"Why, in the Lord's name, if it isn't Inger-Johanna herself!" he ejaculated, as he suddenly stood by the side of the horse. "What will the capt—"

At the sight of her he suddenly had a misgiving that perhaps everything might not be so well.

"And such a rattle-trap!" he said, recovering himself, "is that fit for Inger-Johanna?"

"Good morning, Great-Ola, is father at home, and mother? No, I am not so very well, but shall be better now."

She became silent again.

Great-Ola walked on, leading the horse by the reins, when Inger-Johanna drove into the yard.

There stood her father under the painting-ladder, looking up. He suddenly shaded his eyes, and was at once with her by the cariole.

"Inger-Johanna!"

She hugged him tightly out there, and the captain, dreadfully perplexed, drew her into the hall to Ma, who was standing there dumb.