But come, my children, our sorrowful task is over, let us now
return to the house. Come with us, Smith, and you shall have the
refreshment you require."
I was, of course, pleased with the invitation, but did not relish being
addressed as "Smith," like some mere laborer or other common person
tramping about the country.
The long disconcerting scrutiny I had been subjected to had naturally
made me very uncomfortable, and caused me to drop a little behind the
others as we walked towards the house. The old man, however, still kept
at my side; but whether from motives of courtesy, or because he wished
to badger me a little more about my uncouth appearance and defective
intellect, I was not sure. I was not anxious to continue the
conversation, which had not proved very satisfactory; moreover, the
beautiful girl I have already mentioned so frequently, was now walking
just before me, hand in hand with the young man who had raised her from
the ground. I was absorbed in admiration of her graceful figure,
and--shall I be forgiven for mentioning such a detail?--her exquisitely
rounded legs under her brief and beautiful garments.
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