Page:The grandmother; a story of country life in Bohemia.pdf/326

320 him to the grave. It is hard to win such people, but love begets love. People seem to me like plants; for some we need not go far,—we find them in every meadow, in every hedge; for others we must go into the forest's deep shade, we must search for them under the leaves, must not be discouraged if we climb over hills and rocks, or if brambles and thorns obstruct our way. But our labors, in this case, are rewarded a hundred fold. The old herb woman that comes to us from the mountains always says when she brings us fragrant moss: 'I must search long before I find it, but it pays.' That moss has the odor of violets, and its fragrance reminds one of spring. But pardon me, your Grace, I always wander away from the subject. I was going to say that perhaps the Countess was happy because she had hope; and now, when she has lost that, she realizes her grief. How often is it that we do not value our blessings until we have lost them."

"I thank you, Grandmother, for your suggestion," said the Princess. "I fear I shall not be the gainer by it, but what care I, if she is only happy. She will have you alone to thank, for without you I never should have guessed the truth. I will keep you no longer. The Countess is preparing to paint; so to-morrow come here with the children."

With these words she dismissed Grandmother, who went home happy that with a good word she had contributed to the happiness of another human being.

Approaching the house, she met the gamekeeper; he was excited, his step was quick. "Listen, hear what has happened!" he said to Grandmother in a voice full of sorrow.