ut gradually the
conversation became slower and more earnest, and then Snorro began to
talk of Peter Fae and his marriage. "It hath been a good thing for
Peter," he said; "he looks by ten years a younger man."

"And Suneva, is she happy?"

"Well, then, she dresses gayly, and gives many fine parties, and is
what she likes best of all, the great lady of the town. But she hath
not a bad heart, and I think it was not altogether her fault if thy
wife was----"

"If my wife was what, Snorro?"

"If thy wife was unhappy in her house. The swan and the kittywake can
not dwell in the same nest."

"What hast thou to tell me of my wife and son?"

"There is not such a boy as thy boy in all Scotland. He is handsomer
than thou art. He is tall and strong, and lish and active as a fish.
He can dive and swim like a seal, he can climb like a whaler's boy, he
can fling a spear, and ride, and run, and read; and he was beginning
to write his letters on a slate when I came away. Also, he was making
a boat, for he loves the sea, as thou loves it. Oh, I tell thee, there
is not another boy to marrow thy little Jan."

"Is he called Jan?"

"Yes, he is called Jan after thee."

"This is great good news, Snorro. What now of my wife?"

Snorro's voice changed, and all the light left his face. He spoke
slowly, but with decision. "She is a very good woman. There is not a
better woman to be found anywhere than Margaret Vedder. The minister
said I was to tell thee how kind she is to all who are sick and in
trouble, and to him she is as his right hand. Yes, I will tell thee
truly, that he thinks she is worthy of thy love now."

"And what dost thou think?"

"I do not think she is worthy."

"Why dost thou not think so?"

"A woman may be an angel, and love thee not."

"Then thou thinks she loves me not? Why? Has she other lovers? Tell me
truly, Snorro."

"The man lives not in Lerwick who would dare to speak a word of love
to Margaret Vedder. She walks apart from all merry-making, and from
all friends. As I have told thee she lives in her own house, and
enters no other house but the manse, unless it be to see some one in
pain or sorrow. She is a loving mother to thy son, but she loves not
thee. I will tell thee why I think." Then Snorro recounted with
accurate truthfulness his last interview with Margaret. He told Jan
every thing, for he had noted every thing:--her dress, her attitude,
her rising color, her interest in the locket's chain, he