"Where is Ole?" asked the farmer, as the family finished eating their dinner. "He should not be late to meals and give you trouble, good wife."
"He went up to the river on a fishing trip. I told him I should not scold if he was late this time," said his mother. "I was glad of the thought of having some fresh salmon."
"Very well, then. But come, my men, we must get back to the field now. The noon hour has passed." And the farmer led the way out of the house.
But before he rose from the table little Mari said:
"Thanks for the food, dear father and mother," while she went first to one, then the other, and gave each of them a loving kiss.
Then the workmen rose and went in turn to the farmer and his wife and shook hands, to show they, too, were thankful.
It was very pleasant and cheerful in this farmer's house, you can plainly see; and it was all quite natural for these simple country people to show how kindly they felt for each other.
"There comes Ole, now," said the farmer's wife. "I can hear his call. Run, Mari, and see if he has met with good fortune."