u could
live in free, and I thought you were getting on pretty well."

"Yes, I have the cottage free. The curate's wife comes from the north.
He married up there, and they came to visit her folks. She heard about
me, for she was there when Erik died. She knew about this cottage, and
nothing would do but I must come down with them; and so I did. You can't
think how kind they have been to me. I've done a power of knitting since
I have been here. She sees that somebody buys my stockings. But you
must go. Come again," said the old woman, in strange confusion between
her daughter that was ten years ago and this strange young lady who had
condescended to look in upon her.

They parted without even a shake of the hand. The old woman stood at the
door and watched the tall girl hurrying down the path, and felt almost
as if she had been in a troubled dream.

CHAPTER IV.

TOO LATE.

Possessionaten Bilberg was subject to transient indispositions on Sunday
morning. The symptoms that had prevented his being at the church service
the day before seemed to have disappeared entirely on Monday. He came
home from his drive with his daughter in unusually good spirits; and as
for little Elsa, she was quite delighted. She had had a nice play with
some charming children, and there was a baby in the house, which she had
really been allowed to carry in her own willing arms. Karin's
overshadowed countenance passed unnoticed in the general stir that
followed the return of the father and daughter. They had been invited to
spend several days at the hospitable country home where they had been so
warmly welcomed. It had been urged that while Elsa was happy with
playmates of her own age, Possessionaten could see many things in the
neighbourhood that might be suggestive to him, interested as he was in
agriculture and manufactures. Planning and packing took all the
afternoon, and towards evening the carriage was at the door, and Elsa
and her father were to take their departure.

"I was afraid you would be lonely, Karin, and sorry we are going away;
but you don't seem to mind it at all," said the little girl, in an
injured tone.

"So you want me to be sorrowful," answered Karin, trying to be playful.

"No, no! but I thought you would miss me, and I was glad when papa said
you could keep on sleeping in my nice room, and be as comfortable as
anybody."

There was a little condescension in the tone, though it was
affectionate; but Karin di