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 your hand that gave it; and, Milada, I cannot forget the arch smile that came with it.”

Milada avowed the smile and the May bliss; and now she went further. Placing her hand in his, she said, “Take it, Sambor, and my heart with it. Long I served the Lady Kunigunde. By her generosity I secured more than a little, that I have managed to secrete through all these troubled times. Take it, Sambor, it is yours; it will purchase for us the vineyard that my father tended. I know you will welcome good old Brzena. She is my father’s sister and has an interest in the place; and I promise you that if a faithful wife can make you happy you shall be happy indeed.”

As the Christmas time drew near, the friends gathered around the hospitable hearth. A cheerfulness there was, and yet a subdued joy in presence of the widow who cordially received her guests. Lady Ludmila was there and Drda, and Jaroslav and Agaphia, and a company of neighbors, all friends and old retainers. The hearth was open to all friends who chose to honor it with their presence. Early in the afternoon of that day four strange faces appeared, and quietly presented themselves to pay their respects. Wearing the Russian costume of the remoter provinces, but speaking, though with some hesitation, the Bohemian language, their presence at first created a slight uneasiness.

As soon as welcome warmth and generous repast had refreshed the travelers,the elder said: “I am already aware that I come as a stranger; but I know