To all these touching requests, which were rendered still more affecting by the tender expression of his eyes, Magde replied tearfully: 

“My dear Carl, your words shall be obeyed.”

Carl smiled.  He was now happier at the thought of his approaching death, which would bring such proofs of Magde’s affection, than one who might have possessed a prospect of a long and luxurious life.

The lilac bushes blossomed, and Magde placed the first flowers in his hands while he yet could inhale their fragrance.  The last flowers she strewed upon his grave.

CHAPTER XX.

CONCLUSION.

A long season of gloom and despondency succeeded the death of Carl.

It was fortunate that Ragnar returned home at an earlier period than usually; the flowers on Carl’s grave had not withered when Magde piously conducted him to his brother’s final resting-place.

“Rest in peace, poor brother,” said Ragnar, brushing away a tear, “God saw best to take you from us—­but, dear Magde, you must not grieve too much for his death, or you will not be able to rejoice at the news I have for you.”

“What news, Ragnar?”

“Captain Hanson, who has been master of the brig Sarah Christiana ever since I have been her mate, has latterly become very much reduced in health, and he has concluded not to go to sea again.”

“Well, that cannot be joyful news.  He was a better captain than perhaps you will ever sail under again.”

“I shall never sail under another captain.  I shall be captain myself, hereafter.  The owners of the vessel have tendered the captaincy to me.”

“Is it possible?”

“It will soon be more than possible, for my old captain has so well recommended me, that Mr. Lund has advanced me a sufficient sum of money to pay the charges of my examination, and as soon as Christmas is over—­for until then I shall study at home—­I will take a journey to prepare myself, and after the examination you will be the wife of a captain.  Then you and Nanna can go with me to Goteborg, that you may see the vessel before I go to sea.”

Magde quietly clasped her hands.  Her pious gratitude was evinced in her every expression.  She thanked her God for having thus favored them with fortune.

Ragnar silently embraced her.  “I did not say anything about it yesterday, for I wished to tell you here near Carl, who always placed his pleasures aside that they might not interfere with yours.”

“Bless you, bless you, Ragnar!  I now know why I found so many four leaved clovers last summer—­only think, a captain’s wife!—­and still you love me as before?”

“Now and forever, my Magde.  You shall have a bonnet as magnificent as any other lady; you shall have a cashmere shawl, and a black silk dress.  Yes, I promise you all this, and more.”

“Let us return home quickly, that I may rejoice father and Nanna.”