out by watching and fatigue the poor woman bad fallen asleep. Myra struck a match and lighted a candle; then she softly replenished the dying fire, and drawing a little stool before it, she sat down to warm her ice-cold feet. The house was very still and silent-painfully so, almost; and once or twice Myra thought she heard a stealthy step approaching the door and going back again after an interval. The minutes sped swiftly; eleven struck, the half-hour after chimed; it would soon be New Year's morning! Myra put on more coals, and sat on, patiently listening, now to her mother's regular breathing, and again to the stealthy step upon the stairs. On flew the minutes, the half-hour waned, and was gone, and suddenly, as the last stroke of twelve sounded from many a tower and steeple far and near, the merry bells rang out the old year and rang in the new! Mrs. Dawson started and awoke, "Where am I?" she cried. "I hear the joy-bells." "Mother"-and Myra knelt by her side and held up the locket-" see, I have brought it back to you again. It was not lost." With a glad cry the poor woman interrupted her, and, snatching her treasure she pressed it to her lips and to her heart. "Have you come back to me?" she said, caressing the little trinket as if it had sense and feeling. "My love! my husband! it was breaking my heart to be without you when the new year came round!" Myra laid her face upon her mother's knee, and cried silent tears of joy, and neither of them heard the door softly open and close, neither of them heard a swift, strong tread cross the room, or saw the figure which was gazing at them with tear-dimmed eyes. But all at once some subtle instinct made the woman turn her head, and, though her sight was failing, and though the light was dim, she knew her husband. He held out his arms to her, and she threw herself into them with a low, happy cry, while Myra still sat upon the ground, speechless with surprise. 'Mary!" said the voice which had spoken so kindly to the child at parting an hour or two before-"My true wife! you had such welcome for my picture, that I was not afraid to test your welcome for me. You'll forgive and forget, won't you?" The little locket, which had been a slender, but strong link of gold between the husband and wife, slipped, quite unheeded, from Mrs. Dawson's grasp, as she wound her arms round her long-lost William, and strained him to her heart. What was the inanimate likeness now, when the man so loved, so mourned for, and so fondly remembered, had come back to her again? And so the merry bells pealed their glad welcome to the new year, and awoke glad echoes in the hearts of the husband and wife, so strangely reunited, after long and weary separation; and presently Myra stole to their side, and took her father's hands in her's; and then he bent down and kissed the upturned face of the child who had been the unconscious means of bringing him back to his home again. And as the first hours of the new year went by, Will Dawson told the story of his life during the old years that had passed-told how he had repented of his desertion of his wife and child, and how he had gone back to his native village only to find that they had disappeared, leaving no clue by which to trace them-how he had returned to London and his evil companionshow he had made money and lost it-how he had been wild and steady by turns, wildest and most reckless when the thought of the home he had wilfully lost would rush back upon him. He told of the night that he had rudely snatched the locket from Myra's neck-of how he had opened it to find his own face within-of how he had fled from the jeers and questions of his comrades, and of his firm resolve never to be one of them again. He told how he had wandered about, day after day, hoping to find his little daughter, with whom he had been so strangely brought into contact-and how, as the despair, and steadily settled down to work again. weeks passed, he had given up the search ie He told of how, the night Myra had found him, he had been sitting, with the locket before him, trying to devise some means for finding the owner, and of how he had fallen asleep, to awake and find his child beside him. But when his own tale was ended, and he asked, with a voice that faltered, for the story of his wife's life since last he had left her, begging of her not to spare one detail of her struggles or her sufferings, she would not listen to him, but whispered, as she drew his head down upon her faithful heart, "I had no life without you, Will. It will begin again for all of us with this happy new year!" And Will made answer with a reverent Amen!" REMEMBERED HAPPINESS.-Mankind are always happier for having been happy; so that if you make them happy now, you make them happy twenty years hence, by the memory of it. A childhood passed with a due mixture of rational indulgence, under fond and wise parents, diffuses over the whole of life a feeling of calm pleasure, and in extreme old age is the very last remembrance which time can erase from the is confined to the present moment! A man is the mind of man. No enjoyment, however inconsiderable, happier for life from having made once an agreeable tour, or lived for any length of time with pleasant people, or enjoyed any considerable interval of innocent pleasure. The country of the Vikings! Yes, thither I determined to go whilst the clash of arms and the din of battle was heard; 'twas ere the battlefield had been deluged with blood I set off to the vantage ground, that was free and open to travellers, and reached