But at grandfather’s things went merrily enough. Grandfather was in his element. He at once made friends with all the bride’s relations, and told them all about his own history. Some of these relations were indeed rather distant relations of the Brezinoffs, but that did not signify.
Grandfather showed them everything, conducted them everywhere, and walked so easily that even his foot seemed well again. He paid them so much attention, aye, each and all of them, that the remainder of his sons and daughters were scarcely welcomed. He did not allow himself to converse with his own children, for to-day he had new, more honourable guests.
These were, indeed, convinced that they had found capital quarters for Terinka, but it a little vexed grandfather’s own sons that they could not put in even a single word; and they dispersed long before evening, when grandfather led the new relationship a-field. They did not shake hands with grandfather at parting, they said to-day doubtless he would not miss them—and grandfather did not miss them that day.
The festivities lasted until the third day, for grandfather was most anxious that the whole neighbourhood should talk about it. He thought that he must needs do something, for latterly such wonderful rumours were afloat concerning the sayings and doings of all of us at the farm, that now verily seemed a fitting opportunity to demolish all such rumours at a single blow.
When on the third day all drove off, grandfather began to settle the bride in the farm-house. Uncle John, indeed, scarcely paid any attention to any one, consequently his part must be played for him by grandfather.
