It is necessary to inform the reader that the greater part of this costume did not belong to the girl. In fact it did not belong to any one in particular. It is the custom in Norway for each district to have a marriage-dress for general use. The crown, the breastplate, and the belt are public property, and may be hired out by the girls who are about to be married at a few shillings for each occasion.
While Sam was busy with his portrait, Grant went out to search for plants, and Fred went off to search for Hans and to carry out the remainder of his plot. He soon found the young pilot.
“Hans,” said he, “follow me, I wish to speak with you.”
Hans was quite willing to follow Fred to the moon if he had chosen to lead the way.
“I am going to show you a very pretty sight, Hans; step this way. Here, in this room.”
He threw open the door and led him in. The young Norseman entered with a smile, but the smile suddenly vanished, his blue eyes opened to their utmost width, and he stood rooted to the floor, unable to speak!
“Tuts! what means this?” cried Sam in disgust at being interrupted.
“Raneilda!” gasped her lover.
The bride covered her face with her hands.
“Very good! excellent!” exclaimed Grant who chanced to pass at the moment, and peeped in at the open window.