Richard Garman had his usual place on the left of the Consul, who sat at the head of the table, and, leaning over beyond Rachel and Mr. Aalbom, who sat next to him, and raising his glass to the new school inspector, he said—­

“As you are of the same opinion as Mr. Delphin with regard to our scenery, I hope you will also receive the same favourable opinion of our society.  May I have the honour of drinking your health?”

The Consul regarded his brother with some astonishment.  It was seldom that he took much notice of the young people who came to the house, especially if they belonged to the Church.

“Well, you see,” whispered Uncle Richard, “I don’t think this one’s so bad.”

Fanny also noticed the attention that was shown to the new guest, who sat opposite to her, and, glancing at him, thought he might prove not interesting.  True, he was not so refined as Delphin, nor so good looking as Worse, but still her eyes often wandered in his direction.  Neither Worse, who sat on her right hand, nor Delphin, who was on her left, had much attraction for her.  Worse, although perfectly polite, paid her but little attention; and that Delphin was at her feet was only natural—­it was a fate that, without exception, had befallen all her father’s secretaries since her girlhood.

Mr. Johnsen was now drawn into the conversation.  Delphin met him at first with an air of superiority, but after receiving a few cutting answers, he was glad to draw in his horns and become more affable.  Aalbom, on the contrary, did not change his manner so readily.  He was annoyed that Delphin had not fallen into the trap he had laid for him, and was now eager to break a lance with the new guest.  He began his attack on the inspector in a half-respectful, half-jesting tone, and with the greater gusto because he knew the aversion which the two Mr. Garmans had to the clergy generally, and Mrs. Carman was deep in conversation with Pastor Martens, who was sitting beside her at the other end of the table.

“I dare say you expect a rich harvest out here, now that there is so much religious excitement,” said Aalbom, with a grin to the others.

“Harvest?” asked Johnsen, shortly.

“Or draught of fishes; I don’t know under which simile you prefer to regard your calling,” replied Aalbom.

“I regard my calling very much in the same light as you do yours.  We are both here to teach the young, and I prefer to see my duty plain before my eyes without any simile,” answered Johnsen, quietly; but there was something in his voice which rather disconcerted his opponent.

Fanny and Delphin could not restrain a slight laugh; and Mrs. Aalbom muttered, “To think of answering a man in my husband’s position in that way!”

The Consul now endeavoured to give a peaceable direction to the conversation, by consulting Johnsen on several matters relating to the National School.  Mr. Garman had been for some years chairman of the school committee; for Sandsgaard was included within the limits of the town, although it was situated at a considerable distance from it.