But now it was just one of the pastor’s favourite theories, and which he always defended with much energy and conviction, namely, that small lobsters are really better and more delicate than large ones.  He was, therefore, in the best of humours, and made several innocent jokes with the friendly peasant woman.

Per now came in and begged they would begin their meal, as everything was ready.  He then sat down by the side of the fireplace, with his elbows resting on his knees.

The sun shone so brightly through the small window-panes, the room was so clean and comfortable, the table-cloth so white, the cream so yellow, and the small lobsters so red and appetizing, that the pastor felt constrained to improve the occasion.

He chose as his text a fact which he had heard from the woman, namely, that Per had built the house entirely of the wreckage of a French brig, which had been stranded on the coast a little way to the northward.  This was the vessel to which the board over the window had belonged.

The pastor dwelt on the uncertainty of human affairs, how often we are disappointed, but how there is a leading thread which seems to run through our existence.

“And look,” said he, “on that proud ship, fitted out in the sunny land of France, and bearing a name which points to hope and expectation; for L’Esperance, my friends, signifies hope, only to be lost on our desolate coast.  So it is with us mortals.  How many a vain hope sails out with flag and banner, only to be miserably wrecked in the storms of life!  But observe! that which has been dashed to pieces by the tempest, has been refashioned by humble hands into a new dwelling-place.  Thus does life spring from death, comfort from desolation, and happiness from shattered hopes, and thus our whole career may be but a patchwork of mere wreckage!”

It was with the last remains of her old impetuosity that Madeleine repeated the words, “Thus live we all!”

At this moment Per got up and went out.  His wife could not understand why his behaviour was so unseemly.

Pastor Martens saw it all; but explanations, if any were necessary, might follow later on.  It was not worth while to spoil the delightful meal.  He handed his wife the cream, as, with a friendly smile, he placed his hand upon her shoulder.

He then set to work on his small lobsters, which he found excellent.