Besides, the gymnasium was always open to him to recruit his body when his studies were over; and here as well as in the school Erik stood first.  On holidays he never failed to pay a visit to the sea which he loved with filial tenderness.  He talked with the sailors and fishermen, and often brought home a fine fish, which was well received by Dame Greta.

This good woman had conceived a great affection for this new member of the household.  Erik was so gentle, and naturally so courteous and obliging, so studious and so brave, that it was impossible to know him and not to like him.  In eight days he had become a favorite with Mr. Bredejord and Mr. Hochstedt, as he was already with Doctor Schwaryencrona.

The only person who treated him with coldness was Kajsa.  Whether the little fairy thought that her hitherto undisputed sovereignty in the house was in danger, or whether she bore Erik a grudge, because of the sarcasms which her aristocratic air toward him inspired in the doctor, nobody knew.  However, she persisted in treating him with a disdainful coldness, which no courtesy or politeness on his part could overcome.  Her opportunities of displaying her disdain were fortunately rare, for Erik was always either out-of-doors, or else busy in his own little room.

Time passed in the most peaceful manner, and without any notable incidents.

We will pass with our reader without further comment over the two years which Erik spent at school and return to Noroe.

Christmas had returned for the second time since Erik’s departure.  It is in all Central and Northern Europe the great annual festival; because it is coincident with the dull season in nearly all industries.  In Norway especially, they prolong the festival for thirteen days.—­“Tretten yule dage” (the thirteen days of Christmas), and they make it a season of great rejoicings.  It is a time for family reunions, for dinners, and even for weddings.

Provisions are abundant, even in the poorest dwellings.  Everywhere the greatest hospitality is the order of the day.

The “Yule ol,” or Christmas beer, is drunk freely.  Every visitor is offered a bumper in a wooden cup, mounted in gold, silver, or copper, which the poorest families possess, and which cups have been transmitted to them from time immemorial.  The visitor must empty this cup, and exchange with his hosts the joyful wishes of the season, and for a happy New Year.

It is also at Christmas that the servants receive their new clothes; which are often the best part of their wages—­that the cows, and sheep, and even the birds of the air, receive a double ration, which is exceptionally large.  They say in Norway of a “poor man,” that he is so poor that he can not even give the sparrows their dinner at Christmas.