He talked of the reddening apples around, of the browning nuts, of jams and preserves and the distilling of cordials; till by easy stages such as these he reached midwinter, its hearty joys and its snug home life, and then he became simply lyrical.
It feels almost robotic distilling down such a simple introduction, but it's necessary to avoid any awkward shuffling or unsolicited backrubs.
In one of these houses strange things were brewing over the glowing coals on the open hearth; there was a boiling going on in glasses, and a mixing and distilling, while herbs were being cut up and pounded in mortars.
The master of the castle had watched through the night, in feverish excitement, and had been melting and cooling, distilling and mixing.
