"Maria's been in the family since before I was born, and we can't turn her away now because she's old and rheumatic."
"And here's Eric," said Anna, dropping her voice and glancing at the boy who was turning the twister.
"Eric? Poor little chap, he's lost his father, and he only gets a lamb for his wages anyway."
"It's to be a sheep this year, remember, and then there's his food-- But if it's an orphanage you want to keep, or a home for invalids----"
"Helloa! Here's the post! And who's this he has got with him? The Rector! The Rector and two strangers!" cried Magnus, as a canvas-covered wagon, drawn by four ponies, rumbled over the bridge above the waterfall and galloped up to the Inn-farm.
"Welcome, Rector," said Anna.
"Thanks, Anna. These are friends from America, traveling to see the country. We should like to sleep here to-night and go on to Geyser in the morning."
"With pleasure! Maria! Gudrun! Jon Vidalin!" cried Anna, and while the strangers were being taken to the guest-room and the horses to the stable, the Rector went indoors with Anna and Magnus and they sat and talked around the hall table.
"You look hale in spite of everything, Anna."
"And you, too, Rector!"