Then ensued an uproar. The door burst open, and in tumbled little Jens with one child in his arms, the other clinging to the seat of his pantaloons. These same articles of clothing had belonged to the Reverend Peter Nielsen, till worn out, when at the request of Maren, they had been given to her and cut down in length for Jens. In length they answered. The waistband was under the arms, indeed, but the legs were not too long. In breadth and capacity they were uncurtailed. "I cannot manage them, mother," said the boy. "It is of no use making me nurse. Besides, I want to see the stranger." "These children," said Maren, looking firmly in the face of the Canon, "call me mother, but they are the offspring of my sister, whose husband was lost last winter at sea. Poor thing, she was left with fourteen, and I--" She put her apron to her eyes and wept. "O, noble charity!" said the fat priest enthusiastically. "You--I see it all--you took charge of the little orphans. You sacrifice your savings for them, your time is given to them. Emotion overcomes me. What is their name?" "Katts." "Cats?" "John Katts, and little Kristine and Sissely Katts." "And the worthy pastor assists in supporting these poor orphans?" "Yes, in spite of his poverty. And now we are on this point, let me ask you if you have not been struck with the meanness of this parsonage house. I can assure you, there is not a decent room in it, upstairs the chambers are open to the rafters, unceiled." "My worthy woman," said the Canon, "I will see to this myself. Rely upon it, if the Dean becomes Bishop, he will see that the manses of his best clergy are put into thorough repair." "I should prefer to see the repairs begun at once," said Maren. "When the Dean becomes Bishop he will have so much to think about, that he might forget our parsonage house." "Madam," said the visitor, as he rose, "they shall be executed at once. When I see the charity shown in this humble dwelling, by pastor and housekeeper alike, I feel that it demands instantaneous acknowledgment." Then in came Peter Nielsen, and said, "I have not sufficient cattle-sheds. Sheep yards are also needed." "They shall be erected." Then the Canon caught up little Kirsten and little Sissel, and kissed their dirty faces. Maren's radiant countenance assured the Canon that the cause of Thomas Lange was won with Maren Grubbe. He took the parish priest by the hand, pressed it, and said in a low tone, "_Qui pacem habet, se primum pacat_. You understand me?" "Perfectly," answered Peter Nielsen, with a smile.