Part 1, Chapter IV Summary

In Chapter IV: The Settlers' Holy Days, though Karl has tilled the last of the meadow on his claim that autumn, breaking thirty acres, he dreams of tilling the oak stand to the east of the house, but he knows he must wait until his sons are old enough to do a grown man's full day of work. The church stands one and a half miles from their house, close enough that they can hear the bells even when they do not attend church. Chisago Lake parish receives a new minister, Johannes Stenius, straight from Sweden. The first wedding he preaches is that of Sven, the son of Danjel, Kristina's cousin, so Karl and Kristina attend the wedding. During the reception after the ceremony, Kristina does not feel out of place at Danjel's house, though she is usually uncomfortable...