One day the young Squire, who lived at the great house on the hill,
came past the mill and saw Nathalie sitting in the doorway, her pretty
form framed in the flowers that climbed around and over the door.
And the Squire loved her after that first glance, for he saw that she
was as good and innocent as she was beautiful. The miller, hearing the
sound of voices, came out and saw them together, and at once he became
very angry, for he knew that trouble was in store for him, and he must
guard his treasure very carefully if he wished to keep her with him.
The young Squire begged very hard to be allowed to pay court to the
Maid of the Mill, but the miller ordered him away, and he was forced
to go. Then the miller saw there were tears in Nathalie's eyes, and
that made him still more anxious, for he feared the mischief was
already done.
Indeed, in spite of the miller's watchfulness, the Squire and Nathalie
often met and walked together in the shady lanes or upon the green
banks of the river. It was not long before they learned to love one
another very dearly, and one day they went hand in hand to the miller
and asked his consent that they should wed.
"What will become of me?" asked the miller, with a sad heart.
"You shall live in the great house with us," replied the Squire, "and
never again need you labor for bread.
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