"So much the worse for the King."
"And why that?"
"The King has missed seeing Gretchen."
It was then Gretchen laughed.
"I have never heard compliments like Herr's before."
"Why, I have any amount of them. I'll drink half a litre to your health."
She filled one of the old blue earthen steins.
"I haven't seen your roses in the gardens, but I'll drink to those in your cheeks," said I, and I drew back the pewter lid.
"How long does Herr intend to stay?" asked Gretchen.
"To the day is the evil thereof."