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diff --git a/5551-h/5551-h.htm b/5551-h/5551-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..9eb330c --- /dev/null +++ b/5551-h/5551-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,18473 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + In the Fire of The Forge, Complete, by Georg Ebers + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd7; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +Project Gutenberg's In The Fire Of The Forge, Complete, by Georg Ebers + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: In The Fire Of The Forge, Complete + +Author: Georg Ebers + +Release Date: October 17, 2006 [EBook #5551] +Last Updated: August 26, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN THE FIRE OF THE FORGE, COMPLETE *** + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + <h1> + IN THE FIRE OF THE FORGE + </h1> + <h2> + A ROMANCE OF OLD NUREMBERG + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Georg Ebers + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + Translated from the German by Mary J. Safford + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <b>IN THE FIRE OF THE FORGE—I.</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> <b>IN THE FIRE OF THE FORGE—II.</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER IX. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER X. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0029"> CHAPTER XI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0030"> CHAPTER XII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0031"> CHAPTER XIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0032"> CHAPTER XIV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0033"> CHAPTER XV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0034"> CHAPTER XVI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0035"> CHAPTER XVII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0036"> CHAPTER XVIII. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0037"> CHAPTER XIX. </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h1> + IN THE FIRE OF THE FORGE—PART I. + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + On the eve of St. Medard’s Day in the year 1281, the moon, which had just + risen, was shining brightly upon the imperial free city of Nuremberg; its + rays found their way into the street leading from the strong Marienthurm + to the Frauenthor, but entrance to the Ortlieb mansion was barred by a + house, a watchtower, and—most successfully of all—by a tall + linden tree. Yet there was something to be seen here which even now, when + Nuremberg sheltered the Emperor Rudolph and so many secular and + ecclesiastical princes, counts, and knights, awakened Luna’s curiosity. + True, this something had naught in common with the brilliant spectacles of + which there was no lack during this month of June; on the contrary, it was + very quiet here. An imperial command prohibited the soldiery from moving + about the city at night, and the Frauenthor, through which during the day + plenty of people and cattle passed in and out had been closed long before. + Very few of the worthy burghers—who went to bed betimes and rose so + early that they rarely had leisure to enjoy the moonlight long—passed + here at this hour. The last one, an honest master weaver, had moved with a + very crooked gait. As he saw the moon double—like everything else + around and above him—he had wondered whether the man up there had a + wife. He expected no very pleasant reception from his own at home. The + watchman, who—the moon did not exactly know why—lingered a + short time in front of the Ortlieb mansion, followed the burgher. Then + came a priest who, with the sacristan and several lantern bearers, was + carrying the sacrament to a dying man in St. Clarengasse. + </p> + <p> + There was usually more to be seen at this hour on the other side of the + city—the northwestern quarter—where the fortress rose on its + hill, dominating the Thiergartenthor at its foot; for the Emperor Rudolph + occupied the castle, and his brother-in-law, Burgrave Friedrich von + Zollern, his own residence. This evening, however, there was little + movement even there; the Emperor and his court, the Burgrave and his + train, with all the secular and ecclesiastical princes, counts, and + knights, had gone to the Town Hall with their ladies. High revel was held + there, and inspiring music echoed through the open windows of the spacious + apartment, where the Emperor Rudolph also remained during the ball. Here + the moonbeams might have been reflected from glittering steel or the gold, + silver, and gems adorning helmets, diadems, and gala robes; or they might + surely have found an opportunity to sparkle on the ripples of the Pegnitz + River, which divided the city into halves; but the heavenly wanderer, from + the earliest times, has preferred leafy hidden nooks to scenes of noisy + gaiety, a dim light to a brilliant glare. Luna likes best to gaze where + there is a secret to be discovered, and mortals have always been glad to + choose her as a confidante. Something exactly suited to her taste must + surely be going on just now near the linden which, in all the splendour of + fullest bloom, shaded the street in front of the Ortlieb mansion; for she + had seen two fair girls grow up in the ancient dwelling with the carved + escutcheon above the lofty oak door, and the ample garden—and the + younger, from her earliest childhood, had been on especially intimate + terms with her. + </p> + <p> + Now the topmost boughs of the linden, spite of their dense foliage, + permitted a glimpse of the broad courtyard which separated the patrician + residence from the street. + </p> + <p> + A chain, which with graceful curves united a short row of granite posts, + shut out the pedestrians, the vehicles and horsemen, the swine and other + animals driven through the city gate. In contrast with the street, which + in bad weather resembled an almost impassable swamp, it was always kept + scrupulously clean, and the city beadle might spare himself the trouble of + looking there for the carcasses of sucking pigs, cats, hens, and rats, + which it was his duty to carry away. + </p> + <p> + A young man with an unusually tall and powerful figure was standing in + this yard, gazing up at a window in the second story. The shadow of the + linden concealed his features and his dress, but the moon had already seen + him more than once in this very spot and knew that he was a handsome + fellow, whose bronzed countenance, with its prominent nose and broad brow, + plainly indicated a strong will. She had also seen the scar stretching + from the roots of his long brown locks across the whole forehead to the + left cheek-bone, that lent the face a martial air. Yet he belonged to no + military body, but was the son of a noble family of Nuremberg, which + boasted, it is true, of “knightly blood” and the right of its sons to + enter the lists of the tournament, but was engaged in peaceful pursuits; + for it carried on a trade with Italy and the Netherlands, and every male + scion of the Eysvogel race had the birthright of being elected a member of + the Honourable Council and taking part in the government of Nuremberg. + </p> + <p> + The moon had long known that the young man in the courtyard was an + Eysvogel, nor was this difficult to discover. Every child in Nuremberg was + familiar with the large showy coat of arms lately placed above the lofty + doorway of the Eysvogel mansion; and the nocturnal visitor wore a doublet + on whose left breast was embroidered the same coat of arms, with three + birds in the shield and one on the helmet. + </p> + <p> + He had already waited some time in vain, but now a young girl’s head + appeared at the window, and a gay fresh voice called his Christian name, + “Wolff!” + </p> + <p> + Waving his cap, he stepped nearer to the casement, greeted her warmly, and + told her that he had come at this late hour to say good-night, though only + from the front yard. + </p> + <p> + “Come in,” she entreated. “True, my father and Eva have gone to the dance + at the Town Hall, but my aunt, the abbess, is sitting with my mother.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” replied Wolff, “I only stopped in passing. Besides, I am + stealing even this brief time.” + </p> + <p> + “Business?” asked the young girl. “Do you know, I am beginning to be + jealous of the monster which, like an old spider, constantly binds you + closer and closer in its web. What sort of dealing is this?—to give + the whole day to business, and only a few minutes of moonlight to your + betrothed bride! + </p> + <p> + “I wish it were otherwise,” sighed Wolff. “You do not know how hard these + times are, Els! Nor how many thoughts beset my brain, since my father has + placed me in charge of all his new enterprises.” + </p> + <p> + “Always something new,” replied Els, with a shade of reproach in her tone. + “What an omnivorous appetite this Eysvogel business possesses! Ullmann + Nutzel said lately: ‘Wherever one wants to buy, the bird—[vogel]—has + been ahead and snapped up everything in Venice and Milan. And the young + one is even sharper at a bargain,’ he added.” + </p> + <p> + “Because I want to make a warm nest for you, dearest,” replied Wolff. + </p> + <p> + “As if we were shopkeepers anxious to secure customers!” said the girl, + laughing. “I think the old Eysvogel house must have enough big stoves to + warm its son and his wife. At the Tuckers the business supports seven, + with their wives and children. What more do we want? I believe that we + love each other sincerely, and though I understand life better than Eva, + to whom poverty and happiness are synonymous, I don’t need, like the women + of your family, gold plates for my breakfast porridge or a bed of + Levantine damask for my lapdog. And the dowry my father will give me would + supply the daughters of ten knights.” + </p> + <p> + “I know it, sweetheart,” interrupted Wolff dejectedly; “and how gladly I + would be content with the smallest—” + </p> + <p> + “Then be so!” she exclaimed cheerily. “What you would call ‘the smallest,’ + others term wealth. You want more than competence, and I—the saints + know-would be perfectly content with ‘good.’ Many a man has been + shipwrecked on the cliffs of ‘better’ and ‘best.’” + </p> + <p> + Fired with passionate ardour, he exclaimed, “I am coming in now.” + </p> + <p> + “And the business?” she asked mischievously. “Let it go as it will,” he + answered eagerly, waving his hand. But the next instant he dropped it + again, saying thoughtfully: “No, no; it won’t do, there is too much at + stake.” + </p> + <p> + Els had already turned to send Katterle, the maid, to open the heavy house + door, but ere doing so she put her beautiful head out again, and asked: + </p> + <p> + “Is the matter really so serious? Won’t the monster grant you even a + good-night kiss?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” he answered firmly. “Your menservants have gone, and before the maid + could open——There is the moon rising above the linden already. + It won’t do. But I’ll see you to-morrow and, please God, with a lighter + heart. We may have good news this very day.” + </p> + <p> + “Of the wares from Venice and Milan?” asked Els anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sweetheart. Two waggon trains will meet at Verona. The first + messenger came from Ingolstadt, the second from Munich, and the one from + Landshut has been here since day before yesterday. Another should have + arrived this morning, but the intense heat yesterday, or some cause—at + any rate there is reason for anxiety. You don’t know what is at stake.” + </p> + <p> + “But peace was proclaimed yesterday,” said Els, “and if robber knights and + bandits should venture——But, no! Surely the waggons have a + strong escort.” + </p> + <p> + “The strongest,” answered Wolff. “The first wain could not arrive before + to-morrow morning.” + </p> + <p> + “You see!” cried the girl gaily. “Just wait patiently. When you are once + mine I’ll teach you not to look on the dark side. O Wolff, why is + everything made so much harder for us than for others? Now this evening, + it would have been so pleasant to go to the ball with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet, how often, dearest, I have urged you in vain——” he + began, but she hastily interrupted “Yes, it was certainly no fault of + yours, but one of us must remain with my mother, and Eva——” + </p> + <p> + “Yesterday she complained to me with tears in her eyes that she would be + forced to go to this dance, which she detested.” + </p> + <p> + “That is the very reason she ought to go,” explained Els. “She is eighteen + years old, and has never yet been induced to enter into any of the + pleasures other girls enjoy. When she isn’t in the convent she is always + at home, or with Aunt Kunigunde or one of the nuns in the woods and + fields. If she wants to take the veil later, who can prevent it, but the + abbess herself advises that she should have at least a glimpse of the + world before leaving it. Few need it more, it seems to me, than our Eva.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” Wolff assented. “Such a lovely creature! I know no girl more + beautiful in all Nuremberg.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! you——,” said his betrothed bride, shaking her finger at + her lover, but he answered promptly, + </p> + <p> + “You just told me that you preferred ‘good’ to ‘better,’ and so doubtless + ‘fair’ to ‘fairer,’ and you are beautiful, Els, in person and in soul. As + for Eva, I admire, in pictures of madonnas and angels, those wonderful + saintly eyes with their uplifted gaze and marvellously long lashes, the + slight droop of the little head, and all the other charms; yet I gladly + dispense with them in my heart’s darling and future wife. But you, Els—if + our Lord would permit me to fashion out of divine clay a life companion + after my own heart, do you know how she would look?” + </p> + <p> + “Like me—exactly like Els Ortlieb, of course,” replied the girl + laughing. + </p> + <p> + “A correct guess, with all due modesty,” Wolff answered gaily. “But take + care that she does not surpass your wishes. For you know, if the little + saint should meet at the dance some handsome fellow whom she likes better + than the garb of a nun, and becomes a good Nuremberg wife, the excess of + angelic virtue will vanish; and if I had a brother—in serious + earnest—I would send him to your Eva.” + </p> + <p> + “And,” cried Els, “however quickly her mood changes, it will surely do her + no harm. But as yet she cares nothing about you men. I know her, and the + tears she shed when our father gave her the costly Milan suckenie, in + which she went to the ball, were anything but tears of joy.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Suckenie—A long garment, fitting the upper part of the body + closely and widening very much below the waist, with openings for + the arms.] +</pre> + <p> + “I only wonder,” added Wolff, “that you persuaded her to go; the pious + lamb knows how to use her horns fiercely enough.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes,” Els assented, as if she knew it by experience; then she eagerly + continued, “She is still just like an April day.” + </p> + <p> + “And therefore,” Wolff remarked, “the dance which she began with tears + will end joyously enough. The young knights and nobles will gather round + her like bees about honey. Count von Montfort, my brother-in-law + Siebenburg says, is also at the Town Hall with his daughter.” + </p> + <p> + “And the comet Cordula was followed, as usual, by a long train of + admirers,” said Els. “My father was obliged to give the count lodgings; it + could not be avoided. The Emperor Rudolph had named him to the Council + among those who must be treated with special courtesy. So he was assigned + to us, and the whole suite of apartments in the back of the house, + overlooking the garden, is now filled with Montforts, Montfort household + officials, menservants, squires, pages, and chaplains. Montfort horses and + hounds crowd our good steeds out of their stalls. Besides the twenty + stabled here, eighteen were put in the brewery in the Hundsgasse, and + eight belong to Countess Cordula. Then the constant turmoil all day long + and until late at night! It is fortunate that they do not lodge with us in + the front of the house! It would be very bad for my mother!” + </p> + <p> + “Then you can rejoice over the departure all the more cordially,” observed + Wolff. + </p> + <p> + “It will hardly cause us much sorrow,” Els admitted. “Yet the young + countess brings much merriment into our quiet house. She is certainly a + tireless madcap, and it will vex your proud sister Isabella to know that + your brother-in-law Siebenburg is one of her admirers. Did she not go to + the Town Hall?” + </p> + <p> + “No,” Wolff answered; “the twins have changed her wonderfully. You saw the + dress my mother pressed upon her for the ball—Genoese velvet and + Venetian lace! Its cost would have bought a handsome house. She was + inclined, too, to appear as a young mother at the festival, and I assure + you that she looked fairly regal in the magnificent attire. But this + morning, after she had bathed the little boys, she changed her mind. + Though my mother, and even my grandmother, urged her to go, she insisted + that she belonged to the twins, and that some evil would befall the little + ones if she left them.” + </p> + <p> + “That is noble!” cried Els in delight, “and if I should ever—-. Yet + no, Isabella and I cannot be compared. My husband will never be numbered + among the admirers of another woman, like your detestable brother-in-law. + Besides, he is wasting time with Cordula. Her worldliness repels Eva, it + is true, but I have heard many pleasant things about her. Alas! she is a + motherless girl, and her father is an old reveller and huntsman, who + rejoices whenever she does any audacious act. But he keeps his purse open + to her, and she is kind-hearted and obliging to a degree——” + </p> + <p> + “Equalled by few,” interrupted Wolff, with a sneer. “The men know how to + praise her for it. No paternoster would be imposed upon her in the + confessional on account of cruel harshness.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor for a sinful or a spiteful deed,” replied Els positively. “Don’t say + anything against her to me, Wolff, in spite of your dissolute + brother-in-law. I have enough to do to intercede for her with Eva and Aunt + Kunigunde since she singed and oiled the locks of a Swiss knight belonging + to the Emperor’s court. Our Katterle brought the coals. But many other + girls do that, since courtesy permits it. Her train to the Town Hall + certainly made a very brave show; the fifty freight waggons you are + expecting will scarcely form a longer line.” + </p> + <p> + The young merchant started. The comparison roused his forgotten anxiety + afresh, and after a few brief, tender words of farewell he left the object + of his love. Els gazed thoughtfully after him; the moonlight revealed his + tall, powerful figure for a long time. Her heart throbbed faster, and she + felt more deeply than ever how warmly she loved him. He moved as though + some heavy burden of care bowed his strong shoulders. She would fain have + hastened after him, clung to him, and asked what troubled him, what he was + concealing from her who was ready to share everything with him, but the + Frauenthor, through which he entered the city, already hid him from her + gaze. + </p> + <p> + She turned back into the room with a faint sigh. It could scarcely be + solely anxiety about his expected goods that burdened her lover’s mind. + True, his weak, arrogant mother, and still more his grandmother, the + daughter of a count, who lived with them in the Eysvogel house and still + ruled her daughter as if she were a child, had opposed her engagement to + Wolff, but their resistance had ceased since the betrothal. On the other + hand, she had often heard that Fran Eysvogel, the haughty mother, + dowerless herself, had many poor and extravagant relations besides her + daughter and her debt-laden, pleasure-loving husband, Sir Seitz + Siebenburg, who, it could not be denied, all drew heavily upon the coffers + of the ancient mercantile house. Yet it was one of the richest in + Nuremberg. Yes, something of which she was still ignorant must be + oppressing Wolff, and, with the firm resolve to give him no peace until he + confessed everything to her, she returned to the couch of her invalid + mother. