eleven o'clock
Joel offered to accompany him , but not wishing him to know that he was going to Bergen , the professor would only allow him to go as far as Moel . Besides , it would not do for Hulda to be left alone with her mother . After being confined to her bed several days , she was now beginning to sit up a little , though she was still very weak and not able to leave her room . At eleven o'clock the kariol was at the door of the inn , and after bidding Hulda good-bye , the professor took his seat in the vehicle beside Joel . In another minute they had both disappeared behind a large clump of birches at the turn in the road . That same evening Joel returned to Dal . END OF FIRST HALF .