Marianne alone stood opposed to all and told them to their faces that it was an injustice and wickedness to talk as they did; none of them had known the woman, else they would know that there was nothing bad about her, but that she had been an angel of goodness, gentleness and kindly deeds.  And although the lady had appeared as aristocratic as a princess, she had been more friendly with humble folk, such as Marianne, than many a Middle Lotter who ran about in torn stockings.  But if Marianne was asked if she had known the woman well, who she was, and why not a single relative enquired after her, although the notice of her death was put into all the papers; then she too could give no explanation, since she did not know anything.

A few wicked people then said:  “No doubt Marianne will have had her profit from it.”  But she had not, and never had looked for it.  The woman had paid the low rent in advance for the month, which had just ended; it had been the month of August.  When now, immediately after the funeral of the poor woman, the officials came and looked to see what the inheritance of the little boy would be, then it was found that there was nothing but the piano and the black silk skirt.  The officials decided to give the latter to Marianne, since she had rendered her the last services and put her in her last bed.

The dress had once been very beautiful, for the material was heavy and costly, but it was much worn, and yet Marianne thought:  “It is too handsome for me.  I will not wear it but it is a dear remembrance,” for she had only seen the dear woman in that one dress.  While they were still talking over what should be done with the piano, the landlord of the Krone in Lower Wood drove up with an empty wagon and took the piano, the beds, the table and the two easy chairs, for everything had been hired from him; but he had been paid in advance up to this time.

So nothing was left for the little boy but the velvet suit that he wore.  Now they began to talk about what was to be done with the boy, and some propositions were made as to how he could be cared for.  At this point Marianne stepped forth and said that she would keep the little boy until she was leaving.  In three weeks she was going to move down to Oakwood to her cousin’s, for her house was as good as sold.  The officials were greatly pleased with this offer; many things could turn up in three weeks, and for the time being the little waif was cared for.  So they parted from one another satisfied with their work.

CHAPTER VI

A Lost Hymn

The next morning, when the mother lay still and pale on her bed, Erick woke up; Marianne, who had watched for his wakening, came to his couch and said: 

“Dear Erick, your mother has gone, last night, to heaven, and now she feels very happy, and looks down on you and watches to see whether you stay good and honest so that sometime you may come to her.”