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <p> + Wolff had scarcely vanished from the street, and Els from the window, when + a man’s slender figure appeared, as if it had risen from the earth, beside + the spurge-laurel tree at the left of the house. Directly after some one + rapped lightly on the pavement of the yard, and in a few minutes the heavy + ironbound oak doors opened and a woman’s hand beckoned to the late guest, + who glided swiftly along in the narrow line of shadow cast by the house + and vanished through the entrance. + </p> + <p> + The moon looked after him doubtfully. In former days the narrow-shouldered + fellow had been seen near the Ortlieb house often enough, and his + movements had awakened Luna’s curiosity; for he had been engaged in + amorous adventure even when work was still going on at the recently + completed convent of St. Clare—an institution endowed by the Ebner + brothers, to which Herr Ernst Ortlieb added a considerable sum. At that + time—about three years before—the bold fellow had gone there + to keep tryst evening after evening, and the pretty girl who met him was + Katterle, the waiting maid of the beautiful Els, as Nuremberg folk called + the Ortlieb sisters, Els and Eva. Many vows of ardent, changeless love for + her had risen to the moon, and the outward aspect of the man who made them + afforded a certain degree of assurance that he would fulfil his pledges, + for he then wore the long dark robe of reputable people, and on the front + of his cap, from which a net shaped like a bag hung down his back, was a + large S, and on the left shoulder of his long coat a T, the initials of + the words Steadfast and True. They bore witness that the person who had + them embroidered on his clothing deemed these virtues the highest and + noblest. It might have been believed that the lean fellow, who scarcely + looked his five-and-thirty years, possessed these lofty traits of + character; for, though three full years had passed since his last meeting + with Katterle at the building site, he had gone to his sweetheart with his + wonted steadfastness and truth immediately after the Emperor Rudolph’s + entry. + </p> + <p> + He had given her reason to rely upon him; but the moon’s gaze reaches far, + and had discovered the quality of Walther Biberli’s “steadfastness and + truth.” + </p> + <p> + In one respect it proved the best and noblest; for among thousands of + servitors the moon had not seen one who clung to his lord with more loyal + devotion. Towards pretty young women, on the contrary, he displayed his + principal virtues in a very singular way; for the pallid nocturnal + wanderer above had met him in various lands and cities, and wherever he + tarried long another maid was added to the list of those to whom Biberli + vowed steadfastness and truth. + </p> + <p> + True, whenever Sir Long Coat’s travels led him back to any one to whom he + had sworn eternal love, he went first to her, if she, too, retained the + old affection. But Katterle had cause to care for him most, for he was + more warmly devoted to her than to any of the others, and in his own + fashion his intentions were honest. He seriously intended, as soon as his + master left the imperial court—which he hoped would not happen too + soon—and returned to his ancestral castle in his native Switzerland, + to establish a home of his own for his old age, and no one save Katterle + should light the hearth fire. Her outward circumstances pleased him, as + well as her disposition and person. She was free-born, like himself—the + son of a forest keeper—and, again like him, belonged to a Swiss + family; her heritage (she was an orphan), which consisted of a house and + arable land in her home, Sarnen, where she still sent her savings, + satisfied his requirements. But above all she believed in him and admired + his versatile mind and his experience. Moreover, she gave him absolute + obedience, and loved him so loyally that she had remained unwedded, though + a number of excellent men had sought her in marriage. + </p> + <p> + Katterle had met him for the first time more than three years before when, + after the battle of Marchfield, he remained several weeks in Nuremberg. + They had sat side by side at a tournament, and, recognising each other as + Swiss-born by the sharp sound of the letters “ch” and the pronunciation of + other words, were mutually attracted. + </p> + <p> + Katterle had a kind heart; yet at that time she almost yielded to the + temptation to pray Heaven not to hasten the cure of a brave man’s wounds + too quickly, for she knew that Biberli was a squire in the service of the + young Swiss knight Heinz Schorlin, whose name was on every lip because, in + spite of his youth, he had distinguished himself at the battle of + Marchfield by his rare bravery, and that the young hero would remain in + Nuremberg only until his severe injuries were completely healed. His + departure would bring to her separation from his servant, and sometimes + when homesickness tortured her she thought she would be unable to survive + the parting. Meanwhile Biberli nursed his master with faithful zeal, as if + nothing bound him to Nuremberg, and even after his departure Katterle + remained in good health. + </p> + <p> + Now she had him again. Directly after the Emperor Rudolph’s entrance, five + days before, Biberli had come openly to the Ortlieb house and presented + himself to Martsche,—[Margaret]—the old house keeper, as the + countryman and friend of the waiting maid, who had brought her a message + from home. + </p> + <p> + True, it had been impossible to say anything confidential either in the + crowded kitchen or in the servants’ hall. To-night’s meeting was to afford + the opportunity. + </p> + <p> + The menservants, carrying sedan chairs and torches, had all gone out with + their master, who had taken his younger daughter, Eva, to the dance. They + were to wait in front of the Town Hall, because it was doubtful whether + the daughter of the house, who had been very reluctant to go to the + entertainment, might not urge an early departure. Count von Montfort, + whose quarters were in the Ortlieb mansion, and his whole train of male + attendants, certainly would not come back till very late at night or even + early morning, for the Countess Cordula remained at a ball till the close, + and her father lingered over the wine cup till his daughter called him + from the revellers. + </p> + <p> + All this warranted the lovers in hoping for an undisturbed interview. The + place of meeting was well chosen. It was unsatisfactory only to the moon + for, after Biberli had closed the heavy door of the house behind him, Luna + found no chink or crevice through which a gliding ray might have watched + what the true and steadfast Biberli was saying to Katterle. There was one + little window beside the door, but it was closed, and the opening was + covered with sheepskin. So the moon’s curiosity was not gratified. + </p> + <p> + Instead of her silver rays, the long entry of the Ortlieb house, with its + lofty ceiling, was illumined only by the light of three lanterns, which + struggled dimly through horn panes. The shining dots in a dark corner of + the spacious corridor were the eyes of a black cat, watching there for + rats and mice. + </p> + <p> + The spot really possessed many advantages for the secret meeting of two + lovers, for as it ran through the whole width of the house, it had two + doors, one leading to the street, the other into the yard. In the right + wall of the entry there were also two small doors, reached by a flight of + steps. At this hour both closed empty rooms, for the office and the + chamber where Herr Ernst Ortlieb received his business friends had not + been occupied since sunset, and the bathroom and dressing-room adjoining + were used only during the day. + </p> + <p> + True, some unbidden intruder might have come down the long broad staircase + leading to the upper story. But in that case the lovers had the best + possible hiding-place close at hand, for here large and small boxes, + standing side by side and one above another, formed a protecting wall; + yonder heaps of sacks and long rows of casks afforded room for concealment + behind them. Rolls of goods packed in sacking leaned against the chests, + inviting a fugitive to slip back of them, and surely no one would suspect + the presence of a pair of lovers in the rear of these mountains of hides + and bales wrapped in matting. Still it would scarcely have been advisable + to remain near them; for these packages, which the Ortlieb house brought + from Venice, contained pepper and other spices that exhaled a pungent + odor, endurable only by hardened nerves. + </p> + <p> + Valuable goods of various kinds lay here until they could be placed in + cellars or storehouses or sold. But there was many an empty space, too, in + the broad corridor for, spite of Emperor Rudolph’s strictness, robbery on + the highroads had by no means ceased, and Herr Ernst Ortlieb was still + compelled to use caution in the transportation of costly wares. + </p> + <p> + After Biberli and his sweetheart had assured themselves that the ardour of + their love had by no means cooled, they sat down on some bags filled with + cloves and related to each other the experiences through which they had + passed during the period of separation. + </p> + <p> + Katterle’s life had flowed on in a pleasant monotony. She had no cause to + complain of her employers. + </p> + <p> + Fran Maria Ortlieb, the invalid mistress of the house, rarely needed her + services. + </p> + <p> + During a ride to visit relatives in Ulm, the travellers, who were under + the same escort of men at arms as a number of Nuremberg freight waggons, + had been attacked by the robber knights Absbach and Hirschhorn. An arrow + had struck Frau Ortlieb’s palfrey, causing the unfortunate woman a severe + fall, which produced an internal injury, from which she had not yet + recovered. The assault resulted unfortunately for young Hirschhorn, who + led it; he met with a shameful death on the gallows. + </p> + <p> + The information enraged Biberli. Instead of feeling any sympathy for the + severely injured lady, he insisted that the Nuremberg burghers had dealt + with Hirschhorn in a rascally fashion; for he was a knight, and therefore, + as honest judges familiar with the law, they ought to have put him to + death by the sword instead of with the rope. And Katterle agreed with him; + she never contradicted his opinions, and surely Biberli must know what + treatment befitted a knight, since he was the foster-brother of one. + </p> + <p> + Nor did the maid, who was in the personal service of the daughters of the + house, make any complaint against them. Indeed, she could not praise Els, + the elder, sufficiently. She was very just, the careful nurse of her + invalid mother, and always unvarying in her cheerful kindness. + </p> + <p> + She had no fault to find with Eva either, especially as she was more + religious than any one in the whole house. Spite of her marvellous beauty—Katterle + knew that there was nothing false about it—she would probably end by + joining the nuns in the convent. But her mood changed with every breath, + like the weathercock on the steeple. If she got out of bed the wrong way, + or one did not guess her wishes before they were uttered, she would fly + into a rage at the least trifle. Then she sometimes used very unkind + words; but no one could cherish anger against her long, for she had an + indescribably lovely manner of trying to atone for the offences which her + hasty young blood made her commit. She had gone to the ball that night as + if it were a funeral; she shunned men like poison, and even kept out of + the way of her sister’s friends. + </p> + <p> + Biberli laughed, as if there could be no doubt of his opinion, and + exclaimed: “Just wait a while! My master will meet her at the Town Hall + tonight, and if the scrawny little squirrel I saw three years ago has + really grown up into such a beauty, if he does not get on her track and + capture her, my name isn’t Biberli.” + </p> + <p> + “But surely,” replied Katterle doubtfully, “you told me that you had not + yet succeeded in persuading him to imitate you in steadfastness and + truth.” + </p> + <p> + “But he is a knight,” replied the servant, striking himself pompously + under the T on his shoulder, as if he, too, belonged to this favoured + class, “and so he is as free to pursue a woman as to hunt the game in the + forest. And my Heinz Schorlin! You saw him, and admitted that he was worth + looking at. And that was when he had scarcely recovered from his dangerous + wounds, while now——The French Knight de Preully, in Paris, + with whom my dead foster-brother, until he fell sick——-” Here + he hesitated; an enquiring look from his sweetheart showed that—perhaps + for excellent reasons—he had omitted to tell her about his sojourn + in Paris. + </p> + <p> + Now that he had grown older and abandoned the wild revelry of that period + in favour of truth and steadfastness, he quietly related everything she + desired to know. + </p> + <p> + He had acquired various branches of learning while sharing the studies of + his foster-brother, the eldest son of the old Knight Schorlin, who was + then living, and therefore, when scarcely twenty, was appointed + schoolmaster at Stansstadt. Perhaps he might have continued to teach—for + he promised to be successful—had not a vexatious discovery disgusted + him with his calling. + </p> + <p> + He was informed that the mercenaries in the Schnitzthurm guard were paid + five shillings a week more than he, spite of the knowledge he had gained + by so much toil. + </p> + <p> + In his indignation he went back to Schorlin Castle, which was always open + to him, and he arrived just at the right time. + </p> + <p> + His present master’s older brother, whose health had always been delicate, + being unable to follow the profession of arms, was on the eve of departing + to attend the university at Paris, accompanied by the chaplain and an + equerry. When the Lady Wendula, his master’s mother, learned what an + excellent reputation Biberli had gained as a schoolmaster, she persuaded + her husband to send him as esquire with their sickly son. + </p> + <p> + In Paris there was at first no lack of pleasures of every description, + especially as they met among the king’s mercenaries many a dissolute Swiss + knight and man at arms. His foster-brother, to his sorrow, was unable to + resist the temptations which Satan scatters in Paris as the peasants + elsewhere sow rye and oats, and the young knight was soon attacked, by a + severe illness. Then Biberli’s gay life ended too. For months he did not + leave his foster-brother’s sick bed a single hour, by day or night, until + death released him from his suffering. + </p> + <p> + On his return to Castle Schorlin he found many changes; the old knight had + been called away from earth a few days before his son’s death, and Heinz + Schorlin, his present master, had fallen heir to castle and lands. This, + however, was no great fortune, for the large estates of the Schorlin + family were burdened by heavy debts. + </p> + <p> + The dead lord, as countryman, boon companion, and brother in arms of the + Emperor Rudolph, had been always ready to place his sword at his service, + and whenever a great tournament was held he never failed to be present. So + the property had been consumed, and the Lady Wendula and her son and three + daughters were left in moderate circumstances. The two older girls had + taken the veil, while the youngest, a merry little maiden, lived with her + mother. + </p> + <p> + But the Emperor Rudolph had by no means forgotten the Lady Wendula and her + dead husband, and with the utmost kindness requested her to send him her + only son as soon as he was able to wield a sword and lance. He intended to + repay Heinz for the love and loyalty his father had shown him through his + whole life. + </p> + <p> + “And the Hapsburg,” Biberli added, “had kept his word.” + </p> + <p> + In a few years his young lord was ready for a position at court. + </p> + <p> + Gotthard von Ramsweg, the Lady Wendula’s older brother, a valiant knight, + went to his sister’s home after her husband’s death to manage the estate + and instruct his nephew in all the exercises of knighthood. Soon the + strong, agile, fearless son of a brave father, under the guidance of such + a teacher, excelled many an older youth. He was barely eighteen when the + Lady Wendula sent him to his imperial master. She had given him, with her + blessing, fiery horses, the finest pieces of his father’s suits of mail, + an armour bearer, and a groom to take with him on his journey; and his + uncle had agreed to accompany him to Lausanne, where the Emperor Rudolph + was then holding his court to discuss with Pope Gregory—the tenth of + the name—arrangements for a new crusade. But nothing had yet been + said about Biberli. On the evening before the young noble’s departure, + however, a travelling minstrel came to the castle, who sang of the deeds + of former crusaders, and alluded very touchingly to the loneliness of the + wounded knight, Herr Weisenthau, on his couch of pain. Then the Lady + Wendula remembered her eldest son, and the fraternal tendance which + Biberli had given him. + </p> + <p> + “And so,” the servant went on, “in the anxiety of a mother’s heart she + urged me to accompany Heinz, her darling, as esquire; and watch over his + welfare.” + </p> + <p> + “Since I could use a pen, I was to write now and then what a mother + desires to hear of a son. She felt great confidence in me, because she + believed that I was true and steadfast. And I have kept in every respect + the vow I then made to the Lady Wendula—that she should not find + herself mistaken in me. I remember that evening as if it were only + yesterday. To keep constantly before my eyes the praise my mistress had + bestowed upon me, I ventured to ask my young master’ sister to embroider + the T and the S on the cap and the new coat, and the young lady did so + that very night. Since that time these two initials have gone with me + wherever our horses bear us, and as, after the battle of Marchfield, + Biberli nursed his master back to health with care and toil, he thinks he + can prove to you, his sole sweetheart, that he wears his T and S with good + reason.” + </p> + <p> + In return for these words Katterle granted her friend the fitting reward + with such resignation that it was robbing the moon not to permit her to + look on. Her curiosity, however, was not to remain wholly ungratified; for + when Biberli found that it was time for him to repair to the Town Hall to + learn whether his master, Heinz Schorlin, needed his services, Katterle + came out of the house door with him. + </p> + <p> + They found much more to say and to do ere they parted. + </p> + <p> + First, the Swiss maid-servant wished to know how the Emperor Rudolph had + received Heinz Schorlin; and she had the most gratifying news. + </p> + <p> + During their stay at Lausanne, where he won the victory in a tournament, + Heinz was knighted; but after the battle of Marchfield he became still + dearer to the Emperor, especially when a firm friendship united the young + Swiss to Hartmann, Rudolph’s eighteen-year-old son, who was now on the + Rhine. That very day Heinz had received a tangible proof of the imperial + favour, on account of which he had gone to the dance in an extremely + cheerful mood. + </p> + <p> + This good news concerning the knight, whom her young mistress had perhaps + already met, awakened in the maid, who was not averse to the business of + matchmaking, so dear to her sex, very aspiring plans which aimed at + nothing less than a union between Eva and Heinz Schorlin. But Biberli had + scarcely perceived the purport of Katterle’s words when he anxiously + interrupted her and, declaring that he had already lingered too long, cut + short the suggestion by taking leave. + </p> + <p> + His master’s marriage to a young girl who belonged to the city nobility, + which in his eyes was far inferior in rank to a Knight Schorlin, should + cast no stone in the pathway of fame that was leading him so swiftly + upward. Many things must happen before Biberli could honestly advise him + to give up his present free and happy life and seek rest in his own nest. + </p> + <p> + If Eva Ortlieb were as lovely as the Virgin herself, and Sir Heinz’s + inflammable heart should blaze as fervently as it always did, she should + not lure him into the paralysing bondage of wedlock so long as he was + there and watched over him. + </p> + <p> + If he must be married, Biberli had something else in view for him—something + which would make him a great lord at a single stroke. But it was too soon + even for that. + </p> + <p> + When he crossed the Fleischbrucke in the market place and approached the + brilliantly lighted Town Hall, he had considerable difficulty in moving + forward, for the whole square was thronged with curious spectators, + servants in gala liveries, sedan chairs, richly caparisoned steeds, and + torchbearers. The von Montfort retinue, which had quarters in the Ortlieb + house, was one of the most brilliant and numerous of all, and Biberli’s + eyes wandered with a look of satisfaction over the gold-mounted sedan + chair of the young countess. He would rather have given his master to her + than to the Nuremberg maiden whom Katterle compared to a weathercock, and + who therefore certainly did not possess the lofty virtue of steadfastness. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + Sir Heinz Schorlin’s servant was on intimate terms with many of the + servitors of the imperial family, and one of them conducted him to the + balcony of the city pipers, which afforded a view of the great hall. The + Emperor sat there at the head of the banquet table, and by his side, on a + lower throne, his sister, the Burgravine von Zollern. Only the most + distinguished and aristocratic personages whom the Reichstag attracted to + Nuremberg, with their ladies, shared the feast given by the city in their + honour. + </p> + <p> + But yonder, at a considerable distance from them, though within the space + enclosed by a black and yellow silk cord, separated from the glittering + throng of the other guests, he perceived—he would not trust his own + eyes—the Knight Heinz Schorlin, and by his side a wonderfully + charming young girl. + </p> + <p> + Biberli had not seen Eva Ortlieb for three years, yet he knew that it was + no other than she. But into what a lovely creature the active, angular + child with the thin little arms had developed! + </p> + <p> + The hall certainly did not lack superb women of all ages and every style + of figure and bearing suited to please the eye. Many might even boast of + more brilliant, aristocratic beauty, but not one could vie in witchery + with her on whom Katterle had cast an eye for his master. She had only + begun a modest allusion to it, but even that was vexatious; for Biberli + fancied that she had thereby “talked of the devil,” and he did not wish + him to appear. + </p> + <p> + With a muttered imprecation, by no means in harmony with his character, he + prepared to leave the balcony; but the scene below, though it constantly + filled him with fresh vexation, bound him to the spot as if by some + mysterious spell. + </p> + <p> + Especially did he fancy that he had a bitter taste in his mouth when his + gaze noted the marvellous symmetry of Heinz Schorlin’s powerful though not + unusually tall figure, his beautiful waving locks, and the aristocratic + ease with which he wore his superb velvet robe-sapphire blue on the left + side and white on the right, embroidered with silver falcons-or perceived + how graciously the noblest of the company greeted him after the banquet; + not, indeed, from envy, but because it pierced his very heart to think + that this splendid young favourite of fortune, already so renowned, whom + he warmly loved, should throw himself away on the daughter of a city + merchant, though his motley wares, which he had just seen, were adorned by + the escutcheon of a noble house. + </p> + <p> + But Heinz Schorlin had already been attracted by many more aristocratic + fair ones, only to weary of them speedily enough. This time, also, Biberli + would have relied calmly on his fickleness had Katterle’s foolish wish + only remained unuttered, and had Heinz treated his companion in the gay, + bold fashion which usually marked his manner to other ladies. But his + glance had a modest, almost devout expression when he gazed into the large + blue eyes of the merchant’s daughter. And now she raised them! It could + not fail to bewitch the most obdurate woman hater! + </p> + <p> + Faithful, steadfast Biberli clenched his fists, and once even thought of + shouting “Fire!”, into the ballroom below to separate all who were + enjoying themselves there wooing and being wooed. + </p> + <p> + But those beneath perceived neither him nor his wrath—least of all + his master and the young girl who had come hither so reluctantly. + </p> + <p> + At home Eva had really done everything in her power to be permitted to + stay away from the Town Hall. Herr Ernst Ortlieb, her father, however, had + been inflexible. The chin of the little man with beardless face and hollow + cheeks had even begun to tremble, and this was usually the precursor of an + outburst of sudden wrath which sometimes overpowered him to such a degree + that he committed acts which he afterwards regretted. + </p> + <p> + This time he had been compelled not to tolerate the opposition of his + obstinate child. Emperor Rudolph himself had urged the “honourable” + members of the Council to gratify him and his daughter-in-law Agnes, whom + he wished to entertain pleasantly during her brief visit, by the presence + of their beautiful wives and daughters at the entertainment in the Town + Hall. + </p> + <p> + Herr Ortlieb’s invalid wife could not spare Els, her older daughter and + faithful nurse, so he required Eva’s obedience, and compelled her to give + up her opposition to attending the festival; but she dreaded the vain, + worldly gaiety—nay, actually felt a horror of it. + </p> + <p> + Even while still a pupil at the convent school she had often asked