Christiania about the middle of July. The town itself is not seen until within gunshot of the place, on account of the numerous islands in the Fjord shutting out the view. These islands answer two important purposes. First, they serve as an advanced guard to warn one of the dangers incidental to a rocky coast, and again as a shelter to craft running in for protection when the Skager-rack is stormy. The city lies as it were in the basin of an amphitheatre, and is thickly studded with trees of the spruce fir, pine, and beech. The buildings are chiefly of wood. In the country one sees log houses; but in the town they are constructed of painted white boards, with coloured roofs in imitation of tiles. The people are evidently fond of light and space, for the windows are large and numerous; their rooms are well furnished, but without carpets. The cathedral is of grey stone, and, after that of Dronthjem is the finest in the country. This is only a passing glimpse, for we were again soon under weigh, and clear of the inlet and islands, and steaming away from the Fjord of Christiania at the rate of ten knots an hour. The sun went down as if behind a glowing furnace, leaving such a halo that I could see to read on deck at midnight. I was waiting until it should become dark, but for that result I might have waited long enough, as there is nothing to indicate the approach of night in these latitudes at this time of the year. The numerous islands, the projecting promontories, lofty wooded mountain sides, and the lake-like character of the scenery, render the approach to Christiania very interesting. It is beautifully situated at the northern extremity of the Fjord. The city is built on a slope, and its numerous villas embowered in trees give it a peculiarly attractive appearance. The houses are principally of wood in the suburbs, and look almost as white as snow; in the town they are built of stone, on account of some recent fires. The streets are spacious, and running at right angles. The showy shops are few and far between, and have no shutters, inside or out: they are never found necessary in this honest community. If cleanliness be next to godliness the Norwegians must certainly rank high in the Christian code; for, go where you will, there are the same indications of fondness for space, air, and water. The palace is in a conspicuous position: it is of a quadrangular form, and has six massive Doric columns in front. In all other de SCANDINAVIA. tails it is unworthy a description. The salons are all decorated à la Française, even to the King's smoking-room. The only pictures are those of his Majesty's father and mother-the latter a German princess, and a very beautiful woman. Two or three Norwegian scenes, without interest as works of art, complete the gallery. The pleasure-grounds are open to the public, and appear to be a very favourite resort of old people and nursery-maids. Almost in the same vicinity are the gardens of Klügensburg--a sort of Cremorne on a limited scale. About four miles distant is a pretty little summer villa called "Oscar's Hall," belonging to the Crown Prince, and which is visited annually by his royal highness. It looks like a miniature castle, and commands a fine view of the beautiful environs, but especially of the fjord, and the little islands dotted over its blue surface. All the charm lies in its exterior and the site; within these are only a few royal portraits and some half-dozen cabinets, but no furniture. I must next tell you of a visit to a Norwegian family residing in the country. The courteousness of some fellowtravellers obtained for me this invitation to tea. Before discussing the viands it was proposed that we should go to a retired lake-like expanse of the fjord in an open boat, accompanied by our hostess, her pretty daughter, and eldest son. There we remained for an hour, having landed on a little island to gather wild strawberries and enjoy the lovely scene around us. In accordance with a national custom we commenced by taking a glass of ale all round. The standing dish of the country is salmon, and the various ways in which it is served reminds one of the variety one gets at a fish-dinner at Greenwich. Here it is presented in every conceivable and inconceivable form that the most appetising could desire. There is cheese, too, ad libitum; but I will mention only two kindsone resembled Gruyère, and the other of a pale chocolate colour. The latter is a compound of goat, cow, and ewe-milk, sugar, ground-nut, cream, and half a hundred other ingredients. It looks like a little pillar on the table, in its white paper-case. Of making of bread, too, there seems no end. There were rolls like our own, slices of black rye-bread, and piles of flatbrod. The latter were artistically arranged, and the effect produced was that of the scattered remnants of a fleet, and a ruined city unable to withstand the siege. Enough, however, of the bill of fare: it will suffice to give an idea of Norwegian hospitality, of which we had received so excellent a specimen. Let us return to our subject by another glance at the people, who may be said to be in a happy case, inasmuch as there is not a soul amongst them who does not receive a suitable education. The lower grade are civil, obliging, and polite, doffing their hats constantly as one passes through the streets. There is a high-bred air and demeanour in the higher classes, which, added to their courteous, pleasant manners, makes their society very agreeable. streets are wide and regular, but they look de