Page:The grandmother; a story of country life in Bohemia.pdf/68

62 "'Well, and what if he did? That isn't anything to be ashamed of,' she replied.

"While we were thus talking, the gentleman reached our side. He had on a gray coat and a three cornered hat, beneath which was his cue with a bow at the end. He was quite young and handsome as a picture. 'Where are you going and what have you there?' he asked, as he stopped near us. The widow said she was taking her work to sell at Ples.

"'What kind of work?' he further asked.

"'Woolen blankets, sir; they make good coverlets for soldiers; perhaps you might like one,' said she, quickly opening her bundle and spreading out the blankets one by one. She was a good woman, this widow, but when she tried to sell anything she was extremely talkative.

"'Your hushand makes these, does he not?' asked the gentleman.

"'He used to make them, dear sir: but at harvest time it will be two years since he made his last blanket. While he worked, I sometimes helped and so learned the trade, and now I find it very profitable. I always tell Mandie: 'Only learn, Mandie; what you once learn, not even a gendarme can take away from you.'

"'Is she your daughter?' again asked the gentleman.

"'No, she is not mine, but our sponsor's child. Do not think she is too small; she is stout and willing to work. She made this blanket all herself.' He tapped me on the shoulder and gave me a look of approbation. In all my life I never saw such beautiful eyes; they were as blue as the corn flower.