Lieutenant and Fru Lagerlöf, Mamselle Lovisa, the old housekeeper, and all the servants. They quietly and reverently lined themselves along the walls of the servants' room, expecting, of course, that the Dean would make a little speech in Bengt's honour.
At first all went as it should go. The Dean read some passages from the Scriptures, and Bengt listened—very still and solemn. Then the Dean said:
"You, Bengt, have been one of those good and faithful servants of whom our Lord speaks."
"Ay," says Bengt from his bed, "that's what I've been."
"You have never considered your own welfare before that of your employer. You have always been mindful of the duties entrusted to you."
"Ay, 'tis all so true," says Bengt. "Many thanks to you. Dean, for those words."
It looked as if these constant interruptions would prove annoying to the Dean, who was a great man, accustomed to the society of grand folk. His was such an impressive personality that one easily became embarrassed in his presence. He was always supreme and always had the last word.
There had been no time for the Dean to prepare a speech, and the address he delivered at the church was hardly suitable for the servants' hall. He cleared his throat once or twice, and began again.
"Bengt, you have been a good and faithful servant."
