novel came into collision--a horrible history followed. But I
made a vow in my heart that one of these days the two rivals should
become reconciled. Now you see my manuscript--you had the goodness to
call it rubbish--I sent to a very enlightened man, to a man of
distinguished taste and judgment, and thus it befel, he found taste in
the rubbish; and, what say you to it? paid me a pretty little sum for
permission to bring it before the world. Do not look so grave, Ernst; I
have never again taken up the pen to write novels; my own family has
found me enough to do; and besides, I never again could wish to do
anything which was not pleasant to you. You have displaced all rivals,
do you see! But this one I decided should be the means of your taking
the Norwegian journey. The little sum of two hundred crowns banco which
it produced me have I placed in the savings' bank for this purpose; and
in fifteen years it has so much augmented itself, that it will perfectly
accomplish that object; and if ever the time for its employment will
come, it is now. The desire for travelling is gone from me--I covet now
only rest. But you and----"

"And do you think," said the Judge, "that I shall take your----"

"Oh, Ernst! why should you not?" exclaimed she; "if you could but know
what joy the thought of this has prepared for me! The money, which from
year to year increased, in order to give you pleasure, has been to me
like a treasure of hidden delight, which has many a time strengthened
and animated my soul! Make me only perfectly happy by allowing yourself
to have enjoyment from it. Take it, my Ernst, and make yourself pleasure
with it, this summer; I pray you to do so, on account of our children.
Take Eva with you, and if possible Leonore also. Nothing would refresh
Eva's soul more than such a journey with you and Leonore in a
magnificent and beautiful country. The money can be obtained in a
month's time, and a few months' leave of absence cannot possibly be
denied to one who has spent more than thirty years in incessant service
for the state; and when Louise and her husband have left us, and spring
and nature are in their very loveliest, then you shall set out: you
shall be refreshed after so many years of painful labour, and the
wounded heart of our sick child shall be healed."

CHAPTER XII.

PLANS AND COUNTER PLANS.

Eva entered her father's study the next morning. He immediately left his
work, received her with the greatest