Page:The grandmother; a story of country life in Bohemia.pdf/158

152 entering the house urged the rest to follow. "Before the procession begins we can have a chat over a glass of wine," he said cheerily.

Mrs. Proshek went, but Grandmother remained outside with the children. She said: "You have time enough, since you go with the nobility, but if I wait, the church will be so crowded that I never can get in. I shall stay here with the children." She remained standing by the door.

In a few moments two little boys with red jackets were seen turning the corner, then two more, and John cried out: "They are coming!"

"Adelka, and you, Hela, when you march in the procession, look well before you, so you do not stumble over something and fall, and you, Barunka, keep an eye on them. You, boys, behave well, lest an accident happen with the lights! When you are in the church at the altar, pray earnestly so that God will be pleased with you and bless you!"

While Grandmother was thus admonishing the children the schoolmaster came up with his pupils. "Good morning, sir; I bring you an addition to your party. I hope you will have patience with these little ones."

"They are welcome, Grandma," replied the old schoolmaster smiling; "you see I have them here hit and miss, some large, some small," and while speaking he found places for the children in the procession.

When they reached the church, the childrern took their places near the altar, but Grandmother remained near the door with some neighbors. The last bell rang and the people hurried into the church from all directions. The sexton gave the boys that