Section 137. DO NOT BE ASHAMED OF YOUR ORIGIN. II.
Reading edition
The good man told him that he was (App. § 28) the eldest son of a miller, and that he had two brothers in[1] a mercantile line and a sister. “But,” said the general, “had you[2] not another brother besides the two whom you have mentioned?” The miller told him he had another[3] brother, but[4] he went to the wars very young, and as[5] they had never heard of him, they supposed he was dead. The[6] general, reading (S. 16, N. 4) in the eyes of the officers that they were surprised at his entertaining himself so long with questioning the poor man, turned to them and said: “Gentlemen, you have always been curious to know from what family I sprung[7]; I now tell[8] you that I am not ashamed of my origin; that I am the brother of this honest miller; he has given you the history[9] of my family.” The general, after spending[10] (S. 55, N. 1) the day with his relations, in[11] the festivity of which his officers heartily joined, took measures to better their fortune[12].—Anecdotes.