Page:The grandmother; a story of country life in Bohemia.pdf/64

58 there, and Manchinka, her dolls and playthings. When the children were all together, the oven was full, the niche in the corner that served as a step being occupied by the dog. On the top of that oven a wedding was celebrated every Sunday. The chimney sweep was the groom, and Nicholas served as the priest. Then there was eating, drinking, and dancing, until somebody stepped on the dog's tail. The dog yelped and the conversation in the room was interrupted. The mistress of the house cried: "See here, you youngsters, don't you break down that oven for I must bake to-morrow!" But they were already as still as mice. Then they played "Father and Mother." The stork brought a baby to the young bride. Adelka was the nurse, Johnny and Willie, the sponsors, and the baby was named Jack. Now they had the christening festival; all sorts of wonderful dishes were served, and this time the dog, too, was a guest, so that they might make up with him. Jack grew up and his father led him to school. Johnny was the schoolmaster and taught him to spell. But one pupil!—that wouldn't do; they all had to study, and therefore they agreed to play school. As no one brought the prescribed task, the master got angry and ordered each to receive two blows upon the hand. Seeing no help, they submitted; but the dog, who also was a pupil, and didn't know anything at all except to snuff at things, was to receive in addition to the two blows a dunce card upon his neck, which was done at once. But as soon as the card was fastened, the offended brute jumped down from the oven with a great noise and rolled about the floor, trying to rid himself of the sign of shame. The