r indifference
as to his own hurried journey, its object, or its length.

Jan heard all in silence, but the impression made on him by
Snorro's recital, was not what Snorro expected. Jan knew Margaret's
slow, proud nature. He would have been astonished, perhaps even a
little suspicious of any exaggeration of feeling, of tears, or of
ejaculations. Her interest in the locket chain said a great deal to
him. Sitting by his side, with her fair face almost against his
own, she had drawn the pattern of the chain she wished. Evidently
she had remembered it; he understood that it was her emotion at the
recognition which had made her so silent, and so oblivious of
Snorro's affairs. The minister's opinion had also great weight with
him. Dr. Balloch knew the whole story of his wrong, knew just
where he had failed, and where Margaret had failed. If he believed
a reconciliation was now possible and desirable, then Jan also was
sure of it.

Snorro saw the purpose in his face. Perhaps he had a moment's jealous
pang, but it was instantly put down. He hastened to let Jan feel that,
even in this matter, he must always be at one with him:

"Trust not to me," he said; "it is little I know or understand about
women, and I may judge Margaret Vedder far wrong."

"I think thou does, Snorro. She was never one to make a great show of
her grief or her regrets. But I will tell thee what she did when thou
wert gone away. In her own room, she wept over that chain the whole
night long."

"That may be. When little Jan had the croup she was still and calm
until the boy was out of danger, and then she wept until my heart
ached for her. Only once besides have I seen her weep; that was when
Suneva accused her of thy murder; then she took her baby in her arms
and came through the storm to me at the store. Yes, she wept sorely
that night."

Jan sat with tightly-drawn lips.

"If it will make thee happy, send me back to Lerwick, and I will bring
thy wife and child safely here. Thou would be proud indeed to see
them. The boy is all I have told thee. His mother is ten times
handsomer than when thou married her. She is the fairest and most
beautiful of women. When she walks down the street at the minister's
side, she is like no other woman. Even Peter Fae is now proud that she
is his daughter, and he sends her of the finest that comes to his
hand. Shall I then go for thee? Why not go thyself?"

"I will think about it, Snorro. I can not go myself. I rece