Answer:
The peddler thought that way because he did not want to be treated in a good way by the ironmaster and his daughter when in reality, he had just stolen some man's hard-earned money.
Yes, I think that he repents and regrets ever stealing from the old man.
This scene tells us that it is wrong to steal from anyone and that everyone must work hard for their own survival and not depend on others' successes for a better life.
Explanation:
The story "The Rattrap" by Selma Lagerlof tells the story of how a peddler of rattraps and a thief became a changed man after a daughter of an ironmaster showed him kindness during one Christmas season. The peddler then decided to rectify his mistakes and became a much better person despite his poor condition.
The given quote is from when he was taken to the Ironmaster's house for the Christmas festival. He had just stolen thirty kronor from an old crofter which no one had known about at the moment. So, the kindness of the ironmaster and his daughter, Edla Willmansson, left him embarrassed or even undeserving.
The statement <em>"why the devil did I take that fellow's money?"</em> suggests that he must be regretting ever stealing from the old man.
This shows us how it is bad and wrong to steal from someone and deprive someone of their hard-earned savings.