serted, and the city lacks life, although it is reputed a good place for business. The palace is the largest wooden structure in existence; the houses are built of the same material, usually painted white, which gives the place so fresh and modern an aspect as almost to belie its antiquity. There is a cathedral, which seven or eight hundred years ago had few rivals; but it is a sort of conglomeration of architecture, from the numerous repairs it has undergone. It is here that the kings are crowned. Churches are numerous: there is a national bank, and a savings-bank attached to the post-office. There are some magnificent waterfalls and interesting copper-mines about four miles out, which all The University museums are admirably arranged, especially the natural history and anatomical departments. The best pictures had been sent to the exhibition at Stockholm. The only good painting left was executed by the King, who is a clever artist, and a patron of the fine arts generally, as well as a poet. Ignorance of the language leads to frequent mistakes, for instance, I asked the waiter to bring me a foot-bath at night, and when the hour arrived he appeared with a bottle of soda-strangers should visit. water! On Friday, August 13th, we went by railway to Eidwold, on Lake Moësen, and thence by steamer to Lillehammer, where we slept. On the following morning a very ample breakfast was provided, consisting of salmon steak, mutton chops, eggs, several kinds of bread, excellent butter, rich cream and strawberries, tea and coffee. We hired a carriage for four, with a pair of horses, and occasionally three, to convey us to our destination. The stations are generally way-side inns, about nine miles apart; at them we procure fresh horses. There are no public conveyances in this country; travellers are taken from one place to another in a vehicle called a cariole. The seat is, in shape, like the bowl of a salad-spoon. Imagine yourself placed on a cushion, with your legs stretched out at full length towards the splash-board, and covered with a leathern apron, under which aspect you're supposed to be comfortably equipped for your journey. The boy who brings back the horses sits behind, where there is just sufficient space to strap on an ordinary-sized portmanteau. This is the arrangement, whether for ladies or gentlemen. Moreover, you have to drive your self-no very objectionable occupation, as the horses are sure-footed, and go at a spanking pace-sometimes seventy miles in ten hours. The sleeping arrangements at the stations are not agreeable, as it is impossible to get a room to one's self; and it not unfrequently happens that three or four strangers find themselves in the same apartment. The bedding consists usually of dried hay, two sheets, an eider-down quilt, and large pillow, like those used by the Germans. These are some of the sweets of travel; and after having been all day in the op air, taking, perhaps, a good deal of exercise, we did not trouble our heads about the absence of English. comforts. The King, when coming from Dronthjem after his coronation, slept at two of these stations. In many parts the scenery is most romantic. We saw several magnificent waterfalls; two days snowy mountain tops were in sight. We drove for miles along the banks of a majestic river, called the Nid, at the mouth of which lies Dronthjem. This was formerly the capital of Norway, until its union with Denmark. The On leaving Dronthjem we went to Molde, which was only a journey of five hours by sea. The opposite coast is a lofty range of snowcapped mountains, jagged here and there with a rocky boulder almost touching the clouds, and on which even snow cannot linger. The windings of the Fjord to its termination in the direction of the valley of Romsdale cannot be surpassed for beauty throughout Norway, for the eye rests continually on sombre, craggy mountains, lofty precipices, and every variety of scenery that helps to make an attractive picture. A fjord is not a tiny inlet into the heart of the mountains, as one is wont to suppose, for some of them run up at least fifteen or twenty miles, such as the Hardanger and the Soigne. The outline of the mountains, forming the narrow gorge of the Romsdale, in one particular spot is so irregular and jagged that human ingenuity has discovered in it a striking resemblance to a marriage party at the altar. Perhaps my imaginative powers were at fault, for I must confess it required some of a very prolific order to conjure up the dramatis persone out of the granitic group before me. At last I could distinctly see the priest, the bride, and what looked a gigantic beadle-for, oh, forbid it ye powers! that such a Daniel Lambert should ever be the "happy man!" The bridal crown, which Miss Bremer tells us is an indispensable ornament on these occasions, was also well defined. Whilst contemplating this scene of still-life happiness, I was aroused from my reverie by a rumbling noise overhead and behind me, louder than any thunder I ever heard. I was standing then immediately under the peak called the Romsdale Horn, which rises 4,000 feet above the bed of the river that washes the gorge. I looked high and low, about, and around, but could perceive no indications whatever to account for the sound, which continued for half a minute; by-and-by I saw a cloud of dust issuing from an immense fissure midway up the Horn-it darkened the heavens in its ascent. Some friends who joined us shortly after heard the noise at a distance of four miles; they believed it to be the dislodgment of