Page:The grandmother; a story of country life in Bohemia.pdf/347

Rh Everybody marveled.

"The squire himself is not so bad; Lucie made him start the fire, and the steward added fuel. No wonder that he acted as he did. Milo did well to invite him; that was the best punishment he could mete out to him, and especially to Lucie. She will turn yellow with envy."

"Why she is betrothed," said another.

"How can that be?" exclaimed a third, "I have not heard of it."

"It took place only day before yesterday,—with Joseph Nitlovitz."

"He had been waiting upon her a long time."

"Yes indeed, but she would not have him as long as she had any hope of getting Jacob Milo."

"What a beautiful handkerchief the groom has, it must have cost the bride no less than ten guilders!" said some of the women. "What a dashing figure he cuts. His like is not seen every day!"

These and similar remarks were made by the lookers-on while the groom was approaching the house; he was greeted at the door by the innkeeper with a full beaker. The groom went at once to look for the bride, and found her, as was expected, weeping in her chamber. He led her into the room where the parents of both were waiting for them, to give them the blessing. They knelt before them, and the spokesman began his speech, as is the custom on such occasions; he spoke long in behalf of the couple, thanking the parents for all they had done for their children and asking their benediction. Everybody in the room was moved to tears. The blessing having been given, the company prepared to start for church. Christina was led between the