt Ulrica's opinion concerning his absence.
+Gottlieb arrived at the latticed gate of the court-yard at Almvik, just
+in time to salute the young ladies from the parsonage as they drove
+forth from the yard on their return home. They appeared somewhat
+displeased, and returned Gottlieb's bow with a stiff and cold salute.
+
+Mr. Fabian observed with pleasure, the cloud which shadowed the brow of
+his beloved Ulrica, foretelling the storm that was to burst forth; but
+not on himself.
+
+"Nephew Gottlieb," said Aunt Ulrica drawing the young man aside, "you
+have to-day for the first time afforded me an unpleasant surprise."
+
+"In what manner, dear aunt," replied Gottlieb.
+
+"Is it your custom when in your father's house to remain away all day
+when young ladies are visiting your parents?"
+
+"Nothing would have been thought about it if such had been the case. My
+mother is not overfond of such strict principles of etiquette."
+
+"That is to be regretted, for boys who have not been carefully guided,
+rarely become gallant and well behaved young men; but we will say no
+more on that subject."
+
+"In that I concur."
+
+"We will therefore confine ourselves to that subject to which an innate
+knowledge guides us."
+
+"That leads us back upon the same road."
+
+"On the contrary, my young friend, if you will permit me to follow my
+own course I will place you on the road to heaven."
+
+"Are you sure, my dear Aunt, that you have discovered the right road?"
+
+"Certainly, only think, a ton and a half of gold; beauty, amiability,
+and a knowledge of cookery which excels that of Miss Nylander [The
+author of a celebrated Swedish cook book.] herself!"
+
+"But love, my dear aunt, is that not to be found in heaven?"
+
+"O, yes, and it might have already made rapid progress if you had
+assisted me in my first step towards the completion of my designs, by
+remaining at home instead of running away."
+
+"Which proves that nothing existed before in which love could take
+root."
+
+"Nonsense!" exclaimed Mrs. Ulrica, "if you wish to succeed your father
+you ought to improve your situation by some good marriage. Miss
+Charlotte is a lovely blonde, and Miss Sophia, a beautiful brunette, a
+perfect Spanish donna."
+
+"Yes, she has a remarkable resemblance to a donna; but unfortunately I
+do not prefer Spanish ladies."
+
+"Well, then Charlotte possesses an affectionate disposition. You cannot
+but admire her fine sensitive nature, which should kindle a love
+equalling Werther's love of Lotta."
+
+"That is precisely what I fear. How would I look imitating Werther?"
+
+"I do not wish you to follow his example. Charlotte is a girl for whose
+sake a man might act foolishly, and still be pardoned--then you prefer
+Charlotte?"
+
+"No, above all things in the world I detest preferences."
+
+"That is to say, you will cheerfully take the one of the two sisters you
+most admire after you have had an opportunity of visiting them a few
+weeks, and judging of their good qualities for yourself."
+
+"Nothing of the kind, dear Aunt."
+
+"Then, what do you mean?"
+
+"That I have a great desire to look out for myself in this matter; and
+that taking all things into consideration, I am much too young to think
+of marriage."
+
+"Then you despise your aunt's assistance?"
+
+"God forbid that such a sentiment should ever enter my heart. I honor
+and love God. I am grateful to Him that He has given me a heart, and I
+pray Him not to send me a bride which that heart cannot love."
+
+"Your words sound well; but I shall not have my little plot marred by
+them. Will you or will you not, accompany me to the parsonage, and
+conduct yourself as you should before the young ladies?"
+
+"I will behave politely towards any young lady; but, aunt, if you have
+any other meaning concealed beneath those words then--I will say no!"
+
+"You wish to quarrel with me, then. Do you understand what that means,
+my dear nephew?"
+
+"I dare not think of such a misfortune."
+
+"Yet that misfortune will certainly come. God knows I would do much for
+you; but consider upon your words while you have yet time--you need not
+trouble yourself to be present at the fishing excursion this evening."
+
+"Why so, aunt, am I outlawed?"
+
+Mrs. Ulrica Eugenia assumed an air of haughtiness.
+
+"Then I have fallen into disgrace," continued Gottlieb.
+
+"I will not deny," replied Mistress Ulrica, coldly, "that you are on the
+road to disgrace; but I hope this wholesome lesson will cause you to
+think better of my exertions in your behalf."
+
+"Of that I have my doubts," thought Gottlieb as his aunt majestically
+left the room; "and yet perhaps it is foolish on my part not to take her
+advice.--Oh, why is not my little nymph of the fountain the possessor of
+a ton and a half of gold?--The little creature--hm--She is really too
+beautiful!"
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+THE FISHERMAN.
+
+
+The usually turbulent lake Wenner, presented, on the evening of which we
+are about to write, an unruffled and mirror-like appearance. In its
+clear bosom was reflected the lofty cliffs of mount Kinnekulle, and
+sloop after sloop passed over this gigantic image until a puffing
+steamboat dashed over it and the picture was lost in the foaming spray
+in her wake.
+
+Almvik was situated on a truly romantic spot near the margin of the
+lake, of which a magnificent view could be obtained from the mansion.
+The surface of the lake this evening presented a pleasing spectacle.
+Fishes were leaping out of the water near little boats which were
+swinging at anchor, or were being pulled by sturdy fishermen who were
+going forth to ensnare the subjects of the water Queen; but the proud
+Queen, who, from her crystal palace beheld the danger, commanded her
+subjects to retreat, and quickly the sportive fishes hastened to the
+depths of the water that afforded them a barrier through which their
+enemies could not break.
+
+In consequence of these manoeuvers on the part of the water Queen, our
+friend Mr. Fabian, who frequently endeavored to capture her subjects,
+was invariably unsuccessful. Undoubtedly this must have been a source of
+much misery to the poor man, for he was situated between two iron wills,
+namely that of his wife and that of the water Queen; the latter would
+not pay tribute, while the former demanded with all the firmness of an
+absolute monarch, that the tribute should be forced from the water Queen
+at all hazards.
+
+After the above explanation our readers can well imagine Mr. Fabian's
+feelings when after having congratulated himself that his wife's anger
+with her nephew would occupy her mind for the entire evening, he
+received a summons from her that the boat and fishing tackle were ready
+for use.
+
+Fishing was one of Mistress Ulrica's favorite pastimes, and although she
+did not generally participate in it, yet when she observed her husband's
+unskillfulness, she would indignantly cast aside her parasol, and grasp
+the fishing rod. However it may be, whether the water queen below wished
+to compliment the earthly queen above,--we know that ladies are prone to
+be polite to each other--or that some truant fish remained behind to
+become an easy prey to the enemy, suffice it to say that Mistress Ulrica
+was generally fortunate; but she did not--as she might have done--make
+use of her advantage, as she herself would say, "to cause her husband to
+blush with shame."
+
+When the dutiful husband arrived at the landing, he found his tender
+wife, standing near the boat, clasping her child's hand in her own, and
+our friend was obliged to see that his jewels were safely seated in the
+boat. After he had rowed the skiff out as far as Ulrica thought was
+proper, he with many misgivings threw out his line.
+
+"How strange it is my dear Fabian, that every time you fish you sit
+still there on your seat like a perfect automaton!"
+
+With this preamble, Mistress Ulrica opened the floodgates of her
+ill-humor, to which on occasions like the present especially she gave
+perfect freedom.
+
+"An automaton, my dear!"
+
+"A post, a perfect post. You do not even turn your head; just as though
+the company of your wife and child was the most wearisome thing of your
+life."
+
+But dearest Ulrique Eugenie, I must keep watch for a bite. If I turn
+around--"
+
+"You would not lose the sense of feeling if you should; but you hope, I
+suppose, that persons on the shore will think you master of the boat.
+Simpleton! What folly to think that!"
+
+"Dear Ulrique Eugenie, shall I ask if you have spared my nephew your
+ill-humor that you may vent it on me. It is my opinion--"
+
+"What is your opinion, sir?"
+
+"O nothing further than that I am sufficiently burdened with your
+natural bad-temper already, without having it increased by the aid of
+another."
+
+"Burdened!--ill-humor--bad temper!--is the man mad? Do you thus speak to
+me, your wedded wife, who bears your stupid indifference; your want of
+tenderness and love with angelic forbearance? O, this is too much! It is
+shameful! It is undeserved!"
+
+"Now, now, Ulgenie, do not be so hasty. You know how patient I am."
+
+"And what am I, then, to be married to such a musty husband? Your wife
+is courted before your very eyes; you see nothing! you hear nothing!--I
+could be unfaithful to you, and even then you would close your eyes. O,
+fate! O bitter life! such a husband can drive a wife to desperation, and
+from thence it is but one step to madness."
+
+"Who is again playing the gallant to you?"
+
+And in this "again," reposed an expression which displayed that such
+scenes were not new to him. Mistress Ulrica, like other women, possessed
+her weak points, one of which was that if a gentleman happened to
+converse with her pleasantly, she immediately imagined that he was
+desperately in love with her. But to her great sorrow, Mrs. Ulrica,
+although she possessed entire control over her husband's actions, never
+could make an Othello of him. Had Mr. Fabian but known her desire in
+this respect, he could have deprived his wife of her sceptre, and taken
+up the reins of matrimonial government himself.
+
+A tyrannical husband would have been able to bend Mrs. Ulrica like a
+reed, and to have trodden her under his feet which she would willingly
+have kissed; but now Mr. Fabian kissed her feet, and therefore she
+crushed him to the dust, and although she did not merit the reproach
+that Desdemona received, it was, nevertheless, no fault of his. But of
+what use would it have been even should she have merited it? Othello was
+a fanciful creation which her husband of all men would have been least
+willing to personate.
+
+"My Fabian," she would say to herself, "my Fabian can never prove
+unfaithful to me. He is too much of an idler, and thinks only of his
+sofa, pipe and tobacco."
+
+But we will resume the thread of the worthy couple's conversation.
+
+"Who is again making love to you?" inquired Mr. Fabian again.
+
+Mrs. Ulrica uplifted her reproachful eyes to Heaven. "He asks who! he
+has not even observed it!"
+
+"No, my dear wife, I have not."
+
+"And yet he has this entire day--," she turned her face aside, feigning
+to conceal a blush.
+
+"To-day! Why we have had no gentlemen guests to-day, except the pastor's
+assistant who came with the young ladies, and took his departure before
+they did."
+
+"No gentlemen guests! As if he, the accomplished scholar, and
+entertaining gentleman, was nobody! and it was nothing that--"
+
+"Well, what further?"
+
+"That he, carried away by those charms, that you have so long observed
+with indifference, should become deeply smitten with me."
+
+"What! Do you think he entertains a secret affection for you?"
+
+"Affection, I will not say affection; but passion, which word your dull
+brain cannot comprehend, you virtuous and modest Joseph!" the lady
+laughed at her own joke, and then continued, "I am not certain whether I
+had better tell the young man that I have discovered his hope; but I
+shall be forced to forbid his visiting me, which will be the same as
+telling the whole world how this delicate affair stands."
+
+"Will you permit me to give you a little advice?" said Mr. Fabian.
+
+"Why not, Fabian, you are my husband, and as such you have the right to
+do so."
+
+"Then I would say, drop the subject where it stands."
+
+"Are you not fearful! Do you not shudder at the possibility of an
+unpleasant event?"
+
+"O, my dearest Ulgenie, can I for a moment doubt your strength of soul,
+your virtue?"
+
+"It is true I am thus strongly armed, and I thank you, my dear Fabian,
+for confiding in my faithfulness."--As was usual a few cheering
+sun-beams followed the cooling shower.--"Forgive me, my dear husband,
+for harrowing your feelings; but there are times when even the strongest
+minded are weak."
+
+"You are an exception, my love."
+
+These confident words had nearly renewed the vexation within Mistress
+Ulrica's bosom; but suddenly she was struck with an idea that caused her
+to assume a still more affectionate expression of countenance.
+
+"We will trouble ourselves no more concerning that deeply to be pitied
+young man. I have something else which I wish to confide to you."
+
+"Another lover?" inquired Mr. Fabian, widening his eyes.
+
+"I refer to a youth, for whose welfare I am deeply concerned."
+
+"Explain yourself, my dear."
+
+"Fabian, you must not hate him, for the young man does not understand
+himself, this I will answer for with my life, and perhaps he only
+indulges a platonic affection for one who realizes the romantic ideas
+which his youthful imagination had formerly brought forth."
+
+"You do not mean Gottlieb, do you?" inquired Fabian, unsuccessfully
+endeavoring to conceal a laugh.
+
+"Fabian, why do you speak so sardonically? If in spite of your
+watchfulness, his has, unobserved by you, paid a tribute to your wife's
+beauty, you must remember that he did not know he was sinning. It was
+merely an accident that made me acquainted with the secret of his
+heart."
+
+"Will you permit me to inquire what that accident was?"
