At the steamship office she learned that the steamer was not to sail for
three days. So Signe meant to see what she could of the city. It was her
first visit to the capital, and perhaps her last. She would make the
best of her time. She had no friends in the city, but that did not
hinder her from walking out alone. In the afternoon of the second day,
Signe went to the art gallery, and that was the end of her sightseeing
to other parts. She lingered among the paintings of the masters and the
beautiful chiseled marble--the first she had seen--until the attendant
reminded her that it was time to close.

That evening the landlady informed her that a visitor had been inquiring
for her during the day, a gentleman. Who could it be? He was described,
and then Signe knew that it was Hr. Bogstad. He had said that he could
call again in the evening.

Signe was troubled. What should she do? He was following her, but they
must not meet. It would do no good. The steamer was to sail tomorrow,
and she would go on board that night. She called a carriage and was
driven to the wharf. Yes, it was all right, said the steward, and she
was made comfortable for the night.

Among the crowd of people that came to see the steamer sail, Signe
thought she caught sight of Hr. Bogstad elbowing through the throng to
get to the ship. But he was too late. The third bell had rung, the
gangplank was being withdrawn, and the vessel was slowly moving away.
Signe had concealed herself among the people, but now she pressed to the
railing and waved her handkerchief with the rest.

Farewell to Norway, farewell to home and native land. Signe's heart was
full. All that day she sat on deck. She had no desire for food, and the