pression
went abroad that the Haugians were divided among themselves, and that
Fennefos had separated from them.

There was a want of confidence among the Brethren themselves; those
who had not been present wished to know what he had said, while those
who had, gave evasive answers. There was much inquisitiveness and a
great desire both among friends and foes to learn if there was really
anything against so respected and well-known a man as Hans Nilsen.

Besides, since the meeting a change had taken place in his
appearance. Something must have happened. Everybody had his own
opinion, and the elders met to consult.

"I think," said Sivert Jespersen, looking round, "we are all agreed
upon this, that there must be women at the bottom of the affair."

"I have heard it mentioned," said Endre Egeland, "that he has been
very much in the company of Henrietta, Madame Torvestad's daughter."

"With Henrietta!" said Sivert Jespersen, in a somewhat incredulous
tone.

The astonishment which this announcement produced led to a short
pause.

"No, no," said the old dyer at last; "it is impossible to believe
such a scandal."

"At any rate," said Sivert Jespersen, mildly, "we ought to consider
how best to help Brother Hans Nilsen in all difficulties and
temptations. I have thought, if it seems good to you, that we might
meet up at the farm on Saturday afternoon, and, after having examined
the accounts, we might have a little conversation with him."

"Let us be careful what we do," said the old man; "we know nothing
for certain."

"No; I never meant that we should act indiscreetly--"

"I know that you are very prudent, Sivert Jespersen; but let us not
forget that he is the most considerable man in our community, and
that we must not lose him."

The Saturday when they met at the farm, according to agreement, was
the last day of September. They had, therefore, to go into all the
accounts of the farm, the dye-house, and the mill.

The accounts were in good order, and everything had been well
managed. They thanked Hans Nilsen with the utmost friendliness.

When the books were closed and arrangements had been made for the
future, they seated themselves round the room. Fennefos, who sat in
the middle by the table with the account-books, raised his head, and
looked calmly from one to the other.

No one failed to remark that his old expression had returned; the
downcast, unsettled look which at one time they had observed was
en