stories to the pastor and his wife, for she had never
been able to overcome the thought of the velvet pants. The pastor's
wife shook her head incredulously and forbade 'Lizebeth to carry the
stories further. The pastor said: "There must have been something
crooked, but the woman is now buried, and we will say nothing more about
it."

Marianne alone stood opposed to all and told them to their faces that it
was an injustice and wickedness to talk as they did; none of them had
known the woman, else they would know that there was nothing bad about
her, but that she had been an angel of goodness, gentleness and kindly
deeds. And although the lady had appeared as aristocratic as a princess,
she had been more friendly with humble folk, such as Marianne, than many
a Middle Lotter who ran about in torn stockings. But if Marianne was
asked if she had known the woman well, who she was, and why not a single
relative enquired after her, although the notice of her death was put
into all the papers; then she too could give no explanation, since she
did not know anything.

A few wicked people then said: "No doubt Marianne will have had her
profit from it." But she had not, and never had looked for it. The woman
had paid the low rent in advance for the month, which had just ended; it
had been the month of August. When now, immediately after the funeral of
the poor woman, the officials came and looked to see what the
inheritance of the little boy would be, then it was found that there was
nothing but the piano and the black silk skirt. The officials decided to
give the latter to Marianne, since she had rendered her the last
services and put her in her last bed.

The dress had once been very beautiful, for the material was heavy and
costly, but it was much worn, and yet Marianne thought: "It is too
handsome for me. I will not wear it but it is a dear remembrance," for
she had only seen the dear woman in that one dress. While they were
still talking over what should be done with the piano, the landlord of
the Krone in Lower Wood drove up with an empty wagon and took the piano,
the beds, the table and the two easy chairs, for everything had been
hired from him; but he had been paid in advance up to this time.

So nothing was left for the little boy but the velvet suit that he wore.
Now they began to talk about what was to be done with the boy, and some
propositions were made as to how he could be cared for. At this point
Marianne stepp