John Hardy was right when he said that his mother's influence on his own thoughts would crystallize them.
The next few days were occupied in settling down at Rosendal. Mrs. Hardy was charmed with the place. Its natural beauty was what such a mind as hers could recognize, and she praised Rosendal to Helga, to the latter's great satisfaction.
Helga was assiduous in learning English, and daily became more useful to Mrs. Hardy, The Pastor often came to dinner, and the days passed pleasantly,
"John," said Mrs. Hardy, one day, when she was alone with her son, "you have asked me to ascertain what Helga Lindal's feelings are to you, if I possibly could. I cannot. All I can say is, marry her, and you will never regret it. Ask her. She is the best and truest woman I ever met."
"Very good, mother," replied John. "I will."
That day Pastor Lindal came to dinner, and his daughter was to return with him in the evening, to remain at home.
John Hardy asked Helga to walk through the grounds, while her father was conversing with Mrs. Hardy, They went to a particular place that John recollected, and he said—
"Frøken, do you remember your asking me at this spot why I bought Rosendal?"
"Yes, perfectly," said Helga, frankly; "and you said you would tell me when your mother came."
"My reason is, and was, because you said there was no place you should like to live at so much as Rosendal."