Page:The grandmother; a story of country life in Bohemia.pdf/89

Rh begin, Father, begin; our time will pass away so much more pleasantly," said his wife.

"Mamma, please give us some more bread, we haven't a bit,” said Bertie at the door.

"That is not possible! where could they have put all that bread?” wondered Grandmother.

"Half they ate, the other half they divided among the dogs, the fawn, and the squirrels; that is always the way. How they try my patience!" sighed the mother as she cut more bread. While she was distributing it and placing Nanny in the care of the nurse girl, the gamekeeper filled his pipe.

"My husband,—may his soul rest in peace,—also had this habit; before he began telling a story, his pipe had to be ready," said Grandmother, and a pleasant memory seemed to shine in her face.

"It's a bad habit, but it seems that the men have agreed upon it," said the gamekeeper's wife as she entered the room.

"Oh, now, do not pretend that you do not like it. Why, you yourself bring me my tobacco from town," replied the husband lighting his pipe.

"What can I do? To keep you good-natured one must satisfy every whim. You may begin," she said as she seated herself with her spinning next to Grandmother.

"I am ready, listen;" and watching the first cloud of smoke ascend to the ceiling, he leaned well against the back of the chair and began the story of Victorka.