“Do you know,” said Ellen, turning to Brun, “Pelle thinks it’s the bad air and the good air fighting for the child, and that’s the only reason why she’s worse here than in town.”
“So it is,” said Brun gravely; “and a sick child like that gives one something to think about.”
XVIII
The next day they were up late. Ellen did not wake until about ten, and was quite horrified; but when she got up she found the fire on and everything in order, for Lasse Frederik had seen to it all. She could start on breakfast at once.
Sister was quite bright again, and Ellen moved her into the sitting-room and made up a bed on the sofa, where she sat packed in with pillows, and had her breakfast with the others.
“Are you sorry Sister’s getting well, old man?” asked Boy Comfort.
“My name isn’t ‘old man.’ It’s ‘grandfather’ or else ‘Mr. Brun,’” said the librarian, laughing and looking at Ellen, who blushed.
“Are you sorry Sister’s getting well, grandfather?” repeated the boy with a funny, pedantic literalness.
“And why should I be sorry for that, you little stupid?”
“Because you’ve got to give money!”