" said Rolf, when they had done, and put away their tools, and sat
down on the pine log from which the pales were to be made, so that their
lengthening shadows fell across the new grave,--"now, Erica, you know
what she who lies there would like us to be settling. She herself said
her burial day would soon be over; and then would come our wedding-day."

"When everything is ready," replied Erica, "we will fix; but not now.
There is much to be done;--there are many uncertainties."

"Uncertainties! What uncertainties? I know of none--except indeed as
to--"

Rolf stopped to peel off, and pull to pieces, some of the bark of the
pine trunk on which he was sitting. Erica looked wistfully at him; he
saw it, and went on.

"It is often an uncertainty to me, Erica, after all that has happened,
whether you mean to marry me at all. There are so many doubts, and so
many considerations, and so many fears!--I often think we shall never be
any nearer than we are."

"That is your sort of doubt and fear," said Erica, smiling. "Who is
there that entertains a worse?"

"I do not want any rallying or joking, Erica. I am quite serious."

"Seriously then--are we not nearer than we were a year ago? We are
betrothed; and I have shown you that I do believe we are to be married,
if--"

"Ay, there. `If' again."

"If it shall please the Powers above us not to separate us, by death or
otherwise."

"Death! at our age! And separation! when we have lived on the same farm
for years! What have we to do with death and separation?"

Erica pointed to the child's grave, in rebuke of his rash words. She
then quietly observed that they had enemies,--one deadly enemy not very
far off, if nothing were to be said of any but human foes. Rolf
declared that he had rather have Hund for a declared enemy than for a
companion. Erica understood this very well; but she could not forget
that Hund wanted to be houseman in Rolfs stead, and that he desired to
prevent their marriage.

"That is the very reason," said Rolf, "why we should marry as soon as we
can. Why not fix the day, and engage the pastor while he is here?"

"Because it would hurt Peder's feelings. There will be no difficulty in
sending for the pastor when everything is ready. But now, Rolf, that
all may go well, do promise not to run into needless danger."

"According to you," said Rolf, smiling, "one can never get out of
danger. Where is the use of taking care, if all the powers