338 A DAY AT FRAMHEIM 



its appearance, and it did me good to see the delight 

 with which it was received. They seemed to like this 

 best, after all, and every man had music to suit his 

 taste. All agreed to honour the cook for all his pains, 

 and the concert therefore began with " Tarara-boom-de- 

 ay," followed by the " Apache " waltz. His part of the 

 programme was concluded with a humorous recitation. 

 Meanwhile he stood in the doorway with a beatific 

 smile; this did him good. In this way the music went 

 the round, and all had their favourite tunes. Certain 

 numbers were kept to the last; I could see that they 

 were to the taste of all. First came an air from " The 

 Huguenots," sung by Michalowa; this showed the 

 vikings to be musical. It was beautifully sung. " But 

 look here," cried an impatient voice: " aren't we going 

 to have Borghild Bryhn to-night?" "Yes," was the 

 answer; "here she comes." And Solveig's Song fol- 

 lowed. It was a pity Borghild Bryhn was not there ; I 

 believe the most rapturous applause would not have 

 moved her so much as the way her song was received 

 here that evening. As the notes rang clear and pure 

 through the room, one could see the faces grow serious. 

 No doubt the words of the poem affected them all as 

 they sat there in the dark winter night on the vast 

 wilderness of ice, thousands and thousands of miles 

 from all that was dear to them. I think that was so; 

 but it was the lovely melody, given with perfect finish 

 and rich natural powers, that opened their hearts. One 



