" Heiberg's wife, on the other hand, admired
him exceedingly, and was undoubtedly very much fascinated by him.
In a circle of younger people, Bjoernson was a better talker than
conversationalist. Sometimes he came out with decidedly rash expressions
of opinion, conclusively dismissing a question, for instance, with
severe verdicts over Danish music, Heyse's excepted, judgments which
were not supported by sufficient knowledge of the subject at issue. But
much of what he said revealed the intellectual ruler, whose self-
confidence might now and again irritate, but at bottom was justified. He
narrated exceptionally well, with picturesque adjectives, long
remembered in correct Copenhagen, spoke of the _yellow_ howl of
wolves, and the like. Take it all in all, his attitude was that of a
conqueror.
He upheld poetry that was actual and palpable, consequently had little
appreciation for poetry, that, like Paludan-Mueller's, was the perfection
of thought and form, and boldly disapproved of my admiration for it.
X.
It was likewise through Frederik Nutzhorn that I, when a young beginner
in the difficult art of life, became acquainted with Madame Magdalene
Thoresen. Our first conversation took place in the open air one Summer
day, at the Klampenborg bathing establishment. Although Magdalene
Thoresen was at that time at least forty-six years old, her warm,
brownish complexion could well stand inspection in the strongest light.
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