No one asked any questions of Elsli.

She meant, as soon as she could find a good opportunity, to ask Aunt Clarissa's leave to continue her visits to the fisherman's family.

She did not doubt that she should be allowed to help them; they were so much in need of help.
When she left the cottage, she had asked the woman if she should not send a doctor to her; but the answer was that the best medicine would be her own return.

The poor mother had been constantly prevented from getting well by trying to work before she was strong enough, and yet there was so much to be done that it was hard for her to keep her bed.
If she could lie still for one week only, she would be well again.
So Elsli had decided that she could not help going again, and she was glad to go.

It was a real pleasure to her to feel that she could be of use, that some one really needed her.
The next afternoon Elsli did not wait a moment on the seat by the river.
As soon as the children had scattered to their different amusements she started down to the lindens, and she did not stop till she reached the little house among the willows.