of the shore and the soft tints that rest
on the northern lands at close of day. Hardy had wraps brought up from
below, to keep the dew off his mother and the Scandinavian princess,
and chatted with them.

When they determined to go below, Helga, in her Danish manner, shook
hands with Hardy, and said, "Tak for i dag" (thank you for to-day). "I
have never enjoyed life so much."

"Mother," said John, when Helga had gone, "you surprised me when you
said you would rather go up to Christiania; you did so that I might
see my princess for a few days when her mind is animated by what is
strikingly novel to her, so that the bright transparency of her
character should be more apparent. Thank you, my mother!"

"We have one heart, John," replied his mother.

John Hardy went on deck, anything but disposed to sleep. "Pass the
word to get up for drift-lines and two men to go in a boat fishing."

The night, or rather the softer daylight, was favourable for catching,
Pollock and one man rowing. John Hardy worked two lines and the other
man two. They pulled in round the islands and soon caught many fish,
which made a welcome addition to the breakfast-table the next day.

At eight they were under weigh, steaming up the grander scenery of the
Christiania Fjord. Helga had come on deck, and Hardy saw she was
interested in the scenery they were passing.

"We are in the Christiania Fjord," he said.

"How lovely and lake-like!" said Helga, when the breakfast-bell rang.
"Must we go below, John?"

"There is no need whatever, now that you have called me, John;" and he
directed her breakfast and his own to be brought on deck, and that his
mother should be informed they were having breakfast on deck, which
brought Mrs. Hardy up with them.

"We are making progress, mother," said Hardy, "and, for the first
time, I have been called John; but only under desperate threats."

"You will not let him tease me, Mrs. Hardy?" said Helga, with an
appealing look and earnest tone.

"Do you wish me to punish him?" said Mrs. Hardy, smiling. "Shall I
have him thrown overboard, or put in irons?"

"No, no!" cried Helga, who was doubtful how far the maternal authority
might extend amongst the English.

"Then we will both of us forgive him this time?" said Mrs. Hardy.

"Yes, I will, Mrs. Hardy," said Helga, with an earnestness that left
no doubt.

"Now then," said John, "as I have been condemned and pardoned, let us
have breakfast. I was afraid to go