"Thanks, I will. Oh, but Hans"—she came close to him and whispered—"Dear Hans, do play 'The Little Fisher-Maid' to please me—will you?"
"I'm not sure if I can, Amanda."
"Oh, of course you can. Why, you played it hundreds of times at old Clemmetsen's."
"Well, I'll see.... But I must go in now. Good-bye."
The great hall was filled to overflowing. All the musical element was present as a matter of course, and in addition a number of those who never went to concerts as a rule, as for instance the Mayor and Broker Vindt, who took seats at the back. Up in the gallery were a number of Hans' old schoolfellows, all greatly excited at the event.
Suddenly the buzz of talk was hushed, and all eyes were turned towards a group coming up the centre of the hall.
It was Banker Hermansen, still and solemn, with Mrs. Rantzau, fresh and smiling, at his side. Behind them walked William Holm and Miss Rantzau, evidently somewhat embarrassed by the general scrutiny.
Holm senior, who was also one of the party, lagged behind a little, stopping to exchange a word with the Mayor and his friend.
Mrs. Rantzau found her place in one of the upper rows, and stood looking down for Holm, beckoning with a smile when she caught his eye. She let her gaze wander over the assembly, and something like a murmur of applause went up. Mrs. Rantzau was undeniably a splendid woman, and was at her best that evening.
"Get along up to the front with you, old fossil," said Vindt, with a friendly nudge, and Holm walked up, nodding genially to acquaintances all round.