Pleased as Madeleine was at the prospect of again seeing her father, she was still far from glad when she heard that her husband was endeavouring to obtain the living.

He did so, however, in accordance with the express wish of Bishop Sparre, and it was moreover looked upon as a great piece of advancement.

Madeleine had, as usual, made but little opposition to the project.

Pastor Martens had at length succeeded in educating her into a wife after his own heart.
As she sat there, somewhat crowded in one corner of the carriage, for her husband had grown rather stout with the lapse of time, she resembled but little that Madeleine whose home had once been among the surroundings they were now approaching.

She was not ill, but her look suggested weariness--great weariness.