Page:The grandmother; a story of country life in Bohemia.pdf/278

272 that he had good reason to lament when he thought he had lost you. If it were somebody else I should object, but George is headstrong. If it had not been for me, he would have given way to despair; but I succeeded in comforting him, because I obtained permission for him to marry. I cannot deceive you, he dare not return to Bohemia; and should you go without him, who knows but that they might try to dissuade you from this step. After you are married, we will go together to Olesnic, and your parents will not refuse you their blessing. We will send a letter by the pilgrims. To-morrow you will be married in the soldier's chapel; I shall take the place of your parents, and assume the whole responsibility. Madeline, dear, look at me; my head is white as snow; think you I could do anything for which I could not answer before God?' Thus he spoke to me, while the tears flowed down his cheeks.

"I consented to all. George could scarcely contain himself for joy. I had no more clothing with me than what I had on. George bought me a new skirt, a jacket, and a garnet necklace for the wedding; the rest was furnished by his uncle. The garnets were the very same ones that I still wear; the linsey-wolsey skirt was of a violet color and the jacket sky-blue. The pilgrims returned home, and uncle gave them a letter,in which he said that I would remain there a few days and then return with him. He wrote nothing more. 'It will be better to tell it than write it,' he said.

"The third day we had our wedding; the priest of the regiment performed the ceremony.

"The only guests were Mrs. Lidushka, Mr.