of which Krog was at home
several times, unaccompanied by the others. Then it was determined that
they should all spend a summer at Krogskogen. With this project in view
the three were in a draper's shop in Vienna. Mrs. Dawes and Marit were
to have new clothes, Marit especially being in need of them, as she had
grown out of hers. It was the first week of May; summer dresses were to
be chosen.

"We think, both your father and I, that you must have long dresses now.
You are so tall."

Marit looked at her father, but the materials which lay spread out in
front of him engaged his attention. Mrs. Dawes spoke for him.

"Your father says that when you are walking with him, gentlemen look at
your legs."

Krog began to fidget. Even the lady behind the counter felt that there
was thunder in the air. She did not understand the language, but she saw
the three faces. At last Anders heard Marit answering in a curious, but
quite pleasant voice:

"Is it because Mother had long dresses when she was my age that I am to
have them?"

Mrs. Dawes looked with dismay at Anders Krog; but he turned away.

"Aunt Eva," began Marit again; "of course you were with Mother then? at
the time she got long dresses? Or was it Father?"

No more was said about long dresses. No more was said at all. They left
the shop.

Nothing else happened. As if it had been a matter of course, next day,
instead of coming to lessons, she drove with her father, first to
arrange about the dresses, and then to the picture-galleries. They went
sight-seeing every day until they left. There were no more lessons. In
the evenings the three went, as if nothing had occurred, to concert,
opera, or theatre. They wished to make good use of the remaining time.

At the beginning of June they were in Copenhagen. There a letter awaited
them from "Uncle Klaus." Joergen Thiis, his adopted son, had received his
commission as lieutenant; Klaus meant to give a summer ball at his
country-house, but was waiting until they came home. When were they
coming?

Marit was delighted at the prospect. She remembered handsome, tall
Joergen. He was a son of the Amtmand[A]; his mother was Klaus Krog's
sister.

[A] Chief magistrate of the district.

A ball-dress had now to be thought out; but the deliberations were
short, nothing being said on the subject until they were on their way to
order it. The one really exciting question: Ought not this dress to be
long? they did not discuss. Whe