"But my father would find it difficult to pay for the expensive English things," retorted Helga.
"No, he will not; that I will care for," said Hardy, using a familiar Danish phrase.
"Then I must mention it to my father," said Helga.
"Certainly," said Hardy; "but tell him that as I have undertaken to make an effort on Karl's behalf to assist him to an independent position, it will be less difficult for me to do so if he is well dressed."
"You despise everything Danish, Herr Hardy, even a boy's clothes," said Helga, as she was leaving the room.
"Stop," said Hardy; "I want to ask you one question. Do you not yourself think, Frøken Helga, that what I propose is best for Karl?"
"Yes," said Helga, almost involuntarily.
"Then why should you suggest to me that I despise everything Danish?" asked Hardy. "No country has interested me more."
Helga looked at him, as if begging him to say no more, and went to her father's study. She told him what Hardy had said. "I think it is so noble of him, little father, to be so considerate; he seems to think beforehand of everything."
"Yes," said Pastor Lindal, "I have learnt to know that if he does anything, he is sure to find out the kindest way to do it. I will go at once and thank him."