A whole life of joyous bustle; while out to the westward could be seen the line of bright yellow sand standing out against the dark-blue sea.
Uncle Richard saw but little of all this as he went along.

Things had not gone well with him during the winter.

While at home, Madeleine was constantly in his thoughts; and when he went to Sandsgaard and saw her, it did not tend to make him more cheerful.
She had told him about Pastor Martens's proposal to her; but there was nothing to worry over in that, thought the _attache_, especially as she had refused the offer.

There must be some other cause for her depression, and to-day he had made up his mind to talk to Christian Frederick, who always gave such good advice.

He had also determined that he would at length take courage, and ask his brother how money matters stood between them.