Page:The grandmother; a story of country life in Bohemia.pdf/81

Rh Little Adelka, looking at herself said: "I shan't have to wear this dress, shall I?"

"Well, I declare, what a sight you are! What were you doing?" exclaimed Grandmother signing herself with the cross.

"I couldn't help it. John pushed me down into some strawberries," explained the little girl.

"You two are forever quarreling. What will the Princess think? Most likely she will say you are two little imps. But come, we must get started or we shall not reach the gamekeeper's to-day."

"I want you to understand, boys, that if you cut up as you usually do, I will never take you with me again."

The boys assured Grandmother that they would be very good.

"We shall see," she said, as they approached their destination. A few more steps brought them into a dense wood, through which gleamed the gamekeeper's white buildings. There was a large yard in front of the house, shaded by lindens and chestnuts. Beneath these there were several small tables and benches fastened to the ground. Several peacocks were seen strutting about on the green sward; Grandmother used to say that they had angel's plumage, a thief's step, and the devil's voice. A little way from the peacocks was seen a flock of speckled, blear-eyed guinea hens; white rabbits, pricking up their ears, ready to flee from the smallest danger; a handsome fawn, with a red band around its neck, lying at the door; and several dogs lounging about. Hardly had the children spoken to the dogs, when they gave a joyous bark and bounded out to meet them. The fawn, called by