"You are generally frank and open, but to-day I find you just a little,--well!--what shall I say--secretive! Yes, we will call it secretive! Oh, fie!" and Mr.
Dyceworthy laughed a gentle little laugh; "you must not pretend ignorance of what I mean! All the neighborhood is talking of you and the gentleman you are so often seen with.

Notably concerning Sir Philip Errington,--the vile tongue of rumor is busy,--for, according to his first plans when his yacht arrived here, he was bound for the North Cape,--and should have gone there days ago.

Truly, I think,--and there are others who think also in the same spirit of interest for you,--that the sooner this young man leaves our peaceful Fjord the better,--and the less he has to do with the maidens of the district, the safer we shall be from the risk of scandal." And he heaved a pious sigh.
Thelma turned her eyes upon him in wonderment.
"I do not understand you," she said coldly.

"Why do you speak of _others_?
No others are interested in what I do?
Why should they be?
Why should _you_ be?
There is no need!" Mr.Dyceworthy grew slightly excited.

He felt like a runner nearing the winning-post.
"Oh, you wrong yourself, my dear Froeken," he murmured softly, with a sickly attempt at tenderness in his tone.