She had been quite a queen in the small Norwegian village she was born in.

Young men were young men--and they might even--perhaps! This severe young housekeeper didn't know everything.

Maybe she was jealous! So Ilda was rather unconvinced, though apparently submissive, and Diantha kept a careful eye upon her.

She saw to it that Ilda's room had a bolt as well as key in the door, and kept the room next to it empty; frequently using it herself, unknown to anyone.

"I hate to turn the child off," she said to herself, conscientiously revolving the matter.
"She isn't doing a thing more than most girls do--she's only a little fool.