had been dropped. Thora had longed to call him "Willie,"
but at her death the scarcely recognized name was given up. But
Snorro's tender, positive "little Jan" had settled the matter in
Margaret's mind. Henceforward the boy was to be called by his father's
name, and she cared not whether it were liked or not.

To Margaret the winter passed drearily away. She refused to have any
part in Suneva's hospitalities, though the "Fae House" became during
it as famous for its gayety, as it had been in Thora's time for its
quiet and seclusion. Suneva had no idea of being the mistress of a
shut up house. She was proud of her large rooms and fine furniture,
and anxious to exhibit them. Besides which, she was in her element as
hostess of the cozy tea-party or the merry dance.

Fortunately for her peaceful success, Peter discovered that he had the
same taste. It had lain dormant and undeveloped during his struggle
for wealth, and in the quiet content of Thora's atmosphere; but every
circumstance now favored its growth, and he became quite as proud of
his name as a generous and splendid host, as he was of his character
as a keen and successful trader.

He was still a handsome man, fresh and active, carrying his
fifty-eight years with all the dignity of conscious independence and
assured position. It was Suneva's great pride that she had induced him
to wear the fine cloth and velvet and linen suitable to his wealth.
She flattered him into many an extravagance; she persuaded him that no
one in the Islands could recite as well, or dance with more activity
and grace. Under her influence Peter renewed his youth and enjoyed it.
Margaret often heard them planning some entertainment, and laughing
over it, with all the zest of twenty years.

To her, their whole life seemed an outrage. She could not imagine how
her father could bear to put aside so completely his old habits and
memories. It wounded her to see him going off with a joke and a kiss
to the store in the morning; and hurrying back at night, as eager as
a boy-bridegroom for the company of his handsome wife and her gay
friends. It may easily be understood that even if Margaret had
countenanced Suneva's festivities by her presence at them, she would
have been only a silent and a reproachful guest.

It is but fair to say that Suneva gave to her absence the best and
kindest excuse. "Poor Margaret!" she said pitifully, "she weeps
constantly for her husband. Few wives are as faithful."