over and done with; from today we're grown-up." But the church and all
in it seemed to say: "If ever you are in heavy trouble, come hither to
me." Just look at that altar-piece there--the wood-carvings are a whole
Bible in themselves--but Moses with the Tables of the Law is gentle of
face to-day; you can see he means no harm after all. St. Peter, with the
keys, pointing upwards, looks like a kind old uncle, bringing something
good home from market. And then the angels on the walls, pictured or
carved in wood, have borrowed the voice of the organ and the tones of
the hymn, and they widen out the vaulted roof into the dome of heaven;
while light and song and worshippers melt together and soar upwards
toward the infinite spaces.

Peer was thinking all the time: I don't care if I'm rich as rich, I WILL
be a priest. And then perhaps with all my money I can build a church
that no one ever saw the like of. And the first couple I'll marry there
shall be Martin Bruvold and little sister Louise--if only he'll have
her. Just wait and see!

A few days later he wrote to his father, asking if he might come into
town now and go to school. A long time passed, and then at last a letter
came in a strange hand-writing, and all the grown folks at Troen came
together again to read it. But what was their amazement when they read:

"You will possibly have learned by now from the newspapers that your
benefactor, Colonel Holm, has met his death by a fall from a horse. I
must therefore request you to call on me personally at your earliest
convenience, as I have several matters to settle with you. Yours
faithfully, J. Grundt, Senior Master."

They stood and looked at one another.