He saw well enough that the whole pleasure would be spoilt if one of his friends came with them.

At length he hit upon a poor half-witted lad, who was also hard of hearing into the bargain.

No one could make out what Per wanted with "Silly Hans" in his boat; but there! Per always was an obstinate fellow.

Both he and Madeleine were well contented with his choice; and when, a few days after, she put her head in at the door, and called to her father, "I'm just going for a little sail with Per," she was able to add with a good conscience, "Of course, he has got some one with him, since you really make such a point of it." She could not help laughing to herself as she ran down the slope.
Richard, in the mean time, betook himself to the big telescope.

Right enough: Per was sitting aft, and he saw Madeleine jump down into the boat.