Page:The grandmother; a story of country life in Bohemia.pdf/188



IVE pilgrims are seen wending their way up Zernov hill: they are Grandmother, the miller's wife, Christina, Manchinka, and Barunka. The first two have white kerchiefs tied over their heads and pulled over their faces to a point; the girls have straw hats. Barunka and Manchinka have tucked up their petticoats like the older women, and over their shoulders are hung bundles in which they are carrying provisions for the journey.

"It seems to me I hear singing," said Christina as they reached the top of the hill.

"I, too," cried the girls; "let us hurry up so they won't leave us," and they wanted to start on a run.

"O you simpletons, when the leader knows we are coming, do you suppose he'd leave us?" said Grandmother; and the girls, now satisfied, followed the rest with a slow gait.

On top of the hill the shepherd was watching his flock, and greeted them from afar.

"What do you think, Yoza? shall we get caught in the rain?" asked the miller's wife.

"Have no care, the present state of the weather will continue till day after to-morrow," replied the shepherd. Remember me with a Pater-noster! A pleasant journey to you."

"God grant it, we will not forget."

"Grandma, how does Yoza know when it will