"A miserly judge, I say, who does not even pay for the letters which go from the office! Now, why did she write last when she had just before sent messages in the letter from your sister-in-law? But there it comes with a vengeance—four and a half yards of silk ribbon! Why didn't she make it ten, twenty yards—as long as from here to Ryfylke? Then she might have broken her father at once; for I see what it leads to."
"Remember they go on visits and to parties at the sheriffs, the minister's, and the solicitor's, very often; we must let her go decently dressed."
"Oh, I never heard before that daughters must cost money. It is a brand-new rule you have hit upon; and what is it coming to?"
"He who will not sow, Jäger, shall not reap."
"Yes, don't you think it looks like a fine harvest—this country Adonis there in the office, who casts sheep's eyes at her—a poor clerk who does not have to pass an examination! But he is so quick at the partition of inheritances, ha, ha."
Ma seemed to be a little overcome, and gazed before her hopelessly.
"Ye-es, Thinka wrote that; he is so quick in the partition of inheritances, he is! Don't you think that was rather a nice introduction by her for him?" He hummed. "It is clear as mud that she is taken with him; otherwise your sister-in-law would not have written about it as she did."
"Thinka has a gentle nature," came the answer somewhat slowly and thoughtfully, "and is certainly so easily hoodwinked, poor thing, warm and susceptible as she is; but still she has now seen enough of the world about her!"