"And you, Marie, you can tell your music-mistress, Mrs. Rantzau, that you are seriously thinking of going to the opera, and ask her candid opinion of your prospects. If she advises you to do so, well and good, you shall go to Paris; if not, then you stay at home and begin to learn house-keeping like any other young woman. Isn't that fair?"
"Yes, that's fair enough," said William. "I'm not afraid of what the Copenhagen critics will say."
"And I know Mrs. Rantzau will tell me I ought to go on."
As soon as they had gone, Holm stole off quietly to Mrs. Rantzau and told her all that had passed.
The young people started on their packing at once, Marie in particular was busily occupied in completing her wardrobe. A new travelling-dress was ordered, and various purchases made.
"Don't you think it would be better to wait until we have heard the decision of the authorities," suggested Holm.
"Oh, but I shall hear from Mrs. Rantzau to-morrow," said Marie. "And it doesn't really matter, does it, if you don't get the answer till after I've gone?"
"H'm, I think I'd rather have it settled first, if it's all the same to you."
A week passed, however, and every day Marie had to try over again with Mrs. Rantzau; strange how particular she was now!
William had sent off his picture to Copenhagen, and was all anxiety to learn what had been said about it. The dealer had been instructed to send him press cuttings as soon as they appeared.