Page:The grandmother; a story of country life in Bohemia.pdf/166

160 "I am like that Susannah," said Christina, I care nothing for his learning, when I do not understand it. When I hear a pretty song or one of your stories, Grandma, I enjoy it more than the most learned discussion. But have you heard that new song that Barla made at Red Hura?"

"My dear girl, those worldly songs do not interest me any more. I pay little attention to them. Those days when I would have gone a long distance for a new song are past; now I sing only my hymns," replied Grandmother.

"What kind of a song is it?" asked Manchinka.

"If you like I'll teach you to sing it; it begins:

"Christinka, you must sing it over for me, when I come to your house to-day," said Milo, turning to the company in the carriage.

"With the greatest pleasure," she replied, and continued: "We were raking hay on our master's fields. Barla came then, too, and while we were resting on the hillside, Anna Ticanek said: 'Barla make us a song!' Barla thought a while, smiled, and began to sing:

Anna, however, was somewhat offended, for she thought the song was about herself; you know she and Tomesh are engaged. But just as soon as Barla noticed it, in the twinkling of an eye he made another verse: