Page:The grandmother; a story of country life in Bohemia.pdf/315

Rh what she does, she does as ina dream. Perhaps God out of pity took away the remembrance of her sorrow, which must have been heavy, indeed. Should her reason return, she might in despair lose her own soul, as—well, God forgive her if she sinned; she has suffered enough," said Grandmother, turning over another leaf. A new wonder. "In all my life! why this is The Old Bleachery, the yard, the linden,—here am I and the children, and the dogs,—everything! Well, well, in my old age what wonders do I see! What would our folks say!" exclaimed Grandmother, more and more astonished.

"I never forget people that once were dear to me," said the Countess, "but that I may retain a clear image of their faces, I usually paint them. It is the same with places in which I have spent happy days. I love to transfer them to paper, so that I may have a pleasant remembrance of them. This vale here is most charming. If you would not object, Grandma, I should like to paint your picture for your grandchildren."

Grandmother blushed, shook her head, and said: "Such an old woman as I, why that wouldn't do at all!"

"Never mind, Grandma, when you are at home alone, I will come over and paint you; I will do it for your children's sake, I know they will be delighted."

"Since your Grace desires it, I cannot object, but, I beg of you, nobody must know anything about it; they would say I am becoming vain. While I am with them, they need no picture; but when I am gone,—let it be as you say!"

The Countess was satisfied.

"But where did your Grace learn this? In all