ion?" inquired Froken Jaeger.

"Landowner," replied Hardy. And Hardy was subjected to a
cross-examination that elicited from him that his father was dead
years ago, that his mother lived at Hardy Place, that he was a
magistrate for the English county where he resided, and was also an
officer in the yeomanry cavalry.

"Then why do you not wear a uniform?" inquired Froken Jaeger, with
some asperity.

"Because it is not allowed, and I do not wish it, when in a foreign
country," replied Hardy.

It is to be feared that if the cross-examination had been much longer,
that Hardy would have declined to answer any more questions, and have
exhibited some of that insularity that is so common in Englishmen; but
dinner was announced, and Hardy offered his arm, and Froken Jaeger was
soon occupied in other and more material subjects. She was about
thirty-five, according to Hardy's judgment, and had a long sharp nose
and an equally sharp chin, tending ultimately to form what some people
ungenerously call nutcrackers; but her appetite was good, and it left
an opportunity to Hardy to observe his fellow guests.

The Pastor sat near his host, and his daughter was paired with a young
Danish landowner, who paid her great attention. Her dress was simple,
with an ornament or two inherited from her mother; but her clear
complexion, her tall figure and clean-cut features impressed Hardy.
She talked with every one with animation, and Hardy could scarcely
realize the comparison between the quiet figure steadily knitting with
ear and eye always at her father's service to the perfect Danish lady
before him.

There were several toasts proposed during the dinner. The event of the
day had to be particularly recognized, which was done with much
enthusiasm. Then followed other toasts, and Hardy's health was drunk,
to which he had to reply. He rose quickly, and said in Danish that his
knowledge of the language was yet so imperfect that he could say
little more than thanks, but that he would add that he owed a debt of
kindness to the Danes with whom he had been brought in contact, and he
thanked them and his host for their kindness and consideration to a
foreigner. Hardy read in Froken Helga's face that what he had said was
what had her approval, and that he had said enough.

"You appear to look at Froken Helga Lindal, Herr Hardy," said Froken
Jaeger; "are you engaged to her?"

"No," said Hardy.

"But what do you think of her?"

"That she is a