'
The miller once more coloured to the nape. He hastened to bring
forth wine in a pitcher and three bright crystal tumblers. 'Your
Highness must not suppose,' he said, as he filled them, 'that I am
an habitual drinker. The time when I had the misfortune to
encounter you, I was a trifle overtaken, I allow; but a more sober
man than I am in my ordinary, I do not know where you are to look
for; and even this glass that I drink to you (and to the lady) is
quite an unusual recreation.'
The wine was drunk with due rustic courtesies; and then, refusing
further hospitality, Otto and Seraphina once more proceeded to
descend the glen, which now began to open and to be invaded by the
taller trees.
'I owed that man a reparation,' said the Prince; 'for when we met I
was in the wrong and put a sore affront upon him. I judge by
myself, perhaps; but I begin to think that no one is the better for
a humiliation.'
'But some have to be taught so,' she replied.
'Well, well,' he said, with a painful embarrassment. 'Well, well.
But let us think of safety. My miller is all very good, but I do
not pin my faith to him. To follow down this stream will bring us,
but after innumerable windings, to my house. Here, up this glade,
there lies a cross-cut - the world's end for solitude - the very
deer scarce visit it. Are you too tired, or could you pass that
way?'
'Choose the path, Otto.
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