+
+"With pleasure. I had--I tell you this in confidence--I had chosen one
+of the pastor's daughters as his wife; I invited her to Almvik to-day,
+but he avoided her presence. He retired to that solitude which he seeks
+every evening either before or after we go out on our drive. A certain
+instinctive sentiment causes him to leave the house when you are absent,
+and more than all, when I reproached him for his faults, and pointed to
+the advantageous match I had in view for him, he had the boldness to say
+that he would retain to himself the right of disposing of his own
+heart."
+
+"And do you believe, my dear, that you are the first cause of this
+trouble?"
+
+"I have felt grieved at the thought that it might be so, nothing
+further."
+
+"Well, well, dear Ulgenie, I will release you from this burden on your
+conscience."
+
+Mr. Fabian, who always found it a difficult matter to converse long upon
+a serious matter, spoke the above words in a tone of voice especially
+lively, for his heart was rejoiced at the thought that now he had an
+opportunity of ridding himself of an unwelcome guest, without giving
+cause for any one to believe that it was his own desire to do so.
+
+"What are you babbling about?" inquired Mistress Ulrica, sharply, "what
+do you know about my nephew's affairs?"
+
+"Nothing further than that he has had a little love affair of his own,
+which occupies his attention during those solitary walks you referred to
+a moment ago."
+
+"He! Gottlieb! Has he dared to fall in love!"
+
+"Certainly."
+
+"Impossible!"
+
+"But I assure you that it is true, and if you will ask him why he so
+frequently visits the valley, he certainly will not deny that he goes
+there for the purpose of meeting handsome Nanna, the daughter of old Mr.
+Lonner. He reads poetry to her, and under the pretence of teaching her
+the guitar, he finds an opportunity of pressing her pretty little white
+hands."
+
+"If that is true. If he, while he remains under my roof, enters into
+such a miserable intrigue, I will--for I consider it my duty as
+occupying the place of his mother--I will to-morrow morning mar his
+plans. But how did you learn this?"
+
+This was a question which Mr. Fabian could not truthfully answer, for if
+he should do so, he would have been obliged to state that he, after his
+disagreeable parting with Magde, had taken a roundabout path towards
+Almvik, which conducted him so near the valley that he discovered two
+persons sitting beneath the tree near the fountain, and that from that
+day forward he had closely watched Gottlieb's movements, so that he
+might be enabled to hold a weapon over the one who might perhaps be a
+spy upon his own actions.
+
+It was therefore an accident which opened Mr. Fabian's eyes to
+Gottlieb's crime; but he had not wished to play the part of an accuser,
+O, no, for such love affairs were common to all young men, at least he
+thus assured his wife.
+
+"Make no excuse for him, sir," interrupted Mistress Ulrica sharply,
+"this indeed is excellent, and will become still richer if not prevented
+in time. The reproaches of a mother on the one hand, and the curses of a
+father on the other; a seduced girl, perhaps something worse; a criminal
+investigation, and a scandal in which our house, and possibly
+ourselves, will figure largely; all this we must expect. As true as my
+name is Ulrique Eugenie, this matter shall have an end, and a speedy
+end, too."
+
+"But how will you accomplish that?" inquired Fabian.
+
+"That I shall attend to myself. Gottlieb has said that he should like to
+travel over the mountains into Norway. Now then he can go to Amal, and
+from thence he may commence his journey. He shall have money, but must
+obey me."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The following morning, after Mistress Ulrica had convinced herself by
+her own eyes of the truth of her husband's report, for she followed
+Gottlieb to the meadow that morning instead of taking her usual ride,
+Gottlieb was summoned to her apartment, and underwent an examination
+that nearly exhausted his entire stock of patience. The interview
+resulted in his determination to accept his aunt's proposal, that he
+should take a journey into Norway. He did not inform Nanna, however, of
+the cause of his sudden departure, for he feared that it would grieve
+her.
+
+Their last interview was cheered by bright anticipations of the day when
+Gottlieb should return and observe the improvement which Nanna should
+make, both in her performance on the guitar, and in her education; for
+when his aunt had made a contract of peace with him, Gottlieb had
+insisted that Nanna should have the guitar, to which clause the old lady
+consented.
+
+The young couple parted in the hope of a joyful meeting, and Gottlieb's
+farewell kiss did not assist Nanna to forget him.
+
+The next day after Gottlieb had taken his departure, Jon Jonson's sloop
+arrived in the bay opposite the little cottage in the valley.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+GRIEF.
+
+
+Nearly two months had elapsed since those remarkable days on which Nanna
+had received her first kiss, and Magde had heard from her husband by the
+arrival of Jon Jonson's sloop.
+
+Great had been her joy when Ragnar's gifts arrived in safety.--She then
+thought that everything had come to a good conclusion. But greatly was
+she deceived! There was a man to whom Magde had invariably conducted
+herself with cool indifference, and who, after having been defeated by
+her in the manner which we have before described bestowed upon her a
+parting glance which had caused her to shudder as if she had trodden
+upon a serpent. And he was indeed a serpent in human guise, for soon she
+felt the delayed sting of the venomous reptile.
+
+Until Ragnar had received his appointment as mate, old Mr. Lonner had
+invariably purchased his supplies of the merchants at Goteborg; but as
+Ragnar thought that foreign goods could be obtained much cheaper by
+procuring them himself, and sending them home without paying the duty,
+he soon persuaded the old man to adopt his opinion on the subject.
+
+Until now no unpleasant consequence had resulted from Ragnar's
+occasionally smuggling a few articles for the use of the family; but the
+old adage says "a pitcher which goes oft to the fountain is soon
+broken," and in Ragnar's case this proverb was verified.
+
+Yet, for this accident, the custom house officers were not so much to
+blame, for not one in that service would have thought for a moment of
+searching the cottage in the valley, unless positive information was
+received, nay more, unless that information was accompanied with threats
+of exposure, for dereliction of duty. Unfortunately, the custom house
+stamp was wanting upon the handkerchiefs, shawls, and other goods sent
+by Ragnar, and the family not only were deprived of them, but were
+menaced with fines and penalties, which to pay, was entirely out of
+their power. To add to their misfortune their protector, Ragnar, who
+would have soon put an end to their troubles, had started a few days
+before the catastrophe, upon a voyage to Brazil.
+
+Magde and Nanna wept only when they were alone, or at least when they
+were with each other. They concealed their tears from the old man, his
+life should not be further embittered; it was bitter enough already. The
+little fortune on which they had hoped to subsist for many months was
+entirely swept away. Old Mr. Lonner, however, observed the secret grief
+of his daughters, and said to himself:
+
+"Poor children, you do not know what is yet to come."
+
+The smuggled goods were marked with old Mr. Lonner's name only, and he
+well knew that a heavy penalty was yet to follow.
+
+"We have enjoyed so much happiness, and peace, since Ragnar and Magde
+were married," said he encouragingly to his daughter, "that we should
+bravely endure a little misfortune. It is not allotted to man that he
+should enjoy a constant season of prosperity."
+
+But Nanna and Magde smiled sorrowfully as he thus spoke. The inmates of
+the cottage now exerted themselves to the utmost to better their sad
+condition. Our friend Carl exerted himself beyond all the others. He who
+had neglected the affairs of his own relations for those of his
+neighbors, now scarcely had leisure to step beyond the boundary line of
+his father's estate. He was everything, and did everything so willingly
+and skilfully, that it was not necessary for the family to hire any
+servant to assist them as they had formerly done, and although latterly
+he had been somewhat feeble in health, he cared not for himself, but
+worked manfully in wet as well as dry weather. His troubles and toil
+were all forgotten, when Magde would reward him for his efforts with a
+friendly nod of her head.
+
+And when she would say, "You will work yourself to death, my Carl," he
+would laugh pleasantly, and immediately renew his efforts ten fold. He
+now determined that after his duties at home were performed, to go among
+the neighbors; not to be a nurse for their children, as before, but to
+work for wages, and after this when he returned and placed the money on
+Magde's weaving loom, a bright object might have been discovered
+glistening upon the crumpled bank-note. It was a tear of joy which Carl
+had shed.
+
+Magde after the first occurrence of this incident, dared to praise Carl
+no further. She already perceived the consequence of so doing, but after
+the lilacs and lilies had faded, the tulips, roses and lavender bushes,
+bloomed, and however weary Magde might find herself after a day of toil,
+she would each evening place elegant boquets in Carl's flower vases.
+
+At length, and too soon, the decision in regard to the smuggled goods
+arrived, and as Mr. Lonner was unable to pay the penalty imposed upon
+him, he was doomed to imprisonment. In this their day of trouble, Mr.
+Lonner alone retained his courage.
+
+He well knew in truth to whom they were indebted for their distress, but
+he feared nothing. He trusted in the belief that Magde would do all that
+was in her power to raise the sum of money necessary to pay the fine. It
+was unfortunate, however, that Magde, without the old man's knowledge,
+had expended their small stock of money to pay a few debts that they had
+contracted the previous spring.
+
+We will not attempt to depict the misery of the moment when old Mr.
+Lonner stepped into the boat which was to conduct him to the prison at
+Harad which was located on the opposite side of the lake, and where he
+was to be confined for the time being. Both of his daughters wished to
+accompany him to the opposite shore; but he forbade them so seriously
+that they dared not press their desires further.
+
+It was touching to observe these sorrow stricken females, amidst their
+terror search high and low in the cottage for various articles of
+comfort for their beloved father. At length, with a slight degree of
+sorrowful impatience old Mr. Lonner ordered the boatmen to push off from
+the shore, and then it was piteous in the extreme to behold both Magde
+and Nanna, as they clung to the gunwale, to whisper their tearful
+adieu's, and to promise that they would pay him a visit in his prison in
+a few days.
+
+Finally the bitter moment was over; the boat rapidly proceeded from the
+land; but so long as they could discern the old man's white locks
+fluttering in the breeze and even until the boat appeared a speck in the
+distance, Nanna and Magde remained on the shore gazing out upon the
+water.
+
+In the meantime Carl without the knowledge of the family had proceeded
+to the opposite shore of the lake, and when the boat which contained his
+father touched the shore, Carl greeted him tenderly and presented him
+with a ten dollar bank note. This was a treasure indeed, and Carl had
+obtained it by selling the only article of value which he possessed. It
+was a silver watch, which his mother had given him before she died.
+
+On his return home that evening he remarked:--"Father need not fear. He
+can live in his prison rolling in riches; a gentleman met him on the
+other shore and loaned him ten dollars."
+
+How Magde and Nanna blessed the kind hearted gentleman; but their joy
+was but momentary. What should they do now? How should they provide for
+themselves in this unexpected trouble. Their poor neighbors like
+themselves, were moneyless, and their wealthy neighbors would
+undoubtedly require some security before they would loan them money.
+
+Nanna often looked towards the spot in the meadow, so full of pleasant
+memories. If her kind friend would only return. He certainly, would be
+able to advise them how to act in their present strait.
+
+Three days elapsed after the old man's departure, and many were the
+plans formed by Magde, but the only apparently feasible one, was that
+which she would most unwillingly undertake to carry into effect. She was
+perfectly convinced that the proprietor of Almvik would willingly assist
+her; but he would do it _too_ willingly, for afterwards he would cause
+her to feel that she was in his debt.
+
+"But," thought she in a maze of doubt and fear, "what shall I do? Is it
+better to remain as we are and allow the poor old man to languish in
+prison, or to go to Almvik, and thus receive the only boon our father
+wishes, liberty? But what would Ragnar advise me to do. He loves his
+father as he does the apple of his eye; but his wife he loves as he does
+his own heart--And then if he should imagine that Mr. Fabian H---- --Oh!
+my God! what trouble would then arise!--but again I shall not be able to
+assist the old man--no, no, that will not do, I can hold out no longer."
+
+Magde had no person with whom to consult, for what advice could poor
+Carl give? Nanna was a mere child, and Magde felt that she could not
+consult her upon such an intricate question.
+
+She had conversed with the parson concerning her trouble, yet although
+he was not backward in giving her good advice, he nevertheless refused
+to assist her with his purse, for he was as miserly as he was wealthy.
+
+The time had now arrived when Magde could no longer postpone the
+promised visit to her father, and all the members of the family wished
+to go upon this little pilgrimage. Great were the preparations that were
+made to supply themselves with a sufficient quantity of provisions which
+they were to take to the old man. Magde baked pan-cakes, and Nanna made
+pies, and if a smile did appear on Magde's lips it was when they spoke
+of the pleasant surprise they were preparing for their father.
+
+At length the moment for their departure arrived. Even little Christine
+and the favorite dog Carlo, were to form a portion of the company, that
+they might be able to see their old friend. The children leaped with
+joy.
+
+They thought only of the pleasant trip over the swelling billows of the
+lake. Magde finished lading the skiff; but her heart was overflowing
+with grief, for she had no glad tidings with which to gladden the heart
+of the old man.
