Page:The grandmother; a story of country life in Bohemia.pdf/161

Rh There was one among them with a handsome face and an honest look and a form tall and straight as a poplar tree. His eyes seemed to be searching for some one in the crowd, and when they accidentally met those of Christina, both he and the girl turned crimson.

Grandmother and the children went home with Hela, and Mrs. Stanicky made them stay to take some refreshments. Grandmother took a glass of wine out to Christina, who would not enter the bar-room, because there were so many men there; but before she could give it to her, the tall youth entered the bar-room, ordered a glass of wine, and stood with it by Christina.

As it was considered proper for a girl to be very bashful on such occasions, she refused to take it, until tired of coaxing he said in an injured tone: "So you won't take this from me?" At this point she took the tiny goblet and drank to his health. Then both took a sip from Grandmother's glass, as she said: "You came just in the nick of time, Jacob, I was thinking which one of those young men I could ask to go with us. I am afraid to ride with those wild horses, when Mr. Proshek or some one else that is trustworthy is not along; for Wenzel is so careless. Can you come?"

"Most willingly," replied Jacob as he turned to the bar to pay for the wine.

The children bade Hela good-bye, took leave of their parents and Mr. and Mrs. Stanicky, and got into the carriage; Christina got in with them, Milo sprang upon the box next to the coachman, and off they drove.

"See what airs Jacob Milo puts on!" said