Ah!—the room lay steeped in sunshine from the open window which looked over the outbuildings to the ridge. Paler light entered from that looking on the orchard and the bay below, the water of which glittered between the trees. Beyond the trees were seen the islands and the open sea, at this moment pale grey. But from the hill, now in fairest leaf and flower, the fragrance of spring poured in. The room itself, in its white purity, lay like a receptacle for it. There everything arranged itself reverently round the bed, which stood in the middle of the floor. It was more than a bed for a princess; it was the princess herself; everything else seemed to do homage to it.
The excursion to Marielyst was in every way a success. But during the course of it a coolness arose between Mary and Jörgen Thiis.
It happened thus. Jörgen came on board with a tall, strongly-built lady, the sight of whose broad forehead, kindly eyes, small nose, and projecting chin brought a slight blush to Mary's cheeks, which she concealed by rising and asking: "Are you not a sister of Captain Frans Röy?"
"She is," answered Jörgen Thiis. "For safety's sake we are taking a doctor with us."
"I am glad to meet you," said Mary. "Of course I have heard your brother speak of you; he has a great admiration for you."
"So we all have," Jörgen Thiis declared as he left them.
Miss Röy herself had not spoken yet. But her scrutinising eyes expressed admiration of Mary. Now she seated herself beside her.
"Are you to be at home long?"
"I can't say. Possibly we shall not travel any more; my father is not strong enough now."