+
+Nanna who during the busy activity of the morning had successfully
+endeavored to suppress her sorrow, was so much overcome as she was about
+stepping into the boat that she nearly fainted. She saw in her
+imagination the pale and suffering countenance of her father; who was
+however smiling patiently as he stood ready to greet his children, that
+were to leave him again in his dreary and lonely prison.
+
+The poor child in anticipation suffered all the pangs of a second
+farewell with her imprisoned parent.
+
+"It will not do for you to accompany us," said Magde in a firm and
+motherly tone, "you are ill, and therefore had better return."
+
+"I am afraid," replied Nanna trembling violently, "that I shall be
+obliged to do so. Give my love to him, and tell him--" and now her long
+suppressed tears burst forth in torrents--"tell him if I do not come, it
+is not because I do not love him."
+
+"Silence, silence my poor sister, I know myself what I have to say--Go
+and may God be with you--here is the key--Lock the door--Carl take the
+oars."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII.
+
+THE BANISHMENT--THE RE-UNION.
+
+
+When Magde's boat passed the mansion at Almvik, two persons were walking
+on the verge of the shore near the lake. The one was Mistress Ulrica,
+and her companion was Gottlieb, who had returned a few days before, from
+his trip through Norway.
+
+As the boat shot round a rocky point of land, Gottlieb exclaimed, as he
+recognized its occupants, and bowed friendly to them: "Where are they
+all going! They look so sorrowful and dejected!"
+
+"Sorrowful!" repeated Mrs. Ulrica, "you may thank God that it is not
+necessary for you to participate in the sorrows of the lower classes."
+
+"If they are in trouble, I do not see why I should not sympathise with
+them."
+
+Aunt Ulrica shook her head with a dissatisfied expression of
+countenance.
+
+"You may certainly boast of your firmness of mind, and your knowledge of
+human nature; I have shown you the danger of associating with such
+persons. I sent you away--I--"
+
+"I beg your pardon," interrupted Gottlieb, hastily, "I was not _sent_
+away. I took a journey which I had decided on myself, and returned as I
+departed, with a heart ever ready to sympathise with the afflicted."
+
+"Then go, and participate in the sorrows of your beggar friends. I
+suppose, from your liberal words, that you are well supplied with
+money."
+
+"What has happened to them?"
+
+"The old man, in connection with his son, has been detected in smuggling
+foreign goods, and of course his property was confiscated. The old
+gentleman in whose name the business was transacted, was sent to prison
+because he had no money to pay the penalty, and there he will remain
+until you go to his release."
+
+"And he shall not wait long," replied Gottlieb. "I have accomplished
+greater undertakings than that in my time."
+
+"Ah, ha," sneered Mrs. Ulrica, "you speak boldly, boy. I am
+astonished."
+
+"If any one should be astonished, I am the person."
+
+"Indeed!"
+
+"I come to relatives who at first welcomed me cordially. My affections
+attached themselves to my kind friends, for it is a necessary quality
+for me to be grateful; but suddenly everything is changed, and I am
+treated like a school boy, whom you must curb, or else fear that he
+might commit some folly. To this description of guardianship I have not
+been accustomed, and as it is not my desire to submit to your control, I
+must beg you, Aunt Ulrica, not to attempt to govern me in this manner,
+for I assure you that your efforts will always be fruitless."
+
+"Foolish boy! You forget that I could be useful to you; could smooth
+your path by my wealth and influence."
+
+"I do not forget it, and I should have been very happy to have been able
+to retain your good will; but at the price of my liberty of thought and
+action, I do not desire your favor."
+
+"Then you will return to the valley, to Miss Nanna."
+
+"Undoubtedly. She requires my presence, and I long to see her."
+
+"Then you still love the young girl?" inquired Mrs. Ulrica.
+
+"I do not know whether I loved her when I departed from Almvik; but
+this much I do know, that her image has been with me constantly during
+my absence; and that I shall see her again to-day."
+
+"To tell her of this folly?"
+
+"O, no, that would be unjust, as I can tell her nothing more."
+
+"Thank Heaven for that! You, yourself, see that it would be impossible
+to--"
+
+"What?" inquired Gottlieb, as his aunt paused.
+
+"To marry her."
+
+"I do not at all consider it impossible; but as it is uncertain whether
+I ought to wed Nanna when the time arrives for me to marry, it is better
+for both of us that we should rest satisfied with friendship alone."
+
+"Listen to me, Gottlieb. Sometimes you speak so wisely that I am not
+certain but that it would repay me to make a proposal to you."
+
+"Well, I am all attention."
+
+"If I am not much mistaken, pity is the only sentiment that you feel for
+that girl, Nanna. If I was to take it upon myself to pay the old man's
+fine; if I should further promise you to provide for Nanna's future
+maintenance--you know I would not break my word--will you bind yourself
+not to see her again?"
+
+"No, I will never do that. She would be oppressed with sorrow throughout
+her whole life, if I should be capable of making such an unworthy
+promise."
+
+"Obstinate youth! you force me to perform my duty to your mother my
+sister, and command you to visit Almvik no longer. I will not burden my
+conscience by abetting you in your misconduct."
+
+"I will remain a few days longer," replied Gottlieb without evincing the
+slightest emotion, "to rest myself after my journey, and then I shall be
+ready to obey your command."
+
+"Right," muttered Mrs. Ulrica hotly, as she hastily left the young man,
+"you shall repent this."
+
+Without wasting time by thinking upon this conversation with his aunt,
+Gottlieb hastened on the road towards the little cottage. He had
+observed Nanna was not in the boat, and after proceeding to the spring,
+and fruitlessly searching for her, he hurried to the cottage, his heart
+beating with such rapidity as he stood before the door, that he was
+astonished at his great emotion.
+
+"Illness could not have prevented her from going with them," thought he,
+"certainly not, or they would have remained with her."
+
+Thus thinking he knocked at the door; but he was obliged to repeat the
+summons several times before he heard the sound of slow footsteps
+approaching.
+
+"Who is there?" inquired a soft voice from within.
+
+"'Tis I, Nanna!"
+
+An exclamation of joyful surprise was the only reply. The bolt was
+quickly thrown back; the door opened, and Nanna appeared upon the
+threshold, pale and careworn. She was clothed in her only holiday dress,
+a black merino frock which fitted closely around her neck, thereby
+disclosing her graceful bust to its best advantage.
+
+Without speaking, but overwhelmed with her joyful emotions, she cast
+herself in Gottlieb's arms, and never was there a purer embrace given or
+returned than on this occasion. With tender gentleness Gottlieb
+imprinted his second kiss upon her lips, and then said softly:--
+
+"Poor Nanna, poor child, you have at least one friend in your
+adversity."
+
+"Then Gottlieb is acquainted with--" She blushingly withdrew herself
+from his embrace. She had not thought that her greeting had been
+contrary to customary usage.
+
+"Yes, I know your sorrow; and you may rest assured that I will give
+myself no rest, during the few days that I remain here, until I see your
+father at liberty and safely in his own house again."
+
+"O, if that were but possible!" she clasped her hands and lifted her
+eyes, confidingly, to the face of her youthful friend.
+
+"It shall be possible, Nanna. You have my word for it. If I had been
+here it would not have happened."
+
+"I thought so. An inner voice told me that if _he_ would only come to us
+all would be well again."
+
+"I am grateful for your confidence and shall always remember it with
+pleasure."
+
+"Remember it!" exclaimed Nanna, "are you going to leave us again?"
+
+Nanna again clasped her hands, and this action and the mournful
+expression of her countenance spoke more than words could have
+expressed.
+
+"Will you miss me, Nanna?"
+
+"Always."
+
+"And perhaps wish we had never met?" inquired Gottlieb earnestly.
+
+"Ah, no," replied Nanna warmly, "the remembrance of you will perhaps
+work a happier future for me than I would have had without it."
+
+"But tell me," said Gottlieb changing the subject to one less dangerous,
+"why did not your sister apply to the proprietor of Almvik."
+
+"O, she would never apply to him. She would rather allow things to take
+their own course."
+
+"Why so?"
+
+"I know not whether I dare tell you. Papa and Magde, consider me a mere
+child, yet I can understand that Mr. H---- has sought her with wrong
+motives, and if I can believe my brother, Carl--"
+
+"What then?" interrupted Gottlieb eagerly.
+
+"Then I can believe that all of our troubles have originated in the fact
+that Magde refused to give that gentleman a kiss when he requested it."
+
+"What, did he wish to purchase a kiss?"
+
+"Yes, for Carl's pardon," and now Nanna related every circumstance
+connected with the theft of the game, in nearly the same words in which
+she had heard it from Carl.
+
+After a short season of reflection, during which he compared the
+different circumstances, Gottlieb arrived at the same conclusion that
+Carl had expressed to his sister; and at the same time he also fancied
+that he had discovered a method for old Mr. Lonner's release, which
+could not fail of success. In the meantime he merely inquired whether
+Mr. Fabian H---- had visited the cottage since his discomfiture.
+
+"I have several times observed him prowling about the premises," replied
+Nanna; "he probably hoped to have an opportunity of seeing Magde alone,
+which however he has never had, for even should he offer his assistance,
+she would not have dared to accept it, for if she did, Ragnar would be
+very angry."
+
+When Gottlieb returned to Almvik, he learned that his worthy uncle, whom
+as he before knew had left the house early that morning, was not
+expected to return until late in the evening. In consequence of this
+unfortunate circumstance, Gottlieb saw nothing before him except a
+vexatious delay in his intended operations; but it soon entered his mind
+that Mr. Fabian's absence might be connected in some degree with his
+wayward love. The day on which he had visited Magde, in order to take
+advantage of Carl's theft, he had also departed from Almvik in the
+morning, for during the evening hours his wife was invariably on the
+watch.
+
+The more Gottlieb considered this circumstance the more he was convinced
+that if his uncle had sown the seed it was done for his own benefit, and
+undoubtedly the time was now at hand when he should reap the harvest.
+
+"Ah!" thought Gottlieb, "if I should only be so fortunate as to obtain a
+power over my uncle, my suspicions and conjectures would exert a
+powerful influence upon his yielding disposition, especially, if I
+should place his wife in the back-ground. But to surprise him, with my
+own eyes in forbidden grounds, would be as good as to have old Mr.
+Lonner safe back in his cottage again."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV.
+
+THE PRISONER.
+
+
+While the incidents last narrated were transpiring on the one side of
+the lake, Magde's boat had reached the other, and the occupants of the
+boat were about landing, yes, Carl had even secured the boat to the
+stake, when one of the little ones in attempting to reach the landing,
+fell overboard with a loud cry.
+
+The young and always self-possessed mother, answered the boy's cry, not
+by crying out herself, but by springing into the water after him, and
+when Carl turned to learn the cause of the confusion, she had already
+reached her little boy, and was holding him up at arm's length out of
+the water. It was all done in a moment, without the least unnecessary
+confusion.
+
+"Carl," said she quietly, "take the boy."
+
+But Carl had lost his self-possession entirely. After he had literally
+thrown the boy on the landing, he inquired with a trembling voice:--
+
+"Could you not wait for me? The boy would not have sunk immediately."
+
+"You must not scold me, Carl, I am only a little wet."
+
+She then quietly drew herself to the shore.
+
+"How will you dry yourself now?" inquired Carl in a tone of uneasiness
+and vexation.
+
+"O, easily, I will call on Mother Larsson and borrow a dress to wear
+while we visit our father, and my clothing will be dry by the time we
+return."
+
+Carl was silent. He was displeased because Magde had not called him to
+her assistance. Meanwhile he proceeded with the children to the prison,
+that he might prepare the old man for the visit. Magde did not tarry
+long at Mother Larsson's. As soon as she had obtained the necessary
+garments, she hurried on, clothed in a neat peasant's frock which fitted
+her fine form gracefully.
+
+The prison at Harad was located in the ruins of an old castle. Its
+outward appearance presented a dark and forbidding aspect. The heart of
+the beholder would contract within him as he gazed upon those ruins of
+fallen greatness, as they reposed before him, dark and deserted, like
+an evil omen in his path.
+
+But the interior of the prison, with its tottering weather beaten
+projections, apparently ready to fall from their resting places,
+presented an appearance still more gloomy and forbidding. Dampness, and
+mould of a hundred years growth had obliterated all traces of the fresco
+paintings that had formerly ornamented the ceiling, on which the
+moisture had gathered and fell at regular intervals with a hollow patter
+upon the stone pavement below.
+
+The places once occupied by glittering chandeliers were now shrouded
+with immense spider webs, in which a whole colony of spiders lived
+subsisting on the noisome vapors of this gloomy charnel like abode.
+
+Aside from these poisonous insects, an occasional rat, and a few
+unfortunate prisoners, there were no other inhabitants in this dark
+prison. A flock of jackdaws had built their nest beneath the eaves of
+the old castle, and as they received good treatment from the prisoners
+they would pay them a passing visit at their grated windows to look in
+upon them or to receive a few crumbs of bread. Old Mr. Lonner had
+already made their acquaintance and derived much pleasure from attending
+to their little wants, while he anxiously awaited the arrival of his
+children.
