Page:The grandmother; a story of country life in Bohemia.pdf/144

138 pleasure. Grandmother, too, was so pleased that she could not remain silent; so turning to the young lady, she said: "May God bless you, dear Countess!" Hortense blushed, and turning shook her finger at Barunka, whose face in turn became crimson.

"Won't they be delighted! Now they can clothe themselves."

"We will add something to it, so they can help themselves in other things, too," added the Princess.

"It would be an act of charity, if you could help these people, but not with alms," said Grandmother.

"How then?"

" As long as Kuderna behaves well, he should have steady work; I think that would be all the time, for he is both honest and willing. God reward you for all. But alms, your Grace, help such people only for a time. They buy various things, often what is unnecessary; and when those are eaten and worn out, they are as badly off as ever and dare not come to ask for more. But if Kuderna had some steady employment, he would be helped, and your Grace would be profited, if she gained a good laborer and a faithful servant. Besides, it would be doing an act of charity."

"You are right; but what employment could I give him,--a musician?"

"O your Grace, that is not difficult. He would be delighted to be a watchman either of your fields or forests. Besides, he could carry his organ with him, as he usually does, to cheer himself up. Oh, they are a merry crew!" added Grandmother.

"I shall see what can be done for him," said the Princess.

"O my dear, good Princess!" exclaimed Hor-