Chapter 28

Salvé had been lucky; he had piloted an English bark into Hesnaes, and
his services had been liberally acknowledged. He had, as usual, looked
forward with dread to coming home again; but when he found his wife not
there, and heard the reason, he had set off at once for Arendal to see
after her.

She received him out in the passage.

"Good morning, Salvé," she said, shaking hands with him. "I have been
anxious about you, as you may suppose, and have been expecting you. You
mustn't make a noise--come this way," and she showed him into the room
at the side. "Where is Gjert?"

He looked at her in surprise; this was not her usual way of receiving
him. There was a confidence in her tone, as if she had taken upon
herself to call him to account for his absence. It had hitherto been he
always who had taken the initiative and been in a gracious humour or
not, according as it pleased him.

"Gjert," he answered, rather shortly, "is at home in the house. So you
have been anxious about me--expected me?" he added, in a peculiar tone,
as if he found something to remark upon in this way of addressing him,
but deferred comment for the present.

"Why, you know, goodman, that it can't be the same to me if you are lost
out there at sea."

"How is your aunt?" he asked, abruptly. "Is she seriously ill?"

"She can see you. Come in with me, but step gently."

Salvé felt that he could not very well refuse, and followed her. He had
always, as far as possible, avoided seeing Mother Kirstine, and had left
his wife to represent him in that quarter. He was afraid of the
penetrating eyes which the old woman turned upon him, and had never
forgotten the warning she had given him not to go near Elizabeth as long
as he harboured a doubt against her in his heart.

It was with great deference that he now approached her bedside.

"Oh, it's you, Salvé," she said, in a weak voice. "It's not often I have
a sight of you. Elizabeth has been such a blessing to me; and Henrik is
so quiet and good. Where is Gjert? Have you not brought him with you?"
And her eyes wandered in search of the boy.

"He is at home taking care of the house, aunt. How are you?"

"Oh, thanks--as you see. I think so often what will become of that boy;
he is so wild, but with such a good nature, poor fellow!"

"Oh, we shall make something of him, you'll see," said Elizabeth, who
had been standing behind Salvé, and now came forward. "But you must not
talk so much."

Salvé's face grew stern; this was the most unfortunate topic which could