+
+When Magde arrived she found Carl had prepared the way for her so that
+she, without hindrance, proceeded directly to the old man's cell. Mr.
+Lonner was deeply moved by the visit of his children; but he appeared
+perfectly resigned. Magde's two children were seated upon his knees,
+while Carl was standing before him relating all that had transpired
+during his imprisonment. The cloud which had rested upon the old man's
+brow changed instantly to an expression of joy when he beheld Magde the
+wife of his beloved son, enter the room. His arms trembled as he
+embraced her, and his heart throbbed painfully when she described her
+sorrows and troubles, and told him that Nanna had nearly fainted as they
+were about entering the boat, at the mere thought of the second parting.
+
+"It was right to leave her behind," said Mr. Lonner, "and if we can only
+find some means whereby I may be released before the autumn, that the
+cold may not increase my feebleness, then--"
+
+"Means must be found, father, I think, of immediately going to the city,
+to take our cow and the two sheep with me, aside from those I will also
+take the piece of linen which I have made for Ragnar's shirts. By adding
+all these together I--"
+
+"But, dear daughter, if you sell the cow, how will these little ones
+prosper?" He clasped his hands upon the two little white heads of the
+children who were sitting in his lap.
+
+"O, I can borrow some milk of our neighbors, and we can repay them in
+the fall, after Ragnar returns, for then we shall have another cow."
+
+"That will never do, my child. We must discover some other method."
+
+"I had an idea, also," said Carl, advancing from a corner into which he
+had withdrawn when Magde entered.
+
+"What is it, my good boy?" inquired his father.
+
+"I was thinking about that which Ragnar has so often told us, about the
+people in England who procured money by pawning themselves--what was it
+he called it?" continued he, scratching his head to arouse his memory.
+
+"Life Insurance, was it not?" replied his father.
+
+"That's it, father, and Ragnar also told me that even here in Sweden,
+gold might be obtained from England on such terms. Now, if we could find
+some one who understood this matter, and would undertake to draw up the
+proper writings, I would willingly give my life as security, and then
+you see, father, I should be just the same as so much ready money."
+
+"My good son, your words are well intended; but it is not as you think
+in relation to Life Insurance."
+
+"O, that is too bad, father, or you might have received a large sum of
+money when I am dead."
+
+"My life, I hope, will be finished before yours," said his father, "I am
+old, and you are young."
+
+"True, I am young in years; but lately, yes, last Friday, while I
+passed through the church yard, I heard a voice, and that voice I
+believed."
+
+"What ideas you invent!" exclaimed Magde, frightened for the first time,
+as she observed Carl's hollow cheeks and sunken eye, "but what did the
+voice say?"
+
+"'Carl, Carl, Carl,' it said, calling my name three times, 'you will not
+live long.'"
+
+"Your brain is weak, my boy, because you have worked too hard. When your
+body has received rest, and rest it must have, you will feel much
+better. But tell me, Carl, what you thought when you imagined you heard
+the voice."
+
+"I did not think, but merely replied, 'indeed.'"
+
+"But, Carl, with this superstition you will make your father sorrowful."
+
+"Sorrowful? I do not think so. Should he be sorrowful because our
+Saviour in his grace is willing to call me to his fold? Instead of being
+sorrowful, the day of my departure should be a festive day. How many
+troubles do we escape after we are placed in the earth!"
+
+"But if you think in that manner, you will become mournful yourself, you
+will not be able to laugh any more."
+
+"Not laugh," replied Carl, and without an effort he commenced laughing
+merrily. His face glowed with mirthfulness, and his melancholy humor
+seemed to have vanished as if by magic. It appeared so strange to him
+that Magde should desire him to laugh, that he forgot all about the
+life insurance or the warning voice, and once thus engaged, he took no
+farther part in the consultation.
+
+An hour elapsed, and Magde, after having emptied the basket of its
+contents, experienced a return from the hope that had sustained her
+during the interview, to her former despondency, as the moment of
+parting approached. Carl proceeded in advance to prepare the boat.
+
+"In four days, at the furtherest, I shall return," said Magde, pausing
+upon the threshold of her father's cell, "and then, as I hope for
+Ragnar's continued love, I shall bring you good tidings."
+
+"Thank you, my dear Magde. Ragnar shall learn all that you have done for
+his old father. Kiss Nanna, poor little innocent, for me, and tell her
+that she must not come here, for it will only make her heart more heavy
+and sad."
+
+A moment later, and the creaking doors resounded throughout the ruins,
+the prisoner was again alone.
+
+But once more did he hear a dear voice, for when Magde arrived at the
+outside, she remembered with a feeling of uneasiness, that her youngest
+child had not been blessed by its grandfather. In the haste of
+departure, the little one had been entirely forgotten; but as it was
+impossible for her to leave the prison with the dear child unblessed,
+she stood beneath the grated window, and exclaimed:
+
+"Father, dear father, please look through the window, and I will hold
+up the baby for you, that you may give it your blessing."
+
+Immediately the old man's white head appeared at the window, and Magde
+held the child aloft in her hands towards him.
+
+And now everything was performed rightly; the last farewell glances were
+exchanged, and then Magde and her children disappeared from the old
+man's sight.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV.
+
+GOTTLIEB ON THE WATCH.
+
+
+The heat of the day had been followed by the pleasant coolness of an
+August evening. The hands of the clock pointed to the hour of ten, and
+Gottlieb, who had been walking during the entire evening in the
+neighborhood of the little red cottage, began to think that his uncle
+Fabian had in all comfort reached his home by another road.
+
+"It is so quiet in the cottage," thought he, "that I think they have all
+retired."
+
+He glanced stealthily over the lilac hedge towards Magde's window. The
+entire valley was bathed in moonlight, and the moonbeams glanced
+directly through the window panes of Magde's apartment, with such vivid
+brightness that Gottlieb was undecided how to act.
+
+Soon, however, he resolved to convince himself of the true state of
+affairs, that he might be prepared if his uncle should arrive.
+
+He gradually made an opening in the hedge and having found his way clear
+before him he advanced to the window which, as the weather was warm, was
+secured only by a small cord. He glanced through the window, and a
+beautiful picture met his gaze. In this chamber, the husband and wife's
+little temple, the moonlight was brilliantly reflected from Ragnar's
+brightly polished hunting and fishing implements which, neatly arranged,
+were hung against the walls.
+
+At the opposite side of the room, a much worn sailor's hat, commonly
+called a tarpaulin, was balanced upon the point of a fishing rod, and
+beneath this trophy was placed a small side board, the open doors of
+which disclosed a number of shelves laden with gilt edged drinking
+vessels of white and blue china; a set of rose colored tea-cups, and
+several polished silver plated mugs. A few uncommonly excellent
+specimens of carving in wood, decorated one of the shelves, and another
+shelf contained several articles of jewelry which Magde had received
+both before and after she was married. All these little valuables Magde
+had gathered together, after she had put the children to bed, in the
+hope that she might find some few articles among them that would save
+her from disposing of the cow.
+
+But her search, undoubtedly, had proved fruitless, for Magde's ornaments
+were made almost entirely of bronze.
+
+Seated in a chair with her hand resting upon the cradle, Magde was now
+sleeping soundly.
+
+She had been called, probably, while she was engaged in assorting her
+little treasures, to attend to the wants of her infant, and overcome by
+fatigue had unwillingly submitted to the power of that consoler of human
+grief, sleep. Her face was turned towards the window, and the moonlight
+illumined her entire figure, which was rendered more prominent by the
+fact that the cradle stood in the centre of the room. She was still
+attired in the garments she had borrowed, and her brown hair, fell in
+two long braids over her loose white sleeves, from whence they dropped
+upon the face of the sleeping child, while Magde's elbow was resting
+upon the little pillow.
+
+"What a picture for a painter!" thought Gottlieb. "Young Lonner is not
+the most miserable of men, by my faith; but I know one who at some
+future time will look much prettier in that position!"
+
+The dull sound of a horse's hoofs, aroused him from his reveries.
+
+"Ah, ha," thought he as a smile of triumph played upon his lips, "I was
+right. We shall now see what is to happen."
+
+Gottlieb returned to his hiding place in the hedge with noiseless
+rapidity. He had not remained long in his somewhat tiresome position,
+when the sound of the horse's hoofs ceased, and from the noise which
+proceeded from the other side of the hedge he concluded that the owner
+of the horse had dismounted and was securing his animal to a tree.
+
+He soon heard the sound of light footsteps proceeding over the grass,
+and then he discovered the familiar form of Mr. Fabian approaching the
+cottage. After the new comer had assured himself that the door was
+fastened he advanced to the window near which Gottlieb had been standing
+a moment before. Instead of spending time in useless watchfulness he
+immediately tapped upon the window; but Magde slept so soundly that the
+noise did not disturb her.
+
+Mr. Fabian flatted his nose against the window pane and suddenly
+discovered the picture that Gottlieb had so much admired. Yet it was not
+an expression of love which passed his lips as he gazed upon her.
+
+"Confound that woman!" he exclaimed, "she drives me mad, and I believe
+she would look on, if I was parching with thirst in the torments of
+hell, and not give me a single drop of water."
+
+He again tapped upon the pane so loudly, that a person less fatigued
+than Magde would have awakened. At this moment Mr. Fabian was struck
+with fear at his own temerity.
+
+"Only think," thought he, "suppose I should awaken some one else! What
+if an account of this should come to my wife's ear!"--the thought was
+terrible, and the guilty husband's knees trembled violently. So much did
+he respect his "dear Ulgenie," that he felt it even at his present
+distance from her, and perhaps he would have relinquished all his plans
+in relation to his beautiful Magde, had he not discovered that the
+window was fastened only with a small cord.
+
+To break off a small twig from a neighboring bush, and to thrust it
+through the crevice of the window and remove the cord from the hook, was
+the work of an instant, and before Gottlieb could fully understand the
+nature of his uncle's movements he saw him suddenly disappear through
+the window.
+
+Of course Magde was now awakened by the noise of Mr. Fabian's abrupt
+entrance, and she quickly sprang from the chair. When she recognized the
+intruder she was seized with a deathly fear; which was however but of
+momentary continuance. With flashing eyes, and haughtily curling lips
+she advanced towards him with a bearing so threatening that Mr. H----
+retreated in fear.
+
+"Why do you visit me at this hour?" she inquired.
+
+"I was unable to come earlier. I have been to see the justice and made
+such arrangements that I think Mr. Lonner can be released as early as
+to-morrow."
+
+"And to speak these words--undoubtedly well intended--you have crawled
+through my window."
+
+"Upon my honor it was not my fault. I knocked several times, and not
+wishing to go home without telling you this good news, which I thought
+would cause you to sleep better--and observing you had not retired--I
+seized the only opportunity remaining."
+
+"Well," replied she, "I do not think harm will result from your friendly
+visit, but as it is out of the order of things that you should remain
+here, I must request you to leave the room in the manner you entered,
+and then I can converse with you through the window."
+
+"Cruel Magde!" exclaimed Mr. Fabian entreatingly, and even dared to
+extend his hand towards her. But Magde repulsed him with a look of scorn
+and anger.
+
+"Travel no further upon this crooked path, and call me Magde no longer,
+I bear the name of my husband, and wish to be called by that title
+alone."
+
+Gottlieb who could observe and overhear all that occurred, or was said
+in Magde's chamber, could scarcely refrain from laughter as he saw his
+good uncle retreating before the virtuous woman until he arrived at the
+window from which he somewhat clumsily descended. Gottlieb was on the
+point of rushing forward to receive his loved relative in his arms and
+thus preventing him from injuring his precious limbs, when the sound of
+Magde's voice prevented him from rendering this important service to his
+uncle.
+
+"There, that will do," said she, "we can now converse without
+inconvenience to either of us. I hope Mr. H---- has not hurt himself."
+
+"O, never mind me," replied he, "your heart is too hard to be moved at
+my sufferings."
+
+"I wish to say a word to you, Mr. H----. Your labor is entirely thrown
+away upon me. I can pity the folly of a man if his folly is not evil;
+but--"
+
+"Am I evil? Try me," interrupted Mr. Fabian hastily.
+
+"I will," replied Magde. "If you will bind yourself to release my father
+I shall ever be grateful for the service."
+
+"And nothing further?"
+
+"Nothing."
+
+"Then, at least give me your hand that I may with it wipe away the tears
+that scald my eyes. I am a weak, a tender hearted man, and must weep
+when I am scoffed at. But never mind, give me your hand, a moment."
+
+"It is impossible."
+
+"Give me but your little finger."
+
+In lieu of a reply, Magde endeavored to close the window; but her
+admirer prevented her from doing so.
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed he furious at his defeat. "You wish to enjoy a boon, and
+not reward the donor. Then listen, the old man shall remain where he
+is. If I do not interest myself for him no one else will."
