Page:Selected Czech tales - 1925.djvu/40

 That will be a long business, maybe it will take two months. I therefore ask you in the name of all Lukas’s relations, to take over the care of his household at once for love of him, so that he need not take a stranger into his house who would probably go off with what she could lay hands on, and perhaps neglect the child as well.’

During the groomsman’s speech Vendulka had gradually calmed down.

‘Why do you make so many words about it?’ she replied. ‘What sort of woman should I be if I left the care of my lover’s household and his motherless child to a stranger? What would Lukas, what would you all think of me,’ she continued in a reproachful tone, ‘if I made difficulties about helping him in his need? I don’t know what I myself should think of a girl who refused a similar request! I think I should advise her lover not to marry her, as she could not possibly have a spark of real devotion for him, and would be altogether without feeling. Of course I will take over Lukas’s household, and will do so at once, so that your wife can stay at home with her work and her children.’

All the bystanders heartily approved Vendulka’s warm words. It never occurred