in public affairs, was nonplussed when he found himself nominated. His
surprise was even greater when he was elected. He intended to decline,
but Helena's entreaties and her argument that life in a big city was
preferable to an existence in a small provincial town induced him to
accept the mandate.

They removed to Stockholm.

During these six months the newly-made professor and member of
Parliament had made himself acquainted with the new ideas which came
from England and purposed to recreate society and the old standards of
morality. At the same time he felt that the moment was not far off
when he would have to break with his "boarder." He recovered his
strength and vigour in Stockholm, where fearless thinkers encouraged
him to profess openly the views which he had long held in secret.

Helena, on the other hand, scented a favourable opportunity in the
counter-current and threw herself into the arms of the Church Party.
This was too much for Albert and he rebelled. His love had grown cold;
he found compensation elsewhere. He didn't consider himself unfaithful
to his wife for she had never claimed constancy in a relationship
which didn't exist.

His friendly intercourse with the other sex aroused his manliness and
made him realise his degradation.

His growing estrangement did not escape Helena. Their home-life became
unpleasant and every moment threatened to bring a catastrophe.

The opening of Parliament was imminent. Helena became restless and