, there was one--him who
had done her the most harm but also the most good; for him she loved.
But this could scarcely be counted.

But whom else? Not Skarlie, although he had been incessantly kind to
her, even he. Not Fru Bang, and how kind she had been! Not Roennaug; no,
not Roennaug either.

She was appalled. For the first time in her life she held true communion
with herself, and she had done little else all her life than commune
with herself.

Now she comprehended, although once before she had been startled by a
passing thought of the kind; now for the first time she comprehended
what it must have been to Roennaug after having longed for so many years
to tell her about the rich change in her own life, to show her her
child, to bring her freedom and increased happiness; and then to find a
person who did not even care to take the trouble to walk to the hotel,
not a hundred steps distant, because, forsooth, it would necessitate her
dressing herself.

She sat once more on the heights facing the ruins of the home of her
parents; and she covered her face in shame.

From the thoughts to which this spot gave birth she did not escape until
evening, weary in body and in soul.

When late in the evening she said good-night to Roennaug, she threw her
arm round her, and leaned her head against hers. But words refused to
come; they are not easily found the first time they are sought.

CHAPTER XII.

The next morning Roennaug dreamed of singing; she still heard it when she
awoke, and ere long she had so far collected herself as to consider
whether it could really be Magnhild who was singing. This thought caused
her to become wide awake and to leave her bed.

She scarcely waited to don her morning-gown before she opened a window.
From the sitting-room, which was at the other end of the house, there
came the sound of singing and a low piano accompaniment. The voice was
pure and high; it must be Magnhild's.

Roennaug made haste to complete her toilet and go down-stairs. She
carried her boots out into the passage and put them on there lest she
should awaken Miss Roland and the child. There was some one coming up
the stairs. Roennaug quickly put down her boots and stepped forward; for
the head which was now displayed to her view was Grong's. What, Grong
here?

He greeted Roennaug with a keen, hasty glance, and, without a word, went
into an apartment near hers.

Roennaug sat listening to the singing while she put