Page:The grandmother; a story of country life in Bohemia.pdf/85

Rh ror. They climb up trees and over pitfalls, turn somersets, tear their trowsers,—it's dreadful to relate! I thank the Lord for this one good child; she is a treasure," said the mother.

"What can you expect, my good woman? The boys take after the father, the girls after the mother," replied Grandmother.

The mother laid Nanny in the father's arms that he might hold her awhile,—"Only till I get something to eat; I shall be back presently."

"A good woman that!" remarked the gamekeeper as his wife stepped out of the door, "It would be a sin to offend her,—only if she were not so fussy about those boys; they won't break their necks. What is a boy good for, if he has no metal?"

"Excess is injurious in everything. Let boys have their own way, and they will walk upon their heads," remarked Grandmother; and yet that was exactly what she did with her own boys.

The gamekeeper's wife now entered loaded with provisions. The oaken table was covered with a white cloth, and upon it were placed majolica plates, and knives with deer-horn handles; then there appeared strawberries and cream, fritters and honey, bread and butter, and beer.

The hostess took Grandmother's distaff away, saying as she did so: "Never mind the spinning now, but come and help yourself! Cut your bread and spread it! The butter is fresh,—churned to-day; the beer is not watered. Those fritters are not so good, I baked them to-day haphazard; but when a thing is unexpected, it often tastes good. You don't eat strawberries? the children, however,