"I've never seen the like of that," said a young peasant girl. "The poor boy looks as if he were dying. If he'd only go away instead of standing here tormenting himself!"
Mother Stina suddenly jumped to her feet as if to cry out that this thing must be stopped; then she sat down again. "I mustn't forget that I'm only a poor old woman," she sighed.
All at once there was a dead silence, which made Mother Stina look up. The silence was due to the sudden appearance of Karin, who had just come out from the house. Now it was quite plain what they all thought of Karin and her dealings, for as she went across the yard every one drew back. No one put out a hand to greet her, no one spoke to her; they simply stared disapprovingly.
Karin looked tired and worn, and stooped more than usual. A bright red spot appeared on both cheeks, and she looked as miserable as in the days when she had had her struggles with Elof. She had come out to find Mother Stina and ask her to go inside. "I didn't know till just now that you were here, Mother Storm," she said.
Mother Stina at first declined, but was finally persuaded.
"We want all the old antagonisms to be forgotten now that we are going away," said Karin.
While they were going toward the house Mother Stina ventured: "This must be a trying day for you, Karin."
Karin's only response was a sigh.
"I don't see how you can have the heart to sell all these old things, Karin."
"It is what one loves most that one must first and foremost sacrifice to the Lord," said Karin.