Page:The grandmother; a story of country life in Bohemia.pdf/275

Rh "When we reached the town the leader said; 'we will stop awhile at Mrs. Lidushka's to rest.' Every one who came from Bohemia stayed with Mrs. Lidushka, for she was our countrywoman. In those days Kladran was almost entirely Bohemian, but one prefers to go to some one that he has known before. Mrs. Lidushka welcomed us very cordially, took us into her private parlor, and after telling us to make ourselves at home went out to get us some wine soup.

"My heart was full of the conflicting emotions of joy and of fear; joy that I should meet George, and fear less something had happened to him. Suddenly I heard a familiar voice greet Mrs. Lidushka, and then she said: 'Come in, George, there are some pilgrims here from Bohemia.'

"The door opened, and there stood George, but glancing at him I stood dumbfounded. He had on a soldier's uniform? All grew dark before my eyes! He gave me his hand and then taking me into his arms, said in a broken voice: 'Wretched man that I am! hardly had I learned my trade, shaken off one yoke, when I put on another. I ran away from the rain and got under the eaves. Had I remained in Bohemia, I should at least, have served under my own Emperor, while now I must serve a foreign ruler.'

"'For heaven's sake, George, what have you done?' I asked.

"Done? my dear girl, I have acted like a fool! refused to listen to my uncle; when I came here, I was lonesome, restless, could find no peace anywhere. One Sunday I went with several comrades into a saloon, against the earnest advice of my