herself + whether it would not be the fairest fate for her, like her Aunt Kunigunde, + the abbess of the convent of St. Clare, to vow herself to the Saviour and + give up perishable joys to secure the rapture of heaven, which lasted + throughout eternity, and might begin even here on earth, in a quiet life + with God, a complete realisation of the Saviour’s loving nature, and the + great sufferings which he took upon himself for love’s sake. Oh, even + suffering and bleeding with the Most High were rich in mysterious delight! + Aye, no earthly happiness could compare with the blissful feeling left by + those hours of pious ecstasy. + </p> + <p> + Often she had sat with closed eyes for a long time, dreaming that she was + in the kingdom of heaven and, herself an angel, dwelt with angels. How + often she had wondered whether earthly love could bestow greater joy than + such a happy dream, or the walks through the garden and forest, during + which the abbess told her of St. Francis of Assisi, who founded her order, + the best and most warmhearted among the successors of Christ, of whom the + Pope himself said that he would hear even those whom God would not! + Moreover, there was no plant, no flower, no cry of any animal in the woods + which was not familiar to the Abbess Kunigunde. Like St. Francis; she + distinguished in everything which the ear heard and the eye beheld voices + that bore witness to the goodness and greatness of the Most High. The + abbess felt bound by ties of sisterly affection to every one of God’s + creatures, and taught Eva to love them, too, and, as a person who treats a + child kindly wins the mother’s heart also, to obtain by love of his + creatures that of the Creator. + </p> + <p> + Others had blamed her because she held aloof from her sister’s friends and + amusements. They were ignorant of the joys of solitude, which her aunt and + her saint had taught her to know. + </p> + <p> + She had endured interruptions and reproaches, often humbly, oftener still, + when her hot blood swept away her self-control, with vehement indignation + and tears; but meanwhile she had always cherished the secret thought that + the time would come when she, too, would be permitted, at one with God and + the Saviour, to enjoy the raptures of eternal bliss. She loved her invalid + mother and, often as his sudden fits of passion alarmed her, she was + tenderly attached to her father; yet it would have seemed to her an + exquisite delight to be permitted to imitate the saints and sever all + bonds which united her to the world and its clogging demands. She had long + been yearning for the day when she would be allowed to entreat the abbess + to grant her admittance to the convent, whose doors would be flung wide + open for her because, next to the brothers Ebner, who founded it, her + parents had contributed the largest sum for its support. + </p> + <p> + But she was obliged to wait patiently, for Els, her older sister, would + probably soon marry her Wolff, and then it would be her turn to nurse her + invalid mother. Her own heart dictated this, and the abbess had said: “Let + her enter eternity clasping your hand before you begin, with us, to devote + all your strength to securing your own salvation. Besides, you will + thereby ascend a long row of steps nearer to your sublime goal.” + </p> + <p> + But Eva would far rather have given her hand now, aloof from the world, to + the Most High in an inviolable bond. What marvel that, with such a goal in + view, she was deeply reluctant to enter the gay whirl of a noisy ball! + </p> + <p> + With serious repugnance she had allowed Katterle and her sister to adorn + her, and entered the sedan chair which was to convey her to the Town Hall. + Doubtless her own image, reflected in the mirror, had seemed charming + enough, and the loud expressions of delight from the servants and others + who admired her rich costume had pleased her; but directly after she + realized the vanity of this emotion and, while approaching the ballroom in + her chair, she prayed to her saint to help her conquer it. + </p> + <p> + Striving honestly to vanquish this error, she entered the hall soon after + the Emperor and his young daughter-in-law; but there she was greeted from + the balcony occupied by the city pipers and musicians, long before Biberli + entered it, with the same fanfare that welcomed the illustrious guests of + the city, and with which blended the blare of the heralds’ trumpets. + Thousands of candles in the chandeliers and candelabra diffused a radiance + as brilliant as that of day and, confused by the noise and waves of light + which surged around her, she had drawn closer to her father, clinging to + him for protection. She especially missed her sister, with whom she had + grown up, who had become her second self, and whom she needed most when + she emerged from her quiet life of introspection into the gay world. + </p> + <p> + At first she had stood with downcast lashes, but soon her eyes wandered + over the waving plumes and flashing jewels, the splendour of silk and + velvet, the glitter of gold and glimmer of pearls. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes the display in church had been scarcely less brilliant, and even + without her sister’s request she had gazed at it, but how entirely + different it was! There she had rejoiced in her own modest garb, and told + herself that her simplicity was more pleasing to God and the saints than + the vain splendour of the others, which she might so easily have imitated + or even surpassed. But here the anxious question of how she appeared among + the rest of the company forced itself upon her. + </p> + <p> + True, she knew that the brocade suckenie, which her father had ordered + from Milan, was costly; that the sea-green hue of the right side + harmonised admirably with the white on the left; that the tendrils and + lilies of the valley wrought in silver, which seemed to be scattered over + the whole, looked light and airy; yet she could not shake off the feeling + that everything she wore was in disorder—here something was pulled + awry, there something was crushed. Els, who had attended to her whole + toilet, was not there to arrange it, and she felt thoroughly uncomfortable + in the midst of this worldly magnificence and bustle. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding her father’s presence, she had never been so desolate as + among these ladies and gentlemen, nearly all of whom were strangers. + </p> + <p> + Her sister was intimate with the other girls of her age and station, few + of whom were absent, and if Eva could have conjured her to her side + doubtless many would have joined them; but she knew no one well, and + though many greeted her, no one lingered. Everybody had friends with whom + they were on far more familiar terms. The young Countess von Montfort, a + girl of her own age and an inmate of her own home, also gave her only a + passing word. But this was agreeable to her—she disliked Cordula’s + free manners. + </p> + <p> + Many who were friends of Els had gathered around Ursula Vorchtel, the + daughter of the richest man in the city, and she intentionally avoided the + Ortliebs because, before Wolff Eysvogel sued for Els’s hand, he and Ursula + had been intended for each other. + </p> + <p> + Eva was just secretly vowing that this first ball should also be the last, + when the imperial magistrate, Herr Berthold Pfinzing, her godfather, came + to present her to the Emperor, who had requested to see the little + daughter of the Herr Ernst Ortlieb whose son had fallen in battle for him. + His “little saint,” Herr Pfinzing added, looked no less lovely amid the + gay music of the Nuremberg pipers than kneeling in prayer amid the notes + of the organ. + </p> + <p> + Every tinge of colour had faded from Eva’s cheeks, and though a few hours + before she had asked her sister what the Emperor’s greatness signified in + the presence of God that she should be forced, for his sake, to be + faithless to the holiest things, now fear of the majesty of the powerful + sovereign made her breath come quicker. + </p> + <p> + How, clinging to her godfather’s hand, she reached the Emperor Rudolph’s + throne she could never describe, for what happened afterwards resembled a + confused dream of mingled bliss and pain, from which she was first + awakened by her father’s warning that the time of departure had come. + </p> + <p> + When she raised her downcast eyes the monarch was standing before the + throne placed for him. She had been compelled to bend her head backward in + order to see his face, for his figure, seven feet in height, towered like + a statue of Roland above all who surrounded him. But when, after the + Austrian duchess, his daughter-in-law, who was scarcely beyond childhood, + and the Burgrave von Zollern, his sister, had graciously greeted her, and + Eva with modest thanks had also bowed low before the Emperor Rudolph, a + smile, spite of her timidity, flitted over her lips, for as she bent the + knee her head barely reached above his belt. The Burgravine, a vivacious + matron, must have noticed it, for she beckoned to her, and with a few kind + words mentioned the name of the young knight who stood behind her, between + her own seat and that of the young Duchess Agnes of Austria, and + recommended him as an excellent dancer. Heinz Schorlin, the master of the + true and steadfast Biberli, had bowed courteously, and answered + respectfully that he hoped he should not prove himself unworthy of praise + from such lips. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile his glance met Eva’s, and the Burgravine probably perceived with + what, ardent admiration the knight’s gaze rested on the young Nuremberg + beauty, for she had scarcely stepped back after the farewell greeting when + the noble lady said in a low tone, but loud enough for Eva’s quick ear to + catch the words, “Methinks yonder maiden will do well to guard her little + heart this evening against you, you unruly fellow! What a sweet, angelic + face!” + </p> + <p> + Eva’s cheeks crimsoned with mingled shame and pleasure at such words from + such lips, and she would have been only too glad to hear what the knight + whispered to the noble lady. + </p> + <p> + The attention of the young Duchess Agnes, daughter of King Ottocar of + Bohemia and wife of the Emperor’s third son, who also bore the name of + Rudolph, had been claimed during this incident by the Duke of Nassau, who + had presented his ladies to her, but they had scarcely retired when she + beckoned to Heinz Schorlin, and while talking with him gazed into his eyes + with such warm, childlike pleasure that Eva was incensed; she thought it + unseemly for a wife and a duchess to be on such familiar terms with a + simple knight. Nay, her disapproval of the princess’s conduct must have + been very deep, for during the whole time of her conversation with the + knight there was a loud singing in the young girl’s ears. The Bohemian’s + face might be considered pretty; her dark eyes sparkled brightly, + animating the immature features, now slightly sunburnt; and although four + years younger than Eva, her figure, though not above middle height, was + well developed and, in spite of its flexibility, aristocratic in bearing. + While conversing with Heinz Schorlin she seemed joyously excited, + unrestrainedly cordial, but her manner expressed disappointment and royal + hauteur as another group of ladies and gentlemen came forward to be + presented, compelling her to turn her back upon the young Swiss with a + regretful shrug of her shoulders. + </p> + <p> + The counts and countesses, knights and ladies who thronged around her + concealed her from Eva’s eyes, who, now that Heinz Schorlin had left the + Bohemian, again turned her attention to the Emperor, and even ventured to + approach him. What paternal gentleness Rudolph’s deep tones expressed! How + much his face attracted her! + </p> + <p> + True, it could make no pretensions to beauty—the thin, hooked nose + was far too large and long; the corners of the mouth drooped downward too + much; perhaps it was this latter peculiarity which gave the whole face so + sorrowful an aspect. Eva thought she knew its source. The wound dealt a + few months before by the death of his faithful wife, the love of his + youth, still ached. His eyes could not be called either large or bright; + but how kindly, how earnest, shrewd and, when an amusing thought passed + through his mind, how mischievous they could look! His light-brown hair + had not yet turned very grey, spite of his sixty-three years, but the + locks had lost their luxuriance and fell straight, except for a slight + curl at the lower ends, below his neck. + </p> + <p> + Eva’s father, when a young man, had met Frederic II, of the Hohenstaufen + line, in Italy, and was wont to call this a special boon of fate. True, + her aunt, the abbess, said she did not envy him the honour of meeting the + Antichrist; yet that very day after mass she had counselled Eva to impress + the Emperor Rudolph’s appearance on her memory. To meet noble great men + elevates our hearts and makes us better, because in their presence we + become conscious of our own insignificance and the duty of emulating them. + She would willingly have given more than a year of her life to be + permitted to gaze into the pure, loving countenance of St. Francis, who + had closed his eyes seven years after her birth. + </p> + <p> + So Eva, who was accustomed to render strict obedience to her honoured + aunt, honestly strove to watch every movement of the Emperor; but her + attention had been continually diverted, mainly by the young knight, from + whom—the Emperor’s sister, Burgravine Elizabeth, had said so herself—danger + threatened her heart. + </p> + <p> + But the young Countess Cordula von Montfort, the inmate of her home, also + compelled her to gaze after her, for Heinz Schorlin had approached the + vivacious native of the Vorarlberg, and the freedom with which she treated + him—allowing herself to go so far as to tap him on the arm with her + fan—vexed and offended her like an insult offered to her whole sex. + To think that a girl of high station should venture upon such conduct + before the eyes of the Emperor and his sister! + </p> + <p> + Not for the world would she have permitted any man to talk and laugh with + her in such a way. But the young knight whom she saw do this was again the + Swiss. Yet his bright eyes had just rested upon her with such devout + admiration that lack of respect for a lady was certainly not in his + nature, and he merely found himself compelled, contrary to his wish, to + defend himself against the countess and her audacity. + </p> + <p> + Eva had already heard much praise of the great valour of the young knight + Heinz Schorlin. When Katterle, whose friend and countryman was in his + service, spoke of him—and that happened by no means rarely—she + had always called him a devout knight, and that he was so, in truth, he + showed her plainly enough; for there was fervent devotion in the eyes + which now again sought hers like an humble penitent. + </p> + <p> + The musicians had just struck up the Polish dance, and probably the + knight, whom the Emperor’s sister had recommended to her for a partner, + wished by this glance to apologise for inviting Countess Cordula von + Montfort instead. Therefore she did not need to avoid the look, and might + obey the impulse of her heart to give him a warning in the language of the + eyes which, though mute, is yet so easily understood. Hitherto she had + been unable to answer him, even by a word, yet she believed that she was + destined to become better acquainted, if only to show him that his power, + of which the Burgravine had spoken, was baffled when directed against the + heart of a pious maiden. + </p> + <p> + And something must also attract him to her, for while she had the honour + of being escorted up and down the hall by one of the handsome sons of the + Burgrave von Zollern to the music of the march performed by the city + pipers, Heinz Schorlin, it is true, did the same with his lady, but he + looked away from her and at Eva whenever she passed him. + </p> + <p> + Her partner was talkative enough, and his description of the German order + which he expected to enter, as his two brothers had already done, would + have seemed to her well worthy of attention at any other time, but now she + listened with but partial interest. + </p> + <p> + When the dance was over and Sir Heinz approached, her heart beat so loudly + that she fancied her neighbours must hear it; but ere he had spoken a + single word old Burgrave Frederick himself greeted her, inquired about her + invalid mother, her blithe sister, and her aunt, the abbess, who in her + youth had been the queen of every dance, and asked if she found his son a + satisfactory partner. + </p> + <p> + It was an unusual distinction to be engaged in conversation by this + distinguished gentleman, yet Eva would fain have sent him far away, and + her replies must have sounded monosyllabic enough; but the sweet shyness + that overpowered her so well suited the modest young girl, who had + scarcely passed beyond childhood, that he did not leave her until the + ‘Rai’ began, and then quitted her with the entreaty that she would remove + the cap which had hitherto rendered her invisible, to the injury of + knights and gentlemen, and be present at the dance which he should soon + give at the castle. + </p> + <p> + The pleasant old nobleman had scarcely left her when she turned towards + the young man who had just approached with the evident intention of + leading her to the dance, but he was again standing beside Cordula von + Montfort, and a feeling of keen resentment overpowered her. + </p> + <p> + The young countess was challenging his attention still more boldly, + tossing her head back so impetuously that the turban-like roll on her + hair, spite of the broad ribbon that fastened it under her chin, almost + fell on the floor. But her advances not only produced no effect, but + seemed to annoy the knight. What charm could he find in a girl who, in a + costume which displayed the greatest extreme of fashion, resembled a Turk + rather than a Christian woman? True, she had an aristocratic bearing, and + perhaps Els was right in saying that her strongly marked features revealed + a certain degree of kindliness, but she wholly lacked the spell of + feminine modesty. Her pleasant grey eyes and full red lips seemed created + only for laughter, and the plump outlines of her figure were better suited + to a matron than a maiden in her early girlhood. Not the slightest defect + escaped Eva during this inspection. Meanwhile she remembered her own image + in the mirror, and a smile of satisfaction hovered round her red lips. + </p> + <p> + Now the knight bowed. + </p> + <p> + Was he inviting the countess to dance again? No, he turned his back to her + and approached Eva, whose lovely, childlike face brightened as if a sun + beam had shone upon it. The possibility of refusing her hand for the ‘Rai’ + never entered her head, but he told her voluntarily that he had invited + Countess Cordula for the Polish dance solely in consequence of the + Burgravine’s command, but now that he was permitted to linger at her side + he meant to make up for lost time. + </p> + <p> + He kept his word, and was by no means content with the ‘Rai’; for, after + the young Duchess Agnes had summoned him to a ‘Zauner’, and during its + continuance again talked with him far more confidentially than the modest + Nuremberg maiden could approve, he persuaded Eva to try the ‘Schwabeln’ + with him also; and though she had always disliked such dances she yielded, + and her natural grace, as well as her quick ear for time, helped her to + catch the unfamiliar steps without difficulty. While doing so he whispered + that even the angels in heaven could have no greater bliss than it + afforded him to float thus through the hall, clasping her in his arm, + while she glanced up at him with a happy look and bent her little head in + assent. She would gladly have exclaimed warmly: “Yes, indeed! Yet the + Burgravine says that danger threatens me from you, you dear, kind fellow, + and I should do well to avoid you.” + </p> + <p> + Besides, she felt indebted to him. What would have befallen her here in + his absence! Moreover, it gave her a strange sense of pleasure to gaze + into his eyes, allow herself to be borne through the wide hall by his + strong arm, and while pressed closely to his side imagine that his swiftly + throbbing heart felt the pulsing of her own. Instead of injuring her, + wishing her evil, and asking her to do anything wrong, he certainly had + only good intentions. He had cared for her as if he occupied the place of + her own brother who fell in the battle of Marchfield. It would have given + him most pleasure—he had said so himself—to dance everything + with her, but decorum and the royal dames who kept him in attendance would + not permit it. However, he came to her in every pause to exchange at least + a few brief words and a glance. During the longest one, which lasted more + than an hour and was devoted to the refreshment of the guests, he led her + into a side room which had been transformed into a blossoming garden. + </p> + <p> + Seats were placed behind the green birch trees—amid whose boughs + hung gay lamps—and the rose bushes which surrounded a fountain of + perfumed water, and Eva had already followed the Swiss knight across the + threshold when she saw among the branches at the end of the room the + Countess Cordula, at whose feet several young nobles knelt or reclined, + among them Seitz Siebenburg, the brother-in-law of Wolff Eysvogel, her + sister’s betrothed bridegroom. + </p> + <p> + The manner of the husband and father whose wife, only six weeks before, + had become the mother of twin babies—beautiful boys—and who + for Cordula’s sake so shamefully forgot his duties, crimsoned her cheeks + with a flush of anger, while the half-disapproving, half-troubled look + that Sir Boemund Altrosen cast, sometimes at the countess, sometimes at + Siebenburg, showed her that she herself was on the eve of doing something + which the best persons could not approve; for Altrosen, who leaned + silently against the wall beside the countess, ever and anon pushing back + the coal-black hair from his pale face, had been mentioned by her + godfather as the noblest of the younger knights gathered in Nuremberg. A + voice in her own heart, too, cried out that this was no fitting place for + her. + </p> + <p> + If Els had been with her, Eva said to herself, she certainly would not + have permitted her to enter this room, where such careless mirth + prevailed, alone with a knight, and the thought roused her for a short + time from the joyous intoxication in which she had hitherto revelled, and + awakened a suspicion that there might be peril in trusting herself to + Heinz Schorlin without reserve. + </p> + <p> + “Not here,” she entreated, and he instantly obeyed her wish, though the + Countess Cordula, as if he were alone, instead of with a lady, loudly and + gaily bade him stay where pleasure had built a hut under roses. + </p> + <p> + Eva was pleased that her new friend did not even vouchsafe the young + countess an answer. His obedience led her also to believe that her anxiety + had been in vain. Yet she imposed greater reserve of manner upon herself + so rigidly that Heinz noticed