In Liljekrona’s house for three weeks now they had been preparing to receive Christmas.  They had been living in discomfort and bustle, had sat up with dip-lights and torches till their eyes grew red, had been frozen in the out-house with the salting of meat and in the brew-house with the brewing of the beer.  But both the mistress and the servants gave themselves up to it all without grumbling.

When all the preparations were done and the holy evening come, a sweet enchantment would sink down over them.  Christmas would loosen all tongues, so that jokes and jests, rhymes and merriment would flow of themselves without effort.  Every one’s feet would wish to twirl in the dance, and from memory’s dark corners words and melodies would rise, although no one could believe that they were there.  And then every one was so good, so good!

Now when Ruster came the whole household at Loefdala thought that Christmas was spoiled.  The mistress and the older children and the old servants were all of the same opinion.  Ruster caused them a suffocating disgust.  They were moreover afraid that when he and Liljekrona began to rake up the old memories, the artist’s blood would flame up in the great violinist and his home would lose him.  Formerly he had not been able to remain long sit home.

No one can describe how they loved their master on the farm, since they had had him with them a couple of years.  And what he had to give!  How much he was to his home, especially at Christmas!  He did not take his place on any sofa or rocking-stool, but on a high, narrow wooden bench in the corner of the fireplace.  When he was settled there he started off on adventures.  He travelled about the earth, climbed up to the stars, and even higher.  He played and talked by turns, and the whole household gathered about him and listened.  Life grew proud and beautiful when the richness of that one soul shone on it.

Therefore they loved him as they loved Christmas time, pleasure, the spring sun.  And when little Ruster came, their Christmas peace was destroyed.  They had worked in vain if he was coming to tempt away their master.  It was unjust that the drunkard should sit at the Christmas table in a happy house and spoil the Christmas pleasure.

On the forenoon of Christmas Eve little Ruster had his music written out, and he said something about going, although of course he meant to stay.

Liljekrona had been influenced by the general feeling, and therefore said quite lukewarmly and indifferently that Ruster had better stay where he was over Christmas.

Little Ruster was inflammable and proud.  He twirled his moustache and shook back the black artist’s hair that stood like a dark cloud over his head.  What did Liljekrona mean?  Should he stay because he had nowhere else to go?  Oh, only think how they stood and waited for him in the big ironworks in the parish of Bro!  The guest-room was in order, the glass of welcome filled.  He was in great haste.  He only did not know to which he ought to go first.