immense masses of rock in the interior of the Horn, but there were no outward visible signs, except the dust. I took a solitary walk In the passage from Molde to Bergen, one skims past a myriad little islets; the way in which the steamers dart in and out of the narrow passages between them looks both mysterious and difficult. The islands, in general, are masses of gneiss, mica, schist, or granite, frequently trap-rock, entirely void of vegetation. The distance from Dronthjem to Bergen is upwards of 400 miles of coast line, but it is extremely interesting and picturesque, combining either the placid lake or rapid river, from port to port. The city is a large, busy place; the leading street is called the Strand-gaden, and runs parallel with the harbour for half a mile. As we passed up it, the people stood gazing at us open-mouthed, perhaps regarding us as objects of curiosity to be caught up for their museum. After two days' sojourn here, the steamer took us up the Soigne Fjord, which occupied two days more. The farthest extremity of the Fjord is called Gutvangen, where we remained for the night, having three beds in one room. The fosses (as the waterfalls are called) are here both numerous and marvellous, and the immense volume of water one sees here and there and everywhere would seem to indicate the miraculous wand of the prophet on every mountain top. Three of the fosses opposite Gutvangen were 2,000 in height each, and there were others equally grand, and of much greater volume. The road from this latter place to Vossvangen runs through valleys and gorges of excessive interest and loveliness, rendered especially beautiful by two lakes, each seven miles in length. Towering high above on the mountain tops, were extensive fields of snow and glacier ice. Then again came cultivated patches of land, slopes covered with trees, either of pine or birch, masses of grey, sombre granite, and anon glimpses of lake-like scenery, until at length we reach Eide, a station at the extremity of the Hardanger Fjord. In the vicinity of the village of Odde is the largest glacier in the world, called the Folgè Fond. The steamers that ply up and down these fjords have every comfort and accommodation that can be desired, and the traveller never ceases to admire the picturesque beauty of these deep bays, or fjords, which give such a peculiar charm and character to the regions round about. The country is celebrated for its beeches, and in some places, where the waves have washed away the shore to a steep cliff, these trees hang their leafy foliage over its summit, or perhaps overshadow a huge mass of moss-grown stone, giving an appearance both pleasing and grateful. "Of Stockholm?" This city is "beautiful for situation," and is everywhere so intersected by water as to produce a charming effect one may, indeed, call it a sea-girt isle, so numerous and extensive are the lakes which surrouud it. There are many places in the suburbs to which the citizens resort for recreation, where they are entertained with the finest Swedish music, and can dine at a moderate charge, besides being supplied with punch and other less intoxicating beverages. Ülricksdal is the name of the King's summer residence, and whether approached by land or water the situation is equally charming. In the cathedral of Stockholm (locally known as the Riddarholms Kyr kaw) are a number of equestrian figures, round the walls, in complete suits of armour. Gustavus Vasa is buried here, in one of the sidechapels; and on the opposite side is the tomb of Charles XII., and the bullet which terminated the life of this hero at the siege of Frederickshall. Other Swedish kings are interred in this church, amongst them Bernadotte, or Charles XIV. The shields of the Knights of the Order of the Seraphim are hung round the choir; especially I noticed those of Prince Albert, the King of the Belgians, and Napoleon I. There were also various war trophies, and an extraordinary collection of kettledrums; these were all fortunately preserved when the church was struck by lightning in 1835. The finest place on the Mälar Lake is a palace called Stokloster, belonging to Count Brahe, a descendant of the great astronomer, Tycho Brahe. At one time it was the property of Field-Marshal Papa Wrangel (as the Berliners call him), the veteran of the Prussian army. The palace is a quadrangular building, with four lofty octagonal towers, at each corner, domeshaped, and slated. It is embowered amidst luxuriant old trees, and is a most interesting, venerable-looking structure. The grounds and gardens are extensive; through the latter is a splendid avenue of elms. The palace itself may be looked upon as a perfect " art-treasure," so numerous and varied are its contents. The amount of legendary lore to be picked up here is not one of its least attractions. Besides weapons, and ornaments of all kinds (amongst others a beautifully-embossed dagger of Benevenato Cellinès), there are innumerable cabinets filled with presents from Royal personages to the Brahe family. The paintings exhibit rather a low standard of art, a remark that may, I think, apply to pictures generally throughout Sweden. The walls of the corridors are covered with portraits in fresco; they are the veriest caricatures imaginable, not excepting that of Tycho Brahe himself, in the sleeping apartment formerly occupied by Marshal Wrangel. The likeness of Charles XII., Bernadotte, and one of George IV. when Prince Regent, are better specimens of art, as well as a picture of Ebbe, the mistress of Gustavus Vasa. The tapestry was faded and time-worn, but if that had seen its best days, there were a hundred other objects of interest to engage the attention in the exquisite cabinets, antique furniture, and curiosities of very description; we lingered here for four ours, and even then departed unwillingly. My next halting-place was Falkoping, where, if he please, the traveller may find a ready-made dinner, of which he may partake what he likes, and as much, from a well-spread board, for the sum of 1s. 3d. !