Page:The grandmother; a story of country life in Bohemia.pdf/88

82 walking in the grove with that strange nobleman, who is visiting her. They had met Victorka, who frightened the Princess; they asked me about her.

"What did you tell them?" asked Grandmother.

"What should I say? I told them she was crazy, but that she harmed no one."

"What did they say then?"

"They sat down in the grass, the nobleman at the lady's feet, and ordered me to sit down and relate to them about Victorka and how she became crazy."

"And you gladly consented, did you not?" smiled his wife.

"My dear, who would not be at the service of a beautiful lady! Our Princess, 'tis true, is no longer young, but is still wondrously beautiful. Besides, what could I do? I was obliged to obey."

"O, you rogue! it is two years since I came here, and you expressly promised me that you would tell me the story about Victorka; and I do not know it yet. A beautiful lady I am not, and cannot give my orders, so I suppose I shall never know it. Is not that so?"

"O, Grandma, you are dearer to me than the most beautiful lady in the world, and if you wish to listen, I'll tell you the story, perhaps this very day."

"Your husband knows how to place a satin cushion," smiled Grandmother, "and if you do not object, I'll take him at his word. The aged are like children, and children you know are always ready for a story."

"I am not old, and yet I love to listen, too; only