appily married. I like
her face," added she, looking at Helga Lindal's photograph; "it is
good and firm of purpose for so young a woman. Is she ladylike, John?"

"Her manner is simple and sincere," he replied; "and I never saw
anything that you, mother, would not approve of; but, living as she
does, and has, she has not seen much society, or acquired any
artificial manner. Her management of her father's house is practical,
and the obedience to her wishes and orders as complete as they ever
are in Denmark. Their servants are not as ours are."

"Why you do like her, John," said his mother.

"I do, but I do not feel certain of myself," said John. "The time I
have known her is short, and it may be only a passing fancy; and what
I want, mother, is your help in knowing my own mind, but, above all,
hers. You will understand her instantly."

"But why did you buy Rosendal, John?" asked his mother; "in all your
letters you never gave a reason."

"I bought it on an impulse," replied John, "but I did think I might
want it at the time. It is a place you can live in, mother, until you
are tired of it, but from which you can help me."

"I do not think you need fear, John, her being carried off by any
one," said Mrs. Hardy, to whom the idea of any woman not being in love
with her son was impossible.

"I must risk it," said John, "but I could not do other than I have
done. If I had spoken a word to her when a guest in her father's
house, it would have been wrong. But I wanted to talk with you, my
mother. I have no secrets from you; and John kissed her, and wished
her 'Good night.'"

A few weeks at Hardy Place made a great change in Karl Lindal. He
talked English better, and his manners were not so boyish. He felt
also the influence of the good people about him, and had lost his
home-sickness.

The experimental trip in the new steam yacht that Hardy had had built
(and which he had christened the _Rosendal_) was a great delight to
the young Dane, who was naturally fond of the sea. The yacht made a
few short trips in the English Channel, and was then laid up for the
winter. Karl made himself useful on board the yacht, and his greatest
pleasure was to do anything for John Hardy or his mother. The lad's
thankfulness for the kindness he received was thorough, and Mrs. Hardy
liked the lad.

"Is your sister Helga like you, Mr. Karl Lindal?" asked Mrs. Hardy,
one day, when her son was not present.

"She is more clever in everythin