because the saddler wanted her that she was
in such distress; it was because the priest and his wife did not want
her.

This was the interpretation she had put on their words.

When the governess was informed of the affair she differed entirely from
the mistress of the house, who could not comprehend Magnhild, for the
governess could comprehend the young girl perfectly. Skarlie was a man
of fine mind and very witty. He was rich, jovial, rather homely, to be
sure, but that was not of such great consequence down at the Point. And
she adopted this tone in talking with Magnhild when she finally
succeeded in getting hold of her. Magnhild was red with weeping, and
burst into a fresh flood of tears; yet not a word did she say.

Somewhat curtly the priest now informed the saddler that as the matter
was settled he might as well proceed with the preparations. The saddler
desired this himself; moreover, he was now quite through with his work.
Eagerly as he strove for an opportunity to speak with Magnhild, he even
failed to catch a glimpse of her. He was therefore forced to take his
departure without having an interview with her.

During the days which followed Magnhild neither appeared in the
sitting-room nor at table. No one attempted to seek her and talk with
her; the governess deemed it quite natural that in the face of so
serious a step the young girl should wish to be alone.

One day the members of the household were surprised by the arrival
through the mail of a letter and large package for Magnhild. The letter
read as follows:--

In order to complete our delightful joke, dear Magnhild, I came
down here. My house has been painted this summer, within and
without, a joke which now almost looks like earnest--does it
not?

Beds, household furniture, bedding, etc., are articles that I
deal in myself, so these I can purchase from my own stores. When
I think of the object I have in view, this becomes the most
delightful business transaction I have ever entered into.

Do you remember how we laughed the time I took your measure in
order to prove accurately how much too short in the waist your
dress was, how much too wide across the shoulders, and how much
too short in the skirt? Just by chance I took a note of your
exact measurement, and according to it I am now having made:--

1 black silk dress (Lyons taffeta).
1 brown (cashmere).
1 blue (of so