When they arrived at the parsonage, the Pastor was smoking in his accustomed chair, and his daughter was singing to him. She stopped as soon as she heard the carriage wheels. And after speaking a few words to the Pastor, Hardy went to his room. Karl and Axel remained, and, like other boys who go about very little, were very full of the day's experiences. The trying the horses was described, and Froken Mathilde Jensen's explanation of why Hardy had bought Rosendal was given in full, with Fru Jensen's statement as to Kapellan Holm; so that when John Hardy came from his room, he saw that something had passed which had disturbed both the Pastor and his daughter. He at once judged correctly what had occurred. The boys were in the habit of saying what was uppermost. It was clear, then, that what Proprietor Jensen had said about Froken Helga was correct. "We have caught a few trout," said Hardy, "and taken a few to the Jensens, who were so good as to make us stay to dinner, with the kind hospitality so conspicuous in Denmark." "They are hospitable people," said the Pastor. "But great gossips," added the daughter, who had scarcely noticed Hardy since his return. She got up and left the room. Hardy determined to risk a question. "Your daughter is, the Jensens say, attached to a Kapellan Holm, Herr Pastor?" said he, inquiringly. "No, decidedly not," said the Pastor. "I am sorry to say she dislikes him; his manner is not pleasant, and she considers him addicted to drink, of which I have never observed any sign. He is a good man, a little boisterous in manner. He is coming here to assist me in the winter, and will live with us. He is now in Copenhagen." Hardy thought Helga Lindal difficult to understand. That she would marry a man that the Pastor had described was not consistent with her character; but, then, women do inconsistent things. Her manner to him was not courteous--it was unfriendly; but now and then she would speak warmly and gratefully for any kindness Hardy showed her father. "Godseier Jensen and his family are going to Rosendal to-morrow," said Hardy, after smoking some time in silence. "Yes," said Karl; "the Froken Jensens want to ride Herr Hardy's horses." Helga had returned, and heard what Karl said. "Froken Mathilde Jensen is a girl with a cheerful character, open and honest, like the Danes naturally are," said Hardy. "I think she is a great deal too forward!" said Helga, sharply. Hardy looked at her; it was clear she meant what she said. To his view there was nothing to condemn in Mathilde Jensen's conduct. She had good animal spirits, was natural in manner, and affectionate to her parents, who rather spoilt her. The next day Hardy rode his English horse to the Jensens' Herregaard, and Garth followed with both the Danish horses.