revival within the young man did not meet with the favor of his friends,
and he was looked upon as having come under the influence of some evil,
heretical power, much to their regret.

"Marie is here," announced Selma from the door.

Henrik arose. "Where is she? I did not know she was in town."

"She is in the east room."

"Tell her to come in."

"She says she wants to see you alone."

"All right. Good night then, mother. Pleasant dreams to you."

Henrik found Marie sitting by the open window looking over the tops of
the shrubbery in the garden. The light from the setting sun bathed her
in its glow, increasing the beauty of an already beautiful face. Henrik
stepped up behind the girl and placed his hands under her chin. She did
not turn her head.

"This is a surprise," he said, "but I am _so_ glad to see you. Did you
have a pleasant time at Skarpen?"

There was no reply. The young woman still surveyed the garden and the
darkening shadows on the lawn.

"What is the matter, little girl?" he asked. He felt the trembling of
her chin as she removed his hands.