hich next morning set out from Heimdal and ascended
Ustefjell, did not look in the least gay. They moved along also in a
thick mist, which hung over the valley, enveloped all the heights, and
concealed every prospect around them. Before them rode the guide, the
old trusty Halling peasant, whose strong and tall figure gave an
impression of security to those who followed after. Then came Mrs.
Astrid; then Susanna; then Harald, who carried his arm in a sling. The
train was closed by the young boy, and a peasant, who led two horses
with the luggage upon hurdles.

After they had ascended for a considerable time, the air became clearer,
and the travellers had mounted above the regions of mist; soon saw they
the blue colour of the heavens, and the sun greeted them with his beams,
and lighted up the wild, singular region which now began to surround
them. This scene operated upon Susanna's young, open mind with wonderful
power. She felt herself altogether freer and lighter of mood, and,
glancing around with bright eyes, she thought that she had left behind
her all strife and all pain, and now ascended upwards to a future of
light and tranquillity. Now her mistress would indeed be happy; and
Susanna would, with liberated heart, and bound no longer by selfish
feelings, easily follow the calls of duty and the will of Providence. So
felt, so thought she.

The road was untracked, often steep and terrific, but the horses stepped
safely over it, and thus in a little time they came to a Saeter-hut,
which lay upon the shore of Ustevand, one of the inland lakes which lie
at the foot of Hallingskarv. This Saeter lies above the boundary of the
birch-tree vegetation, and its environs have the strong features
peculiar to the rocky character; but its grass-plots, perpetually
watered from the snowy mountains, were yet of a beautiful green, and
many-coloured herds of cattle swarmed upon them. Like dazzling silver
ribbons shimmered the brooks between the green declivities and the
darker cliffs. The sun now shone bright, and they mutually congratulated
each other on the cheering prospect of a happy journey. At this Saeter
the company rested for an hour, and made a hasty breakfast of the simple
viands which are peculiar to this region. Before each guest was placed a
bowl of "Lefsetriangle,"[18] on which was laid a cake of rye-meal, about
the size of a plate. Upon the table stood large four-cornered pieces of
butter, and a dish of excellent mountai