Matilda's dislike, however, did not seriously interfere with Liot's and Karen's happiness. It was more passive than active; it was more virulent when he was absent than when he was present; and all winter she suffered him to visit at her house. These visits had various fortunes, but, good or bad, the season wore away with them; and as soon as April came Liot began to build his house. Matilda scoffed at his hurry. "Does he think," she cried, "that he can marry Karen Sabiston when he lists to? Till you are twenty-one you are in my charge, and I will take care to prevent such folly as long as I can." "Well, then, aunt, I shall be of age and my own mistress next Christmas, and on Uphellya night[1] I will be married to Liot." "After that we shall have nothing to say to each other." "It will not be my fault." "It will be my will. However, if you are in love with ill luck and fated for Liot Borson, you must dree your destiny; and Liot does well to build his home, for he shall not wive himself out of my walls." "It will be more shame to you than to me, aunt, if I am not married from your house; also, people will speak evil of you." "That is to be expected; but I will not be so ill to myself as to make a feast for a man I hate. However, there are eight months before Uphellya, and many chances and changes may come in eight months." The words were a prophecy. As Matilda uttered them Thora Fay entered the room, all aglow with excitement. "There is a new ship in the harbor!" she cried. "She is called the _Frigate Bird_, and she has silk and linen and gold ornaments for sale, besides tea and coffee and the finest of spirits. As for the captain, he is as handsome as can be, and my brother thinks him a man of some account." "You bring good news, Thora," said Matilda. "I would gladly see the best of whatever is for sale, and I wish your brother to let so much come to the man's ears." "I will look to that," answered Thora. "Every one knows there is to be a wedding in your house very soon." And with these words she nodded at Karen, and went smiling away with her message.