"And a husband too!" added Magde, and a flush of joyful pride overspread
her blooming cheeks.

"Yes, and a brother also; read the letter once more, it will be none
the less pleasant to read it a third time when Nanna returns."

Magde, who had not refolded the letter, commenced reading again, and her
voice trembled with pride and emotion as she read as follows:--

"Beloved Magde:

"When you shall break the seal of this letter, I feel assured that
you will wish you possessed wings that you might be enabled to fly
to your loving husband. And as I think I see you approaching me
through the air, surrounded by our little angels,--may God protect
them,--the tears start to my eyes, tears which no man should be
ashamed to shed, and I feel an inward desire to hasten to meet you.

"But now, dear Magde, I must control my thoughts, and so direct
them to you, that they shall prove intelligible. I arrived, on the
eighth day of this month, at Goteborg, in safety and in good
health. I hope our father is well and capable of enjoying as usual,
the balmy air and bright verdure of summer.

"Our little cottage is a pleasant residence, in spite of all its
disadvantages, and I feel assured that both yourself and Nanna do
all that lies in your power to cheer our mutual parent, when he is
sick and dispirited.