"Ho, can you?" said Axel.
"Why, and couldn't I, then?" says Oline. "And, anyway, you'd not have me lie here and die like a dumb beast in the face of the Lord?"
Here Barbro put in a word, and was unwise enough to say:
"Well, what you've got to complain of, I'd like to know, when I bring you in your meals and all myself? As for coffee, I've said you're better without it, and meaning well."
"Is that Barbro?" says Oline, turning just her eyes and no more to look for her; ay, she is poorly is Oline, and a pitiful sight with her eyes screwed round cornerways. "Ay, maybe 'tis as you say, Barbro, if a tiny drop of coffee'd do me any harm, a spoonful and no more."
"If 'twas me in your stead, I'd be thinking of other things than coffee at this hour," says Barbro.
"Ay, 'tis as I say," answers Oline. "'Twas never your way to wish and desire a fellow-creature's end, but rather they should be converted and live. What … ay, I'm lying here and seeing things…. Is it with child you are now, Barbro?"
"What's that you say?" cries Barbro furiously; and goes on again: "Oh, 'twould serve you right if I took and heaved you out on the muck-heap for your wicked tongue."
And at that the invalid was silent for one thoughtful moment, her mouth trembling as if trying so hard to smile, but dare not.
"I heard a some one calling last night," says she.