med as if it was the old man who was difficult, whilst the
two younger people agreed well enough.
But when Romarino set up for himself, and married a young lady, of
whom all that was known was that she was gay and worldly minded, the
mutual relations became more distant. The young and old Worses had no
common interests, and seldom saw one another.
When Romarino bought a house and lived in grand style, old Worse
shook his head.
It was some time before Madame Torvestad realized that she had
completely misunderstood her daughter, but gradually she became
conscious that there was no remedy. Ever since that look which she
had noticed on the evening of the betrothal, Sarah had shaken off her
authority, and had asserted herself as an equal.
Indeed, Madame Torvestad was soon nothing more than Madame Worse's
mother.
She was wise enough to conceal her disappointment, and she promised
herself that it should not recur in the case of Henrietta, who should
have a husband more amenable to control, while she, Henrietta, should
be under stricter rule than before. As a beginning, the poor child
should learn to sit in Sarah's place by the Bible, when Sarah was not
there.
For the last two years but scanty tidings had been received of Hans
Nilsen Fennefos. He was said to be travelling in the north, farther
north than he had ever been before, away up in the most benighted
parts of Finmarken, as some declared.
Occasionally news of him reached the elders, but they did not
communicate it at the meetings. Any one inquiring about Fennefos was
recommended to mind his own business, or was told that the Lord's
ways are inscrutable.
The fact was, that what the Brethren round about had to report about
Hans Nilsen was anything but satisfactory.
He who formerly had moved from place to place as a messenger of love
and peace, now left confusion and terror behind him. It was said that
he passed through the country like a hurricane, his speech was as of
fire, many became crazy after hearing him, and one young girl was
reported to have destroyed herself in consequence.
The clergy began to notice him in their reports. His former
reputation for gentleness and moderation was injured; and scoffers
cried triumphantly: "See, even he also!"
There was much consternation among the Friends when these tidings
arrived, and it gradually became evident how much the elders had
endeavoured to withhold from them.
Many wrote and urged Fennefos to
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