it, and asked what cloud had dimmed the pure + radiance of her gracious sunshine. + </p> + <p> + Eva lowered her eyes and answered gently: “You ought not to have taken me + where the diffidence due to modesty is forgotten.” Heinz Schorlin + understood her and rejoiced to hear the answer. In his eyes, also, + Countess Cordula this evening had exceeded the limits even of the liberty + which by common consent she was permitted above others. He believed that + he had found in Eva the embodiment of pure and beautiful womanhood. + </p> + <p> + He had given her his heart from the first moment that their eyes met. To + find her in every respect exactly what he had imagined, ere he heard a + single word from her lips, enhanced the pleasure he felt to the deepest + happiness which he had ever experienced. + </p> + <p> + He had already been fired with a fleeting fancy for many a maiden, but not + one had appeared to him, even in a remote degree, so lovable as this + graceful young creature who trusted him with such childlike confidence, + and whose innocent security by the side of the dreaded heart-breaker + touched him. + </p> + <p> + Never before had it entered his mind concerning any girl to ask himself + the question how she would please his mother at home. The thought that she + whom he so deeply honoured might possess a magic mirror which showed her + her reckless son as he dallied with the complaisant beauties whose + graciousness, next to dice-playing, most inflamed his blood, had sometimes + disturbed his peace of mind when Biberli suggested it. But when Eva looked + joyously up at him with the credulous confidence of a trusting child, he + could imagine no greater bliss than to hear his mother, clasping the + lovely creature in her arms, call her her dear little daughter. + </p> + <p> + His reckless nature was subdued, and an emotion of tenderness which he had + never experienced before thrilled him as she whispered, “Take me to a + place where everybody can see us, but where we need not notice anyone + else.” + </p> + <p> + How significant was that little word “we”! It showed that already she + united herself and him in her thoughts. To her pure nature nothing could + be acceptable which must be concealed from the light of the sun and the + eyes of man. And her wish could be fulfilled. + </p> + <p> + The place where Biberli had discovered them, and where refreshments had + just been served to the Emperor and the ladies and gentlemen nearest to + his person, who had been joined by several princes of the Church, was shut + off by the bannerets, thus preventing the entrance of any uninvited + person; but Heinz Schorlin belonged to the sovereign’s suite and had + admittance everywhere. + </p> + <p> + So he led Eva behind the black and yellow rope to two vacant chairs at the + end of the enclosed space where the banquet had been swiftly arranged for + the Emperor and the other illustrious guests of Nuremberg. + </p> + <p> + These seats were in view of the whole company, yet it would have been as + difficult to interrupt him and his lady as any of the table companions of + the imperial pair. Eva followed the knight without anxiety, and took her + place beside him in the well-chosen seat. + </p> + <p> + A young cup-bearer of noble birth, with whom Heinz was well acquainted, + brought unasked to him and his companion sparkling Malvoisie in Venetian + glasses, and Heinz began the conversation by inviting Eva to drink to the + many days brightened by her favour which, if the saints heard his prayer, + should follow this, the most delightful evening of his life. He omitted to + ask her to pour the wine for him, knowing that many of the guests in the + ballroom were watching them; besides the saucy little count came again and + again to fill his goblet, and he wished to avoid everything which might + elicit sarcastic comment. The young cup-bearer desisted as soon as he + noticed the respectful reserve with which Heinz treated his lady, and the + youth was soon obliged to leave the hall with his liege lord, Duke Rudolph + of Austria, who was to set out for Carinthia early the following morning, + and withdrew with his wife without sharing the banquet. The latter + accompanied her husband to the castle, but she was to remain in Nuremberg + during the session of the Reichstag with the lonely widowed Emperor, who + was especially fond of the young Bohemian princess. Before and during the + dance with Heinz the latter had requested him to use the noble Arabian + steed, a gift from the Sultan Kalaun to the Emperor, who had bestowed it + upon her, and also expressed the hope of meeting the knight frequently. + </p> + <p> + In the conversation which Heinz began with Eva he was at first obliged to + defend himself, for she had admitted that she had heard the Burgravine’s + warning to beware of him. + </p> + <p> + At the same time she had found opportunity to tell him that her heart + yearned for something different from worldly love, and that she felt safe + from every one because St. Clare was constantly watching over her. + </p> + <p> + He replied that he had been reared in piety, that he knew the close + relations existing between her patron saint and the holy Francis of + Assisi, and that he, too, had experienced many things from this man of + God. Eva, with warm interest, asked when and where, and he willingly told + her. + </p> + <p> + On the way from Augsburg to Nuremberg, while riding in advance of the + imperial court, he had met an old barefooted man who, exhausted by the + heat of the day, had sunk down by the side of the road as if lifeless, + with his head resting against the trunk of a tree. Moved with compassion, + he dismounted, to try to do something for the greybeard. A few sips of + wine had restored him to consciousness, but his weary, wounded feet would + carry him no farther. Yet it would have grieved the old man sorely to be + forced to interrupt his journey, for the Chapter General in Portiuncula, + in Italy, had sent him with an important message to the brothers of his + order in Germany, and especially in Nuremberg. + </p> + <p> + The old Minorite monk was especially dignified in aspect, and when he + chanced to mention that he had known St. Francis well and was one of those + who had nursed him during his last illness, a dispute had arisen between + Heinz Schorlin, the armor bearer, and his servant Walther Biberli, for + each desired to give up his saddle to the old man and pursue his journey + on foot for his sake and the praise of God. + </p> + <p> + But the Minorite could not be persuaded to break his vow never again to + mount a knight’s charger and, even had it not been evident from his words, + Heinz asserted that the aristocratic dignity of his bearing would have + shown that he belonged to a noble race. + </p> + <p> + Biberli’s eloquence gained the victory in this case also, and though the + groom led by the bridle another young stallion which the ex-schoolmaster + might have mounted, he had walked cheerily beside the old monk, sweeping + up the dust with his long robe. At the tavern the knight and his + attendants had been abundantly repaid for their kindness to the Minorite, + for his conversation was both entertaining and edifying; and Heinz + repeated to his lady, who listened attentively, much that the monk had + related about St. Francis. + </p> + <p> + Eva, too, was also on the ground dearest and most familiar to her. Her + little tongue ran fast enough, and her large blue eyes sparkled with an + unusually bright and happy lustre as she completed and corrected what the + young knight told her about the saint. + </p> + <p> + How much that was lovable, benevolent, and wonderful there was to relate + concerning this prophet of peace and good-will, this apostle of poverty + and toil who, in every movement of nature, perceived and felt a summons to + recognise the omnipotence and goodness of God, an invitation to devout + submission to the Most High! + </p> + <p> + How many amusing, yet edifying and touching anecdotes, the Abbess + Kunigunde had narrated of him and the most beloved of his followers! Much + of this conversation Eva repeated to the knight, and her pleasure in the + subject of the conversation increased the vivacity of her active mind, and + soon led her to talk with eager eloquence. Heinz Schorlin fairly hung on + her lips, and his eyes, which betrayed how deeply all that he was hearing + moved him, rested on hers until a flourish of trumpets announced that the + interval between the dances was over. + </p> + <p> + He had listened in delight and, he felt, was forever bound to her. When + duty summoned him to attend the Emperor he asked himself whether such a + conversation had ever been held in the midst of a merry dance; whether + God, in his goodness, had ever created a being so perfect in soul and body + as this fair saint, who could transform a ballroom into a church. + </p> + <p> + Aye, Eva had done so; for, ardent as was the knight’s love, something akin + to religious devotion blended with his yearning desire. The last words + which he addressed to her before leading her back to the others contained + the promise to make her patron saint, St. Clare, his own. + </p> + <p> + The Princess of Nassau had invited him for the next dance, but she found + Heinz Schorlin, whom the young Duchess Agnes had just said was merry + enough to bring the dead to life, a very quiet partner; while young Herr + Schurstab, who danced with Eva and, like all the members of the Honourable + Council, knew that she desired to take the veil, afterwards told his + friends that the younger beautiful E would suit a Carthusian convent, + where speech is prohibited, much better than a ballroom. + </p> + <p> + But after this “Zauner” Heinz Schorlin again loosed her tongue. When he + had told her how he came to the court, and she had learned that he had + joined the Emperor Rudolph at Lausanne just as he took the vow to take + part in the crusade, there was no end to her questions concerning the + reason that the German army had not already marched against the infidels, + and whether he himself did not long to make them feel his sword. + </p> + <p> + Then she asked still further particulars concerning Brother Benedictus, + the old Minorite whom he had treated so kindly. Heinz told her what he + knew, and when he at last enquired whether she still regretted having met + him whom she feared, she gazed frankly into his eyes and, smiling faintly, + shook her head. + </p> + <p> + This increased his ardour, and he warmly entreated her to tell him where + he could meet her again, and permit him to call her his lady. But she + hesitated to reply, and ere he could win from her even the faintest shadow + of consent, Ernst Ortlieb, who had been talking with other members of the + council in the room where the wine was served, interrupted him to take his + daughter home. + </p> + <p> + She went reluctantly. The clasp of the knight’s hand was felt all the way + to the house, and it would have been impossible and certainly ungracious + not to return it. + </p> + <p> + Heinz Schorlin had obtained no assent, yet the last glance from her eyes + had been more eloquent than many a verbal promise, and he gazed after her + enraptured. + </p> + <p> + It seemed like desecration to give the hand in which hers had rested to + lead any one else to the dance, and when the rotund Duke of Pomerania + invited him to a drinking bout at his quarters at the Green Shield he + accepted; for without Eva the hall seemed deserted, the light robbed of + its brilliancy, and the gay music transformed to a melancholy dirge. + </p> + <p> + But when at the Green Shield the ducal wine sparkled in the beakers, the + gold shone and glistened on the tables, and the rattle of the dice invited + the bystanders to the game, he thought that whatever he undertook on such + a day of good fortune must have a lucky end. + </p> + <p> + The Emperor had filled his purse again, but the friendly gift did not + cover his debts, and he wanted to be rid of them before he told his mother + that he had found a dear, devout daughter for her, and intended to return + home to settle in the ancestral castle, his heritage, and share with his + uncle the maintenance of his rights and the management of fields and + forests. + </p> + <p> + Besides, he must test for the first time the power of his new patroness, + St. Clare, instead of his old one, St. Leodegar. But the former served him + ill enough—she denied him her aid, at any rate in gambling. The full + purse was drained to its last ‘zecchin’ only too soon, and Heinz, + laughing, turned it inside out before the eyes of his comrades. But though + the kind-hearted Duke of Pomerania, with whom Heinz was a special + favourite, pushed a little heap of gold towards him with his fat hands, + that the Swiss might try his luck again with borrowed money, which brings + good fortune, he remained steadfast for Eva’s sake. + </p> + <p> + On his way to the Green Shield he had confessed to Biberli—who, + torch in hand, led the way—that he intended very shortly to turn his + back on the court and ride home, because this time he had found the right + chatelaine for his castle. + </p> + <p> + “That means the last one,” the ex-schoolmaster answered quietly, carefully + avoiding fanning the flame of his young master’s desire by contradiction. + Only he could not refrain from entreating him not to burn his fingers with + the dice, and, to confirm it, added that luck in gambling was apt to be + scanty where fortune was so lavish in the gifts of love. + </p> + <p> + Heinz now remembered this warning. It had been predicted to his darling + that meeting him would bring her misfortune, but he was animated by the + sincere determination to force the jewel of his heart to remember Heinz + Schorlin with anything but sorrow and regret. + </p> + <p> + What would have seemed impossible to him a few hours before, he now + realised. With a steady hand he pushed back the gold to the duke, who + pressed it upon him with friendly glances from his kind little eyes and an + urgent whispered entreaty, and took his leave, saying that to-night the + dice and he were at odds. + </p> + <p> + With these words he left the room, though the host tried to detain him + almost by force, and the guests also earnestly endeavoured to keep the + pleasant, jovial fellow. The loss, over which Biberli shook his head + angrily, did, not trouble him. Even on his couch Heinz found but a short + time to think of his empty purse and the lovely maid who was to make the + old castle among his beloved Swiss mountains an earthly paradise, for + sleep soon closed his eyes. + </p> + <p> + The next morning the events of the evening seemed like a dream. Would that + they had been one! Only he would not have missed, at any cost, the sweet + memories associated with Eva. But could she really become his own? He + feared not; for the higher the sun rose the more impracticable his + intentions of the night before appeared. At last he even thought of the + religious conversation in the dancing hall with a superior smile, as if it + had been carried on by some one else. The resolve to ask from her father + the hand of the girl he loved he now rejected. No, he was not yet fit for + a husband and the quiet life in the old castle. Yet Eva should be the lady + of his heart, her patron saint should be his, and he would never sue for + the love of any other maiden. Hers he must secure. To press even one kiss + on her scarlet lips seemed to him worth the risk of life. When he had + stilled this fervent longing he could ride with her colour on helm and + shield from tourney to tourney, and break a lance for her in every land + through which he passed with the Emperor. What would happen afterwards let + the saints decide. As usual, Biberli was his confidant, and declared + himself ready to use Katterle’s services in his master’s behalf. + </p> + <p> + He had his own designs in doing this. He could rely upon the waiting + maid’s assistance, and if there were secret meetings between Eva Ortlieb + and his lord, which would appease the knight’s ardour, even in a small + degree, the task of disgusting Heinz with his luckless idea of an early + marriage would not prove too difficult. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + Eva Ortlieb had been borne home from the ball in her sedan chair with a + happy smile hovering round her fresh young lips. + </p> + <p> + It still lingered there when she found her sister in their chamber, + sitting at the spinning wheel. She had not left her suffering mother until + her eyes closed in slumber, and was now waiting for Eva, to hear whether + the entertainment had proved less disagreeable than she feared, and—as + she had sent her maid to bed—to help her undress. + </p> + <p> + One glance at Eva told her that she had perhaps left the ballroom even + more reluctantly than she entered it; but when Els questioned her so + affectionately, and with maternal care began to unfasten the ribbon which + tied her cap, the young girl, who in the sedan chair had determined to + confess to no one on earth what so deeply moved her heart, could not + resist the impulse to clasp her in her arms and kiss her with impetuous + warmth. + </p> + <p> + Els received the caress with surprise for, though both girls loved each + other tenderly, they, like most sisters, rarely expressed it by tangible + proofs of tenderness. Not until Eva released her did Els exclaim in merry + amazement: “So it was delightful, my darling?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, so delightful!” Eva protested with hands uplifted, and at the same + time met her sister’s eyes with a radiant glance. + </p> + <p> + Yet the thought entered her mind that it ill beseemed her to express so + much pleasure in a worldly amusement. Her glance fell in shame, and she + gently continued in that tone of self-compassion which was by no means + unfamiliar to the members of her family. “True, though the Emperor is so + noble, and both he and the Burgravine were so gracious to me, at first—and + not only for a brief quarter of an hour, but a very long time I could feel + no real pleasure. What am I saying? Pleasure! I was indescribably desolate + and alone among all those vain, bedizened strangers. I was like a + shipwrecked sailor washed ashore by the waves and surrounded by people + whose language is unfamiliar.” + </p> + <p> + “But half Nuremberg was at the ball,” her sister interrupted. “Now you see + the trouble, darling. Whoever, like you, remains in seclusion and mounts a + tall tree to be entirely alone, will be deserted; for who would be + kind-hearted enough to learn to climb for your sake? But it seems that + afterwards one and another——” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” Eva interrupted, “if you think that any of your friends gave me more + than a passing greeting, you are mistaken. Not even Barbel, Ann, or Metz + took any special notice of your sister. They kept near Ursel Vorchtel, and + she and her brother Ulrich, of course, behaved as if I wore a fern cap and + had become invisible. I cannot tell you how uncomfortable I felt, and then—yes, + Els, then I first realised distinctly what you are to me. Obstinate as I + often am, in spite of all your kindness and care, ungraciously as I often + treat you, to-night I clearly perceived that we belong together, like a + pair of eyes, and that without you I am only half myself—or, at any + rate—not complete. And—as we are speaking in images—I + felt like a sapling whose prop has been removed; even your Wolff can never + have longed for you more ardently. My father found little time to give me. + As soon as he saw me take my place in the Polish dance he went with Uncle + Pfinzing to the drinking room, and I did not see him again till he came to + bring me home. He had asked Fran Nutzel to look after me, but her Kathrin + was taken ill, as I heard when we were leaving, and she disappeared with + her during the first dance. So I moved forlornly here and there until he—Heinz + Schorlin—came and took charge of me.” + </p> + <p> + “He? Sir Heinz Schorlin?” asked Els in surprise, a look of anxious + suspense clouding her pretty, frank face. “The reckless Swiss, whom + Countess Cordula said yesterday was the pike in the dull carp pond of the + court, and the only person for whom it was worth while to bear the penance + imposed in the confessional?” + </p> + <p> + “Cordula von Montfort!” cried Eva scornfully. “If she speaks to me I shall + not answer her, I can tell you. My cheeks crimson when I think of the + liberty——” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind her,” said her sister soothingly. “She is a motherless child, + and therefore unlike us. As for Heinz Schorlin, he is certainly a gallant + knight; but, my innocent lambkin, he is a wolf nevertheless.” + </p> + <p> + “A wolf?” asked Eva, opening her large eyes as wide as if they beheld some + terrible object. But she soon laughed softly, and added quietly: “But a + very harmless wolf, who humbly changes his nature when the right hand + strokes him. How you stare at me! I am not thinking of your beloved Wolff, + whom you have tamed tolerably well, but the wolf of Gubbio, which did so + much mischief, and to which St. Francis went forth, accosted him as + Brother Wolf, and reminded him that they both owed their lives to the + goodness of the same divine Father. The animal seemed to understand this, + for it nodded to him. The saint now made a bargain with the wolf, which + gave him its paw in pledge of the oath; and it kept the promise, for it + followed St. Francis into the city, and never again harmed anyone. The + citizens of Gubbio fed the good beast, and when it died sincerely mourned + it. If you wish to know from whom I heard this edifying story—which + is true, and can be confirmed by some one now in Nuremberg who witnessed + it—let me tell you that it was the wicked wolf himself; not the + Gubbio one, but he from Switzerland. An old Minorite monk, to whom he + compassionately gave his horse, is the witness I mentioned. At the tavern + the priest told him what he had beheld with his own eyes. Do you still + inveigh against the dangerous beast, which acts like the good Samaritan, + and finds nothing more delightful than hearing or speaking of our dear + saint?” + </p> + <p> + “And this in the Town Hall during the dance?” asked Els, clasping her + hands as if she had heard something unprecedented. + </p> + <p> + Eva, fairly radiant with joy, nodded assent; and Els heard the ring of + pleasure in her clear voice, too, as she exclaimed: “That was just what + made the ball so delightful. The dancing! Oh, yes, it is easy enough to + walk and turn in time to the music when one has such a knight for a + partner; but that was by no means the pleasantest part of it. During the + interval—it seemed but an instant, yet it really lasted a + considerable time—we first entered into conversation.” + </p> + <p> + “In one of the side rooms?” asked Els, the bright colour fading from her + cheeks. + </p> + <p> + “What are you thinking of?” replied Eva in a tone of offence. “I believe I + know what is seemly as well as anybody else. True, your Countess Cordula + did not set the most praiseworthy example. She allowed the whole throng of + knights to surround her in the ante-room, and your future brother-in-law, + Siebenburg, outdid them all. We—Heinz Schorlin and I—sat near + the Emperor’s table in the great hall, where everybody could see us. There + the conversation naturally passed from the old Minorite to the holy + founder of his order, and remained there. And if ever valiant knight + possessed a devout mind, it is Heinz Schorlin. Whoever goes into battle + without relying upon God and his saints,’ he said, ‘will find his courage + lack wings, and his armour the surest defensive ‘weapon.’” + </p> + <p> + “In the ballroom!” again fell from her sister’s lips in the same tone of + amazement. + </p> + <p> + “Where else?” asked Eva angrily. “I never met him except there. What do + you other girls talk about at such entertainments, if it surprises you? + Besides, St. Francis was by no means our only subject; we spoke of the + future crusade, too. And oh!