There were several toasts proposed during the dinner. The event of the day had to be particularly recognized, which was done with much enthusiasm. Then followed other toasts, and Hardy's health was drunk, to which he had to reply. He rose quickly, and said in Danish that his knowledge of the language was yet so imperfect that he could say little more than thanks, but that he would add that he owed a debt of kindness to the Danes with whom he had been brought in contact, and he thanked them and his host for their kindness and consideration to a foreigner. Hardy read in Froken Helga's face that what he had said was what had her approval, and that he had said enough. "You appear to look at Froken Helga Lindal, Herr Hardy," said Froken Jaeger; "are you engaged to her?" "No," said Hardy. "But what do you think of her?" "That she is an excellent daughter," replied Hardy. "And that she would make an excellent wife?" said Froken Jaeger. "Possibly," said Hardy, with a determination to say nothing more. The dinner party broke up. The elder people of the male sort adjourned to a very strong tobacco-parliament and cards; the younger went into the assembly-room, which was now converted into a ball-room. Froken Jaeger said, "Herr Hardy, I have put your name down in my list of dances for the first dance, and you will dance with me." Hardy went to Froken Helga Lindal, and besought her to deliver him from Froken Jaeger; but she declined, and said, "You have to dance with Froken Jaeger; you have taken her in to dinner, and it is our custom." "Then," said Hardy, "let me have one dance with you, a waltz?" Helga gave him her list, and he wrote his name down for the first waltz possible. "Is it your father's wish to stay here a long time, Froken Helga?" asked Hardy. "No; but it depends on you," replied Helga. "He will not leave until you wish, but I know the sooner he is home the better for him. But Herr Jensen will want to talk to you about his horses." "I will see him at once," said Hardy, "and tell him I will ride over to-morrow to see his horses, and that will, I think, prevent any delay arising from that cause." So Hardy went into the tobacco-parliament, and arranged with Herr Jensen to see him the following day, and the catechising Froken Jaeger had to wait while the dance and the waltz she loved so well had begun; but Hardy's appearance and his good dancing allayed her rising anger. "Do you dance much in England?" said Froken Jaeger. "No," said Hardy; "I do not like it." At length the time came for his dance with Froken Helga Lindal, and as they stood up the personal beauty of both was remarked. Helga's elastic movement on Hardy's arm, the ease with which she danced in perfect time, and her bright manner had its effect on Hardy. He was not quite sure but that he had just told Froken Jaeger a story, in saying that he did not like dancing. "You dance well, Froken Helga!" said Hardy.