Inger herself, you see, had grown somewhat lighter of heart and kindlier of late, whatever the cause; and now she merely asked: "The Evil One himself?" Isak nodded: as far as he could see it was himself and no other.

There was a healthier glow than terror stirred in their hearts; because of the vague, great dread without, it may be, they drew closer together round household fires, were kindlier in the good old-fashioned way; old friendships were wakened, old times talked over, fathers and mothers and children planned homely ways to show the love in their hearts and to welcome in Christmas.

He looked at them and discovered that they had the faces of childrensimple, trustful, unintelligent, unhumorous children,and eyes, always kindlier than any he had ever seen in other human beings.

In the middle of it lies a rose, which is quite flat and dry; but it is not so pretty as the roses she has in the glass, yet she smiles the kindliest to it, nay, even tears come into her eyes!