“Even the pendants.”

“And the radiant crown that will make you look like a saint, my little Hulda?”

“Yes”

“And the invitations are written?”

“All written,” replied Joel, “even the one to which we attach most importance, yours.”

“And the bride-maid has been chosen from among the sweetest maidens of the Telemark?”

“And the fairest, Mister Sylvius,” added Joel, “for it is Mademoiselle Siegfrid of Bamble.”

“From the tone in which he uttered those words, and the way in which he blushed as he uttered them, I judge that Mademoiselle Siegfrid Helmboe is destined to become Madame Joel Hansen of Dal,” said the professor, laughing.

“Yes, Mr. Sylvius,” replied Hulda.

“Good! so there is a fair prospect of yet another wedding,” exclaimed Sylvius Hogg.  “And as I feel sure that I shall be honored with an invitation, I can do no less than accept it here and now.  It certainly looks as if I should be obliged to resign my seat in the Storthing, for I really don’t see how I am to find time to attend its sessions.  But never mind, I will be your best man, Joel, after first serving in that capacity at your sister’s wedding.  You certainly are making me do just what you like, or rather what I like.  Kiss me, little Hulda!  Give me your hand, my boy, and now let me write to my friend Help, Junior, of Bergen.”

The brother and sister left the apartment of which the professor had threatened to take permanent possession, and returned to their daily tasks with rather more hopeful hearts.

Sylvius Hogg was left alone.

“Poor child! poor child!” he murmured.  “Yes, I have made her forget her sorrow for a few moments.  But the delay has been a long one; and the sea is very rough at this season of the year.  What if the ‘Viking’ has indeed gone down, and Ole should never return!”

A moment afterward the professor was busily engaged in writing to his Bergen friend.  He asked for the fullest possible particulars in regard to everything connected with the “Viking” and her cruise, and inquired if some event, unforeseen or otherwise, had made it necessary to send the vessel to a different port from that for which it was originally destined.  He also expressed a strong desire to hear as soon as possible how the shipping merchants and sailors of Bergen explained the delay.  In short, he begged his friend Help to give him all possible information in regard to the matter by return mail.

This urgent letter also explained Sylvius Hogg’s interest in the mate of the “Viking,” the invaluable service rendered him by the young man’s betrothed, and the pleasure it would afford him to be able to give some encouragement to Dame Hansen’s children.

As soon as this letter was finished Joel took it to Moel so it would go on the following day.  It would reach Bergen on the eleventh, so a reply to it ought to be received on the evening of the twelfth or the morning of the thirteenth at the very latest.