Miel had a comical expression aimed at him, resembling 'shame on Cassta', but he couldn't hold it very long because Cassta crossed his eyes at him.
"You credit yourself too highly, Cassta! One would begin to think that you are the Almighty, himself!" A few people, standing nearby, were amused by what they heard. A couple of others, however, were offended to hear the Almighty's name used in vain. These high-nosed people hated their comrades' drunkenness, but when they tried to sit, in chairs that weren't there, they realized that, on such a gay evening as this, no one could restrain themselves from drinking, at least a little bit.
"He hasn't shown up yet, Miel. So, you suppose that he'll come tonight?" Cassta asked about the ArchBishop.
"Maybe he will after Brook's toast." replied Miel. "But if he doesn't, you will owe me three gold bits!"
Cassta laughed a little and touched the side of his nose with the back of his hand.
"He will be here, Miel. I heard rumours that he will make a speech suggesting Brook and wife's propagation!"
"Ah — Brook will never stand for that!" said Miel. "They are better off without children, anyway! Children are nothing more than a novelty!" he laughed and Cassta joined in.
"Novelty?!" Cassta exclaimed. "Is that why you have twelve 'novelties' of your own?"
Their laughs were the loudest in the area. They rocked back and forth almost falling over themselves.
Miel spoke in reply to Cassta's marking question.