At the meeting on the following day Peter turned up, and astonished the assembly by delivering a long harangue on "The Civilising Influence of Missionary Work." Sukkestad nearly fainted.
Peter's speech produced a great effect, the listeners growing more and more interested as he went on. "Who is he--what's his name? You've got a regular speaker there, Sukkestad." Sukkestad was utterly at a loss, but vowed never again to expose himself to such surprises, either of one sort or the other.
At last the conference was ended, and the two delegates from Strandvik set out for home.
It was with great relief that Sukkestad found himself on board the steamer; Peter might do what he pleased now, for all he cared. As it turned out, however, Peter was amiability itself towards his travelling companion, though the latter did not seem to appreciate his attention, but endeavoured to keep to himself--a matter of some difficulty on board a small steamboat. An hour before they got in to Strandvik, Oiland came up to him and begged the favour of a "serious word" with him. Sukkestad wondered what on earth was coming, as the other took him by the arm and dragged him off to the forepart of the ship.
"I have had the pleasure of being a frequent guest in your house," Peter began, buttonholing Sukkestad as if to make sure he did not escape.
"I shouldn't have thought it could be any pleasure to you," put in Sukkestad dryly.
"It has indeed, my dear fellow; and I have the more reason to say so, since your daughter Andrea----"
"Forgive my saying so, Mr. Sukkestad, but your daughter has made a deep impression on me."
"Really, Mr. Oiland, this...." Sukkestad trembled at what was to come.
"A deep impression on me. And I think I may venture to say that she herself----"
"Pardon me, Mr. Oiland. My daughter has no feelings in any matter before consulting her father's wishes."
"Oh, but she has, my dear father-in-law, I assure you."
"Father-in-law Mr. Oiland, this is most unseemly jesting." Sukkestad tried to break away, but Peter held him fast.
"But, my dear sir, what objection can you have to the match? We've always got on splendidly together, and I'm sure this present voyage, and our little adventures on the way, will always be among our most cherished memories--won't they, now?"