+
+"That remains to be seen. Mr. Gottlieb has returned--"
+
+"Ah! then, he has returned. Well, what can he do?"
+
+"Not much, my dear uncle," exclaimed Gottlieb advancing towards Mr.
+Fabian, "except to give my dear aunt Ulrica, a full account of the
+interesting conversation I have accidentally overheard."
+
+"Without replying Mr. Fabian stared a moment in bewildered surprise, at
+the intruder, and then rushing wildly to his horse, he mounted and urged
+the animal to a furious speed.
+
+"Well, well," exclaimed Magde, "we can well compare Mr. H---- to a hare.
+But Mr. Gottlieb, whatever chance brought you here, do not bring sorrow
+upon him, by speaking to his wife of this adventure."
+
+"Fear not, Mrs. Lonner, I have not been on the watch here to become an
+informer; but as I heard certain things from Nanna to-day, and as I from
+the first have suspected my uncle, and as I wished to have him in my
+power--"
+
+"I understand you Mr. Gottlieb. You are an honest and faithful friend,
+and we shall never forget--"
+
+"And I, Mrs. Lonner," interrupted Gottlieb, "I shall not forget this
+valley I assure you, and now good night; in a short time everything will
+be as it was before."
+
+"Thank you, a thousand times! When Ragnar returns, through God's
+assistance we will repay you."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Gottlieb's heart bounded with joy, as he proceeded on his road towards
+Almvik, but the heart of another traveller in the same direction was
+oppressed with gloomy forebodings. It is almost unnecessary to say that
+the latter traveller was Mr. Fabian H----. On his arrival at Almvik he
+entered his wife's chamber trembling with anxiety, lest Gottlieb had
+been there before him.
+
+"What is the matter with you?" inquired his wife, who had already
+retired to her bed; "has the horse been balky, or have you met with an
+accident?"
+
+"Nothing, nothing, darling Ulgenie; but my head has been heavy all the
+afternoon."
+
+"That is caused by your excessive sleeping," said Mrs. Ulrica.
+
+"Perhaps it is. Hereafter I shall sleep less, and after this, my dear
+wife, I will follow your advice in everything."
+
+"Then, my dear, you will be a good husband. If I should always find you
+so, I would not have so many causes for complaint."
+
+"Have you any complaint to make now?" inquired Mr. Fabian, anxiously.
+
+Mr. Fabian was in a state of fearful suspense. The air to him appeared
+populated with evil spirits.
+
+"I did not speak thus for the purpose of troubling you, dear Fabian, it
+would not be just for me to choose this moment, when you feel so
+repentant, to remind you of other moments when you do not seem impressed
+with the worth of your wife."
+
+"Yes, yes, that would indeed be cruel, for it is true, really true,
+that--that--"
+
+"What, Fabian, good Fabian?"
+
+"That I never before have so much esteemed and adored you, my dear,
+dear--" He was unable to proceed.
+
+"Ah! Fabian, that is the true spirit. You at last understand how happy
+you are."
+
+"Yes, as happy as the condemned sinner," sighed Fabian; but in such a
+manner that his wife heard the first word only.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI.
+
+THE FESTIVAL.
+
+
+The next morning, when Gottlieb awoke, he discovered that he had a
+visitor even at that early hour of the day. His uncle Fabian was pacing
+backward and forward at the side of his nephew's bed, with a countenance
+so wretched and woe begone, that Gottlieb could not but pity him.
+
+"Good morning, uncle," said Gottlieb, cheerfully, "how is your health?"
+
+"Why do you ask?"
+
+"Your voice sounds just as if I was a robber demanding your purse or
+your life. What is the matter?"
+
+"That which you told me yesterday makes your comparison very apt."
+
+"You are mistaken. It is not my intention to play the part of the famous
+Rinaldo Rinaldini. I am the most peaceable person in the world, and if
+you wish to remain at peace at home--which is very natural, you know--I
+have no desire to prevent you from doing so."
+
+"But, perhaps, you intend to demand from me three times the sum of money
+necessary to fee a lawyer, to bribe you to secrecy."
+
+"Shame upon you. I have not demanded anything. I only expect--"
+
+"What?" inquired his uncle.
+
+"That you will of your own free will and accord loan me the money
+necessary to pay old Mr. Lonner's fine. In a few months, when Ragnar
+Lonner returns and repays me, I will settle with you. If he does not
+repay me, why it is but a small sum to lose."
+
+"And what will you require for yourself?" inquired Mr. Fabian.
+
+"Shall I peddle out my secret like a Jew? I swear by my honor that I
+will not divulge to my aunt one word of all that has passed."
+
+Mr. Fabian thrust his hand into his capacious pocket, and withdrawing
+his purse, with a sigh counted the money into Gottlieb's hand.
+
+"I shall not give you my note for this, for if I am not repaid I do not
+expect to repay you."
+
+His uncle did not immediately reply, but after opening and closing his
+purse several times, he addressed his nephew in a tone which displayed
+deep and true emotion.
+
+"Gottlieb," said he, "I am not miserly. You have spared me when you
+might have prepared a place of torment for me. I am grateful. Have you
+any debts? Your father is not rich."
+
+"That is spoken like a man of honor and a true relation," said Gottlieb,
+warmly, "but fortunately I have always been obliged to live
+economically, and therefore have escaped from falling into the foolish
+habit of contracting debts."
+
+"Well, then, if you have no debts, you at least have a future to prepare
+for. You must not therefore refuse my offer."
+
+"I do not wish to make use of it at present. Yet I do not wish you to
+consider it refused entirely. At this moment I do not require anything,
+unless indeed you wish to spare my feet and my boots, by giving me a
+little money to pay my travelling expenses. When the time comes, and I
+find myself fully engaged in my father's office, I will consider your
+proposal with the greatest pleasure."
+
+"Do so, and I will have a good memory, I assure you."
+
+"One word more, uncle. You must promise me to trouble the worthy Mrs.
+Lonner no longer. She will never submit to your desires."
+
+As he thus spoke, an ashy paleness o'erspread Mr. Fabian's countenance,
+and with a shudder he glanced fearfully around the room.
+
+"O, the walls have no ears," said Gottlieb; "but uncle you will promise
+me this, will you not."
+
+"Most assuredly," replied his uncle. "That woman has driven me almost
+mad; but I think that last night's fright has entirely cured me. I shall
+not go there again under any circumstances."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The songs of the birds of the valley were more melodious than ever
+before, the perfume of the roses and lilacs were sweeter than formerly,
+at least so thought the occupants of the little cottage when Gottlieb
+visited them that afternoon. Certainly, however, the feast which was
+given on that day had never been equalled before, except perhaps on the
+day of the arrival of Ragnar after a long absence from his wife and
+home.
+
+It was a splendid dinner--roasted spare ribs, and fish, and cakes. The
+old man occupied the seat at the head of the table. Gottlieb, who had
+provided this repast from the money he had received from his uncle for
+travelling expenses, was seated beside Nanna. The children ate so
+rapidly and heartily that it appeared as though they intended to swallow
+a sufficient supply to last them for a year to come. Carl, wearing his
+Sunday vest, a vest that Magde had made, and with a rose in his jacket
+button-hole, a rose that Magde had plucked, was seated in his usual
+place at the table, cheerful and contented. Magde attended almost solely
+to the old man's wants, filling his plate, and replenishing his cup. And
+lastly, little Christine, who trotted from place to place, taking care
+of the cow, dog, sheep, goats, and the ancient cat, was as happy and
+cheerful as the others. Altogether the scene was beautiful and
+harmonious.
+
+"And for all this happiness," said the old man, looking tearfully upon
+the youth, "for all this happiness, Mr. Gottlieb, next to God, we are
+indebted to you. Happy must be the parents of such a son!"
+
+"Father Lonner," said Gottlieb glancing around the table, with a
+friendly smile, "you have no reason to be envious."
+
+"That is true," replied the old man nodding his head pleasantly to the
+circle of beloved ones.
+
+In the afternoon, after the old man had retired to his comfortable bed,
+now doubly comfortable to him, to rest himself awhile, and Magde was
+seated by his bedside pleasantly chatting with him, while Carl was busy
+making little boats for the children, Nanna and Gottlieb were seated
+near the spring beneath the tree, in the meadow.
+
+It could easily be believed that the young couple were not very
+talkative, for Nanna was busily engaged in searching in the grass for a
+four leaved clover, and Gottlieb was amusing himself, according to his
+childish custom, by blowing shrill blasts upon a thick blade of grass.
+
+It was sunset. The glowing reflection of the sun fell upon Nanna's pale
+neck and face, illumining them with a golden blush.
+
+"I am sorry," said Gottlieb, at length, throwing aside the blade of
+grass, and assuming a serious cast of countenance, "I am sorry that our
+lessons must have an end; but all is for the best, for, my child, you
+know enough already."
+
+"More than enough," replied Nanna, softly.
+
+"Especially for a school teacher," said Gottlieb.
+
+"Yes, especially for a school teacher," repeated Nanna.
+
+"But you speak so abstractedly. You are not so lively as usual."
+
+"I did not know it; but if Gottlieb says so, it must be true. When one
+has been so glad as I have been to-day, and then as sorrowful, it takes
+much courage to meet the change indifferently."
+
+"But, dear Nanna, you were aware that I should be forced to go away
+soon."
+
+"I did not know that you were going so soon as to-morrow morning."
+
+"Neither did I, myself, when I saw you yesterday; but when I determined
+to go by the steamboat, you perceive that--"
+
+"Yes, yes."
+
+"And then again what difference will a day or two more or less make,
+when we part--"
+
+"Never again to meet," interrupted Nanna.
+
+"You will do right in the meantime not to hope too much."
+
+Nanna glanced inquiringly towards Gottlieb.
+
+"Do you not think it strange, Nanna, that we who have been acquainted
+but so short a season, should think so much of each other?"
+
+"It is perfectly natural that we should. Persons in fashionable society
+cannot become so well acquainted with each other as we could in one
+hour. At first we met each other every evening, then every morning and
+evening, and at length--"
+
+"And at length morning, noon and night!" interrupted Gottlieb, with a
+smile. "In truth, Nanna, you are right, for if our every meeting was so
+divided that we should be together but once each week, our acquaintance
+would have been prolonged for an entire year."
+
+"O, much longer than that even," said Nanna, joining in Gottlieb's
+laugh.
+
+"And as we have remained by our agreement not to fall in love with each
+other, we part as friends, and not in despair, and what is still better,
+not with reproaches, which, had the case been different, we would have
+been obliged to make and listen to."
+
+"Yes, it is fortunate, very fortunate, that--that--" stammered Nanna,
+unable to finish the sentence.
+
+"We need not conceal from ourselves that in making that arrangement we
+ran a great risk. For my part, I am not too proud to say that it has
+been very difficult for me to keep it."
+
+"But Gottlieb," replied Nanna, "as you have kept it, it is better as it
+is."
+
+"Certainly; but then it is not so good as I wish to have it."
+
+"How do you wish it to be then?" inquired Nanna innocently.
+
+"Upon my honor I can hardly say; but if I was placed in better
+circumstances--" Nanna dropped her eyelids over their soft tell-tale
+orbits; but not so quickly but that Gottlieb detected a ray of hope
+gleaming from their deep wells.
+
+"Will you advise me what course to take, when I have obtained a
+competency?" continued Gottlieb.
+
+"No, that would be of no use; but Mr. Gottlieb, when I hear that you
+have wedded the rich wife of whom you have spoken, I will rejoice at
+your good fortune."
+
+"And does not the thought of that rich wife cost you even half a sigh?"
+
+"Not if that wife will render you happy."
+
+"Nanna, you speak as though you did not love me at all!" exclaimed
+Gottlieb hastily, forgetting entirely the part he had determined to play
+during this interview.
+
+"And should I love you?" inquired Nanna blushing deeply. "I think I am
+not such a foolish girl as that."
+
+"But I believe that you love me," replied Gottlieb. "Can you deny that
+your heart is mine?"
+
+"I do not deny it; but I shall not allow it to be so," said Nanna with a
+glance that immediately cooled Gottlieb's sudden ardor. "My heart is my
+own, and should not be an object of trouble to you; and I assure you Mr.
+Gottlieb that I shall not allow any weakness on my part to cause you to
+break the judicious contract we have made."
+
+"Ah! Nanna, you are both wise and charitable. I shall not endeavor to
+wrest the secret from you; but you are so much esteemed by me, that at
+some future day, when I can follow my own inclinations I will return to
+you."
+
+"I will forget these last words, Mr. Gottlieb, for I think them the
+saddest you have ever uttered."
+
+"You are right; but I spoke as I thought. It is not my fault if I
+thought that you were above all others most suitable to become my wife."
+
+As he thus spoke Nanna trembled violently and she looked upon him with
+a gaze which contained more bitterness than words could have expressed.
+
+"I believe I am mad indeed. I have endeavored to speak in a better
+spirit, and instead of so doing--I had better go immediately--or--"
+
+"Or what?"
