After losing the small fortune your father left at his death, she was obliged to borrow money of a Christiania banker, offering this house as security for a loan of fifteen thousand marks.

About a year ago I purchased the mortgage, and this house will consequently become my property--and very speedily--if I am not paid when this mortgage becomes due." "When is it due ?" demanded Joel.
"On the 20th of July, or eighteen days from now," replied Sandgoist.
"Then, whether you like it or not, I shall be in my own house here." "You will not be in your own house here until that date, even if you are not paid at that time," retorted Joel, "and I forbid you to speak as you have been doing in the presence of my mother and sister." "He forbids me--me!" exclaimed Sandgoist.

"But how about his mother--what does she say ?" "Speak, mother!" cried Joel, approaching Dame Hansen, and endeavoring to remove her hands from her face.
"Joel, my brother," exclaimed Hulda.

"I entreat you, for my sake, to be calm." Dame Hansen bowed her head upon her breast, not daring to meet her son's searching eyes.

It was only too true that she had been endeavoring to increase her fortune by rash speculations for several years past.