you. Remain with me,
instead of going with him up into the shivering, cold North, which you
really never can like."

"You must ask Lexow about that, my brother."

Thus continued the conversation long, and became by degrees more serious
and still. The brother and sister seemed to talk of their future, and
that is always a solemn matter, but ever and anon burst forth a hearty
laughter from the midst of their consultations. It went on to midnight,
but neither of them appeared to mark this.

Susanna, during the conversation of the relatives, had retired to the
next room, so as to leave them the more freedom. Her bosom was oppressed
by unwonted and melancholy feelings. With her brow leaned against the
cool window panes, she gazed out into the lovely summer evening, while
she listened to the soft and familiar voices within. The twilight cast
its soft dusky veil over the dale; and tree and field, hill and plain,
heaven and earth, seemed to mingle in confidential silence. In the grass
slumbered the flowers, leaning on each other; and from amongst the
leaves, which gently waved themselves side by side, Susanna seemed to
hear whispered the words, "Brother! Sister!" With an ineffable yearning
opened she her arms as if she would embrace some one--but when they
returned again empty to her bosom, tears of anguish rolled over her
cheeks, while her lips whispered, "Little Hulda!"

Little Hulda, all honour to thy affections, to thy radiant locks; but I
do not believe that Susanna's tears now flowed alone for thee.

FOOTNOTES:

[7] "Fattig Leilighed"--"_poor opportunity_"--is the name given in
merriment to the cooking-up the remains of the week's provisions, which
generally is brought out on a Saturday.

ALETTE.

I see thine eyes in beauty fling
Back the tall taper's splendour;
Yet can still, and clear, and tender,
Dwell on an angel's wing.

VELHAVEN.

When Susanna the next morning went in to Alette, to inquire how she
had slept and so on, she found Harald already with his sister, and
around her were outspread the linen, the neckerchiefs, the
pocket-handkerchiefs, the tablecloths, etc., which he told Susanna he
had purchased for himself, but which in reality were presents for his
sister, on the occasion of her approaching marriage. Scarcely had
Susanna entered the room, when to her great amazement the brother and
sister both united in begging her to accept the very handsome dress
which she had once propos