The Home in the Valley | Page 6

poached upon his own premises in return. The affairs of Almvik are far
differently conducted than they were formerly, under the sway of the
ancient proprietor."
During their conversation the old man and Magde had taken no notice
of Carl, who, while he listened to their words, contorted his face in
such a manner that it would have been difficult to decide whether he
was laughing or crying. He placed his hands over his face; but between
his fingers his eyes could be seen peering out with a peculiar

expression at Magde.
"I will no longer feign ignorance of your meaning, father," replied
Magde, with a visible effort to suppress her anger. "It is true that in
words, and even in actions, he has conducted himself with more
presumption than he would have dared to assume last winter; but fear
not, I well know how to protect the honor of my name."
"And as you thus speak you vainly endeavor to conceal your
emotions," said the old man suspiciously.
"Do not think that he has endeavored to plant his snare for a simple
dove. When he would snatch his prize, he may learn that I possess both
beak and talons."
"Well, my child," replied Mr. Lonner, with a laugh, "it is a fortunate
chance that you are the daughter of a father who was a man of the
world; but your birth entitled you to a higher position in life than that
which you now occupy."
"You speak strangely, father."
"Why, you might have married Mr. Trystedt who possessed riches and
lands, while now you live in absolute poverty."
"Why should you think of that? Is it not better to live in poverty with
love, than to possess untold riches without love? Does the whole earth
contain a better husband than my Ragnar? Is he not a skillful sailor? I
have no doubt but that had he not been married he would long ago have
been promoted to a captaincy. He is a thousand times more of a
gentleman, at any time, than that old Trystedt, who was a torment to all
he whom he met."
"Thank God! If you are satisfied, then all is right, and even if we are at
present in straightened circumstances all will be made right when
Jonson arrives. I hope that he will be careful of the goods entrusted to
him."

A slight noise in an adjoining room, notified the mother that her infant
child had awakened. She instantly arose and left the apartment. Magde
was a dignified and elegant woman, although her countenance was
pleasing rather than beautiful, and as she moved towards the door the
old man's eyes followed her with a gaze of admiration and love.
CHAPTER III.
HUSBAND AND WIFE.
About a half a mile from the valley--the name of which we shall
conceal, as many personages who are to play a part in our little story
are still living--was situated the estate of Almvik, which the present
proprietor Fabian H----, had purchased one year before, and had
immediately removed thither with his family.
Mr. H----, and above all his puissant wife Mistress Ulrica Eugenia, her
proper name, but which she had afterwards tortured into the more
refined patronymic, Ulrique Eugenie--were individuals who moved in
the higher classes of society, at least he who should endeavor to prove
to the contrary would find the task a thankless one.
Mr. Fabian H----, imagined himself a second Brutus, that is to say; he
was fully convinced that the time would certainly arrive when he
should arouse himself from his present listlessness; when he should be
released from the thraldom of his wife, and awaken to renewed strength
and vigor. But it was much to be feared that poor Brutus never would
realize his bright anticipations of liberty.
Mistress Ulrica Eugenia was characterized by a strong desire to assist
in the work of emancipating women from the tyranny of men, and that
she might forward the good work she had entirely set at naught the
command that a wife should obey her husband; she openly declared
that the ancient law which compelled the woman to subserve to the
man, was but a concoction of man himself, that the Bible itself never
contained such an absurd command, but that the translators, who she
triumphantly affirmed were men, had placed that law in the scripture,
merely to suit their own selfish ends. She also affirmed that she would

stake her life upon the issue that she would not find, even if she should
search the scriptures through, such an absurd command. And she was
right. She would not find it.
In the immediate neighborhood of Almvik, Mr. H---- was reverenced as
a wealthy nobleman, and a man of power. He wished to be considered a
hospitable man, and