"There is no need whatever, now that you have called me, John;" and he directed her breakfast and his own to be brought on deck, and that his mother should be informed they were having breakfast on deck, which brought Mrs. Hardy up with them.
"We are making progress, mother," said Hardy, "and, for the first time, I have been called John; but only under desperate threats."
"You will not let him tease me, Mrs. Hardy?" said Helga, with an appealing look and earnest tone.
"Do you wish me to punish him?" said Mrs. Hardy, smiling. "Shall I have him thrown overboard, or put in irons?"
"No, no!" cried Helga, who was doubtful how far the maternal authority might extend amongst the English.
"Then we will both of us forgive him this time?" said Mrs. Hardy.
"Yes, I will, Mrs. Hardy," said Helga, with an earnestness that left no doubt.
"Now then," said John, "as I have been condemned and pardoned, let us have breakfast. I was afraid to go to sleep last night, so went fishing, to catch some fish for breakfast, and here they are."
"Why, John, were you afraid to go to sleep?" asked Helga, anxiously.
"Because I knew I should dream of you, Helga," replied Hardy, "and have not been in bed all night because of that, and because I went fishing. Moreover, I suspect you of being a 'Mare,' your eyebrows grow together, and I dread the nightmare."