"Upon my soul, Stephen, that son of yours is no fool. He has notions, and if he had capital as well, I don't know that something mightn't come of him. But broad thighs want broad breeches, and the question is what are we going to do?"
"Lend the lad some money, and give him a chance," said the Governor.
"And create a rival to crush me? No, no! Near is my shirt, but nearer is my skin! But look here, old friend--why shouldn't Magnus marry Thora?"
"Splendid! It has been the dream of my life to cement our friendship in the second generation by a still closer bond."
"Let's come down to facts and figures, then," said the Factor, and within half an hour the marriage of Magnus and Thora was a settled matter.
Magnus heard of it from the Governor. "I've been talking with the Factor about you, Magnus, and we think it would be a good thing if you and Thora made a match. He will make you his partner immediately, and in due time the heir to half he leaves behind. So if you agree----"
"But Thora?" Magnus's eyes had lit up with a deep glow of delight. "Does Thora agree?"
"I must leave you to find that out for yourself," said the Governor.
Thora in her turn heard of the arrangement from Aunt Margret.
"Your father is growing old, my precious, and it's time he took a partner. Pity he hasn't a son for a place like that, but the next best thing is a son-in-law, and if you or Helga would marry somebody who could carry on the business somebody like Magnus----"