e, and across the bay to
the splendid cathedral.

"That resembles a scene in a theatre!" cried Mrs. Berger, and
immediately the company were deep in dramatic affairs.

"Such a decoration they should have in the royal theatre!" said Hans
Peter.

"Yes, they should have many such!" said Grethe. "They should have some
other pieces than those they have. I know not how it is with our poets;
they have no inventive power. Relate the droll idea which thou hadst
the other day for a new piece!" said she to her lover, and stroked his
cheeks.

"O," said he, and affected a kind of indifference, "that was only an
idea such as one has very often. But it might become a very nice piece.
When the curtain is drawn up, one should see close upon the lamps the
gable-ends of two houses. The steep roofs must go down to the stage, so
that it is only half a yard wide, and this is to represent a watercourse
between the two houses. In each garret a poor but interesting family
should dwell, and these should step forth into the watercourse, and
there the whole piece should be played."

"But what should then happen?" asked Otto.

"Yes," said the lover, "I have not thought about that; but see, there is
the idea! I am no poet, and have too much to do at the counting-house,
otherwise one might write a little piece."

"Heavens! Heiberg ought to have the idea!" said Grethe.

"No, then it would be a vaudeville," said the lover, "and I cannot bear
them."

"O, it might be made charming!" cried Grethe. "I see the whole piece!
how they clamber about the roofs! The idea is original, thou sweet
friend!"

By evening the family were again in Roeskelde.

The merchant sought for Eva. Otto inquired after her, so did Hans Peter
also, and all three received the same answer.

"She is no longer here."

CHAPTER XXVI

"I wish I was air, that I could beat my wings, could chase
the clouds, and try to fly over the mountain summits: that
would be life."--F. RUeCKERT.

The first evening after Otto's return to Copenhagen he spent with
Sophie, and the conversation turned upon his little journey. "The pretty
Eva has vanished!" said he.

"You had rejoiced in the prospect of this meeting, had you not?" asked
Sophie.

"No, not in the least!" answered Otto.

"And you wish to make me believe that? She is really pretty, and has
something so unspeakably refined, that a young gentleman might well
be attracted by her. With my brother it is not al