—you may believe me—we would have + been glad to talk of such things for hours. He knew many things about our + saint; but the precise one which makes him especially great and lovable, + and withal so powerful that he attracted all whom he deemed worthy to + follow him, he had not understood, and I was permitted to be the first + person to bring it clearly before his mind. Ah! and his wit is as keen as + his sword, and his heart is as open to all that is noble and sacred as it + is loyal to his lord and Emperor. If we meet again I shall win him for the + white cross on the black mantle and the battle against the enemies of the + faith.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Eva,” interrupted her sister, still under the spell of astonishment, + “such conversation amid the merry music of the pipers!” + </p> + <p> + “‘Wherever three Christians meet, even though they are only laymen, there + is a church,’ says Tertullian,” Eva answered impressively. “One need not + go to the house of God to talk about the things which ought to be the + highest and dearest to every one; and Heinz Schorlin—I know it from + his own lips—is of the same opinion, for he told me voluntarily that + he would never forget the few hours which we had enjoyed together.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed!” said her sister thoughtfully. “But whether he does not owe this + pleasure more to the dancing than to the edifying conversation——” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not!” replied Eva, very positively. “I can prove it, too; for + later, after he had heard many things about St. Clare, the female + counterpart of Francis, he vowed to make her his patron saint. Or do you + suppose that a knight changes his saints, as he does his doublet and coat + of mail, without having any great and powerful motive? Do you think it + possible that the idle pleasure of the dance led him to so important a + decision?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not. Nothing led him to it except the irresistible zeal of my + devout sister,” answered Els, smiling, as she continued to comb her fair + hair. “She spoke with tongues in the ballroom, as the apostles did at + Pentecost, and thus our ‘little saint’ performed her first miracle: the + conversion of a godless knight during the dancing.” + </p> + <p> + “Call it so, if you choose,” replied Eva, her red lips pouting scornfully, + as if she felt raised above such pitiful derision. “How you hurt, Els! You + are pulling all the hair out of my head!” + </p> + <p> + The object of this rebuke had used the comb with the utmost care, but the + great luxuriance of the long, fair, waving locks had presented many an + impediment, and Eva seemed unusually sensitive that night. Els thought she + knew why, and made no answer to the unjust charge. She knew her sister; + and as she wound the braids about her head, and then, in the maid’s place, + hung part of her finery on hooks, and laid part carefully in the chest, + she asked her numerous questions about the dance, but was vouchsafed only + monosyllabic replies. + </p> + <p> + At last Els knelt before the prie-dieu. Eva did the same, resting her head + so long upon her clasped hands that the patient older sister could not + wait for the “Amen,” but, in order not to disturb Eva’s devotion, only + pressed a light kiss upon her head and then carefully drew the curtains + closely over the windows which, instead of glass, contained oiled + parchment. + </p> + <p> + Eva’s excitement filled her with anxiety. She knew, too, what a powerful + influence the bright moonlight sometimes exerted upon her while she slept, + and cast another glance at the closely curtained window before she went to + her own bed. There she lay a long time, with eyes wide open, pondering + over her sister’s words, and in doing so perceived more and more clearly + that love was now knocking at the heart of the child kneeling before the + prie-dieu. Sir Heinz Schorlin, the wild butterfly, desired to sip the + honey from this sweet, untouched flower, and then probably abandon her + like so many before her. Love and anxiety made the girl, whose opinion was + usually milder than her sister’s, a stern and unwise judge, for she + assumed that the Swiss—whose character in reality was far removed + from base hypocrisy—the man whom she had just termed a wolf, had + donned sheep’s clothing to make her poor lambkin an easier prey. But she + was on guard and ready to spoil his game. + </p> + <p> + Did Eva really fail to understand the new feeling which had seized her so + swiftly and powerfully? Did she lull herself in the delusion that she + cared only for the welfare of the soul of the pious young knight? + </p> + <p> + Yes, it might be so, and prudent Els, who had watched her own little world + intently enough, said to herself that it would be pouring oil upon the + flames to tease Eva about the defeat which she, the “little saint,” had + sustained in the battle against the demands of the world and of the + feminine heart. Besides, her sister was too dear for her to rejoice in her + humiliation. Els resolved not to utter a word about the Swiss unless + compelled to do so. + </p> + <p> + Eva’s prayers before retiring were often very long, but to-night it seemed + as if they would never end. + </p> + <p> + “She is not appealing to St. Clare for herself alone, but for another,” + thought Els. “I spend less time in doing it. True, a Heinz Schorlin needs + longer intercession than my Eva, my Wolff, and my poor pious mother. But I + won’t disturb her yet.” + </p> + <p> + Sighing faintly, she changed her position, but remained sitting propped + against the white pillows in order not to allow herself to be overcome by + sleep. But it was a hard struggle, and her lids often fell, her head + drooped upon her breast. + </p> + <p> + Dawn was already glimmering without when the supplicant at last rose and + sought her couch. Her sister let her lie quietly for a while, then she + rose and put out the lamp which Eva had forgotten to extinguish. The + latter noticed it, turned her face towards her and called her gently. “To + think that you should have to get up again, my poor Els! Give me a + good-night kiss.” + </p> + <p> + “Gladly, dearest,” replied the other. “But it is really quite time to say + ‘good-morning.”’ + </p> + <p> + “And you have kept awake so long!” replied Eva compassionately, as she + threw her arms gratefully around her sister’s neck, kissed her tenderly, + and then pressed her hot cheek to hers. + </p> + <p> + “What is this?” cried Els, with sincere anxiety. “Are you hurt, child? + Surely you are weeping?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” was the reply. “I am only—I only thought that I had + adorned myself, decked myself out with idle finery, although I know how + many poor people are starving in want and misery, and how much more + pleasing in the sight of the Lord is the grey robe of the cloistered nun. + I could scarcely leave the hall in my overweening pleasure, and yet it + would have beseemed me far better to share the sufferings of the crucified + Saviour.” + </p> + <p> + “But, child,” replied Els, striving to soothe her sister, “how often I + have heard from you and our aunt, the abbess, that no one was so cheerful + and so glad to witness the enjoyment of human beings and animals as your + St. Francis!” + </p> + <p> + “He—he!” groaned Eva, “he who attained the highest goal, who heard + the voice of the Lord wherever he listened; he who chose poverty as his + beloved bride, who scorned show and parade and the trappings of wealth, as + he disdained earthly love; he who celebrated in song the love of the soul + glowing for the highest things, as no troubadour could do—oh, how + ardently he knew how to love, but to love the things which do not belong + to this world!” + </p> + <p> + Els longed to ask what Eva knew about the ardent fire of love; but she + restrained herself, darkened the bed as well as she could with the movable + curtain which hung from the ceiling on both sides above the double couch, + and said: “Be sensible, child, and put aside such thoughts. How loudly the + birds are twittering outside! If our father is obliged to breakfast alone + there may be a storm, and I should be glad to have an hour’s nap. You need + slumber, too. Dancing is tiresome. Shut your eyes and sleep as long as you + can. I’ll be as quiet as a mouse while I am dressing.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke she turned away from her sister and no longer resisted the + sleep which soon closed her weary eyes. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <p> + As her father had ordered the servants not to disturb the young girls, Els + did not wake till the sun was high in the heavens. Eva’s place at her side + was empty. She had already left the room. For the first time it had been + impossible to sleep even a few short moments, and when she heard from the + neighbouring cloister the ringing of the little bell that summoned the + nuns to prayers, she could stay in bed no longer. + </p> + <p> + Usually she liked to dress slowly, thinking meanwhile of many things which + stirred her soul. Sometimes while the maid or Els braided her hair she + could read a book of devotion which the abbess had given her. But this + morning she had carried the clothes she needed into the next room on + tiptoe, that she might not wake her sister, and urged Katterle, who helped + her dress, to hurry. + </p> + <p> + She longed to see her aunt at the convent. While kneeling at the + prie-dieu, she had reached the certainty that her patron saint had led + Heinz Schorlin to her. He was her knight and she his lady, so he must + render her obedience, and she would use it to estrange him from the vanity + of the world and make him a champion of the holy cause of the Church of + Christ, the victorious conqueror of her foes. Sky-blue, the Holy Virgin’s + colour, should be hers, and thus his also, and every victory gained by the + knight with the sky-blue on his helmet, under St. Clare’s protection, + would then be hers. + </p> + <p> + Heinz Schorlin was already one of the boldest and strongest knights; her + love must render him also one of the most godly. Yes, her love! If St. + Francis had not disdained to make a wolf his brother, why might she not + feel herself the loving sister of a youth who would obey her as a noble + falcon did his mistress, and whom she would teach to pursue the right + quarry? The abbess would not forbid such love, and the impulse that drew + her so strongly to the convent was the longing to know how her aunt would + receive her confession. + </p> + <p> + The night before when, after her conversation with Els, she began to pray, + she had feared that she had fallen into the snare of earthly love, and + dreaded the confession which she had to make to her aunt Kunigunde. Now + she found that it was no fleshly bond which united her to the knight. Oh, + no! As St. Francis had gone forth to console, to win souls for the Lord, + to bring peace and exhort to earnest labour in the service of the Saviour, + as his disciples had imitated him, and St. Clare had been untiring in + working, in his spirit, among women, she, too, would obey the call which + had come to her saint in Portiuncula, and prove herself for the first + time, according to the Scripture, “a fisher of souls.” + </p> + <p> + Now she gladly anticipated the meeting; for though her sister did not + understand her, the abbess must know how to sympathise with what was + passing in her mind. This expectation was fulfilled; for as soon as she + was alone with her aunt she poured forth all her hopes and feelings + without reserve, eagerly and joyfully extolling her good fortune that, + through St. Clare, she had been enabled to find the noblest and most + valiant knight, that she might win him for the Holy War under her saint’s + protection and to her honour. + </p> + <p> + The abbess, who knew women’s hearts, had at first felt the same fear as + Els; but she soon changed her opinion, and thought that she might be + permitted to rejoice over the new emotion in her darling’s breast. + </p> + <p> + No girl in love talked so openly and joyously of the conquest won, least + of all would her truthful, excitable niece, whom she had drawn into her + own path, speak thus of the man who disturbed her repose. No sensitive + girl, unfamiliar with the world and scarcely beyond childhood, would + decide with such steadfast firmness, so wholly free from every selfish + wish, the future of the man dearest to her heart. No, no! Eva had already + attained her new birth, and was not to be compared with other girls She + had already once reached that ecstatic rapture which followed only a long + absorption in God and an active sympathy with the deep human love of the + Saviour and the unspeakable sufferings which he had taken upon himself. + Little was to be feared from earthly love for one who devoted herself with + all the passion of her fervid nature to the divine Bridegroom. Among the + many whom Kunigunde received into the convent as novices, she was most + certainly “called.” If she felt something which resembled love for the + young knight—and she made no concealment of it—it was only the + result of the sweet joy of winning for the Lord, the faith, and her saint + a soul which seemed to her worthy of such grace. + </p> + <p> + Dear, highly gifted child! + </p> + <p> + She, the abbess Kunigunde, was willing it should be so, and that Eva + should surpass herself. She should prove that genuine piety conquers even + the yearning of a quickly throbbing heart. + </p> + <p> + True, she must keep her eyes open in order to prevent Satan, who is + everywhere on the watch, from mingling in a game not wholly free from + peril. But, on the other hand, the abbess intended to help her beloved + niece to reap the reward of her piety. + </p> + <p> + It was scarcely to be doubted that Heinz Schorlin was fired with ardent + love for Eva; but, for that very reason, he would be ready to yield her + obedience, and therefore it was advisable to tell her exactly to what she + must persuade him. She must win him to join the Order of Malta, and if the + famous champion of Marchfield performed heroic deeds with the white cross + on his black mantle, or in war on his red tunic, he, the Emperor’s + favourite, would be sure of a high position among the military members of + the order. + </p> + <p> + The young girl listened eagerly, but the elderly abbess herself became + excited while encouraging the young future “Sister” to her noble task. The + days when, with the inmates of the convent, she had prayed that the + Emperor Rudolph might fulfil the Pope’s desire, and in a new crusade again + wrest the Holy Land from the infidels, came back to her memory, and Heinz + Schorlin, guided by the nuns of St. Clare, seemed the man to bring the + fulfilment of this old and cherished wish. + </p> + <p> + It appeared like a leading of the saints and a sign from God that Heinz + had been dubbed a knight, and commenced his glorious career at Lausanne + while the Emperor Rudolph pledged himself to a new crusade. + </p> + <p> + She detained Eva so long that dinner was over at the Ortlieb mansion, and + her impatient father would have sent for her had not the invalid mother + urged him to let her remain. + </p> + <p> + True, she longed to have a talk with her darling, who for the first time + in her life had attended a great entertainment, and doubtless it grieved + her to think that Eva did not feel the necessity of pouring out her heart + to her own mother rather than to any one else, and sharing with her all + the new emotions which undoubtedly had thrilled it; but she knew her + child, and would have considered it selfish to place any obstacle in the + pathway to eternal salvation of the elect whom God summoned with so loud a + voice. Formerly she would rather have seen the young girl, whose charms + were developing into such rare beauty, wedded to some good man; but now + she rejoiced in the idea that Eva was summoned to rule over the nuns in + the neighbouring cloister some day as abbess, in the place of her + sister-in-law Kunigunde. Her own days, she knew, were numbered, but where + could her child more surely find the happiness she desired for her than + with the beloved sisters of St. Clare, whose home she and her husband had + helped to build? + </p> + <p> + Els had concealed from her parents what she fancied she had discovered, + for any anxiety injured the invalid, and no one could anticipate how her + irritable father might receive the information of her fear. On the other + hand, she could confide her troubles without anxiety to Wolff, her + betrothed husband. He was wise, prudent, loved Eva like a sister, and in + exchanging thoughts with him she always discovered the right course to + pursue; but though she expected him so eagerly and confidently, he did not + come. + </p> + <p> + When, in the afternoon, Eva returned home, her whole manner expressed such + firm, cheerful composure that Els began to hope she might have been + mistaken. The undemonstrative yet tender affection with which she met her + mother, too, by no means harmonised with her fears. + </p> + <p> + How lovely the young girl looked as she sat on a low stool at the head of + the invalid’s couch and, with her mother’s emaciated hand clasped in hers, + told her all that she had seen and experienced the evening before! To + please the beloved sufferer, she dwelt longer on the description of the + gracious manner of the Emperor Rudolph and his sister to her and her + father, the conversation with which the Burgrave had honoured her, and his + son’s invitation to dance. Then for the first time she mentioned Heinz + Schorlin, whom she had found a godly knight, and finally spoke briefly of + the distinguished foreign nobles and ladies whom he had pointed out and + named. + </p> + <p> + All this reminded the mother of former days and, in spite of the warning + of watchful Els not to talk too much, she did not cease questioning or + recalling the time when she herself attended such festivals, and as one of + the fairest maidens received much homage. + </p> + <p> + It had been a good day, for it was long since she had enjoyed so much + quiet in her own home. The von Montforts, she told Eva, had set off early, + with a great train of knights and servants, to ride to Radolzburg, the + castle of the Burgrave von Zollern. Her father thought they would probably + have a dance there, for the young sons of the Burgrave would act as hosts. + </p> + <p> + Eva asked carelessly who rode with Cordula this time to submit to her + whims, but Els perceived by her sister’s flushed cheeks and the tone of + her voice what she desired to know, and answered as if by accident that + Sir Heinz Schorlin certainly was not one of her companions, for he had + ridden through the Frauenthor that afternoon in the train of the Emperor + Rudolph and his Bohemian daughter-in-law. + </p> + <p> + Twilight was already beginning to gather, and Els could not see whether + this news afforded Eva pleasure or annoyance, for her mother had taken too + little heed of her weakness, and one of the attacks which the physician so + urgently ordered her to avoid by caution commenced. + </p> + <p> + Els and the convent Sister Renata, who helped her nurse the invalid, were + now completely absorbed in caring for her, but Eva turned away from the + beloved sufferer—her sensitive nature could not endure the sight of + her convulsions. + </p> + <p> + As soon as her mother again lay weak but quiet on the pillows which Els + had rearranged for her, Eva obeyed her entreaty to go away, and went to + her own chamber. When another attack drew her back to the invalid, a sign + from her sister as she reached the threshold bade her keep away from the + couch. Should it prove necessary, she whispered, she would call her. If + Wolff came, Eva was to tell him that she could not leave her mother, but + he must be sure to return early the next morning, as she had a great deal + to say to him. + </p> + <p> + Eva then went to her father, who was dressing to attend a banquet at the + house of Herr Berthold Vorchtel, the first Losunger—[Presiding + Officer]—in the Council, from which he would be loath to absent + himself for the very reason that his host’s family had been hostile to him + ever since the rumour of the betrothal of Wolff Eysvogel, whom the + Vorchtels had regarded as their daughter Ursula’s future husband. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, Herr Ernst would not have gone to the entertainment had his + wife’s condition given cause for anxiety. But he was familiar with these + convulsions which, it is true, weakened the invalid, but produced no other + results; so he permitted Eva to help him put the last touches to his + dress, on which he lavished great care. Spick and span as if he were just + out of a bandbox, the elderly man, before leaving the house, went once + more to the sick-room, and Eva stood near as, after many questions and + requests, he whispered something to Els which she did not hear. With + excited curiosity she asked what he had said so secretly, but he only + answered hurriedly, “The name of the Man in the Moon’s dog,” kissed her + cheek, and ran downstairs. + </p> + <p> + At the foot he again turned to Eva and told her to send for him if her + mother should grow worse, for these entertainments at the Vorchtels + usually lasted a long time. + </p> + <p> + “Will the Eysvogels be there too?” asked the girl. + </p> + <p> + “Who knows,” replied her father. “I shall be glad if Wolff comes.” + </p> + <p> + The tone in which he uttered the name of his future son-in-law distinctly + showed how little he desired to meet any other member of the family, and + Eva said sympathisingly, “Then I hope you will have an opportunity to + remember me to Wolff.” + </p> + <p> + “Shall I say nothing to Ursel?” asked the father, pressing a good-night + kiss upon the young girl’s forehead. + </p> + <p> + “She would not care for it,” was the reply. “It cannot be easy to forget a + man like Wolff.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish he had stuck to Ursel, and let Els alone,” her father answered + angrily. “It would have been better for both.