Page:The grandmother; a story of country life in Bohemia.pdf/289

Rh "What kept you so long?" asked Grandmother, casting a timid glance at the rifle he was hanging up.

"I had a precious guest, the steward; he wanted some wood; he sold his deputat, and now wants wood in advance, and would inveigle one into crooked dealings. He can't come any such game on me. My suspicions were at once aroused, for he came like a saint. I told him what's what. I also gave him a thrust for Milo; I am sorry for that boy and for Christina, too. I stopped at the inn this morning for a glass, and she frightened me, she looked so ghastly. That conf," here the gamekeeper struck his lips, recollecting that he sat near Grandmother—"steward has that to answer for."

"What has happened?" asked Mr. Beyer, and Grandmother quickly informed him of Milo's conscription and the causes that led to it.

"That's the way it goes in the world; wherever one turns, nothing but misery and sorrow among the great and small, and he who has none, will make some for himself," said Mr. Beyer.

"The soul is purified by misfortune and sorrow, as gold by fire. Without sorrow there can be no joy. If I knew how I could help that girl,—but it is impossible. She must bear it as well as she can. The worst trial will be to-morrow when Milo goes away."

"He goes, then, to-morrow?" questioned the gamekeeper. "They seem to be in a great hurry. Where does he go?"

"To Koniggratz."