As she came downstairs to join her father and Mrs. Dawes in the afternoon--she had felt it necessary to take a rest--she heard piano-playing. She knew at once that it was Jörgen Thiis who was entertaining the old people. He was a first-rate musician, and he loved their piano. It was to go with them to Norway. She went straight up to him, and thanked him for being so attentive to her father and Aunt Eva; unfortunately they were left much alone. He replied that their appreciation of his music gratified him exceedingly, and that the piano was a great attraction, being a particularly fine instrument. The conversation during and after dinner showed Mary how accustomed these three were to be together; they could do without her. She felt really grateful, and they had a pleasant evening. There was much talk of home, for which the old people were longing. Jörgen was hardly gone before Mrs. Dawes said: "What a pleasant, well-bred man Jörgen is, child!" Anders looked at Mary and smiled. "At what are you smiling, Father?" "Nothing"--his smile growing broader. "You want to know my opinion of him?" "Yes, what do you think of him?" Mrs. Dawes was all ear. "Well...." "You have not made up your mind?" "Yes ... yes." "Speak out, then." "I do really like him." "But there is a something?" Now it was she who smiled. "I don't like the way his eyes seem to draw me in." Her father laughed: "To gloat over you like food. Eh?" "Yes, exactly." "He's a bon-viveur, you see--like his father." "But, like his father, he has so many good qualities," put in Mrs. Dawes. "He has," said Anders Krog seriously. Mary said no more. She bade them good-night, and offered him her forehead to kiss. A few days later Mary went to Alice's house at an early hour. Anders Krog had seen some old Chinese porcelain which he thought of buying; but Alice's advice was indispensable. At this time of day and in the studio Mary could be certain of finding her alone--at least alone with her model. She went straight in without speaking to the porter. Alice opened the door herself. She had on her studio-dress and her hand was dirty, so that she could not take Mary's. "You are busy with a model," whispered Mary. "I shall be presently," answered Alice with a curious smile. "The model is waiting in the next room. But come in." When Mary passed beyond the curtain she saw the reason why the model was waiting in the next room. In the studio sat Frans Röy. Thus early in the day and rapt in thought! He did not even notice them entering. This was the first time Mary had seen him serious; and seriousness became the manly figure and the strong face much better than wanton hilarity. "Do you not see who has come?" asked Alice. He sprang up.... The conversation that day was serious. Frans was in a dejected mood; it was easy for Mary to divine that they had been talking about her.