Bengta

It was the year that the cow had been drowned in the marl-pit, and Bengta was preparing for her confinement.

Pelle the Conqueror — Complete Martin Andersen Nex�� 1911

Then there were little things that had belonged to Bengta herself, cheap finery that all had its happy memory of fairs and holidays, which he recalled in his muttered reverie.

Pelle the Conqueror — Complete Martin Andersen Nex�� 1911

"You're a nice one to make promises!" said Bengta, standing still, and they all set down their milk-pails and talked it over.

Pelle the Conqueror — Complete Martin Andersen Nex�� 1911

Karna sat at the back of the cart asleep, and Bengta stood leaning against the front seat, weeping.

Pelle the Conqueror — Complete Martin Andersen Nex�� 1911

Pelle was asleep, and was slipping farther and farther down until Bengta took his head onto her lap.

Pelle the Conqueror — Complete Martin Andersen Nex�� 1911

Bengta was not good to quarrel with if she heard anything.

Pelle the Conqueror — Complete Martin Andersen Nex�� 1911

"No, I expect he's overslept himself," cried Bengta from the wash-house.

Pelle the Conqueror — Complete Martin Andersen Nex�� 1911

Bengta and Anders had some difficulty in agreeing; they quarrelled every other minute, but they did not mean much by it.

Pelle the Conqueror — Complete Martin Andersen Nex�� 1911

He was by no means as sure of Bengta as his words made out; but the old man liked to beautify her memory, both in his own and in the boy's mind.

Pelle the Conqueror — Complete Martin Andersen Nex�� 1911

Bengta was a grumbler, but she meant it kindly; Karna sacrificed money and health to me -- God be thanked that she didn't live after they took the farm from me.

Pelle the Conqueror — Complete Martin Andersen Nex�� 1911