ession, which was not
only just as much in accordance with Scripture, but might often be still
better adapted to ease the troubled heart.

Johnsen got up to take his leave. He felt a great wish to speak before
the congregation. It was, in his opinion, of the greatest importance
that he should have a perfectly clear idea of his own views, and that
there should be nothing obscure or insincere between him and his
hearers.

The dean also got up, and shook hands on wishing him good-bye. He gave
his young friend his best wishes for his undertaking, and hoped he would
bear in mind that he, as dean, was always ready to assist him in every
way, if he should at any time feel the need of his services.

"You will bear this in mind, my young friend, will you not?" said the
old dean, with a fatherly look.

Johnsen muttered something about thanks as he hurried out of the room.
He was no longer in the frame of mind in which he had been during the
last few weeks. The peaceful, genial air of the dean's study, with its
well-filled bookshelves, had had a wonderful effect upon him, as had
also the dean, with his manner, which was at the same time so mild and
so earnest. The mind of the young clergyman seemed, as it were, softened
by an influence which he did not clearly understand, and the power of
which he was not willing to recognize.

After a long walk, Johnsen at length arrived in the large field which
lay beyond Sandsgaard. From this position he could look down into the
garden and premises near the house. He could follow with his eye the
broad path where Rachel and he had so often walked together, and their
conversation seemed to come before him with the greatest distinctness.
For a long time he stood there gazing, until he felt strong again in his
resolve. What would he not have given to have seen her, if only for a
moment! But he felt he could not approach the house. He would not allow
any other feeling to mingle with the holy determination with which his
thoughts were filled, and with an heroic effort he turned away, and bent
his steps towards the town. His mind had now regained its former tone.

The church was filled to overflowing that Sunday on which Mr. Johnsen
was to preach his first sermon. There are always plenty of people who
are glad of the opportunity of hearing a new preacher, and this number
was increased by the interest which was felt in the earnest young man
who had attracted so much attention.

Mrs. Garman sat