The man had been a servant in the Birkenfeld family for many years, and his knowledge of all departments of work, in house and stable and farm caused him to be consulted on every occasion.

It must be confessed that Trine was rather jealous of Battiste's influence, because though she had not been very long in Mr.Birkenfeld's service herself, she had an aunt who had lived in the family many years; indeed until she grew too old to work.
When this aunt had to give up, Trine had succeeded to her place; and so it was that she felt that she had long established rights in the house, and that Battiste took more upon himself than was quite fair.

When any of the family were about, she was very civil to her fellow servant, but behind their backs she gave many a saucy word, and played tricks upon him now and then.

Just the dog and cat again! The children understood pretty well how things stood between the two, and profited by their petty quarrels and jealousy.

Wili and Lili really would rather have asked Trine than Battiste, for they had more hope of getting what they wanted from her, as she took new ideas more readily than the man, who did not like to be put out of his usual ways.