Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-01-11
tBjornstjerne Martinius Bjornson. 1892.
1910. was . Norwegian, who wrote novels
plays and poems. In 1909 hs vas awarded
thu Nobel prize for hterature)

the Nobsi prize for nserat1reJ -''
This In q story about Thord Over
aas. the weaithiest and the most in.
Huential person In his parish. His
tall and earnest figure appeared in
the priests study one day. evidently
on very serious business.
II have a son." he said, land !
wish 10 have him baptized In the true
faith"
What shall his name be-" asked
the priest.
"F'inn-called after my father"
"And who are the sponsors?"
Their names were those OF the hest
men and women Of Thord's relations
in the parish.
'Is there anything else" asked the
priest.
The peasant hesitated a moment
Then he said. II should like TO have
him baptized all by himself"
You mean on a weekday"
Eyes. Preferably next Saturday at
IL o'clock noon"
rs there anything else?" asked the
priest.
NO. nothing else" said Thord. and
twisted his cap as If he were about to
leave.
The priest rose.
There Is still this" he said, and
stepped'toward Thord. taking his hand
and looking deeply into his eyes. God
grant that the child may be blessing
to you
Sixteen years passed. Then one day
Thord Overaas stood again in the
priests study, tall and earnest.
You carry your years we'll" said
the priest. for 1 see no change in
you
'"rhat is because have no troubles
to worry me-" said Thord.
What is your pleasure tonight"
asked the priest
This time l have come about that
| son of mine who is to be confirmed
| tomorrow"
''Ah. yes; he Is a smart boy"
Il did not want to pay the priest -
said Thord. until learned what place
In line the boy would have In church
tomorrow"
He will be first" said the priest.
THAT is what 1 heard Well, then.
here is $40 for the priest"
"Is there anything else?" asked the
priest.
NO. nothing else said Thord. and
he went out.
Eight more years passed. and then
one day there was quite a noise out
side the door of the priests study
II was Thord Overaas and he had
many men with him. Thord entered
first. The priest recognized him at
once. tall and earnest as he always
was.
You come we'll attended tonight"
said the priest
Yes. This time have come to
request the banns TO he published for
that son of mine. He Is TO marry
mund. who stands here by my side"
Why. she Is the richest girl in the
parish" said The priest
SO they say" said Thord. He
stroked back his sleek hair with his
hand, somewhat nervously.
The priest thought a while. then
entered the names in his book. max
ing no further comments. The men
wrote their names underneath. Thord
put So on the table
'One Is all that is required" said
The priest.
Il know that we'll" said Thord.
but he is my only child. and I want
to do everything for hime handsomely
This is the third time you have
come TO me on behalf OF your SON."
reminded the priest
Yes" said Thord. but this Is the
last time. Now I am through with
him." Then he put back his wallet
and went away. His companions fol.
lowed him slowly.
Two weeks later. TO the day. father
and son were rowing across the lake
one calm and quiet day on their way
to Storliden TO make arrangements
for the sons wedding.
This thwart Is loose" said the son.