She was not alone.

A man was walking beside her--a man who seemed to be talking in a loud voice, and whose gestures were vehement and imperious.
Hulda and her brother both paused suddenly.
"Who is that man ?" inquired Joel.
Hulda advanced a few steps.
"I know him," she said at last.
"You know him ?" "Yes, it is Sandgoist." "Sandgoist, of Drammen, who came here during my absence ?" "Yes." "And who acted in such a lordly way that he would seem to have mother, and us, too, perhaps, in his power ?" "The same, brother; and he has probably come to make us feel his power to-day." "What power?
This time I will know the object of his visit." Joel controlled himself, though not without an evident effort, and followed his sister.
In a few moments Dame Hansen and Sandgoist reached the door of the inn.

Sandgoist crossed the threshold first; then the door closed upon Dame Hansen and upon him, and both of them entered the large parlor.
As Joel and Hulda approached the house the threatening voice of Sandgoist became distinctly audible.

They paused and listened; Dame Hansen was speaking now, but in entreating tones.
"Let us go in," remarked Joel.
Hulda entered with a heavy heart; Joel was trembling with suppressed anger and impatience.
Sandgoist sat enthroned in the big arm-chair.

He did not even take the trouble to rise on the entrance of the brother and sister.