At this the other rose, too, and they both stole up to take Norby by the arms. At first the old man resisted strenuously, but when one of the jurymen said: “Come now, Fatty,” memories of younger days were called up, and he laughed and gave in. The whole company shouted when he was carried round; and when he had got back to his seat, Fru Thora got up and said to a young farmer’s wife: “Then Fru Norby shall be carried round too!” And they rushed up and took Marit by the arms, and the enthusiasm increased, except with the saw-mill owner, where it gradually began to come to a sad end. While the others grew merrier as they ate and drank home-made wine, his spirits began to go down more and more, and he whispered to the magistrate: “Don’t you think we shall have a little something with the coffee?”
The magistrate shook his head, and the mill-owner sighed deeply, and wiped his forehead.
“I say,” said Norby to his wife; “it’s strange that Herlufsen isn’t here!”
“How naughty you are!” whispered Marit, laughing; and the old man chuckled.
More speeches followed, the best being one by a young teacher in honour of his country. The national song was then sung standing, several taking parts; and finally Pastor Borring rose. He knew that he was expected to say something, and although his presence had been well considered, he felt strangely oppressed. After Wangen had made use of a forged letter in court, he understood of course that his first supposition had been correct, and that Lars Kleven’s confession had only been the crotchet of a dying man; but nevertheless he could not help thinking of Wangen, and to the surprise of every one he now began to speak of him. He asked those present to give a sympathetic thought to the unfortunate man who was guilty. It had been rightly said this evening that they should join hands round him who is innocent. Quite right! But let them also, if only in spirit, at the same time join hands round him who was guilty. He stood most in need of reparation and help. And his wife—; but here the pastor could say no more, and sat down; and there were tears in several eyes.
A fresh astonishment was created when Norby tapped his glass, and rising said: “I propose that we start a list to make a collection for Fru Wangen. I will do what I can myself. We must remember that she is left with three children unprovided for!”
There was a pause when he sat down. People looked at one another with eyes that said “He’s a man in a thousand!”
[CHAPTER X]
AFTER the sweets came coffee, and the conversation was soon being carried on through clouds of tobacco-smoke.