It is profane, and if you speak longer of religion in this strain I shall leave the room." At this moment the mother entered.

"The festival has commenced," said she; "I have been forced to give my brightest silver skilling.

Does Mr.
Thostrup know the old custom which is observed here in the country, when beer is brewed for the mowing-feast ?" A piercing cry, as from a horde of savages, at this moment reached the ears of the party.
The friends descended.
In the middle of the brew-house stood a tub, around which danced all the female servants of the estate, from the dairymaids down to the girl who tended the swine; their iron-bound wooden shoes dashed against the uneven flag-stones.

The greater number of the dancers were without their jackets, but with their long chemise-sleeves and narrow bodices.

Some screamed, others laughed, the whole was blended together in a howl, whilst they danced hand in hand around the tub in which the beer should be brewed.