Before she reached it, old Marianne met her, panting under the large bundle of horsehair which she was carrying on her head.

Sally was delighted to see her, for she had just remembered that she had not given 'Lizebeth's message.

She rushed so quickly toward the old woman and with such force, that the latter went back some steps and almost lost her balance, and Sally cried out: "Marianne, you have such nice people in your rooms.

Do you talk much with them?
Do you cook for them?
Do you buy the things they need?
Have they no maid?
Do you make their beds ?" "Gently, gently," said Marianne, who had recovered her balance, "else I lose my breath.

But tell me, how did you get into the people's room?
I hope you know how I am to be found." Sally told her that she, for the shorter way, had not gone round the house, where, in the woodshed, a narrow stair went up to Marianne's small room; but that she had wanted to run in the front way, through the kitchen, and out the back door; but that she had stood suddenly before the open door of the room and under the eyes of the lady.
"You must never do that again," Marianne interrupted Sally, raising her finger warningly.