en was to depart in two days, as soon as the elders had
prepared his credentials, as well as the books and tracts which he
was to distribute.

It was the end of October, and he proposed to journey along the
coast, from farm to farm, as far as Christiansand, gathering the
Brethren together as opportunity offered.

From Christiansand he intended to travel over Soetersdal, and at
Christmas he expected to reach his native place.

CHAPTER VII

Madame Torvestad was really in earnest when she declared how much she
valued Hans Nilsen's presence in her house, and that she grieved at
his departure.

That his removal at this juncture was extremely convenient was a fact
that, on the other hand, she carefully concealed.

She was scheming to the utmost to secure Skipper Worse for her
daughter.

Her motives were very complicated. She would talk of her interest in
the poor erring soul that could only be saved by such means. Those,
however, who knew her best, knew well that her strongest passion was
a constantly increasing desire for power and influence.

From her point of view Jacob Worse was well worth capturing,
especially since he had entered into partnership with Garman. Not
only would such an alliance strengthen the Brethren outwardly,
but--what was more important in her eyes--it would greatly enhance
her own position if this new and wealthy brother should be added to
them by her efforts.

That she would succeed in making a brother of Jacob Worse, Madame
Torvestad never for a moment doubted. She had some experience of the
world, and she had known many elderly men who had married even
younger women. She would work upon him through her daughter, and her
influence would extend itself from her humble apartments over the
whole house.

The Brethren would be grateful to her, and the cause of religion
would be furthered.

Sarah foresaw all that was coming; after those words about the vine,
she was in no doubt as to what was in store for her.

When Hans Nilsen left, he presented her with his greatest treasure,
an autograph letter from Hauge to his mother. The paper was old and
worn, and the ink had faded. Fennefos, who was a skilful bookbinder,
had himself made a handsome case, in which to keep it, and had
printed her name and a text on the cover.

The womenfolk talked about this. It seemed strange that Hans Nilsen
should part with such a treasure.

Those who made any allusion to the affair in Madame Torvestad's