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Updated: May 31, 2025
"This is God's judgment upon me for my treatment of Halvor," was the thought that came to her. To the husband she said very little in the way of rebuke or warning. She soon perceived that he was like a blasted tree, doomed to wither and decay, and she could not hope for either help or protection from him. But Karin's sisters were not so wise as she was.
He went on: "You have been a good girl, Karin, and I am pleased with you. Elsa needs now some one who has a right to take her more steadily in hand." There was a pause, and the tears sprang to Karin's eyes. Was she to be dismissed, when she felt almost as much at home in her master's house as his daughter herself? "Yes, you have been a good girl, Karin, and you deserve your reward.
"You and I have been strongly opposed to each other of late in matters of religion; but since God does not grant me the solace of having you with us, I thank Him for allowing you to become master of the old farm." Ingmar did not speak. His hand lay limp in Karin's, and when she let it drop, he stood there looking just as unhappy as he had looked all day.
"I'm sure that Karin and Halvor care enough about this old farm to want to sell to some person who would keep up the property, even if they have to take a couple of thousand kroner less," he said. Then he proceeded to tell for Karin's special benefit of various farms that had gone to waste after falling into the hands of corporations. Once or twice Karin glanced up at the pastor.
The boy exasperated Karin's husband even more than the sisters had done. He did it by actions rather than words. One time he poured out all the corn brandy Elof had brought home; another time the brother-in-law caught him in the act of diluting his liquor with water.
Elsa had flown down to tell him of Karin's trouble, and now he greeted the trusted maid almost with respect as she came to him to ask some questions about their approaching departure. He got up stiffly and took Karin by the hand, as he said simply, "I am sorry to hear that you have had trouble. Your mother was old, I daresay," he added, as he dropped her hand.
"It's singular how many there are nowadays who think themselves sent of God." Suddenly Karin's little girl got up and toddled toward the fireplace. The bright blaze had attracted the child, who, shrieking with delight, was making for it as fast as her tiny feet could carry her.
"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."
When, however, they were alone together, she looked up suddenly, and saw that Karin's eyes were full of tears as she was struggling to speak of what had befallen her. "What is it? what is the matter?" asked Elsa affrightedly. "My mother is dead! I have lost my mother!" said Karin simply. Elsa cast her arms around Karin's neck in an unusual fit of demonstrative affection, and wept with her.
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