As we approached it, a little man in a plain livery came out to meet us.

The only other person I saw about the place was a fat elderly woman, whom I afterwards discovered to be the mother of Johann, the duke's keeper.
"Well, is dinner ready, Josef ?" asked the King.
The little servant informed us that it was, and we soon sat down to a plentiful meal.

The fare was plain enough: the King ate heartily, Fritz von Tarlenheim delicately, old Sapt voraciously.

I played a good knife and fork, as my custom is; the King noticed my performance with approval.
"We're all good trenchermen, we Elphbergs," said he.

"But what ?--we're eating dry! Wine, Josef! wine, man! Are we beasts, to eat without drinking?
Are we cattle, Josef ?" At this reproof Josef hastened to load the table with bottles.
"Remember tomorrow!" said Fritz.
"Ay--tomorrow!" said old Sapt.
The King drained a bumper to his "Cousin Rudolf," as he was gracious--or merry--enough to call me; and I drank its fellow to the "Elphberg Red," whereat he laughed loudly.
Now, be the meat what it might, the wine we drank was beyond all price or praise, and we did it justice.