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, father,” interrupted Eva reproachfully, “do not our lovers seem + really created for each other?” + </p> + <p> + “If the Eysvogels were only of the same opinion,” exclaimed Ernst Ortlieb, + shrugging his shoulders with a faint sigh. “Whoever marries, child, weds + not only a man or a woman; all their kindred, unhappily, must be taken + into the bargain. However, Els did not lack earnest warning. When your + time comes, girl, your father will be more careful.” + </p> + <p> + Smiling tenderly, he passed his hand over the little cap which covered her + thick, fair hair, and went out. + </p> + <p> + Eva returned to her room and sat down at the spinning-wheel in the bow + window, where Katterle had just drawn the curtains closely and lighted the + hanging lamp. But the distaff remained untouched, and her thoughts + wandered swiftly to the evening before and the ball at the Town Hall. + Heinz Schorlin’s image rose more and more distinctly before her mind, and + this pleased her, for she fancied that he wore on his helm the blue favour + which she had chosen, and it led her to consider against what foe she + should first send him in the service of his lady and the Holy Church. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <p> + Eva had gazed into vacancy a long time, and beheld a succession of + pleasing pictures, in every one of which, Heinz Schorlin appeared. Once, + in imagination, she placed a wreath on his helmet after a great victory + over the infidels. + </p> + <p> + Why should not this vision become a reality? Doubtless it owed its origin + to a memory, for Wolff Eysvogel had been fired with love for her sister + while Els was winding laurel around his helmet. + </p> + <p> + After the Honourable Council had resolved that the youths belonging to + noble families, who had fought in the battle of Marchfield and returned + victorious, should be adorned with wreaths by the maidens of their choice, + Fate had appointed her sister to crown Eysvogel. + </p> + <p> + At that time Wolff had but recently recovered from the severe wounds with + which he had returned from the campaign. But while he knelt before Els and + his eyes met hers, love had overmastered him so swiftly and powerfully, + that at the end of a few days he determined to woo her. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile his own family resolutely opposed his choice. The father + declared that he had made an agreement with Berthold Vorchtel to marry him + to his daughter Ursula, and withdrawal on his son’s part would embarrass + him. His grandmother, the arrogant old Countess Rotterbach, agreed with + him, and declared that Wolff ought to wed no one except a lady of the most + aristocratic birth or an heiress like Ursula. Her daughter Rosalinde + Eysvogel, as usual, was the echo of her mother. + </p> + <p> + Herr Ernst Ortlieb, too, would far rather have seen his Els marry into + another home; but Wolff himself was a young man of such faultless honour, + and the bride he had chosen was so eager to become his, that he deemed it + a duty to forget the aversion inspired by the suitor’s family. + </p> + <p> + As for Wolff, he had so firmly persisted in his resolve that his parents + at last permitted him to ask for his darling’s hand, but his father had + made it a condition that the betrothal, on account of the youth of the + lovers, should not be announced till after Wolff had returned from Milan, + where he was to finish the studies commenced in Venice. True, everyone had + supposed that they were completed long ago, but Eysvogel senior insisted + upon his demand, and afterwards succeeded in deferring the announcement of + the betrothal, until the resolute persistence of Wolff, who meanwhile had + entered the great commercial house, and the wish of his own aged mother, a + sensible woman, who from the first had approved her grandson’s choice and + to whom Herr Casper was obliged to show a certain degree of consideration, + compelled him to give it publicity. + </p> + <p> + A few days later Herr Casper’s brother died, and soon after his estimable + old mother. He used these events as a pretext for longer delay, saying + that both he and his wife needed at least six months’ interval ere they + could forget their mourning in a gay wedding festival. Besides, he would + prefer not to have the marriage take place until after Wolff’s election to + the Council, which, in all probability, would occur after Walpurgis of the + coming year. + </p> + <p> + Ernst Ortlieb had sullenly submitted to all this. Nothing but his love for + his child and respect for Herr Casper’s dead mother, who had taken Els to + her heart like a beloved granddaughter, would have enabled him to conquer + his hasty temper in his negotiations with the man whom he detested in his + inmost soul, and not hurl back the consent so reluctantly granted to his + son. + </p> + <p> + The friends who knew him admired the strength of will with which he + governed his impetuous nature in this transaction. Some asserted that + secret obligations compelled him to yield to the rich Eysvogel; for though + the Ortlieb mercantile house was reputed wealthy, the business prudence of + its head resulted in smaller profits, and people had not forgotten that it + had suffered heavy losses during the terrible period of despotism which + had preceded the Emperor Rudolph’s accession to the throne. + </p> + <p> + The insecurity of the high-roads had injured every merchant, but in trying + to find some explanation for Herr Ortlieb’s submission the attacks which + had cost him one and another train of wares were regarded as specially + disastrous. + </p> + <p> + Finally, the dowry which Els was to bring bore no comparison to the large + sums Ernst Ortlieb had lavished upon the erection of the St. Clare + Convent, and hence it was inferred that the wealth of the firm had + sustained considerable losses. This found ready credence, owing to the + retired life led by the Ortliebs,—whose house had formerly been one + of the most hospitable in the city,—ever since the wife had become + an invalid and Eva had grown up with an aversion to the world. Few took + the trouble to inquire into the very apparent causes for the change. + </p> + <p> + Yet this view of the matter was opposed by many-nay, when the conversation + turned upon these subjects, Herr Berthold Vorchtel, perhaps the richest + and most distinguished man in Nuremberg, who rented the imperial taxes, + made comments from which, had it not been so difficult to believe, people + might have inferred that Casper Eysvogel was indebted to Ernst Ortlieb + rather than the latter to him. + </p> + <p> + Yet the cautious, prudent man never explained the foundation of his + opinion, for he very rarely mentioned either of the two firms; yet prior + to the battle of Marchfield he had believed that his own daughter Ursula + and Wolff Eysvogel would sooner or later wed. Herr Casper, the young man’s + father, had strengthened this expectation. He himself and his wife + esteemed Wolff, and his “Ursel” had shown plainly enough that she + preferred him to the other friends of her elder brother Ulrich. + </p> + <p> + When he returned home the two met like brother and sister, and the parents + of Ursula Vorchtel had expected Wolff’s proposal until the day on which + the wreaths were bestowed had made them poorer by a favourite wish and + destroyed the fairest hope of their daughter Ursula. + </p> + <p> + The worthy merchant, it is true, deemed love a beautiful thing, but in + Nuremberg it was the parents who chose wives and husbands for their sons + and daughters; yet, after marriage, love took possession of the newly + wedded pair. A transgression of this ancient custom was very rare, and + even though Wolff’s heart was fired with love for Els Ortlieb, his father, + Herr Vorchtel thought, should have refused his consent to the betrothal, + especially as he had already treated Ursel as his future daughter. Some + compulsion must have been imposed upon him when he permitted his son to + choose a wife other than the one selected. + </p> + <p> + But what could render one merchant dependent upon another except business + obligations?—and Berthold Vorchtel was sharp-sighted. He knew the + heavy draft which Herr Casper had made upon the confidence reposed in the + old firm, and thought he had perceived that the great splendour displayed + by the women of the Eysvogel family, the liberality with which Herr Casper + had aided his impoverished noble relatives, and the lavish expenditure of + his son-in-law, the debt-laden Sir Seitz Siebenburg, drew too heavily upon + the revenues of the ancient house. + </p> + <p> + Even now Casper Eysvogel’s whole conduct proved how unwelcome was his + son’s choice. To him, Ursula’s father, he still intimated on many an + occasion that he had by no means resigned every hope of becoming, through + his son, more nearly allied to his family, for a betrothal was not a + wedding. + </p> + <p> + Berthold Vorchtel, however, was not the man to enter into such + double-dealing, although he saw plainly enough how matters stood with his + poor child. She had confided her feelings to no one; yet, in spite of + Ursula’s reserved nature, even a stranger could perceive that something + clouded her happiness. Besides, she had persistently refused the + distinguished suitors who sought the wealthy Herr Berthold’s pretty + daughter, and only very recently had promised her parents, of her own free + will, to give up her opposition to marriage. + </p> + <p> + Ever since the betrothal, to the sincere sorrow of Els, she had studiously + avoided Wolff’s future bride, who had been one of her dearest friends; and + Ulrich, Herr Vorchtel’s oldest son, took his sister’s part, and at every + opportunity showed Wolff—who from a child, and also in the battle of + Marchfield, had been a favourite comrade—that he bore him a grudge, + and considered his betrothal to any one except Ursula an act of shameful + perfidy. + </p> + <p> + The fair-minded father did not approve of his son’s conduct, for his wife + had learned from her daughter that Wolff had never spoken to her of love, + or promised marriage. + </p> + <p> + Therefore, whenever Herr Berthold Vorchtel met Els’s father—and this + often happened in the Council—he treated him with marked respect, + and when there was an entertainment in his house sent him an invitation, + as in former years, which Ernst Urtlieb accepted, unless something of + importance prevented. + </p> + <p> + But though the elder Vorchtel was powerless to change his children’s + conduct, he never wearied of representing to his son how unjust and + dangerous were the attacks with which, on every occasion, he irritated + Wolff, whose strength and skill in fencing were almost unequalled in + Nuremberg. In fact, the latter would long since have challenged his former + friend had he not been so conscious of his own superiority, and shrunk + from the thought of bringing fresh sorrow upon Ursula and her parents, + whom he still remembered with friendly regard. + </p> + <p> + Eva was fond of her future brother-in-law, and it had not escaped her + notice that of late something troubled him. + </p> + <p> + What was it? + </p> + <p> + She thoughtfully gave the wheel a push, and as it turned swiftly she + remembered the Swiss dance the evening before, and suddenly clenched her + small right hand and dealt the palm of her left a light blow. + </p> + <p> + She fancied that she had discovered the cause of Wolff’s depression, for + she again saw distinctly before her his sister Isabella’s husband, Sir + Seitz Siebenburg, as he swung Countess Cordula around so recklessly that + her skirt, adorned with glittering jewels, fluttered far out from her + figure. In the room adjacent to the hall he had flung himself upon his + knees before the countess, and Eva fancied she again beheld his big, red + face, with its long, thick, yellow mustache, whose ends projected on both + sides in a fashion worn by few men of his rank. The expression of the + watery blue eyes, with which he stared Cordula in the face, were those of + a drunkard. + </p> + <p> + To-day he had followed her to the Kadolzburg, and probably meant to spend + the night there. So Wolff had ample reason to be anxious about his sister + and her peace of mind. That must be it! + </p> + <p> + Perhaps he would yet come that evening, to give Els at least a greeting + from the street. How late was it? + </p> + <p> + She hastily tried to draw the curtains aside from the window, but this was + not accomplished as quickly as she expected—they had been care fully + fastened with pins. Eva noticed it, and suddenly remembered her father’s + whispered words to Els. + </p> + <p> + They were undoubtedly about the window. According to the calendar, the + moon would be full that day, and she knew very well that it had a strange + influence upon her. True, within the past year it appeared to have lost + its power; but formerly, especially when she had devoted herself very + earnestly to religious exercises, she had often, without knowing how or + why, left her bed and wandered about, not only in her chamber but through + the house. Once she had climbed to the dovecot in the courtyard, and + another time had mounted to the garret where, she did not know in what + way, she had been awakened. When she looked around, the moon was shining + into the spacious room, and showed her that she was perched on one of the + highest beams in the network of rafters which, joined with the utmost + skill, supported the roof. Below her yawned a deep gulf, and as she looked + down into it she was seized with such terror that she uttered a loud + shriek for help, and did not recover her calmness until the old + housekeeper, Martsche, who had started from her bed in alarm, brought her + father to her. + </p> + <p> + She had been taken down with the utmost care. No one was permitted to help + except white-haired Nickel, the old head packer, who often let a whole day + pass without opening his lips; for Herr Ernst seemed to lay great stress + upon keeping the moon’s influence on Eva a secret. There was indeed + something uncanny about this night-walking, for even now it seemed + incomprehensible how she had reached the beam, which was at least the + height of three men above the floor. A fall might have cost her life, and + her father was right in trying to prevent a repetition of such nocturnal + excursions. This time Els had helped him. + </p> + <p> + How faithfully she cared for them all! + </p> + <p> + Yes, she had barred out even the faintest glimmer. Eva smiled as she saw + the numerous pins with which her sister had fastened the curtain, and an + irresistible longing seized her to see once more the wonderful light that + promoted the growth of the hair if cut during its increase, and also + exerted so strange an influence upon her. + </p> + <p> + She must look up at the moon! + </p> + <p> + Swiftly and skilfully, as if aided by invisible hands, her dainty fingers + opened curtain and window. + </p> + <p> + Drawing a deep breath, with an emotion of pleasure which she had not + experienced for a long time, she gazed at the linden before the house + steeped in silvery radiance, and upward to the pure disk of the full moon + sailing in the cloudless sky. How beautiful and still the night was! How + delightful it would be to walk up and down the garden, with her aunt the + abbess, with Els, and perhaps—she felt the blood crimson her cheeks—with + Heinz Schorlin! + </p> + <p> + Where was he now? + </p> + <p> + Undoubtedly with the Emperor and his ladies, perhaps at the side of the + Bohemian princess, the young Duchess Agnes, who yesterday had so plainly + showed her pleasure in his society. + </p> + <p> + Just then the watch, marching from the Marienthurn to the Frauenthor, gave + her vagrant thoughts a new turn. The city guard was soon followed by a + troop of horse, which probably belonged to the Emperor’s train. + </p> + <p> + It was delightful to gaze, at this late hour, into the moonlit street, and + she wondered that she had never enjoyed it before. True, it would have + been still pleasanter had Els borne her company; and, besides, she longed + to tell her the new explanation she had found for Wolff’s altered manner. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps her mother was asleep, and she could come with her. + </p> + <p> + How still the house was! + </p> + <p> + Cautiously opening the door of the sick-room, she glanced in. Els was + standing at the head of the bed, supporting her mother with her strong + young arms, while Sister Renata pushed the cushions between the sufferer’s + back and the bedstead. + </p> + <p> + The old difficulty of breathing had evidently attacked her again. + </p> + <p> + Yes, yes, the dim light of the lamp was shining on her pale face, and the + large sunken eyes were gazing with imploring anguish at the image of the + Virgin on the opposite wall. + </p> + <p> + How gladly Eva would have afforded her relief! She looked with a faint + sense of envy at her sister, whose skilful, careful hands did everything + to the satisfaction of the beloved sufferer, while in nursing she failed + only too often in giving the right touch. But she could pray—implore + the aid of her saint very fervently; nay, she was more familiar with her, + and might hope that she would fulfil a heartfelt wish of hers more quickly + than for her sister. It would not do to call Els to the window. She closed + the door gently, returned to her chamber, knelt and implored St. Clare, + with all the fervour of her heart, to grant her mother a good night. Then + she again drew the curtains closely over the window, and went to call + Katterle to help her undress. + </p> + <p> + But the maid was just entering with fresh water. What was the matter with + her? + </p> + <p> + Her hand trembled as she braided her young mistress’s hair and sometimes, + with a faint sigh, she stopped the movement of the comb. + </p> + <p> + Her silence could be easily explained; for Eva had often forbidden + Katterle to talk, when she disturbed her meditation. Yet the girl must + have had some special burden on her mind, for when Eva had gone to bed she + could not resolve to leave the room, but remained standing on the + threshold in evident embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + Eva encouraged her to speak, and Katterle, so confused that she often + hesitated for words and pulled at her ribbons till she was in danger of + tearing them from her white apron, stammered that she did not come on her + own account, but for another person. It was well known in the household + that her betrothed husband, the true and steadfast Walther Biberli, served + a godly knight, her countryman. + </p> + <p> + “I know it,” said Eva with apparent composure, “and your Biberli has + commissioned you to bear me the respectful greeting of Sir Heinz + Schorlin.” + </p> + <p> + The girl looked at her young mistress in surprise. She had been prepared + for a sharp rebuke, and had yielded to her lover’s entreaties to under + take this service amid tears, and with great anxiety; for if her act + should be betrayed, she would lose, amid bitter reproaches, the place she + so greatly prized. Yet Biberli’s power over her and her faith in him were + so great that she would have followed him into a lion’s den; and it had + scarcely seemed a more desirable venture to carry a love-greeting to the + pious maiden who held men in such disfavour, and could burst into + passionate anger as suddenly as her father. + </p> + <p> + And now? + </p> + <p> + Eva had expected such a message. It seemed like a miracle to Katterle. + </p> + <p> + With a sigh of relief, and a hasty thanksgiving to her patron saint, she + at once began to praise the virtue and piety of the servant as well as his + lord; but Eva again interrupted, and asked what Sir Heinz Schorlin + desired. + </p> + <p> + Katterle, with new-born confidence, repeated, as if it were some trivial + request, the words Biberli had impressed upon her mind. + </p> + <p> + “By virtue of the right of every good and devout knight to ask his lady + for her colour, Sir Heinz Schorlin, with all due reverence, humbly prays + you to name yours; for how could he hold up his head before you and all + the knights if he were denied the privilege of wearing it in your honour, + in war as well as in peace?” + </p> + <p> + Here her mistress again interrupted with a positive “I know,” and, still + more emboldened, Katterle continued the ex-schoolmaster’s lesson to the + end: + </p> + <p> + “His lord, my lover says, will wait here beneath the window, in all + reverence, though it should be till morning, until you show him your sweet + face. No, don’t interrupt me yet, Mistress Eva, for you must know that Sir + Heinz’s lady mother committed her dear son to my Biberli’s care, that he + might guard him from injury and illness. But since his master met you, he + has been tottering about as though he had received a spear-thrust, and as + the knight confessed to his faithful servitor that no leech could help him + until you permitted him to open his heart to you and show you with what + humble devotion——” + </p> + <p> + But here the maid was interrupted in a manner very different from her + expectations, for Eva had raised herself on her pillows and, almost unable + to control her voice in the excess of her wrath, exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “The master who presumes to seek through his servant——And by + what right does the knight dare thus insolently——But no! Who + knows what modest wish was transformed in your mouth to so unprecedented a + demand? He desired to see my face? He wanted to speak to me in person, to + confess I know not what? From you—you, Katterle, the maid—the + knight expects——” + </p> + <p> + Here she struck her little hand angrily against the wood of the bedstead + and, panting for breath, continued: + </p> + <p> + “I’ll show him!