"Why, a miserable creature like you even dared to open them.

But only wait--only wait; if only my feet were not so painful--" "Listen to me," said the girl, going closer up to the indignant smith.
"You are discreet, as you proved to me only yesterday; and if I were to tell you all I went through and endured last night you would certainly forgive me, that I know." "If you are not altogether mistaken!" shouted the smith.

"Those must be strange things indeed which could induce me to let such neglect of duty and such a misdemeanor pass unpunished." And strange things they were indeed which the old man now had to hear, for when Klea had ended her narrative of all that had occurred during the past night, not her eyes only but those of the old smith too were wet with tears.
"These accursed legs!" he muttered, as his eyes met the enquiring glance of the young girl, and he wiped the salt dew from his cheeks with the sleeve of his coat.

"Aye-a swelled foot like mine is painful, child, and a cripple such as I am is not always strong-minded.

Old women grow like men, and old men grow like women.