When he saw lights shining in his house, he said to himself, "God be
praised! those I love are expecting me. All will soon be right again."

Suddenly, like a fiery dart, the thought cut him to the heart "You have
this day been wicked--downright wicked--doubly and trebly so. Both when
you were with Kathrine and at the Doctor's, the sinful thought arose in
your heart--how different your fate might have been! You have hitherto
boasted of your honest heart--you can do so no longer. You are the
father of two children, and have been five years married. Good heavens!
This is actually our fifth wedding day."

He stood still, and his conscience smote him. He said to himself:
"Annele, good Annele! I have sinned in thought today in every way. My
parents in heaven will not forgive me if that ever occurs again. But
from this day we shall commence a new union."

With this feeling of indignation against himself, and in the joyful
security that all would soon be on a more pleasant footing at home, he
entered the house. "Where is my wife?" said he, finding the children
sitting in the kitchen with the maid.

"She has just lain down."

"What? Is she ill?"

"She did not complain of anything."

Lenz hurried to his wife. "God be with you, Annele! I say good morning
and good evening together, for I forgot it when I left you so early
today; and I wish you all happiness, and myself too. Please God, from
this day forth, all will go well with us!"

"Thank you."

"What is the matter? Are you ill?"

"No; only tired--very tired. I will rise immediately, however."

"No; stay where you are, if it rests you. I have good news to give
you."

"I don't choose to lie here. Go away, and I will come to you
presently."

"But first listen to what I have got to say."

"Plenty of time for that; a few minutes can't make much difference."

All Lenz's lightness of heart seemed to vanish; but he controlled his
feelings, and went out and caressed the children. At last Annele came.
"Do you want anything to eat?" said she.

"No. How does my hat come here?"

"Faller brought it. I suppose you gave it to him to bring to me."

"Why should I do that? The wind carried it off my head." He related
briefly his interview with Kathrine. Annele was silent: she was
carefully hoarding up the arrow with the lie about Faller's
security--the time will soon come when she can send it flying at his
head. She can wait.

Lenz sent the maid into the kitchen, and takin