an have a row on the lake at
Silkeborg this evening, and as I have been your guest so long, I
invite you to be mine to Esbjerg. I must leave now, or we should miss
the steamer."

Hardy's quiet self-possession overcame the scruples the Pastor was
about to make. He had been bound to his parish for years, and not even
his youngest son would enjoy the drive to Esbjerg more.

"Honestly said," the Pastor spoke, addressing Hardy, and using a
familiar Danish phrase, "I should enjoy it more than I can say."

Helga liked Hardy's way of treating the money difficulty. It was done
with such tact that it seemed as if Hardy was receiving a favour.

Axel came in with Robert Garth.

"Bob," said Hardy, in English, "we shall drive to Esbjerg by stages;
clear everything, and get ready to start at twelve."

"Thank you, sir," said Garth, and was gone.

"What did you say." said Helga, whose knowledge of English was slight.
Hardy explained.

The man's ready obedience struck her, and lingered in her mind long
after. She was not accustomed to the prompt execution of such an order
by a servant, and attributed it to Hardy's personal character and
influence.

After breakfast, during which much conversation arose on the proposed
drive, Hardy came down with his fly-rods, books, and reels, and the
precious little spring balance.

"There," he said, "Froken Helga, is all the fly-fishing gear; the
flies in the small book are best for the Gudenaa. I hope you will
break all the rods and smash all the tackle, to give me the pleasure
of bringing you fresh ones from England."

She thanked him in the Danish manner that Hardy liked so much in her.

At twelve they left for Silkeborg. Hardy drove, and Garth rode
Buffalo. The Pastor sat by Hardy's side, and told many an interesting
anecdote of the places they passed. The circumstances of the Danish
families, the tradition of a Kaempehoi or tumulus, and the social
condition of the people were all known to him. Hardy drove slowly, as
the day was warm, and he wished to spare his horses, and it was not
until a little after five that they reached the hotel at Silkeborg.
Hardy had been there before, with Karl and Axel, and they knew him,
and obeyed his telegram to the letter.

"I have a proposition to make," said Hardy, "but I will leave it to my
guests to do as they please, I propose we have a row on the lake this
evening, but not for long; but to-morrow that we rise at six and
charter one of the wheel