she persisted in repeating that it was time for him to
marry, he felt so overwhelmed with shame, that he hardly knew which
way to look.

Madame Torvestad did not comprehend what she saw, but she discovered
that by some means or other Fennefos had received a shock; perhaps it
might make him the more easy to manage.

"You also asked me at that time, Hans Nilsen, if I knew of any
Christian young woman who would suit you. I believe that I have now
found one--my daughter."

He looked so wildly at her for a moment, that she was almost
frightened. "Are you unwell, Hans Nilsen?" she said.

"No; I am only weary."

Madame Torvestad's suspicions were now aroused. "If it be that you
have suffered worldly love to deceive your heart, pray to God, Hans
Nilsen, to protect you, and to aid you in the strife with Satan. You
should be able to withstand him, and to avoid such vile snares.
Henrietta is indeed young, but with you I am satisfied that she would
be in safe hands, and I hope and believe that she would be a blessing
to you."

Fennefos had so far recovered himself that he was able to thank her.
"In truth," said he, "he had not been thinking of marrying now. It
was a serious matter."

"It is not good to be alone, least of all for men;" said Madame
Torvestad, with emphasis. "You know that well enough, Hans Nilsen;
and you remember what Paul says."

"Yes, yes," he said, interrupting her hastily. "If you think I ought
to marry, I will pray that it may be for the best."

"I will speak to Henrietta," said Madame Torvestad.

"Thanks; but I would rather--"

"Well, then--I have confidence in you. She is yonder in the
workroom."

"Now, at once? I thought that perhaps--"

"There is no reason for delay," said Madame Torvestad, as she opened
the door, and, calling out the servant girl, led Fennefos in.

He suffered her to lead him as if he were a dog. "There could be no
doubt," he thought, "that Madame Torvestad knew all"; and this
feeling of shame, combined with his weariness, left him helpless in
her hands. For four days he had wandered along the coast quite alone,
shunning acquaintances, and living entirely with strangers. All this
time, in fear and sorrow, he had striven to repent; but he returned
uncomforted, unsettled, with a vague intention of packing up and
going far away.

When he found himself face to face with Henrietta, who looked
uneasily at him, he knew not what to say. But she, who of late had
got sufficient