Part 20 (1/2)

”This time, at least, it's for your own good.”

”That remains to be seen. But I can't get over that business of the hundred and fifty pounds.”

”Say no more about it, Knut Holm.”

”And that artful old rascal of a Pettersen; to think I should have wasted a wreath on his grave every blessed year since he died. Eleven wreaths at four s.h.i.+llings a time--true, I left out the ribbon last time, that was so much saved. But he shouldn't have had a single flower out of me, if I'd known.”

”Then it's agreed that you let William marry Betty?

”I never said anything of the sort. But the hundred and fifty--my head's all going round. How am I to pay you back again? Really, I'm sorry--you must excuse me....”

And he strode out of the room. Miss Trap sat smoothing out her gloves on the table. Thinking matters over, she came to the conclusion that Holm would give in, but the way did not seem quite clear as yet.

A little later William looked in.

”Has he gone?”

”Just this minute.”

”What did he say? Did you manage it, Auntie Trap?”

”He's obstinate, my boy, but I think we shall get him round all right. Your father only wanted to try you, William. He's a strange man, is Knut Holm.”

”Do you think that was all it was?”

”Yes, I should say so. He could hardly find a better way of making you serious about it, than by playing the part of a rival.”

”Oh, we must have Betty up--we've settled it all between us, now.”

And before Miss Trap could say a word, he was gone. Two minutes later he came back, leading Betty by the hand.

”This is Auntie Trap--yes, you must call her Auntie now, for it's she that's managed it all. Though it was really only a sort of trial father got up, so Auntie says--he's a wonder, the old man, what?”

”May I call you Auntie as well, Miss Trap? I've never had an aunt myself, and it's nice. Mother and I have always been alone.”

”I know, my child. Call me Auntie by all means, and G.o.d bless you both. It's all to be for the best. I'm sure father was only wanting to try you. I know Knut Holm of old; he's his own queer ideas at times, but his heart's in the right place.”

And she put her arm round Betty's neck and kissed her.

”Lovely it must be for you two young people on the threshold of the promised land. But remember, as you look towards it, that it only comes once in a lifetime--just this one moment, when the mists have cleared away, and the future is bright before you. I wish you happiness, children.”

She walked out, erect as ever, but with her wise eyes, as it were, veiled. William and Betty watched her a little way up the street.

They stood hand in hand by the window, looking out over the river; Betty laid her head on his shoulder. Never before had the river and the hillside seemed so beautiful as to-day.

There came into Betty's mind the memories of her childhood, like dark shadows gliding by. The high-walled courtyard in Hamburg and the rooms in a narrow street in Copenhagen stood out clearest of all. She s.h.i.+vered a little, and put her arms round her lover's neck.

”Come, William, let us go and tell mother. She will be so happy.”