An uncomfortable feeling prevailed now in the house, and Elizabeth saw with regret that she would have to leave.  Garvloit, who in figure resembled some thick, short-legged animal of the sea, a seal or walrus come on land, had become perceptibly reduced in flesh, and went about all day long in his shirtsleeves, fanning himself with a large silk pocket-handkerchief.  On one particular afternoon it was observed that he indulged in this exercise with more than his usual vigour and restlessness; and it was not without cause.  He had had an inspiration.  If he could no longer follow his old trade, he would try a new one; he would set up a house of entertainment for sailors.  His house being so close to the dock, could not be more favourably situated for the purpose, and they had ample accommodation.  On the ground floor they could have a room for common sailors, and on the floor above they had one where captains and mates could be served.

He said nothing about it, however, to any one until the scheme had been fully matured; and then all of a sudden one day he came into the room where his wife was, with a bundle of printed placards and a large board in his hand.

“Good gracious, Garvloit, what is that?” she cried.

He turned the board round with an important air, and without saying a word.  Upon it there stood in large gilt letters, “The Star.”

“This is our new means of earning our bread, wife,” he said.  “Next month this sign hangs over our door, and these bills are to post on the walls, and distribute among the ships down in the harbour.  Garvloit is not on his beam-ends yet,” he concluded, with self-conscious satisfaction; and proceeded then to explain how he intended to be landlord himself, and how Elizabeth was to help him in the management of the whole.

Madam Garvloit only made one slight objection—­

“You know that you can’t drink ale, my friend.”

Another objection, namely, what they would say at home in Norway when they heard that her husband had sunk into a mere tavern-keeper, she very wisely kept to herself.  The important point was that they should find a way of living, and they had at all events the great consolation that now they would be able to keep Elizabeth.  What feeling of pride still remained she got rid of in telling Elizabeth that at home they knew nothing of millionaires in wooden shoes such as were to be found in Holland; and her husband found her much more keen for his project than he had expected.  Being accustomed to place great reliance upon her stronger understanding, he would not have been happy if she had been against the plan.