Suddenly another report diverted the minds of the crowd.  It was rumored that Sandgoist had decided to leave Drammen, and several persons pretended that they had seen him in the streets of Christiania.  Could it be that he had ventured into this hall?  If he had the wretch would certainly meet with a most unflattering reception.  How audacious in him to think of such a thing as being present at this drawing!  It was so improbable that it could not be possible.  It must certainly be a false alarm, and nothing more.

About quarter past two quite a commotion was apparent in the crowd.

It was caused by the sudden appearance of Sylvius Hogg at the gate of the University.  Every one knew the prominent part he had taken in the whole affair, and how, after having been received by Dame Hansen’s children, he had endeavored to repay the obligation, so the crowd instantly divided to make way for him, and there arose from every side a flattering murmur, which Sylvius acknowledged by a series of friendly bows, and this murmur soon changed into hearty applause.

But the professor was not alone.  When those nearest him stepped back to make way for him they saw that he had a young girl on his arm, and that a young man was following them.

A young man! a young girl!  The discovery had very much the effect of an electric shock.  The same thought flashed through every mind like a spark from an electric battery.

“Hulda!  Hulda Hansen!”

This was the name that burst from every lip.

Yes, it was Hulda, so deeply agitated that she could hardly walk.  Indeed, she certainly would have fallen had it not been for Sylvius Hogg’s supporting arm.  But it upheld her firmly—­her, the modest, heart-broken little heroine of the fete to which Ole Kamp’s presence only was wanting.  How greatly she would have preferred to remain in her own little room at Dal!  How she shrunk from this curiosity on the part of those around her, sympathizing though it was!  But Sylvius Hogg had wished her to come, and she had done so.

“Room! room!” was heard on all sides.

And as Sylvius Hogg, and Hulda and Joel walked up the passage-way that had been cleared for them, as if by magic, how many friendly hands were outstretched to grasp theirs, how many kind and cordial words were lavished upon them, and with what delight Sylvius Hogg listened to these expressions of friendly feeling!

“Yes; it is she, my friends, my little Hulda, whom I have brought back with me from Dal,” said he.  “And this is Joel, her noble brother; but pray, my good friends, do not smother them!”

Though Joel returned every grasp with interest, the less vigorous hands of the professor were fairly benumbed by such constant shaking, but his eyes sparkled with joy, though a tear was stealing down his cheek; but—­and the phenomenon was certainly well worthy the attention of ophthalmologists—­the tear was a luminous one.