"
"Ho, Uli, that can be managed, and we're not such hard-hearted wretches
as to let a tenant that suits us be ruined on account of a single year.
Just say you're willing, and we'll fix all that."
"Well, mistress," said Uli, "even so; but who would look after the
housekeeping for me? There's a lot to do there."
"Ho, take a wife," said she.
"That's easily said," answered Uli; "but where should I find one that
would be the right person for it and that would have me?"
"Don't you know of anybody?" asked the mistress.
At that Uli's voice stuck in his throat, and hesitating and embarrassed,
he poked around on his plate with his fork. But Freneli said quickly
that it seemed to her it was time to go, for Blackie must have eaten his
oats long ago and Uli had probably had enough by this time; they, could
continue their jokes another day.
Without listening to these words her aunt finally said, "Don't you know
of anybody? For I do."
Again Uli turned saucer eyes upon her; Freneli said she was curious too.
Her aunt, with undisturbed, playful ease, one hand on the table, her
broad back rested comfortably against her chair, said, "Give a guess;
you know her." Uli looked around at the walls; he could not find the
right word; he felt as if he had a whole bagful of mashed potatoes in
his mouth. Freneli tripped up impatiently behind her aunt, remarking
that they ought to start out, as it was getting dark.
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