Marianne had seen her from her little window and was surprised that this time 'Lizebeth was so soon keeping her promise.

For years she had promised, had sent the messages that she would soon come; but she had never come and now she was there after the message had been brought only three days ago.

Marianne went to meet her friend with a pleasant smile and welcomed her near the hedge before the cottage; then she conducted her guest around the cottage and up the narrow, wooden stairs.

'Lizebeth did not like this way and before she had reached the top of the stairs she had to speak out.
"Listen, Marianne," she said, "formerly one dared to come in the front door and through the kitchen, but now your oldest friends have to come by the back way, which, no doubt, is on account of the strange people whom you have taken into your house.

I have heard much of them and now I see for myself that they, from pure pride, do not know what to order next, that you dare not go through your own house." "Dear me, 'Lizebeth, what queer thoughts you do have," said Marianne, quite frightened.