Page:Maria Felicia.pdf/199

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A STORY OF BOHEMIAN LOVE
195

hope that the condition of our country would sometime change. But it has not changed. The descendant of the Hlohovskys bequeathed no more to his son than the right to sweep yards, which he had inherited from the supposed father.”

“And—you—are the grandson of that son?” the harper faintly whispered. “Do not deny it; as soon as I saw you I could not believe that you had come from the blood of common servants.”

“Does it seem more grand to you to come from the blood of robbers, traitors, murderers?”

The harper fell on his knees with a cry of despair. Andrew, trembling with sympathy, leaned over him; tried to raise him from the floor, but in vain. The harper rolled at his feet, moaning in agony.

“I did not mean to wound you; I wanted to save you. I am sorry for your tears; your grief pains me. What can I do to soothe your heart? I suspected that you loved Miss Felsenburk, but I did not think that your love