"Have you taken any part in the house-work? You look so dainty, I suppose it has not been much."
Oh, yes, she had helped in various ways, especially of late.
"Well, it is a good thing to become accustomed to a little of everything; if one should get a large house of one's own, there might be many things to be done. But, to be sure, when one finds good help already in the house, it does not matter so very much."
Eli now thought she ought to turn back, for they had gone far beyond the parsonage lands.
"It will be some time yet before the sun sets; it would be kind if you would chat with me a little longer." And Eli went on.
Then Margit began to talk about Arne. "I do not know if you are very well acquainted with him. He can teach you something about everything. Bless me! how much that boy has read!"
Eli confessed that she was aware he had read a great deal.
"Oh, yes; that is really the least that can be said of him. Why, his conduct to his mother all his days is something far beyond that. If the old saying is true, that one who is good to his mother is sure to be good to his wife, the girl Arne chooses will not have very much to grumble about. What is it you are looking for, child?"
"I only lost a little twig I had in my hand."
They were both silent after this, and walked on without looking at each other.