[Phantastes by George MacDonald]@TWC D-Link bookPhantastes CHAPTER XIII 8/49
This, naturally, in one of his tastes and temperament, increased the interest he felt in the old mirror; so much, indeed, that he now longed to possess it, in order to study its frame at his leisure.
He pretended, however, to want it only for use; and saying he feared the plate could be of little service, as it was rather old, he brushed away a little of the dust from its face, expecting to see a dull reflection within.
His surprise was great when he found the reflection brilliant, revealing a glass not only uninjured by age, but wondrously clear and perfect (should the whole correspond to this part) even for one newly from the hands of the maker.
He asked carelessly what the owner wanted for the thing.
The old man replied by mentioning a sum of money far beyond the reach of poor Cosmo, who proceeded to replace the mirror where it had stood before. "You think the price too high ?" said the old man. "I do not know that it is too much for you to ask," replied Cosmo; "but it is far too much for me to give." The old man held up his light towards Cosmo's face.
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