+
+"Or I will, yes, I will, hold you to my heart, and swear to you, as true
+as I am an honest man, that I love you, and you alone, come what may, I
+can withhold myself no longer." Gottlieb suited the action to the word,
+and enfolded the blushing girl in his warm embrace.
+
+"O, Gottlieb!" cried Nanna, weeping and laughing, "this is madness
+indeed!"
+
+"No, on the contrary it is happiness!"
+
+"But to-morrow you will repent it!"
+
+"Never, Nanna, I sincerely believe that all is for the best. We can work
+hard; we have only a few needs, and it is such happiness to love each
+other."
+
+"But--"
+
+"You must accustom yourself to omit that disagreeable word. When my mind
+is once made up, I permit of no _ifs_ nor _buts_. And as we do not
+require a great amount of money to defray our little domestic expenses,
+I think it would be wrong for us to waste the best part of our lives in
+useless delay. After one year has elapsed, the parson shall unite us as
+man and wife, and I shall take you from this valley, and we will look
+forward to all the joys and sorrows, which our Heavenly Father in his
+wisdom shall send us."
+
+Nanna, who for a long season had battled against the intoxicating desire
+which had filled her heart, gradually assented to Gottlieb's words, and
+the interview terminated with a second agreement, which was directly
+contrary to the first one, for by it they bound themselves to love each
+other forever.
+
+They agreed that this change from their former agreement should be
+concealed from all others. They alone should know the secret.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII.
+
+RAGNAR.
+
+
+Autumn arrived.
+
+The valley was strewn with yellow leaves. The birds had ceased their
+songs. The grass had withered. Rains and storms had discolored the
+fountain. Yet, although Nature seemed to have been engaged in
+contentious strife, still joy reigned supreme within the little cottage.
+Ragnar, the beloved husband, the darling son, had returned. Seated in
+the midst of his children beside his lovely wife, and with his arm
+encircling her waist, he listened with a countenance changing from
+cheerfulness to solemnity to a recital of all that had transpired during
+his absence.
+
+As soon as Mr. Lonner, for he was the narrator, had concluded, Ragnar
+advanced and enfolded the old man in his arms.
+
+"What viper did this? I have a strong suspicion--to cast such an old man
+into prison--and I was away from you, unable to protect you and these
+weak and deserted women."
+
+As he thus spoke, his countenance glowed with indignation.
+
+A slight cough at the other side of the room attracted Ragnar's
+attention. It was Carl.
+
+"I understand you, Carl," said he, "you must pardon me. I forgot myself
+when I said the women were deserted."
+
+And the frank and honest Ragnar, whose ruddy brown countenance bespoke
+his health, advanced and extended his hand to Carl, who with a face as
+sickly and yellow as the seared leaves without, was reclining upon the
+sofa, watching the family group with a restless eye.
+
+Poor Carl, each day he gradually faded, and his belief in the warning
+voice he had heard in the church yard became firm and unwavering. He
+accepted Ragnar's proffered hand with a grateful smile.
+
+"How hot you are!" exclaimed Ragnar, "I will hasten to the village and
+speak to the physician."
+
+As Ragnar thus spoke, Carl laughed in his peculiar manner. "That will be
+profitable indeed!" said he.
+
+"Certainly it will, dear Carl," said Magde, approaching the sick youth,
+"Ragnar is right."
+
+"Ragnar is always right," said Carl, in an unusually sharp tone, "so
+long as you please him you do not care if you neglect my wishes."
+
+"What, Carl, do you not love your brother?" said Ragnar, in a tone of
+reproach, at the same time pressing a kiss unobserved, as he thought,
+upon his wife's lips. Ragnar always felt an inclination to conceal from
+the observation of others the fact that he still loved his wife as he
+had when he first wedded her, and therefore rarely caressed her when in
+the presence of witnesses; but on this occasion, his affection was so
+great that he could not resist the pleasure of stealing a kiss.
+
+"Is not the entire room large enough for you to kiss in without my
+seeing you?" said Carl, harshly, "I do not wish you to do so right
+before me."
+
+"Perhaps you envy me," said Ragnar, with a laugh. He had not given
+Carl's expression a serious thought.
+
+Carl lifted himself upon his elbow, and gazing full in his brother's
+eyes, he replied slowly and firmly, "Yes."
+
+"Why do you, Carl?" inquired Ragnar.
+
+"Because I do not wish any body to kiss Magde--is it not so, Magde? You
+well know how I behaved myself when Mr. Fabian H---- wanted to buy a
+kiss of you."
+
+"What! I believe the poor boy is mad! What! Buy a kiss of Magde! Poor
+Carl!"
+
+"Am I speaking false, Magde? Answer me."
+
+"O, Carl, how strangely you tell your story!" exclaimed Magde, "you
+ought first to have related how it happened, and--"
+
+Magde flushed and paled alternately, and in her excitement could
+scarcely express herself.
+
+"Can there be any truth in this?" said Ragnar, and his eyes sparkled.
+
+Magde had now recovered her presence of mind, and related, without
+concealing a single fact, all that had happened between herself and Mr.
+Fabian.
+
+"I am now firmly convinced that this--this--no matter, that Mr. H----
+was the prime cause of our father's imprisonment."
+
+"He was," interrupted old Mr. Lonner. "I am as firmly convinced of it,
+as I am that the young man of whom I have spoken was the cause of my
+release. I wish you were acquainted with Mr. Gottlieb. He is a worthy
+young man."
+
+"I will tell him so in the letter I shall write him; but what if he
+entertained the same desire that influenced Mr. H----."
+
+"Fear not for me, at least," replied Magde, casting a roguish look
+towards Nanna.
+
+"Ah! that is singular indeed; but after all Nanna will bear a pretty
+close inspection--but I cannot drive that Mr. Fabian from my mind."
+
+"First you must tell us some of your adventures," and Magde's
+countenance wore such an entreating expression that her husband
+understood her immediately; and therefore as long as he remained in the
+presence of his father, and his sister and brother, he continued
+speaking of all the singular things he had seen and heard, which was
+listened to by a pleased and expectant audience.
+
+At length the time arrived when the husband and wife were at liberty to
+interchange their thoughts freely; the children had been nicely tucked
+in their little beds, and Ragnar and Magde alone occupied their private
+apartment.
+
+"Now, dear Magde, now you must give me a good kiss. God bless you for
+this happy moment. After tossing six months upon the ocean, it is a joy
+indeed to return to one's own home and wife."
+
+"Is it true indeed, dear Ragnar, that you love me now as you did when we
+were married?"
+
+"Did you find no four-leaved clover last summer, that you ask me this
+question?"
+
+Without replying, Magde hastily opened a clothes press, and produced an
+old compass box, from which she took a handful of withered clover
+leaves.
+
+"See here," said she.
+
+"And do these not convince you?" inquired Ragnar.
+
+In this old box, Magde preserved, so to speak, the tokens of her wedded
+joys. From the first year of her marriage, she, whenever her husband
+was absent, would seek in the meadow for four-leaved clovers, under the
+conviction that so long as she continued to find them, she might rely
+upon the continued love and fidelity of her husband. And she was
+invariably successful, and each year she deposited the clover leaves in
+the old compass box. As Ragnar uttered his last question, Magde cast
+herself upon his breast, and gazed tenderly into his face.
+
+"O don't look at me too closely, to-morrow I will look better, after I
+am washed and dressed," said Ragnar, arranging his shirt bosom, and
+smoothing down his jacket collar.
+
+"You are so good already, that if you should be better it would be
+dangerous; but Ragnar, you have forgotten to measure the children to see
+how much they have grown since your departure. You used to do that as
+soon as you entered the house after a return from a long voyage."
+
+"This time," replied Ragnar, "you greeted me with such strange news that
+I quite forgot all my usual habits. It grieves me to observe that Carl
+is upon the verge of the grave. True, he was ill last winter; but he
+soon recovered."
+
+"He exerted himself too much during our troubles," said Magde, "then he
+has taken no care of himself, and then--yes, yes, there is something
+very strange about Carl."
+
+"What do you mean by strange, Magde?" inquired her husband. "Do you
+think that he is really insane?"
+
+"Oh no, I did not mean that; but--"
+
+"Speak on, speak your mind."
+
+"Now, do not laugh at my fancy--or be vexed with poor Carl. I think
+that--he loves me too much, and his passion has weighed heavily upon
+him, although he does not, himself, understand it."
+
+"Your words are worthy of reflection, Magde; now I remember, his conduct
+did appear peculiar when he said he envied me the privilege of kissing
+you. Poor fellow, how could I be vexed with him? He, probably, never
+desired to vex either you or myself."
+
+"Never. Frequently during the summer I have placed flowers in his room,
+and in them he took his greatest delight. Even now he loves to hear me
+sing to him, or to read a chapter in the Bible, above all other things."
+
+"Such love," said Ragnar, "is a beautiful rose, the perfume of which
+cheers a drooping spirit. He may continue his love; it will sustain him
+in his last trial. Hereafter, I will not even take your hand in his
+presence."
+
+"How kind you are, dear Ragnar. Now I can be to him as I was before your
+return." Magde wiped the tears from her long eyelashes, and before
+Ragnar could question her, she continued: "You may depend upon my
+fidelity. I only wish to afford him a slight ray of joy while he is
+still on earth. Without me he stands alone."
+
+"Act your own pleasure, my dear Magde, you are aware that I confide in
+you as in my own heart. Although I shall act gently towards Carl, who
+with his own desire, would not injure me, still I will not be so
+submissive with an individual like Mr. H----, who has conducted himself
+most wrongfully."
+
+From these words Magde became aware that she would be obliged to relate
+all that had occurred between Mr. Fabian and herself, and this she did
+accordingly.
+
+She feared more from Ragnar's silence than she would if he had given
+vent to his rage in words. Ragnar possessed a faculty of controlling his
+anger by a silence which was much more impressive than furious speech.
+
+"Ah, then he entered your window, after he had first removed the old
+man. Well, well, worse things have been done before."
+
+This was all he said; and as not only the following, but also the second
+day passed, without Mr. Fabian's name being mentioned, Magde thought
+that Ragnar had looked at the affair with sensible eyes. She even felt
+somewhat annoyed at the thought that Mr. Fabian's punishment should be
+so light.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII.
+
+AN HOUR IN MISTRESS ULRICA'S CHAMBER.
+
+
+Throughout the entire fall, Mr. Fabian had been his "sweet Ulgenie's"
+humblest slave, and therefore had been trod deeper into the dust. Since
+he had learned of the return of Ragnar Lonner, he had suffered a
+feverish anxiety. Even his easy chair no longer afforded him rest, for
+sleeping or waking, one object alone was constantly before his eyes:
+Ragnar Lonner's wrathful countenance peering through the door.
+
+He was suddenly seized with as strong a desire for active life, as he
+formerly possessed for easy rest, and he felt himself in no safety
+except when at a distance from the mansion, for he knew that Ragnar
+possessed too much honor to entrap him in an ambuscade.
+
+One morning, when he, as had been his custom for the previous week, went
+to his wife with the information that he was compelled to take a short
+journey, she sharply accosted him:
+
+"Man, what does all this restlessness mean? Are you insane? Am I always
+to be left at home alone?"
+
+"Ah, my dear," replied Mr. Fabian, "you are aware that I must attend to
+my business."
+
+"I know that not long since you found it difficult to take care of
+yourself. This sudden change in your disposition will never do."
+
+"Dear Ulgenie, I acknowledge your superior judgment; but to-day I really
+must attend the auction at Rorby, there is to be a sale of some genuine
+Spanish sheep."
+
+"Ah! as that is really some business, you may go; but come home early."
+
+"I hope to return before eleven o'clock."
+
+Mrs. Ulrica presented him her hand to kiss, and after he had pressed it
+to his lips with all the gallantry which was still left him, he quickly
+turned away from her.
+
+Mrs. Ulrica during the entire day was filled with wonder at the sudden
+change that had taken place in her husband, and if she could have for a
+moment entertained such a thought, she would have believed that her
+husband had become acquainted with some intriguing female.
+
+But among her female acquaintances in the neighborhood, there was not
+one whom Fabian had not seen at least twenty times, and he had undergone
+each new ordeal with a firmness which proved that he was out of all
+danger.
+
+This point once settled, Mistress Ulrica was more composed, and after
+having spent the day in attending to her domestic duties, she retired to
+her bed at an early hour, for she always felt weary and ill-humored when
+her Fabian, whom she really loved, was not at home to hear her tender
+words and reproaches.
+
+About an hour had elapsed after Mrs. Ulrica had fallen asleep. The
+servant also slept soundly, for, although she had been told to wait for
+her master, she had satisfied her conscience by leaving the hall door
+unlocked--contrary to her mistress' strict command--and then retired to
+her bed.
