If my betrothed sent me this ticket with his last farewell upon it it was because he wished me to keep it, so I will not part with it at any price." Having said this Hulda turned, as if to leave the room, evidently supposing that the conversation so far as she was concerned had been terminated by her refusal, but at a gesture from her mother she paused.
An exclamation of annoyance had escaped Dame Hansen, and Sandgoist's knitted brows and flashing eyes showed that anger was beginning to take possession of him.
"Yes, remain, Hulda," said he.

"This is not your final answer.

If I insist it is because I certainly have a right to do so.

Besides, I think I must have stated the case badly, or rather you must have misunderstood me.

It is certain that the chances of this ticket have not increased because the hand of a shipwrecked seaman placed it in a bottle and it was subsequently recovered; still, the public seldom or never reasons, and there is not the slightest doubt that many persons desire to become the owners of it.