up, and said: "I will search myself, and pray
for guidance; to-morrow, or perhaps this evening at the meeting, I
may, God willing, give you my answer."

He sat down, purposing in all sincerity to examine himself, and to
seek guidance.

He had already observed here and there something of the
disapprobation which had manifested itself in Sivert Jespersen's
remark. The majority, no doubt, would gladly retain him; but there
were some to whom his presence was oppressive.

From such quarters came whispers that Madame Torvestad's house might
be dangerous to a lay-preacher, and might tempt him to weakness.

As soon as Hans Nilsen observed this, he had at once thought of
Sarah. He had searched his own heart with the utmost rigour, but he
could not be certain that the pleasure he experienced in her company
was not the beginning of a sinful affection, or, if not so, whether
it were what it ought to be, a heartfelt friendship and a true
feeling of devotion for a woman who was purer and better than all
others.

In the mean time, he was unable to arrive at any decision, and he
began to be pained and disturbed in mind. At last, one day, he went
straight to Madame Torvestad, asking if she would advise him to
marry, and, if so, whether she could recommend any Christian-minded
woman as his helpmate.

Madame Torvestad was not taken by surprise; it was a common custom
among the Haugians, and especially the Herrnhutters, to follow the
guidance of the elders in such matters. Malicious persons in the town
even declared that the lamented Torvestad had got his wife in a
lottery at Christiansfeldt.

It seemed so natural for Madame Torvestad to think of her own
daughters, and first and foremost of Sarah, that Hans Nilsen's
question seemed almost as good as a proposal for her.

She answered evasively; she did not believe that so well-known and so
highly valued a preacher could be permitted to give up his
journeyings throughout the country. He must be aware, she said, that
when a man is married it is not easy for him to absent himself from
home. Nor could she at that moment think of any woman who would suit
him.

Hans Nilsen was surprised and disappointed. He could not see why
Madame Torvestad should not give her daughter to him, and it never
occurred to him that she might harbour other designs. He did not for
a moment think of opposing or attempting to overcome her
determination; on the contrary, he strove to convince himself that
s