The Waif of the Cynthia""

ik began his ne

me new suits of clothes; then he introduced him to the principal of one of t

nts did not board in the college. They lived with their families in the town, with the professors, or wherever they could obtain comfortable accommodations. The charges are very modera

would be better for him to utilize his evenings by taking a course at the "Slodjskolan," the great industrial school of Stockholm. It was an establishment especially devoted t

s one of the wonders of Stockholm, would give a new impetus to the rapid progres

l sciences, and instead of vague and superficial ideas, the ordinary lot of so many pupils, he stored up a provision of

e more elevated branches of these studies which would be

story, and botany, the "Slodjskolan" now did for him by inculcating the A, B, C, of

d variety of his studies strengthened it much more t

he school Erik stood first. On holidays he never failed to pay a visit to the sea which he loved with filial tendernes

ly so courteous and obliging, so studious and so brave, that it was impossible to know him and not to like him. In ei

udge, because of the sarcasms which her aristocratic air toward him inspired in the doctor, nobody knew. However, she persisted in treating him with a disdainful coldness, which no courtes

eaceful manner, and witho

rther comment over the two years which

coincident with the dull season in nearly all industries. In Norway especially, they prolong the festival for thirteen days.-"Tretten yule dage" (t

oorest dwellings. Everywhere the great

ilver, or copper, which the poorest families possess, and which cups have been transmitted to them from time immemorial.

hat the cows, and sheep, and even the birds of the air, receive a double ration, which is exceptionally large. They

wintery surroundings, have an odd and charming effect. The doors are immediately opened, the singers are invited to enter, and they offer them cake, dried apples, and ale; and often make them dance. After this frugal supper the joyous band depart, like a flock of gulls, to perform the same ceremony further away. Distances are regarded as noth

or, to see if he was coming. Dame Katrina, although she reproved them for their impatience, felt in the same way herself. Mr. Hersebom smoked his pipe

Otto had gone to the door, whe

da! I believ

arger rapidly, and soon took the shape of a young man, clothed in gray cloth, wearing a fur cap, and carrying merri

watching before the door, and taking o

rina, Otto, Vanda, and even Mr. Hersebom, who

hey went into ecstasies over his improved appearance. Da

oy, with such a frank and resolute air, with these strong shoulders, this elegan

r former nursling. She was proud of him, above all for the tears

e that I am with you all again. The two years have seemed so l

vening, and at meal times, it was your name that was constantly on our lips. But you, my boy, you have n

o see what kind of weather you had had on the coast of Norway; if it was the same as on the coast of Sweden?-and I found that you have severe storms more often than we have in Stockholm, which come from America, and beat on our mountains. Ah! how often I have wished that I could be with you in your little boat to help you wit

he weather-beaten fa

on and a happy New-Year to you, my child!" he added. "Com

oy of sixteen years of age, and who looked twenty. As for Vanda, two years had added wonderfully to her size and beauty. Her countenance had become more refined. Her magnificent blonde hair, which lay

e has become, how hard she has worked and studied since you left us! She is the best scholar in the sc

ur Vanda has become so learned, has she?" he replied with interest, while t

so, and Mr. Malarius says that she ha

on my return," Erik said, laughing, to relieve the embarrassment

bout all that had happened since he went away. He asked about their fishing adventures, and all the details of their daily life. Then on his part, he s

it out of the inside pocket of his vest. "I do not know what it contain

letter, and laid it on

k, "are you not

the fisherman

ncerns me?" persi

ter before his eyes. "Yes, I will read it at my leisure." F

is head in a

ey-corner, as they had so often done before, and began one of those confidential conversations, where

order; insisting that Vanda should for once "play the lady,"

and was smoking his pipe in silence. It was only after he had finished

, put it in his pocket, and smoked a second pipe, like the first, wit

beside him, and made two or three attempts to draw him into conversation, but she only received the most brief replies. Being thus repulsed, she be

ears, and made a happy diversion. It was a merry band of Erik's old classmates,

y felt in seeing him again. Erik was touched by the unexpected visit of the friends of his childhood, and was anxious to go with them on their Christmas journey, and Vanda an

upon them, when she resumed

discovered anything?

rom his pocket, and read it aloud, but not without h

obleman, and the parents who have lost such a son, if they knew the extent of their misfortune, would be objects of pity. But it is very doubtful whether his parents are still living. As we agreed, I have spared no efforts to discover them. I have written to several persons in England who have an agency for

ips belong to English ports, and some to Scotland and Ireland. My supposition concerning the nationality of the child is therefore confirmed, and it becomes more and more evident to me that Erik

er they have some interest in remaining unknown,

of the marine insurance companies, corresponds with the date of the infant's arrival on your coast. Two vessels named 'Cynthia' have been lost, i

conclude that the infant was

the mercy of the waves. This would explai

name of 'Cynthia,' without obtaining any information, and after exhausting all known means of pursuing

Hersebom, and particularly for you, is what we ought

eed to adopt this course if my efforts should prove unsuccessful. The time has come for you to keep your word. I have wished to leave it to you to relate all this to Erik

o mind also that he is a boy of too remarkable abilities to be condemned to an obscure and illiterate life. Such a sentence w

ke at Upsal the degree of Doctor of Medicine. I will continue to provide for him

leave his future in good hands. No personal consideration, I am sure, will p

t you affectionately, and I beg you to remember

WARYENCRO

Dame Katrina, who had been silently weeping while s

," he said. "I shall t

or we should never have another peaceful mo

th relapsed

ir eyes shone with pleasure from their walk in the fresh air. They seated themselves around the fire to fini