Some four years previously, when a baby was in prospect for Minna, who wore no wedding-ring, Mrs. Galland had been inclined to send the maid to an institution, "where they will take good care of her, my dear. That's what such institutions are for. It is quite scandalous for her and for us—never happened in our family before!"
Marta arched her eyebrows.
"We don't know!" she exclaimed softly.
"How can you think such a thing, let alone saying it —you, a Galland!" her mother gasped in indignation.
"That is, if we go far back," said Marta. "At all events, we have no precedent, so let's establish one by keeping her."
"But for her own sake! She will have to live with her shame!" Mrs. Galland objected. "Let her begin afresh in the city. We shall give her a good recommendation, for she is really an excellent servant. Yes, she will readily find a place among strangers."
"Still, she doesn't want to go, and it would be cruel to send her away."
"Cruel! Why, Marta, do you think I would be cruel? Oh, very well, then we will let her stay!"
"Both are away at church. Mrs. Galland ought to be here any minute, but Miss Galland will be later because of her children's class," said Minna. "Will you wait on the veranda?"