
E-text prepared by Tapio Riikonen
MARIE SOPHIE SCHWARTZ
A bright July morning finds three cousins huddled in a modest house, their chatter buzzing with rumors of a high‑profile visitor. Selma teases the idea of an emperor or the famed Skobelev arriving, while Emma and Eeli trade witty barbs about the pomp such guests would bring to their quiet town. Their banter reveals a lively community where gossip travels faster than the post, and the girls’ curiosity about the wider world is matched only by their love of local drama.
The door suddenly opens to a young man in a white cap, introducing himself as Väinö and announcing the arrival of “the Singers.” He speaks of eight melodious performers who have set out to brighten the little town with song and spectacle. The cousins’ excitement turns to delighted anticipation, hinting at a bustling day of music, dancing, and the charming chaos that follows any traveling troupe. The stage is set for a light‑hearted tale of youthful hope and town‑wide merriment.
Language
fi
Duration
~1 hours (80K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2009-07-06
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1819–1894
A hugely popular Swedish novelist in the 1800s, she wrote stories that mixed strong social concerns with page-turning plots. Her books reached a wide audience at home and were translated into English, helping carry her voice far beyond Sweden.
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