You know that there are barracks and troops in
every part of the land, but those at Stockholm command the whole army.
Everywhere in the country you will find railroads, but the whole great
national system is controlled and managed at Stockholm; here you will
find the governing boards for the clergy, for teachers, for physicians,
for bailiffs and jurors. This is the heart of your country, Clement. All
the change you have in your pocket is coined here, and the postage
stamps you stick on your letters are made here. There is something here
for every Swede. Here no one need feel homesick, for here all Swedes are
at home.
"And when you read of all that has been brought here to Stockholm, think
too of the latest that the city has attracted to itself: these old-time
peasant cottages here at Skansen; the old dances; the old costumes and
house-furnishings; the musicians and story-tellers. Everything good of
the old times Stockholm has tempted here to Skansen to do it honour,
that it may, in turn, stand before the people with renewed glory.
"But, first and last, remember as you read about Stockholm that you are
to sit in this place. You must see how the waves sparkle in joyous play
and how the shores shimmer with beauty. You will come under the spell of
their witchery, Clement."
The handsome old gentleman had raised his voice, so that it rang out
strong and commanding, and his eyes shone.
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