Page:The grandmother; a story of country life in Bohemia.pdf/316

310 my life I never heard of women painters," said Grandmother, turning over another leaf.

"Among our class of people we must learn a great many things that we may know how to pass away our time, and I took a fancy to painting," replied the Countess.

"It is an excellent thing," remarked Grandmother, looking upon a picture that was loosely placed in the album. In the foreground of the picture was a rock overgrown with shrubbery, its base washed by the waves of the sea. A young man stood upon the rock, holding a rosebud in his hand, and gazing out over the sea, upon whose bosom were seen in the distance several ships with outspread sails.

"Did your Grace paint this, too?" asked Grandmother.

"No, the artist from whom I took lessons gave that to me," replied the Countess in a low voice.

"That perhaps is himself?"

The Countess did not at once reply; her face turned crimson; she arose. "It seems to me that the Princess is coming," she said.

Grandmother took the hint; she now understood what ailed the Countess.

The Princess was not coming. The young lady sat down again, and after several attempts Grandmother succeeded in turning the conversation upon Christina and Milo; she confided to the Countess her intention of speaking to the Princess about it. The young lady approved of the plan, and promised to intercede for them.

The Princess returned through the path, while the empty carriage was taken along the road. She