intimation of what was intended, took courage and
said, in a low voice: "Hans, I am betrothed. I have given my promise
to Lauritz Seehus, for life or death," she added, fixing her eyes on
him.

Hans Nilsen looked at the girl who so openly confessed her love, for
life or death; in her innocence so greatly his superior.

"Listen, dear Hans," said Henrietta, laying her hand confidentially
on his shoulder. "You have always been kind to me, and you are so
good yourself. You will not take me in this way, I am sure; but you
will protect me from my mother?"

"I certainly would not wish to make you unhappy, Henrietta; but you
ought not to oppose your mother."

"But I will not, I cannot, marry any one but him whom I love."

"Listen, child," he now said quietly, looking sadly at her. It was
not the first time that heart-stricken women had sought counsel of
Hans Nilsen, and this day he was more than ever in a mood to
sympathize with such. There is no suffering more bitter than that of
our wounded affections in our youth, but there is strength and
healing given to those who seek peace, if they bear their lot in
obedience to the will of God, and to those who are placed over them.
"You say you cannot marry one whom you do not love; but consider how
often the heart deceives itself in youth and--"

"Yes; just look at Sarah, for example," said Henrietta, interrupting
him. "Of what avail are all her riches and piety? I know that she is
the most miserable woman on earth."

Hans Nilsen turned away; he was again completely disarmed.

Henrietta moved towards the window, and, gazing up at the sky, which
was visible over the yard, struck one hand resolutely upon the other,
and said, half aloud: "Besides, I have sworn it."

Hans Nilsen went back to Madame Torvestad, and merely said that he
and Henrietta could not come to any agreement.

She wished to learn more from him; but he could bear it no longer,
and left the room without answering her.

Upstairs, however, he did not find the rest he so much needed, for in
his room the old dyer sat waiting for him.

"I have been anxious to see you, Hans Nilsen, and have sought you
many times. There is a great desire among us to speak with you, and
to meet you in confidential intercourse, but at present it seems to
us that you are entirely taken up in this house with the conversation
and society of the women."

Fennefos was so tired, that he was half asleep as he listened to the
old man. H