——Yet no! What I have to answer no one else——From + me, from me alone, he shall learn without delay. There is paper in yonder + chest, on the very top; bring it to me, with pen and ink.” + </p> + <p> + Katterle silently hurried to obey this order, but Eva pressed her hand + upon her heaving bosom, and gazed silently into vacancy. + </p> + <p> + The manservant and the maid whom Heinz Schorlin had made his messengers + certainly could have no conception of the bond that united her to him; + even her own sister had misunderstood it. He should now learn that Eva + Ortlieb knew what beseemed her! But she, too, longed for another meeting, + and this conduct rendered it necessary. + </p> + <p> + The sooner they two had a conversation, the better. She could confidently + venture to invite him to the meeting which she had in view; her aunt, the + abbess, had promised to stand by her side, if she needed her, in her + intercourse with the knight. + </p> + <p> + But her colour? + </p> + <p> + Katterle had long since laid the paper and writing materials before her, + but she still pondered. At last, with a smile of satisfaction, she seized + the pen. The manner in which she intended to mention the colour should + show him the nature of the bond which united them. + </p> + <p> + She was mistress of the pen, for in the convent she had copied the + gospels, the psalms, and other portions of the Scriptures, yet her hand + trembled as she committed the following lines to the paper: + </p> + <p> + “I am angered—nay, even grieved—that you, a godly knight, who + knows the reverence due to a lady, have ventured to await my greeting in + front of my father’s house. If you are a true knight, you must be aware + that you voluntarily promised to obey my every glance. I can rely upon + this pledge, and since I find it necessary to talk with you, I invite you + to an interview—when and where, my maid, who is betrothed to your + servant, shall inform him. A friend, who has your welfare at heart as well + as mine, will be with me. It must be soon, with the permission of St. + Clare, who, since you have chosen her for your patron saint, looks down + upon you as well as on me. + </p> + <p> + “As for my colour, I know not what to name; the baubles associated with + earthly love are unfamiliar to me. But blue is the colour of the pure + heaven and its noble queen, the gracious Virgin. If you make this colour + yours and fight for it, I shall rejoice, and am willing to name it mine.” + </p> + <p> + At the bottom of the little note she wrote only her Christian name “Eva,” + and when she read it over she found that it contained, in apt and seemly + phrases, everything that she desired to say to the knight. + </p> + <p> + While folding the paper and considering how she could fasten it, as there + was no wax at hand, she thought of the narrow ribbons with which Els tied + together, in sets of half a dozen, the fine kerchiefs worn over the neck + and bosom, when they came from the wash. They were sky-blue, and nothing + could be more suitable for the purpose. + </p> + <p> + Katterle brought one from the top of the chest. Eva wound it swiftly + around the little roll, and the maid hastily left the room, sure of the + gratitude of the true and steadfast Biberli. + </p> + <p> + When Eva was again alone, she at first thought that she might rejoice over + her hasty act; but on asking herself what Els would say, she felt certain + that she would disapprove of it and, becoming disconcerted, began to + imagine what consequences it might entail. + </p> + <p> + The advice which her father had recently given Wolff, never to let any + important letter pass out of his hands until at least one night had + elapsed, returned to her memory, and from that instant the little note + burdened her soul like a hundred-pound weight. + </p> + <p> + She would fain have started up to get it back again, and a strong + attraction drew her towards the window to ascertain whether Heinz Schorlin + had really come and was awaiting her greeting. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps Katterle had not yet delivered the note. What if she were still + standing at the door of the house to wait for Biberli? If, to be + absolutely certain, she should just glance out, that would not be looking + for the knight, and she availed herself of the excuse without delay. + </p> + <p> + In an instant she sprang from her bed and gently drew the curtain aside. + The street was perfectly still. The linden and the neighbouring houses + cast dark, sharply outlined shadows upon the light pavement, and from the + convent garden the song of the nightingale echoed down the quiet moonlit + street. + </p> + <p> + Katterle had probably already given the note to Heinz Schorlin who, + obedient to his lady’s command, as beseemed a knight, had gone away. This + soothed her anxiety, and with a sigh she went back to bed. + </p> + <p> + But the longing to look out into the street again was so strong that she + yielded to the temptation; yet, ere she reached the window, she summoned + the strength of will which was peculiar to her and, lying down, once more + closed her lids, with the firm resolve to see and hear nothing. As she had + not shut her eyes the night before and, from dread of the ball, had slept + very little during the preceding one, she soon, though the moon was + shining in through the parted curtains, lapsed into a condition midway + between sleep and waking. Extreme fatigue had deadened consciousness, yet + she fancied that at times she heard the sound of footsteps on the pavement + outside, and the deep voices of men. + </p> + <p> + Nor was what she heard in her half-dozing state, which was soon followed + by the sound slumber of youth, any delusion of the senses. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <p> + The moon found something in front of the Ortlieb house worth looking at. + Rarely had she lighted with purer, brighter radiance the pathway of the + mortals who excited her curiosity, than that of the two handsome young men + who, at a moderate interval of time, passed through the Frauenthor, and + finally entered the courtyard of the Ortlieb residence almost at the same + instant. + </p> + <p> + Luna first saw them pace silently to and fro, and delighted in the + resentful glances they cast at each other. This joy increased as the one + in the long coat, embroidered on the shoulder with birds, and then the + other, whose court costume well became his lithe, powerful limbs, sat + down, each on one of the chains connecting the granite posts between the + street and the courtyard. + </p> + <p> + The very tall one, who looked grave and anxious, was Wolff Eysvogel; the + other, somewhat shorter, who swung gaily to and fro on the chain as if it + afforded him much amusement, Heinz Schorlin. + </p> + <p> + Both frequently glanced up at the lighted bow-window and the smaller one + on the second story, behind which Eva lay half asleep. This was the first + meeting of the two men. + </p> + <p> + Wolff, aware of his excellent right to remain on this-spot, would have + shown the annoying intruder his displeasure long before, had he not + supposed that the other, whom at the first glance he recognised as a + knight, was one of Countess Cordula von Montfort’s admirers. Yet he soon + became unable to control his anger and impatience. Yielding to a hasty + impulse, he left the chain, but as he approached the stranger the latter + gave his swaying seat a swifter motion and, without vouchsafing him either + greeting or introductory remark, said carelessly, “This is a lovely + night.” + </p> + <p> + “I am of the same opinion,” replied Wolff curtly. “But I would like to + ask, sir, what induced you to choose the courtyard of this house to enjoy + it?” + </p> + <p> + “Induced?” asked the Swiss in astonishment; then, looking the other in the + face with defiant sharpness, he added scornfully: + </p> + <p> + “I am warming the chain because it suits me to do so.” + </p> + <p> + “You are allowed the pleasure,” returned Wolff in an irritated tone; “nay, + I can understand that night birds of your sort find no better amusement. + Still, it seems to me that a knight who wishes to keep iron hot might + attain his object better in another way.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, of course,” cried Heinz Schorlin, springing swiftly to his feet with + rare elasticity. “It gives a pleasant warmth when blade strikes blade or + the hot blood wets them. I am no friend to darkness, and it seems to me, + sir, as if we were standing in each other’s light here.” + </p> + <p> + “There our opinions concur for the second time this lovely night,” quietly + replied the patrician’s son, conscious of his unusual strength and skill + in fencing, with a slight touch of scorn. “Like you, I am always ready to + cross blades with another; only, the public street is hardly the fitting + place for it.” + </p> + <p> + “May the plague take you!” muttered the Swiss in assent to Wolff’s + opinion. “Besides, sir, who ever grasps iron so swiftly is worth a parley. + To ask whether you are of knightly lineage would be useless trouble, and + should it come to a genuine sword-dance. + </p> + <p> + “You will find a partner in me at any time,” was the reply, “as I, who + wear my ancient escutcheon with good right, would gladly give you a + crimson memento of this hour—though you were but the son of a + cobbler. But first let us ascertain—for I, too, dislike darkness—whether + we are really standing in each other’s light. With all due respect for + your fancy for warming chains, it would be wise, ere Sir Red Coat—[The + executioner]—puts his round our ankles for disturbing the peace, to + have a sensible talk.” + </p> + <p> + “Try it, for aught I care,” responded Heinz Schorlin cheerily. “Unluckily + for me, I live in a state of perpetual feud with good sense. One thing, + however, seems certain without any serious reflection: the attraction + which draws me here, as well as you, will not enter the cloister as a + monk, but as a little nun, wears no beard, but braids her hair. Briefly, + then, if you are here for Countess Cordula von Montfort’s sake, your + errand is vain; she will sleep at Kadolzburg to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “May her slumber be sweet!” replied Wolff calmly. “She is as near to me as + yonder moon.” + </p> + <p> + “That gives the matter a more serious aspect,” cried the knight angrily. + “You or I. What is your lady’s name?” + </p> + <p> + “That, to my mind, is asking too much,” replied Wolff firmly. + </p> + <p> + “And the law of love gives you the right to withhold an answer. But, sir, + we must nevertheless learn for the sake of what fairest fair we have each + foregone sleep.” + </p> + <p> + “Then tell me, by your favour, your lady’s colour,” Wolff asked the Swiss. + </p> + <p> + The latter laughed gaily: “I am still putting that question to my saint.” + </p> + <p> + Then, noticing Wolff’s shake of the head, he went on in a more serious + tone: “If you will have a little patience, I hope I may be able to tell + you, ere we part.” + </p> + <p> + This assurance also seemed to Wolff an enigma. Who in the wide world would + come from under the respectable Ortlieb roof, at this hour, to tell a + stranger anything whatsoever concerning one of its daughters? Neither + could have given him the right to regard her as his lady, and steal at + night, like a marten, around the house which contained his dearest + treasure. This obscurity was an offence to Wolff Eysvogel, and he was not + the man to submit to it. Yonder insolent fellow should learn, to his hurt, + that he had made a blunder. + </p> + <p> + But scarcely had he begun to explain to Heinz that he claimed the right to + protect both the daughters of this house, the younger as well as the + older, since they had no brother, when the knight interrupted: + </p> + <p> + “Oho! There are two of them, and she, too, spoke of a sister. So, if it + comes to sharing, sir, we need not emulate the judgment of Solomon. Let us + see! The colour is uncertain, but to every Christian mortal a name clings + as closely as a shadow and, if I mention the initial letter of the one + which adorns my lady, I believe I shall commit no offence that a court of + love could condemn. The initial, which I like because it is daintily + rounded and not too difficult to write-mark it well—is ‘E.’” + </p> + <p> + Wolff Eysvogel started slightly and gripped the dagger in his belt, but + instantly withdrew his hand and answered with mingled amusement and + indignation: “Thanks for your good will, Sir Knight, but this, too, brings + us no nearer our goal; the E is the initial of both the Ortlieb sisters. + The elder who, as you may know, is my betrothed bride, bears the name of + Elizabeth, or Els, as we say in Nuremberg.” + </p> + <p> + “And the younger,” cried Heinz joyously, “honours with her gracious + innocence the name of her through whom sin came into the world.” + </p> + <p> + “But you, Sir Knight,” exclaimed Wolff fiercely, “would do better not to + name sin and Eva Ortlieb in the same breath. If you are of a different + opinion——” + </p> + <p> + “Then,” interrupted the Swiss, “we come back to warming the iron.” + </p> + <p> + “As you say,” cried Wolff resolutely. “In spite of the peace of the + country, I will be at your service at any time. As you see, I went out + unarmed, and it would not be well done to cross swords here.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not,” Heinz assented. “But many days and nights will follow + this moonlight one, and that you may have little difficulty in finding me + whenever you desire, know that my name is Heinrich—or to more + intimate friends, among whom you might easily be numbered if we don’t + deprive each other of the pleasure of meeting again under the sun—Heinz + Schorlin.” + </p> + <p> + “Schorlin?” asked Wolff in surprise. “Then you are the knight who, when a + beardless boy, cut down on the Marchfield the Bohemian whose lance had + slain the Emperor’s charger, the Swiss who aided him to mount the steed of + Ramsweg of Thurgau—your uncle, if I am not mistaken—and then + took the wild ride to bring up the tall Capeller, with his troops, who so + gloriously decided the day.” + </p> + <p> + “And,” laughed Heinz, “who was finally borne off the field as dead before + the fulfilment of his darling wish to redden Swiss steel with royal + Bohemian blood. This closed the chronicle, Herr—what shall I call + you?” + </p> + <p> + “Wolff Eysvogel, of Nuremberg,” replied the other. + </p> + <p> + “Aha! A son of the rich merchant where the Duke of Gulich found quarters?” + cried the Swiss, lifting his cap bordered with fine miniver. “May + confusion seize me! If I were not my father’s son, I wouldn’t mind + changing places with you. It must make the neck uncommonly stiff, + methinks, to have a knightly escutcheon on door and breast, and yet be + able to fling florins and zecchins broadcast without offending the devil + by an empty purse. If you don’t happen to know how such a thing looks, I + can show you.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet rumour says,” observed Wolff, “that the Emperor is gracious to you, + and knows how to fill it again.” + </p> + <p> + “If one doesn’t go too far,” replied Heinz, “and my royal master, who + lacks spending money himself only too often, doesn’t keep his word that it + was done for the last time. I heard that yesterday morning, and thought + that the golden blessing which preceded it would last the dear saints only + knew how long. But ere the cock had crowed even once this morning the last + florin had vanished. Dice, Herr Wolff Eysvogel—dice!” + </p> + <p> + “Then I would keep my hands off them,” said the other meaningly. + </p> + <p> + “If the Old Nick or some one else did not always guide them back! Did you, + a rich man’s son, never try what the dice would do for you?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Sir Knight. It was at Venice, where I was pursuing my studies, and + tried my luck at gambling on many a merry evening with other sons of + mercantile families from Nuremberg, Augsburg, and Cologne.” + </p> + <p> + “And your feathers were generously plucked?” + </p> + <p> + “By no means. I usually left a winner. But after they fleeced a dear + friend from Ulm, and he robbed his master, I dropped dice.” + </p> + <p> + “And you did so as easily as if it were a short fast after an abundant + meal?” + </p> + <p> + “It was little more difficult,” Wolff asserted. “My father would have + gladly seen me outdo my countrymen, and sent me more money than I needed. + Why should I deprive honest fellows who had less?” + </p> + <p> + “That’s just the difficulty,” cried his companion eagerly. “It was easy + for you to renounce games of chance because your winnings only added more + to the rest, and you did not wish to pluck poorer partners. But I! A poor + devil like me cannot maintain armour-bearer, servants, and steeds out of + what the dear little mother at home in her faithful care can spare from + crops and interest. How could we succeed in making a fair appearance at + court and in the tournament if it were not for the dice? And then, when I + lose, I again become but the poor knight the saints made me; when I win, + on the contrary, I am the great and wealthy lord I would have been born + had the Lord permitted me to choose my own cradle. Besides, those who lose + through me are mainly dukes, counts, and gentlemen with rich fiefs and fat + bourgs, whom losing doubtless benefits, as bleeding relieves a sick man. + What suits the soldier does not befit the merchant. We live wholly amid + risks and wagers. Every battle, every skirmish is a game whose stake is + life. Whoever reflects long is sure to lose. If I could only describe, + Herr Eysvogel, what it is to dash headlong upon the foe!” + </p> + <p> + “I could imagine that vividly enough,” Wolff eagerly interposed. “I, too, + have broken many a lance in the lists and shed blood enough.” + </p> + <p> + “What a dunce I am!” cried Heinz in amazement, pressing his hand upon his + brow. “That’s why your face was so familiar! By my saint! I am no knight + if I did not see you then, before the battle waxed hot. It was close + beside your Burgrave Frederick, who held aloft the imperial banner.” + </p> + <p> + “Probably,” replied Wolff in a tone of assent. “He sometimes entrusted the + standard to me, when it grew too heavy for his powerful arm, because I was + the tallest and the strongest of our Nuremberg band. But, unluckily, I + could not render this service long. A scimitar gashed my head. The larger + part of the little scar is hidden under my hair.” + </p> + <p> + “The little scar!” repeated Heinz gaily. “It was wide enough, at any rate, + for the greatest soul to slip through it. A scar on the head from a wound + received four years ago, and yet distinctly visible in the moonlight!” + </p> + <p> + “It should serve as a warning,” replied Wolff, glancing anxiously up the + street. “If the patrol, or any nocturnal reveller should catch sight of + us, it would be ill for the fair fame of the Ortlieb sisters, for + everybody knows that only one—Els’s betrothed lover—has a + right to await a greeting here at so late an hour. So follow me into the + shadow of the linden, I entreat you; for yonder—surely you see it + too—a figure is gliding towards us.” + </p> + <p> + Heinz Schorlin’s laugh rang out like a bell as he whispered to the + Nuremberg patrician: “That figure is familiar to me, and neither we nor + our ladies need fear any evil from it. Excuse me moment, and I’ll wager + twenty gold florins against yonder linden leaf that, ere the moonlight has + left the curbstone, I can tell you my lady’s colour.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he hastened towards the figure, now, standing motionless + within the shadow of the door post beside the lofty entrance. + </p> + <p> + Wolff Eysvogel remained alone, gazing thoughtfully upon the ground. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <p> + The silent wanderer above had expected to behold a scene very unlike an + interview between two men. The latter required neither her purest, fullest + light, nor the shadow of a blossoming linden. + </p> + <p> + Now Luna saw the young Nuremberg merchant gaze after the Swiss with an + expression of such deep anxiety and pain upon his manly features that she + felt the utmost pity for him. He did not look upward as usual to the + window of his beautiful Els, but either fixed his eyes upon the spot where + his new acquaintance was conversing with another person, or bent them + anxiously upon the ground. + </p> + <p> + As Wolff thought of Heinz Schorlin, it seemed as if Fate had thrown him + into the way of the Swiss that he might feel with twofold anguish the + thorns besetting his own life path. The young knight was proffered the + rose without the thorn. What cares had he? The present threw into his lap + its fairest blessings, and when he looked into the future he beheld only + the cheering buds of hope. + </p> + <p> + Yet this favourite of fortune had expressed a desire to change places with + him. The thought that many others, too, would be glad to step into his + shoes tortured Wolff’s honest heart as though he himself were to blame for + the delusion of these short-sighted folk. + </p> + <p> + Apart from his strength and health, his well-formed body, his noble birth, + his faith in the love of his betrothed bride—at this hour he forgot + how much these things were—he found nothing in his lot which seemed + worth desiring. + </p> + <p> + He might not even rejoice in his stainless honesty with the same perfect + confidence as in his betrothal. + </p> + <p> + Yes, he had cared for noble old Berthold Vorchtel’s daughter as if she + were his sister. He had even found pleasure in the thought that Ursula was + destined to become his wife, yet no word either of love or allusion to + future marriage had been exchanged between them. He had felt free, and had + a right to consider himself so, when love for Els Ortlieb overwhelmed him + so swiftly and powerfully. + </p> + <p> + Yet Ursula and her oldest brother treated him as if he had been guilty of + base disloyalty. His pure conscience, however, enabled him to endure this + more easily than the other burden, of which he became aware on the + long-anticipated day when his father made him a partner in the old firm + and gave him an insight into the condition of the property and the course + of the business. + </p> + <p> + Then he had learned the heavy losses which had been sustained recently, + and the sad disparity existing between the great display by which his + father and mother, as well as his grandmother, the countess, maintained + the appearance of their former princely wealth, and the balances of the + last few years. + </p> + <p> + When he had just boasted to the reckless young knight that he had given up + gaming, he told but half the truth, for though since his period of study + in Venice, and later in Milan, he had not touched dice, he had been forced + to consent to a series of enterprises undertaken by his father, whose + stakes were far different from the gambling of the knights and nobles at + the Green Shield or in the camp. + </p> + <p> + Yet he intended to bind the fate of the woman he loved to his own, for + Els, spite of the opposition of his family, would have been already + indissolubly united to him, had not one failure after another destroyed + his courage to take her hand. Finally, he deemed it advisable to await the + result of the last great enterprise, now on the eve of decision. It might + compensate for many of the losses of recent years. Should it be + favourable, the heaviest burden would be lifted from his soul; in the + opposite case the old house would be shaken to its foundations. Yet even + its fall would have been easier for him to endure than this cruel + uncertainty, to which was added the torturing anxiety of bearing the + responsibility of things for which he was not to blame, and of which, + moreover, he was even denied a clear view. Yet he felt absolutely certain + that his father was concealing many things, perhaps the worst, and often + felt as if he were walking in the darkness over a mouldering bridge. Ah, + if it could only be propped up, and then rebuilt! But if it must give way, + he hoped the catastrophe would come soon. He knew that he possessed the + strength to build a new home for Els and himself. Even were it small and + modest, it should be erected on a firm foundation and afford a safe abode + for its inmates. + </p> + <p> + What did the young, joyous-hearted fellow who was wooing Eva know of such + cares? Fate had placed him on the sunny side of life, where everything + flourished, and set him, Wolff, in the shade, where grass and flowers + died. + </p> + <p> + There is a magic in fame which the young soul cannot easily escape, and + the name of Heinz Schorlin was indeed honoured and on every lip. The + imagination associated with it the cheerful nature which, like a loyal + comrade, goes hand in hand with success, deserved and undeserved good + fortune, woman’s favour, doughty deeds, the highest and strongest traits + of character. + </p> + <p> + An atmosphere like sunshine, which melts all opposition, emanated from + Heinz. Wolff had experienced it himself. He had seriously intended to make + the insolent intruder feel his strong arm, but since he had learned the + identity of the Swiss his acts and nature appeared in a new light. His + insolence had gained the aspect of self-confidence which did not lack + justification, and when a valiant knight talked to him so frankly, like a + younger brother to an older and wiser one, it seemed to the lonely man + who, of late, completely absorbed in the course of business, had held + aloof from the sports, banquets, and diversions of the companions of his + own age, that he had experienced something unusually pleasant. How tender + and affectionate it sounded when Heinz alluded to the “little mother” at + home! He, Wolff, on the contrary, could think only with a shade of + bitterness of the weak woman to whom he owed his existence, and whom + filial duty and earnest resolution alike commanded him to love, yet who + made it so difficult for him to regard her with anything save anxiety or + secret disapproval. