uffered one hour
longer than was necessary. Week by week, month by month, year by year,
thy heart has been growing more humble and tender, more just and
unselfish; but it was not until Snorro brought thee those poor
despised love-gifts of Jan's that thou wast humble and tender, and
just, and unselfish enough to leave all and go and seek thy lost
husband. But I am sure it was this way--the very hour this gracious
thought came into thy heart thy captivity was turned. Now, then, from
thy own experience thou can understand why God hides even a happy
future from us. If we knew surely that fame or prosperity or happiness
was coming, how haughty, how selfish, how impatient we should be."

"I would like thee to go and tell my father all."

"I will tell thee what thou must do--go home and tell the great news
thyself."

"I can not go into Suneva's house. Thou should not ask that of me."

"In the day of thy good fortune, be generous. Suneva Fae has a kind
heart, and I blame thee much that there was trouble. Because God has
forgiven thee, go without a grudging thought, and say--'Suneva, I was
wrong, and I am sorry for the wrong; and I have good news, and want my
father and thee to share it.'"

"No; I can not do that."

"There is no 'can' in it. It is my will, Margaret, that thou go. Go at
once, and take thy son with thee. The kind deed delayed is worth very
little. To-day that is thy work, and we will not read or write. As for
me, I will loose my boat, and I will sail about the bay, and round by
the Troll Rock, and I will think of these things only."

For a few minutes Margaret stood watching him drift with the tide, his
boat rocking gently, and the fresh wind blowing his long white hair,
and carrying far out to sea the solemnly joyful notes to which he was
singing his morning psalm.

"Bless, O my soul, the Lord thy God
and not forgetful be
Of all his gracious benefits
he hath bestowed on thee.

Such pity as a father hath
unto his children dear,
Like pity shows the Lord to such
as worship him in fear."

Ps. 103. v. 2. 13.[*]

[*] Version allowed by the authority of the General Assembly of the
Kirk of Scotland.

"Thou art a good man," said Margaret to herself, as she waved her hand
in farewell, and turned slowly homeward. Most women would have been
impatient to tell the great news that had come to them, but Margaret
could always wait. Besides, she had been ordere