The ironmaster misunderstood the peddler for an old acquaintance, whereas his daughter could make out that the man was afraid, which was suggestive of him having stolen something. Though the father and the daughter express compassion for the vagabond both do so for different reasons. The ironmaster was sure to help the vagabond get over his tramp manners because he had mistaken him as his old comrade. The daughter, however, wishes to feed him and welcome him in spite of knowing that he was not Captain Von Stahle. The father acts casually and invites him without confirming the stranger’s identity. On realizing his mistake he wants peddler to get out the home Edla, on the other hand, shows a strong sense of observation. She rightly judges him to be a tramp without any education. She persuades her father to let him stay because they had promised him Christmas cheer.