+
+As before said, Mrs. Ulrica had been asleep about an hour, when she was
+disturbed by a singular noise which resembled the shuffling of feet near
+the bed. She opened one eye that she might warn her husband that one of
+his first duties should be not to disturb his wife's slumbers. But the
+warning produced no effect. This being the case, Mistress Ulrica found
+it necessary to open the other eye, that by the aid of the night light
+she might discover Fabian's true condition.
+
+She first glanced towards the sofa; it was empty. Then she looked
+towards the easy chair; but as this stood partially in the shadow of the
+large bed curtains, she was able only to perceive a pair of feet, and it
+was these very feet that had the impertinence to shuffle in her room,
+without asking her permission.
+
+"Fabian," she exclaimed, "are you not ashamed of yourself? What are you
+doing?"
+
+But Fabian did not reply.
+
+"Ah, you foolish man, I see now that you have been made drunk, you could
+not withstand their entreaties, poor man; please prepare for bed."
+
+And yet no answer.
+
+"He is as drunk as possible. Go to your own room, Fabian; be careful, do
+not take a light with you, and do not fall down stairs and hurt
+yourself. Are you going to move to-night? Shall I ring the bell for the
+servants, that they may carry you to bed?"
+
+Not receiving a reply, Mrs. Ulrica tore aside the bed curtains, and
+extending her hand, placed it upon a strange head of hair.
+
+"Heavens!" she exclaimed, "that is not my husband!"
+
+"What of that, it is the husband of another," replied a calm voice.
+
+Terror prevented Mrs. Ulrica from crying aloud. "A thief!" she gasped.
+
+"I do not think so," replied the voice.
+
+"Who are you then?" stammered she.
+
+"Sleep quietly, you shall not be disturbed."
+
+Mistress Ulrica continued to feel for the bell cord. "I believe," said
+she, "he wishes to murder me when I am asleep."
+
+"Sleep quietly, I neither wish to steal nor to murder. I only wish to--"
+
+The unfortunate cramp, which at her first terror had attacked Mrs.
+Ulrica's throat, now suddenly disappeared, and she emitted a long and
+loud scream; but no sooner had this been accomplished, than a large
+brawny hand was placed roughly over her mouth.
+
+"Please do that no more," said the voice, "or I shall be forced to be
+troublesome, and do not look for the bell-rope, it would only be
+disagreeable for you if the servants should enter the room now."
+
+"What do you want then, fearful man?"
+
+"To remain where I am. At present I want nothing further."
+
+Suddenly a new light dawned in Mrs. Ulrica's brain. What if he should be
+an unfortunate suitor for her love.
+
+"How?" said she, forcing all her pride and dignity into her words, "how?
+remain here? Sir, this is my bed-room."
+
+"I am aware of the fact."
+
+"And here no man has a right to enter except my husband."
+
+"And myself," added the voice.
+
+At this unexpected reply, the lady summoned courage to examine the
+unabashed visitor more closely. He was an elegantly formed man, and as
+he gazed at her with his expressive eyes, interest and repugnance were
+both created within her heart. The repugnance was caused by the fact
+that the man wore a blue frieze coat, which unfortunate garment at once
+dispelled her romantic dreams.
+
+"Will you explain the cause of this unheard of impertinence?"
+
+"That cause will very soon arrive."
+
+"Very soon? You did not seek me then?"
+
+"Not precisely."
+
+"Then probably you wish to see my husband?"
+
+"Yes."
+
+"Am I at all concerned, then?"
+
+"Slightly."
+
+"Ah!" exclaimed Mrs. Ulrica, who now remembered her strange visitor's
+first observation, "there must be a mystery about this which I do not
+understand. You remarked that you were the husband of another."
+
+"True."
+
+"And furthermore you said you had a right to seek my husband in this
+room?"
+
+"You certainly know your alphabet."
+
+"Then you have--O, what will become of us!--you have--a demand to make
+of my husband."
+
+"No, he has a claim on me, and this I will pay back, principal and
+interest."
+
+"O, the monster! The crocodile! He has been untrue to me."
+
+"Yes, both in heart and desire; but my wife is not one who cries out, or
+attempts to pull the bell-rope. She commands respect without so much
+trouble."
+
+"And do I not, also?"
+
+"I do not know what you would do, if you should see a man, at this time
+of night, crawl through your window, and attempt to bring you to
+disgrace by the promise that he would release an old father from prison;
+but I do know you have nothing to fear at present."
+
+"You are then Mr. Ragnar Lonner?"
+
+"I am."
+
+"And for such a miserable reward--that woman--"
+
+"What! Miserable reward!--that woman!--Well, that night lamp is not very
+brilliant, but I can easily perceive that I have before me an old dutch
+galleon, so badly rigged and managed, that I would prefer to crowd sail
+and make my escape rather than to take her in tow. And you call my wife
+that woman! Miserable reward!"
+
+"I do not understand your gibberish, my good man: but that you are
+unrefined and uneducated I can easily see, and I command you to quit my
+room immediately."
+
+"You would then force me to retreat, as my Magde drove back your
+husband. Please try the experiment."
+
+"Monster! Unfeeling wretch!" exclaimed she, "is this the manner to speak
+to a lady, to an injured wife who is obliged to bemoan the infidelity of
+her husband. O, the villain! I will overpower him with my wrath!"
+
+"My turn comes first," interrupted Ragnar.
+
+"Ah, ha, I understand. My cup is filled to the brim--blood must
+flow--Lonner do you wish to kill my husband, then?"
+
+"To fight with him. God forbid. Such things I leave to people of rank. I
+have another method of doing my business."
+
+"And what is that?"
+
+"O, it is very simple. I thought that nothing would be more unpleasant
+to him than to be placed in a disgraceful position before his wife, and
+perhaps a greater punishment for such a miserable man could not be
+devised than to--but no matter, your husband knows why he leaves his
+house every day."
+
+Mrs. Ulrica clapped her hands together violently. Now the riddle was
+solved. She now knew the cause of the sudden change in her husband's
+conduct.
+
+"And, as it has been impossible to find him at home in the daytime,"
+continued Ragnar, "I have come this evening to settle with him in this
+place, and at this hour."
+
+Ragnar had scarcely ceased speaking, when heavy and slow footsteps were
+heard ascending the stairs.
+
+Like an infuriated tigress waiting for her prey, Mrs. Ulrica, enveloped
+in her crimson shawl, sat up in her bed; her eyes flashing with rage,
+and her face flushed to a redness which outvied the crimson of her
+shawl. She was awaiting the approach of her husband.
+
+Ragnar arose, and as silent and unmoved as a statue awaited the entrance
+of Mr. Fabian. Ragnar had not produced a dagger or sword; but he drew
+forth from under his loose jacket a cow-hide of the greatest elasticity,
+and the best quality.
+
+Without dreaming of the terrible storm that had gathered, and was about
+to pour down upon his devoted head, Mr. Fabian entered the apartment.
+But the moment his eyes fell upon the forms of his wife, the doom
+pronouncer, and Lonner the genius of revenge, he staggered back towards
+the door, and had not his legs refused their office he would have sought
+safety in flight; but at two stern glances, one from Lonner, the other
+from his wife, he sank powerless to the floor.
+
+And yet, if ever, this was the time for him to assume the character of
+Brutus. And what better cause had he to arouse himself from his stupor,
+than that Lucretia had received a male visitor in her bed-chamber. True,
+Mrs. Ulrica had not received an insult, neither did she appear prepared
+sacrifice herself, like Lucretia, as an atonement for the outrage. All
+in all, present appearances were well calculated to arouse sterner
+sentiments within Mr. Fabian's heart; but he was so frightened that he
+would have forgiven everything if he could have assured himself that the
+horrible spectacle was but a dream which would vanish at the coming of
+the morning.
+
+"Perjured traitor!" screamed Mrs. Ulrica, "you hide yourself like Adam
+after his fall. But come forth, this Lucifer will teach you that you no
+longer dwell in paradise."
+
+"Mr. Lonner," stammered Mr. Fabian, "I am an innocent, unhappy man, and
+I swear to you that Mrs. Magde has never--"
+
+As he heard these words Ragnar trembled violently.
+
+"Silence, reprobate," said he, "the name of my virtuous wife shall not
+pass your lips. She needs none of your recommendations; but _your_ wife,
+you pitiful coward, she shall learn from me, now, what your true
+character is."
+
+Thus saying Lonner with one hand seized the unlucky Fabian by the
+coat-collar, and brandished the horse-whip over his head with the other.
+
+But as Mr. Fabian made no resistance, but wept and begged for mercy in
+loud and wailing tones, Ragnar released him, and, confused at the
+singularity of his own sentiments, he glanced towards Mrs. Ulrica, and
+said:
+
+"He is so cowardly, that it seems almost as bad to whip him, as it
+would be to beat a hare. In giving him over to you I am fully revenged."
+
+The cow-hide disappeared beneath his coat, and Lonner departed.
+
+But Ragnar Lonner had made a miscalculation, when he thought that Mr.
+Fabian would fall into the hands of the Medusa within the bed-curtains.
+The very thought of the humiliation he had undergone, and the fear of
+what was yet in store for him, inspired Mr. Fabian with an unusual
+degree of courage or rather drove him to desperation.
+
+Brutus aroused himself. He could see no other method of escape than by
+crushing the tigress before she pounced upon him. He therefore at once
+attacked her with passionate actions and wild expressions.
+
+"O, you miserable woman! You faithless wife! Do you think that I shall
+allow myself to be blinded by the farce you have just played with your
+lover? I will leave you alone in your house. I cast you from my heart.
+The whole world shall know you as I know you now."
+
+"Fabian! Fabian! are you mad?"
+
+Mistress Ulrica was both frightened and pleased. This was a scene she
+had long desired.
+
+"If I am mad, who has driven me to madness?" shouted Mr. Fabian,
+determined to retain the advantage he had already won. Then assuming an
+imposing position he gazed sternly into the face of his trembling wife.
+"How long I have closed my eyes to your little indiscretions! How many
+bitter tears I have shed, when I observed how you encouraged that shark
+who made love to my wife while he feasted at my table."
+
+Mistress Ulrica, who was suddenly changed from a tigress into a lamb,
+assured her husband that she was innocent; that she had not even
+entertained a guilty thought. But as she humbled herself, Mr. Fabian's
+wrath increased, and astonished that he had not long before discovered
+this method of taming his wife, he played the tyrant _con amore_. He
+accused his wife of so many things, that she, humiliated and crushed,
+fell on her knees before him, and entreated him to restrain his rage
+until he had ample proofs of her guilt. This boon Mr. Fabian H----
+finally condescendingly granted, and like an indulgent pascha, entreated
+by his favorite slave, he at length permitted her to slumber at his
+side.
+
+This entire change of government was effected in the short space of one
+hour.
+
+The sun was high in the heavens when Mistress Ulrica awoke. At first she
+could not distinctly remember the drama which had been performed the
+preceding night; but when all the events were brought clear to her mind,
+she sighed deeply. Her destiny was entirely changed; but after a few
+moments' reflection, she determined to submit to her fate, and become
+the one who should obey, not command.
+
+While she was meditating in what manner she should refute the charges
+brought against her by her husband, she was interrupted by a truly soft
+and persuasive voice, which said:--
+
+"Sweet Ulgenie, dearest wife, can your heart be touched? I dreamed last
+night that I might dare approach it."
+
+"Oh, so you have noticed me," said Mrs. Ulrica, immediately assuming her
+former authority, when she found herself thus entreated. "Have you slept
+out your debauch?"
+
+"Was I--is it possible that I was inebriated? I have quite forgotten
+what happened last night."
+
+"You fool, when were you able to remember anything unless _I_ reminded
+you?"
+
+The perusal of a continuance of this scene will scarcely repay our
+readers. Suffice it to say that Mr. Fabian's reign of one hour remained
+thereafter a legend only. Like all other unsuccessful revolutions, it
+was followed by a government still more exacting and severe.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX.
+
+CARL.
+
+
+Winter had departed. Ragnar, the bold seaman, had left his home, and his
+ship was ploughing the broad ocean. The grass in the valley waved
+gracefully in the light winds of spring. The children once more launched
+their miniature boats, and the occupants of the cottage all labored for
+the good of the little commonwealth.
+
+But there was one of the family who could not mingle in their labors,
+and who sat quietly in his corner, gazing cheerfully upon the operations
+of the others. It was Carl.
+
+During the winter Carl had been confined to his bed, but at the present
+time he occupied his father's arm-chair, which the old man had
+relinquished to him. He usually sat in a corner near Magde's spinning
+wheel and his father's bed-room door.
+
+When the children returned from their out of doors sports, they would
+sit on the floor near Carl's chair, and listen to the many tales of
+fairies, nymphs, and sea gods, that he told them in a pleasant but weak
+voice, while he as formerly made willow whistles and repaired their
+little boats.
+
+The neighbors' children also visited the cottage that they might hear
+his last stories, and they all brought with them many little gifts that
+their mothers had prepared for poor Carl. At a later period the mothers
+came themselves, bringing their own presents, which they carried in
+large baskets, for there was not one in the entire neighborhood for whom
+Carl had not performed a service, and without a solitary exception they
+all loved him.
