Why did the peddler accept the …

Initially the stranger declined the ironmaster’s invitation. He had the stolen thirty kronors on him and thought it was like going into the lion’s den. But then he accepted the ironmaster’s invitation because Edla’s sympathy and compassion allayed his fears and her friendly manner made him to have confidence in her.

When the ironmaster failed to persuade the stranger to accompany home he sent his daughter Edla Williamansson to bring him home.
She went to the stranger and lifted his hat and told that she was Edla.

She said, “I am so sorry captain, that you are having such a hard time.” She looked at him mercifully and assured, that he would be allowed to leave them just as freely as he had come. She requested to stay with them over Christmas Eve. Her friendly manners aroused confidence in the peddler and he accepted his invitation.