thern Antiquities, Thorwaldsen's Museum, and
much else, and lunched at the Hotel d'Angleterre in the King's New
Market, or Kongens Nytorv.

"Now, Helga, what is there more to see?" asked Hardy.

"There is the picture gallery in Christiansborg Slot, but there are so
many steps up to it that it will fatigue Mrs. Hardy; but, if we might,
I should like to call and see Axel, and arrange about his coming back
with us," said Helga. "To-morrow you could see Rosenborg, which is
certain to interest you; we have to give notice to-day to the
curator."

"I shall be henpecked, mother," said Hardy. "She orders everything
already."

"No, you will not," said Helga, who understood him, although he had
spoken in English. "I shall give my life to you, and my will too."
There was no mistaking the look in those blue eyes. "You might be
interested," she added, "in going to the Royal Theatre. The play
to-night is one of Holberg's comedies, 'Den pantsatte Bondedreng,'
that is, 'The Farmer's Boy left in Pledge.' It is a good play and
popular. I can tell the story of the play to Mrs. Hardy before she
goes, as you. Hardy, already know it."

"I give myself entirely in your hands, Helga. You shall be obeyed
before marriage, and obey me after," said Hardy, laughing.

"It is not a question of obedience," replied Helga. "I am yours
altogether when I am your wife."

As she had said this in Danish, Hardy explained to his mother.

Mrs. Hardy said, "She is a jewel, John, and without price;" and rose
from her seat and kissed her on the parting of her hair.

"Don't do that, mother," said John; "you make me wish to kiss her head
off."

CHAPTER XXII.

"Oh, ye valleys! oh, ye mountains!
Oh, ye groves, and crystal fountains!
How I love, as liberty,
By turns to come and visit ye!"
_The Complete Angler._

Axel's joy at the unexpected pleasure of seeing his sister and Hardy
was unbounded, but when he heard he was going on board the yacht for a
cruise, and then to return home, he was wild with delight.

They went to the theatre that evening, and to Rosenborg the next day,
and the yacht left in the afternoon for Elsinore, and anchored for the
night.

Mrs. Hardy preferred being at sea to staying longer at Copenhagen. The
theatre with its excellent acting interested her, but the knowledge of
the language was wanting, and detracted from her enjoyment of
Holberg's dramatic genius, which for so many years has interested t