-a meal for which he would have to pay, at least, 5s. at any of our great" railway hotels in England. 66 temperament. Let it not, however, be surmised that it's all play and no work; far otherwise. The Danes are an intelligent race, and are provided with every facility for mental culture in the schools, libraries, museums of art and antiquities, with which their city abounds. leaves seem clustered together in "rank luxuriance," and are a more fitting emblem of the undying genius of this great man of letters than " storied urn or animated bust" could ever convey. The only inscription recorded is the name, date of birth, and death-quite touching in its simplicity. The Thorwaldsen Museum was bequeathed About "Helsingborg?" The King of Swe- to the public by the genius whose name it bears: den's brother has no residence in the environs. If he died suddenly in the theatre in 1844, aged not an artist, like his brother, the Royal Prince seventy-four. His remains lie in a sarcophagus is a writer of some celebrity, and has made in the court-yard: marble slabs cover the survaluable contributions in an historical form to face, and are placed edgewise, to form a recepthe literature of his country; he has also trans-tacle for the soil which is planted with ivy; the lated "The Cid" into the Swedish language. Soon after our arrival, the King of Denmark passed the hotel en route to a visit to Prince Oscar. The King of Sweden we had seen some days previously, returning from a shooting excursion; the Royal brothers are very popular with their well-beloved subjects. Our steamer was the "Horatio;" the "Ophelia was floating about in the harbour at Elsinore, where I landed to visit Hamlet's grave: albeit, some say that here Hamlet never dwelt. Be that as it may, the whole scene of that magnificent production of Shakspeare's is laid in Elsinore, which lends enchantment to the place, no less than to the Castle of Kronsberg. دو "Of Copenhagen?" However attractive this place may be, it has its "ups and downs," in common with many Swedish towns, in the obliquities of surface which are so terribly trying to the determined pedestrian. There is starcely yard of pavement to be seen. In Copenhagen stones find a "local habitation" everywhere, and the consequence is that one gets into a state of pitiable ill-temper, and consigns one's bootmaker, hosier, and the paviour alike to the tender mercies of Pluto. The general aspect of the city is agreeable; there is a life and activity about it that makes it pleasant to look upon. The houses are lofty, and chiefly built of stone, the shops spacious, and some of the streets have an imposing appearance. Many of the leading thoroughfares have tramways of iron, on which omnibuses ply continually, and look like wooden houses in motion; they go along quite smoothly, and at a sufficient speed for all business pur poses. The Danes are very fond of gaiety and amusement, and no city in the world caters so well for its pleasure-loving people. There is a circus, a gymnasium, concert-halls, cafés chantants, dancing saloons, and last, but chiefest and best, gardens of surpassing beauty, where almost every evening hundreds of the most respectable citizens and their families meet to enjoy the entertainment provided for them. One of the attractions in these Tivoli Gardens is the "Montagne Russe," which people traverse only by the momentum acquired at first starting. This amusement seems highly diverting to the people, perhaps because there is a slightly sensational element in it, which suits their excitable There are upwards of two hundred of the artist's works in the museum, of which wordpainting could give you but a very remote idea for all that they suggest of beauty in execution, and finish of detail, besides the solemnity of the subjects, many of which are from Scripture history. The cathedral, called the Fruekirke (church of our Lady), is chiefly interesting from the number of Thorwaldsen's best works. Behind the altar is a colossal marble statue of our Saviour. The twelve apostles are arranged along the nave, six on either side; they are the most exquisite sculptures, inspiring one with feelings of awe and reverence, not unmixed with wonder, at the mind which could conceive and the hand which could execute such marvellous creations. In the sacristy is a basrelief, representing our Lord administering the Holy Sacrament to the "Twelve," all of whom are kneeling, except James and Judas. The palace of Fredericksborg is about two and a-half miles from the city; it is prominently situated on a hill, and is surrounded with gardens like those of St. Cloud, with magnificent old trees, lakes, romantic walks, bridges, and sylvan temples. There is also the palace of Christianborg, which has over the portico two bas-reliefs by Thorwaldsen's (representing "Jutheus"). Of all the classical subjects, the "Minerva and Promepiter and Nemesis," Triumphal March of Alexander into Babylon" was that which pleased me most for artistic skill. This is in a large apartment of the Riddersal (Knight's Hall).* |