Page:The grandmother; a story of country life in Bohemia.pdf/113

Rh shuddered; but what could be done? The unknowing cannot sin! Gradually she learned to come to our door, usually when driven by hunger, but she would do then as she does now: She came, posted herself at the door, and remained standing. My wife, who was then a girl, quickly gave her something to eat. She took it without a word, and flew away to the woods. Whenever I go on my rounds, I give her bread, which she takes; but if I attempt to speak to her, she runs away without accepting anything. She is very fond of flowers;if she does not carry some in her hand, she has them in her belt, but when she sees a child, she gives them away. Who can tell whether she knows what she does. I should like to know what is going on in that deranged head of hers, but who can explain it, she least of all!

When Mary and Anton were married, and while they were at the church at Red Hura, Victorka came to the farm. God knows whether it was a mere accident, or whether she heard of her sister's wedding. She had her apron full of flowers; as soon as she came to the door, she scattered them over the yard. Her mother began to call her, and brought her out some kolaches and whatever other dainties she had, but she turned and ran away. Her father was broken down with grief; he loved her. The third year he died. I happened to be in the village at the time. Both Anton and his wife asked me with tears whether I had seen Victorka. They wanted to bring her to the house and did not know how. The father could not die and they all believed she held his soul. I returned