352 'GOD'S PEACE'
I ought either to have sold it to a younger man when I got old and tired, or I should have shot it like a master does his hound when he is no longer able to take it into field and forest, and does not wish to see it another man's property.'
Greta who had entered and heard the last words, made a sign to me and I answered : ' Yes, miller, I agree with you, it seems a pity for the mill. You would do well to have it pulled down. Then it would be dead and gone, and at peace, and you would have more peace too.'
'Yes, I suppose it will come to that,' said the miller. ' But though it may be right, it is not an easy thing to do. One never knows if there might not be more work for it to do, if not in my time, then when another man takes my place.'
' Yes, father dear,' interrupted Greta, ' but the new man has come and he has no use for the mill either.'
'No, that is true enough,' said the old man smilingly. ' The new man has also left his mill.'
But later Greta and I talked it over and came to the conclusion, that come what may, we must get the old man's permission for the destruction of the mill.
LAST DAYS OF FEBRUARY.
XXXI ^ ^ 7^ ^ ^^^^ decided to get married in May. Why
VV should we wait.' In the miller's house
there is room enough and food enough. The little
more we need I can get by writing. For the present
