Page 135 [135]
OCR
THE GOLD BREAD " What did I dream, mamma? I dreamed that a nobleman came here for me in a copper coach, and that he put a ring on my finger set with a stone that sparkled like the stars. And when I entered the church the people had eyes for no one but the blessed Virgin and me." " My daughter, my daughter, that was a proud dream!” said the mother, shaking her head. But Marienka went out singing. The same day a wagon entered the yard. A handsome young farmer in good circumstances came to ask Marienka to share a peasant’s bread with him. The mother was pleased with the suitor, but the proud Marienka refused him, saying, " Though you should come in a copper coach, and put a ring on my finger set with a stone that sparkled like the stars, I would not have you for a husband.” And the farmer went away storming at Marienka’s pride. The next night the mother waked, took her beads, and prayed still more earnestly for her daughter, when, behold! Marienka laughed again as she was sleeping. "1 wonder what she is dreaming,” said the mother, who prayed, unable to sleep. " My dear child,” she said the next morning, "what did you dream last night that you laughed aloud?”’ " What did I dream, mamma? I dreamed that a nobleman came here for me in a silver coach, and that he offered me a golden diadem. And when I entered the church the 103
