Page:The grandmother; a story of country life in Bohemia.pdf/288

282 likely the Princess will come during the harvest festival, to remain a fortnight, and then go to Florence. I have hopes that my husband will remain with us during the winter; they say she will not take the attendants with her. Thus after waiting so long we shall be together again."

For many days Mrs. Proshek had not spoken so much; for many days she had not been so happy as to-day, after she had heard the good news of her husband's home-coming.

"Thank God that the Countess is restored to health. It would be a thousand pities to lose that dear, good child," said Grandmother. "We remembered her in our prayers every day, and but yesterday Celia Kuderna was here and wept for her."

"She might well weep if the Countess should die," remarked Mrs. Proshek.

Mr. Beyer asked what they meant, and Grandmother told him about her visit to the castle, and how the Countess had helped the organ grinder's family.

"I heard," said Mr, Beyer, "that the Countess was the daughter of"

At this moment somebody tapped at the window.

"That is the gamekeeper, I know his knock. Come in," called Mrs. Proshek.

"People have evil tongues," returned Grandmother, replying to Mr. Beyer's remark. "He who goes in the sun is followed by the shadow; how could it be otherwise. What matters it whose daughter she is."

The Riesenburg gamekeeper entered the house and was heartily welcomed by Mr. Beyer.