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218 from Kirkeoen if they would have him, and everyone was willing enough, by reason of his father's wealth. But Simon would not bind himself to any, but kept himself free to choose. At last he went so far as to try the governess at the vicarage, but she was a lady, high up in the world, and would not hear of marrying Simon Rust.

All this came to Frederikke's ears, and she fretted more than was good for her over the news.

Twelfth Night was near, and there was to be the usual dance at Joachim's, with Marcelius to play the host as he always did. The fiddler was bidden, and Didrik whose business it was to beat time with his feet was likewise warned to be ready. The lads had chosen their girls to come, and Frederikke had promised Marcelius to be there.

Then one day came a four-oar boat to the island, with a message from Simon's father, bidding Frederikke to a dance over at Kirkeoen the same evening. Frederikke got ready at once, and put on the finest she had for the occasion.

Marcelius came down to the waterside. "Well," he said, "I suppose you'll be getting it settled this time?"

"Yes, it'll surely be settled this time," said Frederikke.

And all the way across she sat in the boat looking as if she had made up her mind for good.

Old Master Rust came down to meet her, and in the evening, when the dance had begun, she was greatly in demand among the lads that were bidden. But Simon, the son of the house, was the same as ever, jesting with each and all, and most wishful to leave things all unsettled still with Frederikke.

At intervals throughout the evening coffee and drinks were served round, and old Master Rust saw to it that there was enough and to spare. He himself sat in the little side room with a few of the older fishermen. Simon took a glass now and again himself just by way of showing he was not too proud, but for the rest, it was beneath his dignity to go dancing with fisher-girls, now that he was a pedagogue, entrusted with the care of youth.

At last, when all the others had gone, Frederikke was left alone with Simon—she was to stay the night. But even now he was no more affectionate towards her than before, and she would have been foolish indeed to take an occasional nudge for the sign of a lasting passion.