She longed to believe him; she only asked to hope.
"But we must recollect that the days are passing very rapidly," continued Sylvius Hogg, "and that it is high time we began our preparations for the wedding." "They are already begun, Mister Sylvius," replied Hulda.

"In fact, they were begun more than three weeks ago." "So much the better; but in that case, we must take good care not to allow anything to interrupt them." "Interrupt them!" repeated Joel.

"Why, everything is in readiness." "What, the wedding-dress, the bodice with its silver clasps, the belt and its pendants ?" "Even the pendants." "And the radiant crown that will make you look like a saint, my little Hulda ?" "Yes" "And the invitations are written ?" "All written," replied Joel, "even the one to which we attach most importance, yours." "And the bride-maid has been chosen from among the sweetest maidens of the Telemark ?" "And the fairest, Mister Sylvius," added Joel, "for it is Mademoiselle Siegfrid of Bamble." "From the tone in which he uttered those words, and the way in which he blushed as he uttered them, I judge that Mademoiselle Siegfrid Helmboe is destined to become Madame Joel Hansen of Dal," said the professor, laughing.
"Yes, Mr.Sylvius," replied Hulda.
"Good! so there is a fair prospect of yet another wedding," exclaimed Sylvius Hogg.

"And as I feel sure that I shall be honored with an invitation, I can do no less than accept it here and now.

It certainly looks as if I should be obliged to resign my seat in the Storthing, for I really don't see how I am to find time to attend its sessions.
But never mind, I will be your best man, Joel, after first serving in that capacity at your sister's wedding.