Page:The grandmother; a story of country life in Bohemia.pdf/339

Rh begin a letter that way; we must write at the top 'Dear Johanna.'"

"Not so, my little girl; your great-grandfather and your grandfather always wrote in that way, and I never wrote to my children in any other way." Therefore begin:

"Praised be our Lord Jesus Christ! A thousand times I greet and kiss you, dear daughter Johanna, and let you know that I am, thank God, in good health. My cough troubles me somewhat, but that is no wonder, for soon I shall count my age by eight crosses. It is a good age, dear daughter, and one must feel thankful to God when one enjoys with it such good health as I have; I hear well and see well, I could still mend my clothes if Barunka did not do it for me. As for my feet, they are still quite spry. I hope that this letter will find you in good health, and Dorothy, too. From your letter I learned that Uncle is ill, but I hope that he will recover soon. He is often ailing, and they say: 'Often unwell doesn't bring the bell.'

"You also write to me that you want to get married, and you ask my consent. My dear daughter, since you have already chosen according to your heart, what can I say but this: May God grant you happiness and bless you both; may you live to the honor and glory of God, and be useful to the world. Why should I object, when George is a worthy man and you love him; it is not I but you that will live with him. I had hoped, indeed, that you would choose a Bohemian,—those of the same nationality are best adapted to each other,—but it was not your fate; I do not blame