he wondered much
what would give distinction to the province, if Vadstena Cloister should
once fall into disrepute.

"'You are not easy to satisfy,' said Ulvasa-lady, 'but surely I can see
so far ahead that I can tell you, before Vadstena Cloister shall have
lost its splendour, there will be a castle erected close by, which will
be the most magnificent of its period. Kings and dukes will be guests
there, and it shall be accounted an honour to the whole province, that
it owns such an ornament.'

"'This I am also glad to hear,' said the peasant. 'But I'm an old man,
and I know how it generally turns out with this world's glories. And if
the castle goes to ruin, I wonder much what there will be that can
attract the people's attention to this province.'

"'It's not a little that you want to know,' said Ulvasa-lady, 'but,
certainly, I can look far enough into the future to see that there will
be life and movement in the forests around Finspang. I see how cabins
and smithies arise there, and I believe that the whole province shall
be renowned because iron will be moulded within its confines.'

"The peasant didn't deny that he was delighted to hear this. 'But if it
should go so badly that even Finspang's foundry went down in importance,
then it would hardly be possible that any new thing could arise of which
Oestergoetland might boast.'

"'You are not easy to please,' said Ulvasa-lady, 'but I can see so far
into the future that I mark how, along the lake-shores, great
manors--large as castles--are built by gentlemen who have carried on
wars in foreign lands. I believe that the manors will bring the province
just as much honour as anything else that I have mentioned.'

"'But if there comes a time when no one lauds the great manors?'
insisted the peasant.

"'You need not be uneasy at all events,' said Ulvasa-lady. I see how
health-springs bubble on Medevi meadows, by Vaetter's shores. I believe
that the wells at Medevi will bring the land as much praise as you can
desire.'

"'That is a mighty good thing to know,' said the peasant. 'But if there
comes a time when people will seek their health at other springs?'

"'You must not give yourself any anxiety on that account,' answered
Ulvasa-lady. I see how people dig and labour, from Motala to Mem. They
dig a canal right through the country, and then Oestergoetland's praise is
again on everyone's lips.'

"But, nevertheless, the peasant looked distraught.

"'I see that th