August, 1864

I fear I have made a fool of myself. Last month, I joined the dance school, just so I would be able to dance with Elisabeth and see her more often. Last night, there was a ball that both Elisabeth and I went to, and I insisted that we dance together the entire time. When her father tried to come onto the dance floor to dance with Elisabeth, I, well, I am embarrassed to say that I ordered him off and almost got into a fight with him. You see, it was not yet time for the adults to come on to the dance floor, and I am just so in love with Elisabeth…Well, it does not matter. I have shamed my family and am now being sent to Copenhagen to serve out the remainder of my apprenticeship there.

Jacob Riis