Page:Selected Czech tales - 1925.djvu/25

 many handshakes, and demanded on their side that he should remain to them true as friend and relative, and he also promised this with lips and hand. Then there was general embracing and drinking to each others’ health. At last Lukas rose and looked towards his brother-in-law who was sitting next to him. He too rose and, wishing his guests the best of health and further amusement, the widower at once left the inn. No one asked where they were in such a hurry to go, but all smiled a friendly smile at and winked knowingly at each other.

And what speering and looking there was from behind all the windows when the two went through the village together! Although no one had the least doubt where they were going, all wanted to see with their own eyes whether they were really off to Paloucky’s to get his consent. When the neighbours saw that they were actually turning in there, they at once got ready to follow them. The custom in our country demands that when a would-be bridegroom and his groomsman are seen to turn in at a certain door, the villagers should follow in close upon their heels. As a rule the people divide; if the parties cannot at once come to terms, or one of them demands