"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 to sleep last night, so went fishing, to catch some fish for breakfast, and here they are." "Why, John, were you afraid to go to sleep?" asked Helga, anxiously. "Because I knew I should dream of you, Helga," replied Hardy, "and have not been in bed all night because of that, and because I went fishing. Moreover, I suspect you of being a 'Mare,' your eyebrows grow together, and I dread the nightmare." "My eyebrows do not grow together," replied Helga, firmly. "Let me see," said John; and he took her face between his hands, and added, "I am not certain, I must look closer;" and kissed her between the eyes. "It is time for me to interfere," said John's mother; and she rang a small handbell in the deckhouse. "Oh, don't, mother!" said John, with a piteous look. "Oh, Mrs. Hardy! what are you going to do with Him?" asked Helga, with concern.