Why did Edla still entertain the peddler even after she knew the truth about him?

Edla had a kind and sympathetic heart that was still having mercy for that poor peddler. She requested her father to allow him to spend one day with them. Her principles did not allow her to throw this man out of her house on the Christmas Eve especially when they had already promised him a “Christmas cheer.” Therefore, even after knowing the truth, Edla wanted to entertain the peddler.