e Knight of the Rueful
Countenance!'"

CHAPTER VII.

THE CONSEQUENCES.

The sun of the next morning shone brightly on the glistening
snow-covered roofs round the market-place, and dyed the smoke-clouds,
which rose slowly from the ruins of the burnt-down house, with the most
gorgeous tints of purple, gold, and sulphur-blue, whilst hundreds of
little sparrows raked and picked about in the ashy flakes which were
scattered over the snow in the market-place and churchyard, with
exulting twitterings.

Mother and daughters looked with tearful eyes towards the smoking place
where had so lately stood their dearly beloved home; but yet no one gave
themselves up to sorrow. Eva alone wept much, but that from a cause of
grief concealed in her own heart. She knew that Major R. had passed the
night in the city, and yet for all that--she had not seen him!

With the morning came much bustle, and a crowd of people into the
dwelling of the Assessor. Families came who offered to the roofless
household both shelter and entertainment; young girls came with their
clothes; servants came with theirs for the servants of the family;
elegant services and furniture were sent in; the baker left great
baskets full of bread; the brewer, beer; another sent wine, and so on.
It was a scene in social life of the most beautiful description, and
which showed how greatly esteemed and beloved the Franks were.

Mrs. Gunilla came so good and zealous, ready to contend with anybody who
would contend with her, to convey her old friends in her carriage to the
dwelling which she had prepared for them in all haste. The Assessor did
not strive with her now, but saw in silence his guests depart, and with
a tear in his eye looked after the carriage which conveyed Eva away from
his house. It seemed now so dark and desolate to him.

On the evening of this same day the father returned into his family
circle, and pressed them all to his breast with tears of joy. Yes, with
tears of joy, for all were left to him!

A few days after this, he wrote thus to one of his friends:

"Till now, till after this unfortunate occurrence, I knew not how much I
possessed in my wife and children; knew not that I had so many good
friends and neighbours. I thank God, who has given me such a wife, such
children, and such friends! These last have supplied, nay, over-supplied
all the necessities of my family. I shall begin in spring to rebuild my
house on the old foundation.