Collected works > Edinburgh edition, 1894-98 - Works of Robert Louis Stevenson > Volume 9, 1895 - Romances Volume II

BABES IN THE WOOD
make sure there is not a man in Griinewald would
lay hands upon you.'
' O, many, many,' said the Prince ; ' but from
you, who were bold with me in my greatness, I
should even look for aid in my distress.'
The miller became the colour of beetroot. ' You
may say so indeed,' said he. 'And meanwhile, will
you and your lady step into my house ? '
* We have not time for that,' replied the Prince; 'but
if you would oblige us with a cup of wine without
here, you will give a pleasure and a service, both in one.'
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 mis-
fortune 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.'
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