an honest and faithful friend,
and we shall never forget--"

"And I, Mrs. Lonner," interrupted Gottlieb, "I shall not forget this
valley I assure you, and now good night; in a short time everything will
be as it was before."

"Thank you, a thousand times! When Ragnar returns, through God's
assistance we will repay you."

* * * * *

Gottlieb's heart bounded with joy, as he proceeded on his road towards
Almvik, but the heart of another traveller in the same direction was
oppressed with gloomy forebodings. It is almost unnecessary to say that
the latter traveller was Mr. Fabian H----. On his arrival at Almvik he
entered his wife's chamber trembling with anxiety, lest Gottlieb had
been there before him.

"What is the matter with you?" inquired his wife, who had already
retired to her bed; "has the horse been balky, or have you met with an
accident?"

"Nothing, nothing, darling Ulgenie; but my head has been heavy all the
afternoon."

"That is caused by your excessive sleeping," said Mrs. Ulrica.

"Perhaps it is. Hereafter I shall sleep less, and after this, my dear
wife, I will follow your advice in everything."

"Then, my dear, you will be a good husband. If I should always find you
so, I would not have so many causes for complaint."

"Have you any complaint to make now?" inquired Mr. Fabian, anxiously.

Mr. Fabian was in a state of fearful suspense. The air to him appeared
populated with evil spirits.

"I did not speak thus for the purpose of troubling you, dear Fabian, it
would not be just for me to choose this moment, when you feel so
repentant, to remind you of other moments when you do not seem impressed
with the worth of your wife."

"Yes, yes, that would indeed be cruel, for it is true, really true,
that--that--"

"What, Fabian, good Fabian?"

"That I never before have so much esteemed and adored you, my dear,
dear--" He was unable to proceed.

"Ah! Fabian, that is the true spirit. You at last understand how happy
you are."

"Yes, as happy as the condemned sinner," sighed Fabian; but in such a
manner that his wife heard the first word only.

CHAPTER XVI.

THE FESTIVAL.

The next morning, when Gottlieb awoke, he discovered that he had a
visitor even at that early hour of the day. His uncle Fabian was pacing
backward and forward at the side of his nephew's bed, with a countenance
so wretched and woe begone, that Gottlieb could not but pity him.

"Good