Page:Our Grandfather by Vítězslav Hálek (1887).pdf/59

 poured out laments to heaven for his affliction, and burden of misery, seeking the comfort which he found not among men.

They did not venture to disturb him. They returned home and mentioned to grandfather where and how they found him, adding that he would return by himself.

And uncle soon returned. Not with tears in his eyes, but with a smile on his face, and cold in mien.

To those who saw him in his previous state but a moment before, that smile must have been capable of a strange interpretation.

Uncle John dressed himself and they drove off. On the way Novak repeated very much about his previous performances, about bridals and marriages, until Uncle John bade draw up at an inn that he might have a glass to encourage himself.

And he drank enough to encourage him. They then drove on. Uncle was still in a courageous mood when they alighted, and Terinka, his intended bride, presented herself on the threshold, while in the meantime her father greeted his honoured guest.

It is true that Uncle John was merry enough. It was no secret even to the Brezinoffs where this merriment came from, but they did not look too nicely at that. Only let a young man have courage what matter whether it comes from the heart or the pewter.

And old Brezinoff took further care that it should come so long from the pewter, that it reached the heart at last.

Uncle John jested, pinched Terinka’s cheek, and Novak winked slily at Brezinoff, who merely smiled in reply.

Uncle John asked Terinka, whether she wished to have