"The gentleman gave me this pocket-book last night, and told me to deliver it to you before the auction began this morning."
"It's not for me, though," said the Sheriff, who had taken the pocket-book to the table and opened it, and was reading the writing on the sheet of paper which fell out first, "'For Elin, Oscar's daughter, from Christian Christiansson.'"
"A present for Elin, perhaps," said the Factor.
"A thousand-crown note!" cried the Sheriff.
The gaiety of the company was breaking into loud congratulations, when the Sheriff, who was still opening the folds of the pocket-book, said, "Wait! There's more than that--much more! One--two--three--fifty thousand--another--and another--and"--then the rapid rustling of bank-notes, followed by the delighted cry, "Two hundred thousand crowns!"
"The very sum he took out of the bank!" said the Factor.
"Kiss me, my precious!" said Aunt Margret.
"Me, too, granddaughter," cried the Factor.
Anna looked stunned, and Magnus like one who wished the earth to swallow him. But the Factor rattled along with shouts and laughter.
"Now I understand everything. He has given the money to the girl, but left it to her friends and relations to advise her as to what she is to do with it."