Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1898-05-26
Continued.

deceased relative was 10 all intents and
purposes murderess" She resolved
to let the secret OF old Loyisa's life re-
main buried with her, Therefore she
simply answered.
Her mind wandered greatly,~-it was
difficult TO hear her last words. But
1t should satisfy you, Britta, TO know
that she passed away in the fear OF
the Lord"
Britta gave little half-dubious,
seNrnful smile. She had not the slight
est belief in the sincerity of her late
grandmother's religious principles,
Il don't understand people who are
SO much afraid of the Lord" she said,
II you always do your best and try to
be good, you needn't fear anything,
AT least that's MY opinion"
There is the everlasting burning"
began Ulrika solemnly.
"Oh, nonsense! exclaimed Britta
quite impatiently. Il don't believe IT."
Ulrika started back in wonder and
dismay. You don't believe it," she
said in awed accents. Are YOU also
o heathen?"
II don't know what you mean by u
neathen," replied Britta almost gayiy,
But | cant believe that God, who is
so good, is going 10 everlastingly burn
anybody. He couldn't you know! 1t
would hurt Him so much to see poor
creatures writing about in flames for
erer~-we would not be able TO bear II
and I'm quite sure it would make him
miserable even in heaven. Because
He is all Love-He says Sole
couldn't be cruel,"
This frank statement OF Britta's
views presented such new form Of
doctrine TO Ulrika's heavy mind thai;
she was almost appalled, by it, God
couldn't burn anybody for ever--l1e
was too good! What daring idea.
And yet go consoling~-so wonderful in
-Ne infinite prospect of hope 1t offered
that she smiled, even while she trem-
bled to contemplate It. Poor soul!
She talked of heathens being herself
the worst type OF heathen-namely a
Christian heather. This sounds lit
eongruous-yet il may be taken for
granted that those who profess to fol-
low Christianity. and yet make of God.
being malicious, revengeful. and of
more evil attributes than they possess
themselves are as barbarous, as un-
enlightened, as hopelessly sunken in
slavish ignorance as the lowest savage
who adores his idols of mud and stone.
Britta was quite unconscious Of having
said anything out of the common she
was addressing herself to Syensen.
Where is the bonde buried, Valid
emar?" she asked in low tone.
He looked at her with strange,
mysterious smile.
Buried? Do you suppose his body
could mix itself with common earth"
No!-he sailed away, Britta-a away
yonder!"
And he pointed out through the win
dow to the Fjord now invisible in the
deep darkness.
Britta stared at him with roundly
opened, frightened eyes-her face
paled.
Sailed away? You must be dream
Ing! Sailed away! How could he--if
he was dead?"
Valdemar grew suddenly excited. II
tell you, he sailed away" he repeated
In low. hoarse whisper. Where Is
his ship, the valkyrie? Try II you can
find 1t anywhere-on sea or land! II
has gone, and he has gone with it-like
king and warrior-to glory, Joy, and
victory! Glory joy-victory those
were his last words!"
Britta retreated, and caught Ulrika
by the arm. is he mad" she asked
fearfully.
Valdemar heard her, and rose from
dis chair. a panied smile on his face.
Il am not mad, Britta," he said
gently. DO not be afraid! II grief
for my master could have turned my
brain. had been mad ere this,-but
have all my wits about me, and
have told you the truth" He paused
then added, in more ordinary
tone, You will need fresh logs OF pine
Il will 60 and bring them in"
And he went out. Britta gazed af-
ter him in speeches. wonder.
What does he mean" she asked
What he says" returned Ulrika
composedly. You, like others, must
have known that Olaf Guldmars creed
was a strange one-his burial has been
strange-that is ALT"
And she skillfully turned the CONVEX
sation, and began TO talk OF Thelma,
her sorrows and suferings. Britta
was most impatient to see her beloved
Froken, and quite grudged Sir Philip
the long time he remained alone with
his wife.
He might call me, II only for
moment" Britta thought plaintiyely.
Il do 50 want 10 look at her dear face
again! But men are all alike-as long
as they've got what they want. they
never think Of anybody else. Dear
me- ] wonder how long shall have |
70 waltz" So she fumed and fretted, |
nd 49, 8 81, a. 1.f.