There were several toasts proposed during the dinner. The event of the day had to be particularly recognized, which was done with much enthusiasm. Then followed other toasts, and Hardy's health was drunk, to which he had to reply. He rose quickly, and said in Danish that his knowledge of the language was yet so imperfect that he could say little more than thanks, but that he would add that he owed a debt of kindness to the Danes with whom he had been brought in contact, and he thanked them and his host for their kindness and consideration to a foreigner. Hardy read in Frøken Helga's face that what he had said was what had her approval, and that he had said enough.
"You appear to look at Frøken Helga Lindal, Herr Hardy," said Frøken Jaeger; "are you engaged to her?"
"No," said Hardy.
"But what do you think of her?"
"That she is an excellent daughter," replied Hardy.
"And that she would make an excellent wife?" said Frøken Jaeger.
"Possibly," said Hardy, with a determination to say nothing more.
The dinner party broke up. The elder people of the male sort adjourned to a very strong tobacco-parliament and cards; the younger went into the assembly-room, which was now converted into a ball-room. Frøken Jaeger said, "Herr Hardy, I have put your name down in my list of dances for the first dance, and you will dance with me."
Hardy went to Frøken Helga Lindal, and besought her to deliver him from Frøken Jaeger; but she declined, and said, "You have to dance with Frøken Jaeger; you have taken her in to dinner, and it is our custom."
"Then," said Hardy, "let me have one dance with you, a waltz?"