are so
different from Danish people. I cannot say how beautiful Herr Hardy's
house is. It is far prettier than Rosendal. I learn English every day
with an English Kapellan; he is very kind, and he teaches me the
English games of cricket and lawn tennis. Mrs. Hardy, that is Herr
Hardy's mother, is beautiful. She touches my cheek with her hand, and
she asks if Helga is like me. I answer that Helga is better, and she
seems to be pleased to hear me say so. Herr Hardy has taken me out in
his yacht, that is a pleasure vessel with steam power; he has called
it the _Rosendal_.

"I have been out with Herr Hardy shooting partridges. He has had many
gentlemen down to shoot, but they none of them shoot so well as Herr
Hardy. A flock of the birds get up, and Herr Hardy, who shoots with a
double-barrelled gun, always gets two. His gamekeeper, or Jaeger, told
me that they always could depend on the governor, as they call Herr
Hardy.

"Herr Hardy took me to London, and I went to the Zoological Gardens,
where there were a great many rare animals, and to the Haymarket
Theatre, which is like the Royal Theatre at Copenhagen. I was measured
for clothes by a tailor in London, and Herr Hardy has given me many
more things than necessary; but he is so kind I do not know what to
say or do. I send my best love to you and Helga and Axel.

"Your son,

"Karl Lindal."

Another letter came from Vandstrup Praestegaard.

"Herr Hardy,

"My father desires me to say that the work at Rosendal is nearly
finished, and that the land where the trees are to be planted is
prepared for them. There is nothing that he sees neglected, or that he
should bring to your notice.

"We have received many letters from Karl, and we are interested in
them. He writes and describes your house, and repeats again and again
your goodness to him. He describes your mother as very kind. We have
no doubt but this is you. My father says if you do anything, you do it
always in the kindest way. I do not doubt but that this is so, and we
all thank you gratefully, and greet you kindly.

"Helga Lindal."

John Hardy translated this letter for his mother. She read it, and
said--

"John, the letter is a letter to keep for all time! I feel so proud of
you, my own boy, that such a letter should be addressed to you. I
never read so beautiful a letter; so short, and yet so exquisite in
its simplicity! You can trust your future to her, John."

"Thank you, my mother," replied her so