Violet Jacob > Stories told by the miller

36 STORIES TOLD BY THE MILLER
fail to notice that whenever he addressed either
of his companions as ‘brother,’ which he did
frequently, the two exchanged covert glances
of annoyance.
“ All is not right here,” she exclaimed under
her breath, “ for, were he the great lord they
say, there are no two men alive who would
more willingly call him a relation!” And she
smiled rather slyly.
“ Why do you smile, wife ?” asked the second
brother.
“ My love,” replied she, “at finding so great
a personage a member of your family.”
No one knew what to say, for the youngest
brother feared she was laughing at them all,
and the two elder were sure of it.
However, time flew, the wine sparkled, the
hot roast dishes smoked, and it was hard
to say which of the four was in the best
humour.
When the feast was done the girl got up,
and, taking a silver candlestick from the table,
said :
“ Husband, I see that our guest is weary
with travelling and his eyes heavy with sleep.
I myself will show him the guest-chamber, and