+
+Then who was to take his place, after he should be taken from his
+friends. In fact perfect pilgrimages were made to Carl, who always
+received the pilgrims with pleasant words and cheerful smiles. Carl was
+not insensible to the pleasure he derived from being able in turn to
+present to Magde the gifts he received from his friends.
+
+"Ah," Nanna often said, "how pleasant it is to be beloved," and she
+would sigh as she thought of the absent one who had vowed to love her
+forever, and whose word was her creed of life. How much happiness Nanna
+derived from this creed! It solaced her in many lonely hours, and
+produced a favorable effect upon her every action and thought. She no
+longer was oppressed, as formerly, with dreaming indolence. Her cheeks
+were roses now.
+
+Old Mr. Lonner and Magde were much gratified at this unexpected change
+in Nanna's deportment, and they could account for it only by supposing
+that she was much wiser than other girls of her age.
+
+Carl, however, had peculiar views upon this subject, and when Nanna
+would exclaim, "O, how pleasant it is to be beloved!" he would reply:
+
+"You know right well that there is some one who loves you, or else you
+would not be so light hearted."
+
+When Carl thus spoke Nanna would blush with confusion.
+
+"You must not speak so when any one can hear you," she would reply.
+
+Carl would then nod his head pleasantly, and one day he learned the
+secret, for he felt he could not remain long on this earth, and he
+wished to know all, and aside from that Nanna was anxious to discover
+whether he believed as firmly as she did in Gottlieb's vows.
+
+"Do you think, Carl," said she, as she concluded her recital, "do you
+think he will return?"
+
+"As certainly as I shall never see the sun rise on St. John's day, for
+I saw that in his eye, which assured me he would not break his
+promises."
+
+"Why do you use such an ominous comparison, Carl? Why do you think you
+will not see the sunrise on St. John's day?"
+
+The pain caused by the beginning of Carl's remark, clouded the pure joy
+which his concluding words would have otherwise created.
+
+"I am waiting," said he, "only that I may see the lilacs bloom once
+more. In those beautiful flowers I have found my greatest joy."
+
+Old Mr. Lonner occasionally attempted to prepare his son's mind for the
+future which awaited him; but he ceased when one day Carl innocently
+addressed him:
+
+"Father," said he, "I wish you would not talk with me thus. I believe in
+our Saviour and his love for us sinners, and as I do not think I have
+done much harm--except perhaps when I stole the game--I fear not for the
+future. I shall wait patiently until my Saviour chooses to take me to
+himself. I can well imagine that there is not much space in heaven; but
+I believe that there is a small place for one so insignificant as me,
+where I can wait the coming of Magde, Nanna, Father, Ragnar, and all the
+little ones, that is if they do not hold me in contempt."
+
+"How strangely you talk, dear Carl!" said Magde, entering into the
+conversation. "You well know that I would like to be near you in
+heaven, for you are aware that next to Ragnar I love you more than any
+other being on earth."
+
+"You say so only to make me happy; but I am not so vain as to believe
+your words."
+
+"Is there any one here who displays more love for you than I?" inquired
+Magde.
+
+Carl smiled, and glanced at the wall. There hung a new vest, the pattern
+of which Carl examined as carefully as though each thread had been a
+painting in itself.
+
+"Do you think," said he, after a pause, during which his father left the
+room, "do you think that Ragnar is vexed with me? He certainly must have
+observed that I love you more than, perhaps, I should--I speak frankly
+to you, Magde, for I know you are different from others, and I could not
+die in peace if I thought that my brother Ragnar was offended with me."
+
+"Be convinced, my dear Carl, that Ragnar loves you as a brother should.
+He saw undoubtedly that no one could please you so well as I; but he
+often told me, and especially before his last departure--"
+
+"What did he say?" inquired Carl, eagerly.
+
+"'Magde,' said he, 'never desert Carl. He is an honest and faithful
+soul, who can find no joy unless with you; but Carl is not the one who
+would seek to injure me by word or thought, and therefore I shall not
+interfere with his sentiments, but allow him to entertain them freely,
+and,' he added, 'you may tell him this at some future time when he may
+feel troubled on my account.'"
+
+"Did he speak thus, assuredly?"
+
+"He did, I swear it by my hopes of meeting him again."
+
+"And you have obeyed him, and not deserted me; but will you do so as
+long as I am with you here?"
+
+"Never shall I desert you, Carl."
+
+"And when the last moment approaches," said he in a soft tone, "you will
+moisten my lips, you will smooth my pillow, and when the struggle of
+death comes upon me, I wish you to hold my hand in yours, as you now do,
+that I may feel that you are with me. Then you must--will you do so,
+Magde?--close my eyes with your own hands, and sing a psalm to me."
+
+To all these touching requests, which were rendered still more affecting
+by the tender expression of his eyes, Magde replied tearfully:
+
+"My dear Carl, your words shall be obeyed."
+
+Carl smiled. He was now happier at the thought of his approaching death,
+which would bring such proofs of Magde's affection, than one who might
+have possessed a prospect of a long and luxurious life.
+
+The lilac bushes blossomed, and Magde placed the first flowers in his
+hands while he yet could inhale their fragrance. The last flowers she
+strewed upon his grave.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX.
+
+CONCLUSION.
+
+
+A long season of gloom and despondency succeeded the death of Carl.
+
+It was fortunate that Ragnar returned home at an earlier period than
+usually; the flowers on Carl's grave had not withered when Magde piously
+conducted him to his brother's final resting-place.
+
+"Rest in peace, poor brother," said Ragnar, brushing away a tear, "God
+saw best to take you from us--but, dear Magde, you must not grieve too
+much for his death, or you will not be able to rejoice at the news I
+have for you."
+
+"What news, Ragnar?"
+
+"Captain Hanson, who has been master of the brig Sarah Christiana ever
+since I have been her mate, has latterly become very much reduced in
+health, and he has concluded not to go to sea again."
+
+"Well, that cannot be joyful news. He was a better captain than perhaps
+you will ever sail under again."
+
+"I shall never sail under another captain. I shall be captain myself,
+hereafter. The owners of the vessel have tendered the captaincy to me."
+
+"Is it possible?"
+
+"It will soon be more than possible, for my old captain has so well
+recommended me, that Mr. Lund has advanced me a sufficient sum of money
+to pay the charges of my examination, and as soon as Christmas is
+over--for until then I shall study at home--I will take a journey to
+prepare myself, and after the examination you will be the wife of a
+captain. Then you and Nanna can go with me to Goteborg, that you may see
+the vessel before I go to sea."
+
+Magde quietly clasped her hands. Her pious gratitude was evinced in her
+every expression. She thanked her God for having thus favored them with
+fortune.
+
+Ragnar silently embraced her. "I did not say anything about it
+yesterday, for I wished to tell you here near Carl, who always placed
+his pleasures aside that they might not interfere with yours."
+
+"Bless you, bless you, Ragnar! I now know why I found so many four
+leaved clovers last summer--only think, a captain's wife!--and still you
+love me as before?"
+
+"Now and forever, my Magde. You shall have a bonnet as magnificent as
+any other lady; you shall have a cashmere shawl, and a black silk dress.
+Yes, I promise you all this, and more."
+
+"Let us return home quickly, that I may rejoice father and Nanna."
+
+And Nanna and her father were as much rejoiced at the glad tidings as
+was Magde herself.
+
+A few days afterwards, Magde and her father were seated together in the
+parlor consulting about the future.
+
+"The Lord thus distributes joys and sorrows. One year ago our prospects
+were much different."
+
+"Have I forgotten that time? No! And if I should live a hundred years, I
+would never forget the day you were taken from us to prison, nor the day
+you were released by Mr. Gottlieb. This year Ragnar must send him the
+balance still due him."
+
+"We can repay him the money; but we can never reward him for his
+kindness and love. He has not returned to Almvik, and perhaps it is for
+the best, and as Nanna under any circumstance--"
+
+The old man was suddenly interrupted by a shrill blast from the outside,
+which blast was produced by some one blowing upon a blade of grass.
+
+"Well, well," exclaimed Magde glancing through the window, and then
+rushing to the door, "the old proverb is true, 'talk of--'"
+
+"A certain gentleman and he is here," interrupted Gottlieb, entering the
+door with his face beaming with his usual cheerfulness. He presented one
+hand to Magde, and the other to old Mr. Lonner, who exclaimed with
+glistening eyes:
+
+"Welcome, welcome, Mr. Gottlieb. Ragnar intended to write you to-day,
+and I just told Magde we are able to discharge one part of our debt, but
+the other can never be repaid."
+
+"Enough, enough, good father Lonner, I too was influenced by a selfish
+motive--but pardon me, where is Nanna?"
+
+"She has gone to fish with Ragnar and little Conrad," said Magde, who
+had already manufactured an urn of coffee, "but they will soon return."
+
+"Aha! is Mate Lonner at home. Then I can become acquainted with him."
+
+"_Captain_ Lonner, next spring at least, Mr. Gottlieb," said Magde,
+proudly.
+
+"Crown Secretary, now, instead of Mr. Gottlieb, if you please, Mrs.
+Lonner."
+
+"So soon?"
+
+"Yes, eight days ago I received the appointment; but my _great_ fortune
+will come next spring, for then I hope to have a little house of my
+own."
+
+"Yes, and perhaps a housekeeper too," added Magde.
+
+"Possibly."
+
+At this reply Magde cast a secret glance towards her father, which he
+returned. Gottlieb, however, changed the conversation, and commenced
+speaking of the death of poor Carl of which he had before been informed.
+During the next half hour, Gottlieb evinced the utmost impatience. He
+would walk to the window and gaze anxiously towards the lake, not
+observing that Magde and her father were exchanging significant glances
+and smiles behind his back.
+
+At length he spied the boat, and he hastened down to the beach. The
+skiff contained the brother and sister, and their little companion.
+
+A sympathetic sentiment seemed to have pervaded the entire family, for
+during their excursion Nanna and Ragnar conversed almost entirely about
+her young friend Gottlieb. So nicely had Ragnar probed his sister's
+heart that he knew almost as much about its true condition as Carl had
+previously learned. Although Ragnar would have desired to have believed
+as Carl did, he did not think it proper to offer Nanna any further
+consolation, than by saying that since he had received a captaincy she
+was placed on a more equal footing with Gottlieb and that he would do
+everything in his power to render her happy.
+
+"I know you will, Ragnar," replied Nanna, "but only one thing can ever
+afford me happiness."
+
+After these words the conversation ceased, and the brother and sister
+commenced their homeward ride.
+
+In his great haste Gottlieb nearly ran into the water, in which Ragnar
+was standing fastening the boat; but so much was he astonished by the
+marvellous change which taken place in Nanna's appearance that he was
+forced to start back and gaze silently upon her. Nanna in the meantime
+appeared abstracted. She had not observed Gottlieb's approach; but sat
+in the boat slowly moving one of the oars, apparently in the deepest
+thought.
+
+But how can we describe Nanna's joyful surprise when she discovered
+Gottlieb. Ragnar's presence prevented her from giving vent to her joy in
+words; but the joyful expression of her eyes was a more than sufficient
+welcome.
+
+We will not describe the first interview between Ragnar and
+Gottlieb--suffice it to say it was the meeting of two brothers; not of
+two strangers. Neither will we describe the first hour of _mutual_
+congratulations; but we will at once draw the reader's attention to a
+pleasing picture near the fountain in the meadow. Here the two lovers
+had proceeded that they might confer with each other uninterrupted.
+
+"You see, my little nymph, I have come back. Do you think that I have an
+honorable spirit and a true heart? Now tell me, have you grown so
+beautiful, for me; yes so beautiful that I can well be proud of you as
+my own little wife?"
+
+"Wife! are you then serious?"
+
+"Serious we shall never be, we will make a third agreement, which is
+that we shall live henceforth without a gloomy thought or serious
+foreboding. Although we shall marry, as it is said, for 'love in a
+cottage,' yet we are both so familiar with the reality of the cottage,
+that our romantic dreams, if we have any, will be fully realized."
+
+"True, very true," said Nanna smiling, and her countenance radiant with
+joy, appeared still more beautiful, "and now I am--"
+
+"--Betrothed," said Gottlieb joyfully embracing her.
+
+How happy were the inmates of the little cottage that evening!
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+When the news of Gottlieb's betrothal reached Almvik, Mrs. Ulrica
+foretold that nothing but evil would result from the wedding.
+
+Mr. Fabian, however, who secretly esteemed Gottlieb, was silent; but
+afterwards when the young couple were firmly united he would hold them
+up as examples and say that some men could be happy with a wife who did
+not possess riches and station.
+
+"But that," insisted Mrs. Ulrica, "is no reason why a poor man should
+not know to prize the happiness which a wealthy wife could procure for
+him."
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's The Home in the Valley, by Emilie F. Carlen
+
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