Page:The grandmother; a story of country life in Bohemia.pdf/207

Rh "Thats right, my child, that's right; that is the proper thing to do; crying and screaming profit little," said she, laying her hand upon her granddaughter's head.

"But, Grandma, we are so little, how could we help?" asked John, vexed that her opinion of him was so unfavorable.

"Don't you remember what I told you about the young David, how he slew Goliath? You see even the little one can accomplish much when he has faith in God,—don't you forget this. When you grow up, you will go into the world, see good and evil, be enticed and led away into temptation. Then think of your Grandmother and what she used to tell you. You know that I gave up a good living which the king of Prussia offered me, and preferred labor and great hardships rather than see my children estranged. Therefore, you, too, must love your country as you love your mother; work for her as dutiful children, and the prophecy you fear will never be fulfilled. I cannot hope to see you grown up, but I believe you will remember my words," she added, with a voice trembling with emotion.

"I shall never forget them," said Barunka, hiding her face in Grandmother's lap.

The boys stood silent; they did not understand their grandmother's words as Barunka did. Adelka, clinging close to her asked with a voice broken by sobs: "You are not going to die, are you!"

"My dear child, everything in the world is only for a time, and some day God will call me," she replied, pressing the little one to her bosom. They were silent for some time; Grandmother was buried in thought, and the children did not know what