"Yes, I suppose it is," Fruen agreed. "I don't know.... Anyhow, it's just
dinner-time; if you'd like to go in and get something to eat meanwhile.
Such as it is."

"Thank you kindly," answered Falkenberg.

Now, that seemed to my mind a poor and vulgar way to speak; I felt he
shamed us both in answering so, and it distressed me. So I must put in a
word myself.

_"Mille graces, Madame; vous etes trop aimable_," I said gallantly,
and took off my cap.

Fruen turned round and stared at me in astonishment; the look on her face
was comical to see.

We were shown into the kitchen and given an excellent meal. Fruen went
indoors. When we had finished, and were starting off, she came out again;
Falkenberg had got back his courage now, and, taking advantage of her
kindness offered to tune the piano.

"Can you tune pianos too?" she asked, in surprise.

"Yes, indeed; I tuned the one on the farm down below."

"Mine's a grand piano, and a good one. I shouldn't like it...."

"Fruen can be easy about that."

"Have you any sort of...."