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Our host would have spoken first, then it would have been my turn, and possibly the young woman might have uttered a few seemly words afterwards. I kicked myself, thinking that I had neglected to school Euanthē in the expected etiquette as we climbed the hill. But it was too late, and I could not see how to intervene.
Euanthē ploughed on. ‘You are most kind to receive us, but I wish especially to acknowledge the kindness I received from the workers in your fields, as I passed through, being carried by my fellows, and having suffered stings from a swarm of bees in the meadows above. Please accept my humble thanks.’
Our host inclined his head slightly; his frown could be sensed, but was not visible. ‘Your thanks are acknowledged. I should have liked to be able to say that my slaves and paid workers were simply carrying out their duties. They must give help when they can to any friend of this house who needs it. If they fail in this, they know that they will be punished. However, they have been instructed not to lend assistance to the bee-keepers in those meadows above, who have caused some inconvenience in our estates. They have also been instructed not to let any unknown persons pass through our estates without informing and obtaining approval from their superiors. They will, I fear, be punished for having done so.’
A flush had appeared on Euanthē s cheeks. She realized that she had put her foot in it, but she was angered by what she had heard. I cleared my throat, and began ‘Most noble lord, ...’, but Euanthē was in full flow.
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