Page:The grandmother; a story of country life in Bohemia.pdf/283



HE next day when, as usual, Grandmother went to meet the children, her first words were, "Guess who is at our house?"

The children were surprised, and for the moment could not think of any one until Barunka exclaimed: "Oh, I know; Mr. Beyer!"

"Right," replied Grandmother, "and his son is with him."

"Oh, I am so glad!" exclaimed John, "let us run to see him;" and both he and Willie rushed to the house as fast as their legs could carry them.

Grandmother called after them not to go like wild beasts, but like human beings; but they were already beyond hearing. All out of breath, they bounded into the room; their mother was about to reprove them, when Mr. Beyer stretched out his long arms toward them, and raising one after the other, embraced and kissed them. "How have you been all the year?" he asked in a deep voice that re-echoed through the small space. The boys did not reply immediately; their eyes fell upon a boy, about Barunka's age, who was standing beside Mr. Beyer. He was a handsome lad, the image of his father, though he had not as yet the latter's muscular strength; his face was ruddy, and childish happiness beamed from his eyes. "Aha! you are looking at my boy; well, take a good look and shake hands, so as to become good comrades. This is my Orel."