Part 3, Chapter XXI Summary

In Chapter XXI: The Bridal Crown With Precious Stones, the Swedish population at Lake Chisago doubles within a couple years due to the famine in Sweden which, along with Lincoln's Homestead Act, causes many to emigrate. Karl is happy he sent wheat to his home parish when he hears tales of the misery of famine in Sweden, such as how the rich steal even mothers' milk from the poor, causing many of the poor children to die. After being widowed last winter, Ulrika is considered well-to-do, and since she has not visited the Nilsson homestead in several years, Karl visits her while on an errand in Stillwater. Ulrika complains that, while she has earthly goods, she has lost her husband, and when Karl asks about her four American children, Ulrika expresses pride at the fortunate marriages of her three...