[Uli’s improvement proceeds steadily, and his self-respect with it.  The two maids are greatly impressed by him, and both set their caps for him.  Stini, the elder, is very ugly and cross-grained, but a good worker and very thrifty.  Yrsi, on the other hand, is pretty and sweet-tempered, but lazy and heedless, and wants a husband so as to avoid working.  Jealously the two watch each other’s attempts to catch Uli, who is drawn now to Yrsi’s prettiness, now to Stini’s thrift.  Their jealousy finally becomes so furious that Uli begins to cool off, which only makes them the more eager.  Yrsi plans a master-stroke:  she uncovers the liquid manure-pit, and Stini tumbles into it.  When she is finally hauled out, not without difficulty and amid the gibes of the other servants, she falls like a tigress upon her rival, and the two roll in the dirt and become such a reeking ball of filth that no one ventures to touch them to pull them apart.  But Uli has had enough of them both and is entirely cured, though not of his desire for marriage.]

CHAPTER X

HOW ULI SELLS A COW AND ALMOST GETS A WIFE

[Uli is sent to market with a cow, which he sells at a good profit.  On the way home he encounters the daughter of a neighbor, struggling with four little pigs.  She begs his assistance, and as they go along she gives him a glowing account of her father’s prosperity and the size of her dowry.  She invites him into a tavern on the way, and they take some refreshment together.  Then she goes on about herself—­how strong she is, and how much work she can do, and what a good catch she would make.  Uli cannot get in a word edgewise, but is mightily impressed by her imposing vigor and her father’s wealth, so that he goes home with his head in a whirl.  The master and his wife are pleased with Uli’s success, and the master hands over to Uli the profit he has made on the cow.  Uli asks the master about the neighbor’s Katie, saying that he thinks she would have him.  The master, however, strongly dissuades him, pointing out that Katie might make a good field-hand, but not a good wife.  She can make hay, but not soup; and there is not so much wealth, for the farm is badly managed.  The boys will get the land, and the girls can take the leavings, which will not amount to very much.  Besides, the girls are spoiled and will not know what to do on a small farm, after being used to a big one; and if Uli stays there he will simply be a servant without pay.  Uli sees that the master is right, and decides to think no more of the matter.]

CHAPTER XI

HOW DESIRES TAKE FORM IN A SERVANT, AND HOW A GOOD MASTER REALIZES THEM