Society up at the market; they made out they were very busy. You
and I have never had an opportunity for a good talk yet.
Yesterday you had your three pioneers here, as well as the parson.

Hilmar: The schoolmaster.

Lona: I call him the parson. But now tell me what you think of my
work during these fifteen years? Hasn't he grown a fine fellow?
Who would recognise the madcap that ran away from home?

Hilmar: Hm!

Johan: Now, Lona, don't brag too much about me.

Lona: Well, I can tell you I am precious proud of him. Goodness
knows it is about the only thing I have done in my life; but it
does give me a sort of right to exist. When I think, Johan, how
we two began over there with nothing but our four bare fists.

Hilmar: Hands.

Lona: I say fists; and they were dirty fists.

Hilmar: Ugh!

Lona: And empty, too.

Hilmar: Empty? Well, I must say--

Lona: What must you say?