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps the greatest advantage which the Swiss possessed over him was his + manner of speaking of his family. How could it ever have entered Wolff + Eysvogel’s mind to call the tall, stiff woman, who was the feeble echo of + her extravagant, arrogant mother, and who rustled towards him, even in the + early morning, adorned with feathers and robed in rich brocade, his “dear + little mother”? + </p> + <p> + Whoever spoke in the warm, loving tones that fell from the lips of Sir + Heinz when he mentioned his relatives at home certainly could have no evil + nature. No one need fear, though his usual mode of speech was so wanton, + that he would trifle with a pure, innocent creature like Eva. + </p> + <p> + How Heinz had succeeded in winning so speedily the devout child, who was + so averse to the idle coquetries of the companions of her own age, seemed + incomprehensible, but he had no time to investigate now. + </p> + <p> + He must go, for he had long been burning with impatience to depart. The + declaration of peace had taken effect only a few hours before, and the + long waggon trains from Italy, of which he had told Els yesterday, were + still delayed. The freight of spices and Levantine goods, Milan velvets, + silks, and fine Florentine cloths, which they were bringing from the city + of St. Mark, represented a large fortune. If it arrived in time, the + profits would cover a great portion of the losses of the past two years, + and the house would again be secure. If the worst should befall, how would + his family submit to deprivation, perhaps even to penury? He had less fear + of his grandmother’s outbursts of wrath, but what would become of his + feeble mother, who was as dependent as a child on her own mother? Yet he + loved her; he felt deeply troubled by the thought of the severe + humiliation which menaced her. His sister Isabella, too, was dear to him, + in spite of her husband, the reckless Sir Seitz Siebenburg, in whose hands + the gold paid from the coffers of the firm melted away, yet who was + burdened with a mountain of debts. + </p> + <p> + Wolff had left orders at home to have his horse saddled. He had intended + only to wave a greeting to his Els and then ride to Neumarkt, or, if + necessary, as far as Ingolstadt, to meet the wains. + </p> + <p> + A word of farewell to the new acquaintance, who was probably destined to + be his brother-in, law, and then—But just at that moment Heinz + approached, and in reply to Wolff’s low question “And your lady’s colour?” + he answered joyously, pointing to the breast of his doublet: “I am + carrying the messenger which promises to inform me, here on my heart. In + the darkness it was silent; but the bright moonlight yonder will loose its + tongue, unless the characters here are too unlike those of the + prayer-book.” + </p> + <p> + Drawing out Eva’s little roll as he spoke, he approached a brightly + lighted spot, pointed to the ribbon which fastened it, and exclaimed: + “Doubtless she used her own colour to tie it. Blue, the pure, exquisite + blue of her eyes! I thought so Forget-me-not blue! The most beautiful of + colours. You must pardon my impatience!” + </p> + <p> + He was about to begin to read the lines; but Wolff stopped him by pointing + to the Ortlieb residence and to two drunken soldiers who came out of the + tavern “For Thirsty Troopers,” and walked, singing and staggering, up the + opposite side of the street. Then, extending his hand to Heinz in + farewell, he asked in a low tone, pointing to Biberli’s figure just + emerging from the shade, who was the messenger of love who served him so + admirably. + </p> + <p> + “My shadow,” replied the knight. “I loosed him from my heels and bade him + stand there. But no offence, Herr Wolff Eysvogel; you’ll make the queer + fellow’s acquaintance if, like myself, it would be agreeable to you to + meet often, not only on iron chains, but on friendly terms with each + other.” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing would please me more,” replied the other. “But how in the world + could it happen that this well-guarded fortress surrendered to you after + so short a resistance?” + </p> + <p> + “Heinz Schorlin rides swiftly,” he interrupted; but Wolff exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “A swift ride awaits me, too, though of a different kind. When I return, I + shall expect you to tell me how you won our ‘little saint,’ my + sister-in-law Eva. The two beautiful Ortlieb ‘Es’ are one in the eyes of + the townsfolk, so we also will be often named in the same breath, and + shall do well to feel brotherly regard for each other. There shall be no + fault on my part. Farewell, till we meet again, an’ it please God in and + not outside of our ladies’ dwelling.” + </p> + <p> + While speaking he clasped the knight’s hand with so firm a grasp that it + seemed as if he wished to force him to feel its pressure a long time, and + hastened through the Frauenthor. + </p> + <p> + Heinz Schorlin gazed thoughtfully after him a short time, then beckoned to + Biberli and, though the interval required for him to reach his master’s + side was very brief, it was sufficient for the bold young lover, tortured + by his ardent longing, to form another idea. + </p> + <p> + “Look yonder, Biberli!” he exclaimed. “The holy-water basin on the + door-post, the escutcheon on the lintel above, the helmet, which would + probably bear my weight. From there I can reach the window-sill with my + hand, and once I have grasped it, I need only make one bold spring and, + hurrah! I’m on it.” + </p> + <p> + “May our patron saint have mercy on us!” cried the servant in horror. “You + can get there as easily as you can spring on your two feet over two + horses; but the coming down would certainly be a long distance lower than + you would fancy—into the ‘Hole,’ as they call the prison here, and, + moreover, though probably not until some time later, straight to the + flames of hell; for you would have committed a great sin against a noble + maiden rich in every virtue, who deemed you worthy of her love. And, + besides, there are two Es. They occupy the same room, and the house is + full of men and maid servants.” + </p> + <p> + “Pedagogue!” said the knight, peevishly. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, that was Biberli’s calling once,” replied the servant, “and, for the + sake of your lady mother at home, I wish I were one still, and you, Sir + Heinz, would have to obey me like an obedient pupil. You are well aware + that I rarely use her sacred name to influence you, but I do so now; and + if you cherish her in your heart and do not wish to swoop down on the + innocent little dove like a destroying hawk, turn your back upon this + place, where we have already lingered too long.” + </p> + <p> + But this well-meant warning seemed to have had brief influence upon the + person to whom it was addressed. Suddenly, with a joyous: “There she is!” + he snatched his cap from his head and waved a greeting to the window. + </p> + <p> + But in a few minutes he replaced it with a petulant gesture of the hand, + saying sullenly: “Vanished! She dared not grant me a greeting, because she + caught sight of you.” + </p> + <p> + “Let us thank and praise a kind Providence for it,” said his servitor with + a sigh of relief, “since our Lord and Saviour assumed the form of a + servant, that of a scarecrow, in which he has done admirable service, is + far too noble and distinguished for Biberli.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he walked on before the knight, and pointing to the tavern + beside the Frauenthurm whose sign bore the words “For Thirsty Troopers,” + he added: “A green bush at the door. That means, unless the host is a + rogue, a cask fresh broached. I wonder whether my tongue is cleaving to my + palate from dread of your over-hasty courage, or whether it is really so + terribly sultry here!” + </p> + <p> + “At any rate,” Heinz interrupted, “a cup of wine will harm neither of us; + for I myself feel how oppressive the air is. Besides, it is light in the + tavern, and who knows what the little note will tell me.” + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile they passed the end of St. Klarengasse and went up to the green + bush, which projected from the end of a pole far out into the street. + </p> + <p> + Soldiers in the pay of the city, and men-at-arms in the employ of the + Emperor and the princes who had come to attend the Reichstag, were sitting + over their wine in the tavern. From the ceiling hung two crossed iron + triangles, forming a six-pointed star. The tallow candles burning low in + their sockets, which it contained, and some pitch-pans in the corners, + diffused but a dim light through the long apartment. + </p> + <p> + Master and man found an empty table apart from the other guests, in a + niche midway down the rear wall. + </p> + <p> + Without heeding the brawling and swearing, the rude songs and disorderly + shouts, the drumming of clenched fists upon the oak tables, the wild + laughter of drunken soldiers, the giggling and screeching of bar-maids, + and the scolding and imperious commands of the host, they proved that the + green bush had not lied, for the wine really did come from a freshly + opened cask just brought up from the cellar. But as the niche was + illumined only by the tiny oil lamp burning beneath the image of the + Virgin, bedizened with flowers and gold and silver tinsel, fastened + against the wall, Biberli asked the weary bar-maid for a brighter light. + </p> + <p> + When the girl withdrew he sighed heavily, saying: “O my lord, if you only + knew! Even now, when we are again among men and the wine has refreshed me, + I feel as if rats were gnawing at my soul. Conscience, my + lord-conscience!” + </p> + <p> + “You, too, are usually quite ready to play the elf in the rose-garden of + love,” replied Heinz gaily. “Moreover, I shall soon need a T and an S + embroidered on my own doublet, for——Why don’t they bring the + light? Another cup of wine, the note, and then with renewed vigour we’ll + go back again.” + </p> + <p> + “For God’s sake,” interrupted Biberli, “do not speak, do not even think, + of the bold deed you suggested! Doesn’t it seem like a miracle that not + one of the many Ortlieb and Montfort servants crossed your path? Even such + a child of good luck as yourself can scarcely expect a second one the same + evening. And if there is not, and you go back under the window, you will + be recognised, perhaps even seized, and then—O my lord, consider + this!—then you will bear throughout your life the reproach of having + brought shame and bitter sorrow upon a maiden whom you yourself know is + lovely, devout, and pure. And I, too, who serve you loyally in your lady + mother’s behalf, as well as the poor maid who, to pleasure me, interceded + for you with her mistress, will run the risk of our lives if you are + caught climbing into the window or committing any similar offence; for in + this city they are prompt with the stocks, the stone collar, the rack, and + the tearing of the tongue from the mouth whenever any one is detected + playing the part of go-between in affairs of love.” + </p> + <p> + “Usually, old fellow,” replied Heinz in a tone of faint reproach, “we + considered it a matter of course that, though we took the most daring + risks in such things, we were certain not to be caught. Yet, to be frank, + some incomprehensible burden weighs upon my soul. My feelings are confused + and strange. I would rather tear the crown from the head of yonder image + of the Virgin than do aught to this sweet innocence for which she could + not thank me.” + </p> + <p> + Here he paused, for the bar-maid brought a two-branched candelabrum, in + which burned two tallow candles. + </p> + <p> + Heinz instantly opened the little roll. + </p> + <p> + How delicate were the characters it contained! His heart’s beloved had + committed them to the paper with her own hand, and the knight’s blood + surged hotly through his veins as he gazed at them. It seemed as though he + held in his hand a portion of herself and, obeying a hasty impulse, he + kissed the letter. + </p> + <p> + Then he eagerly began to study the writing; he had never seen anything so + delicate and peculiar in form. + </p> + <p> + The deciphering of the first lines in which, it is true, she called him a + godly knight, but also informed him that his boldness had angered her, + caused him much difficulty, and Biberli was often obliged to help. + </p> + <p> + Would she have rebuffed him so ungraciously with her lips as with the pen? + Was it possible that, on account of a request which every lover ventured + to address to his lady, she would withdraw the favour which rendered him + so happy? Oh, yes, for innocence is delicate and sensitive. She ought to + have repelled him thus. He was secretly rejoiced to see the sweet modesty + which had so charmed him again proved. He must know what the rest of the + letter contained, and the ex-schoolmaster was at hand to give the + information at once. + </p> + <p> + True, the hastily written sentences presented some difficulties even for + Biberli, but after glancing through the whole letter, he exclaimed with a + satisfied smile: “Just as I expected! At the first look one might think + that the devout little lady was wholly unlike the rest of her sex, but on + examining more closely she proves as much like any other beautiful girl as + two peas. With good reason and prudent caution she forbids the languishing + knight to remain beneath her window, yet she will risk a pleasant little + interview in some safe nook. That is wise for so young a girl, and at the + same time natural and womanly. I don’t know why you knit your brows. Since + the first Eve came from a crooked rib, all her daughters prefer devious + ways. But first hear what she writes.” Then, without heeding his master’s + gloomy face, he began to read the note aloud. + </p> + <p> + Heinz listened intently, and after he had heard that the lady of his love + did not desire to meet him alone, but only under the protection of a + friend and her saint, when he heard her name her colour, it is true, but + also express the expectation that, as a godly knight, he would fight for + her sake in honour of the gracious Virgin, his face brightened. + </p> + <p> + During Biberli’s scoffing comments he had felt as if a tempest had hurled + her pure image in the dust. But now that he knew what she asked of him, it + returned as a matter of course to its old place and, with a sigh of + relief, he felt that he need not be ashamed of the emotions which this + wonderful young creature had awakened in his soul. She had opened her + pious heart like a trusting sister to an older brother, and what he had + seen there was something unusual—things which had appeared sacred to + him even when a child. Since he took leave of her in the ball-room he had + felt as though Heaven had loaned this, its darling, to earth for but a + brief space, and her brocade robe must conceal angel wings. Should it + surprise him that the pure innocence which filled her whole being was + expressed also in her letter, if she summoned him, not to idle + love-dalliance but to a covenant of souls, a mutual conflict for what was + highest and most sacred? Such a thing was incomprehensible to Biberli; but + notwithstanding her letter—nay, even on its account—he longed + still more ardently to lead her home to his mother and see her receive the + blessing of the woman whom he so deeply honoured. + </p> + <p> + He had Eva’s letter read for the second and the third time. But when + Biberli paused, and in a few brief sentences cast fresh doubts upon the + writer, Heinz angrily stopped him. “The longing of the godly heart of a + pure maiden—mark this well—has naught in common with that + diabolical delight in secret love—dalliance for which others yearn. + My wish to force my way to her was sinful, and it was punished severely + enough, for during your rude scoffs I felt as though you had set fire to + the house over my head. But from this I perceive in what a sacred, + inviolable spot her image had found a place. True, it is denied you to + follow the lofty, heavenward aspiration of a pure soul—” + </p> + <p> + “O my lord,” interrupted the servitor with hands uplifted in defence, “who + besought you not to measure this innocent daughter of a decorous + household, who was scarcely beyond childhood, by the standard you applied + to others? Who entreated you to spare her fair fame? And if you deem the + stuff of which the servant is made too coarse to understand what moves so + pure a soul, you do Biberli injustice, for, by my patron saint, though + duty commanded me to interpose doubts and scruples between you and a + passion from which could scarcely spring aught that would bring joy to + your mother’s heart I, too, asked myself the question why, in these days, + a devout maiden should not long to try her skill in conversion upon a + valiant knight who served her. Ever since St. Francis of Assisi appeared + in Italy, barefooted monks and grey-robed nuns, who follow him, + Franciscans and Sisters of St. Clare stream hither as water flows into a + mill-race when the sluice-gates are opened. With what edification we, too, + listened to the old Minorite whom we picked up by the wayside, at the + tavern where we usually found pleasure in nothing but drinking, gambling, + shouting, and singing! Besides, I know from my sweetheart with what + exemplary devotion the lovely Eva follows St. Clare.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is now and will remain my patron saint also, old Biber,” interrupted + Heinz with joyful emotion, as he laid his hand gratefully on his + follower’s shoulder; then rising and beckoning to the bar-maid, added: + “The stuff of which you are made, old comrade, is inferior to no man’s. + Only now and then the pedagogue plays you a trick. Had you uttered your + real opinion in the first place, the wine would have tasted better to us + both. Let Eva try the work of conversion on me! What, save my lady’s love, + is more to me than our holy faith? It must indeed be a delight to take the + field for the Church and against her foes!” While speaking, he paid the + reckoning and went out with Biberli. + </p> + <p> + The moon was now pouring her silver beams, with full radiance, over the + quiet street, the linden in front of the Ortlieb house, and its lofty + gable roof. Only a single room in the spacious mansion was still lighted, + the bow-windowed one occupied by the two sisters. + </p> + <p> + Heinz, without heeding Biberli’s renewed protest, looked upward, silently + imploring Eva’s pardon for having misjudged her even a moment. His gaze + rested devoutly on the open window, behind which a curtain was stirring. + Was it the night breeze that almost imperceptibly raised and lowered it, + or was her own dear self concealed behind it? + </p> + <p> + Just at that moment he suddenly felt his servant’s hand on his arm, and as + he followed his horror-stricken gaze, a chill ran through his own veins. + From the heavy door of the house, which stood half open, a white-robed + figure emerged with the solemn, noiseless footfall of a ghost, and + advanced across the courtyard towards him. + </p> + <p> + Was it a restless spirit risen from its grave at the midnight hour, which + must be close at hand? Through his brain, like a flash of lightning, + darted the thought that Eva had spoken to him of her invalid mother. Had + she died? Was her wandering soul approaching him to drive him from the + threshold of the house which hid her endangered child? + </p> + <p> + But no! + </p> + <p> + The figure had stopped before the door and now, raising its head, gazed + with wide eyes upward at the moon, and—he was not mistaken—it + was no spectre of darkness; it was she for whom every pulse of his heart + throbbed—Eva! + </p> + <p> + No human creature had ever seemed to him so divinely fair as she in her + long white night-robe, over which fell the thick waves of her light hair. + The horror which had seized him yielded to the most ardent yearning. + Pressing his hand upon his throbbing heart, he watched her every movement. + He longed to go forward to meet her, yet a supernatural spell seemed to + paralyse his energy. He would sooner have dared clasp in his arms the + image of a beautiful Madonna than this embodiment of pure, helpless, + gracious innocence. + </p> + <p> + Now she herself drew nearer, but he felt as if his will was broken, and + with timid awe he drew back one step, and then another, till the chain + stopped him. + </p> + <p> + Just at that moment she paused, stretched out her white arm with a + beckoning gesture, and again turned towards the house, Heinz following + because he could not help it, her sign drew him after her with magnetic + power. + </p> + <p> + Now Eva entered the dimly lighted corridor, and again her uplifted hand + seemed to invite him to follow. Then—the impetuous throbbing of his + heart almost stifled him—she set her little white foot on the first + step of the stairs and led the way up to the first landing, where she + paused, lifting her face to the open window, through which the moonbeams + streamed into the hall, flooding her head, her figure, and every + surrounding object with their soft light. + </p> + <p> + Heinz followed step by step. It seemed as if the wild surges of a sea were + roaring in his ears, and glittering sparks were dancing before his + yearning, watchful eyes. + </p> + <p> + How he loved her! How intense was the longing which drew him after her! + And yet another emotion stirred in his heart with still greater + power-grief, sincere grief, which pierced his in, most soul, that she + could have beckoned to him, permitted him to follow her, granted him what + he would never have ventured to ask. Nay, when he set his foot on the + first step, it seemed as if the temple which contained his holiest + treasure fell crashing around him, and an inner voice cried loudly: “Away, + away from here! Would you exchange the purest and loftiest things for what + tomorrow will fill you with grief and loathing?” it continued to admonish. + “You will relinquish what is dearest and most sacred to secure what is + ready to rush into your arms on all the high-roads. + </p> + <p> + “Hence, hence, you poor, deluded mortal, ere it is too late!” + </p> + <p> + But even had he known it was the fair fiend Venus herself moving before + him under the guise of Eva, the spell of her unutterable beauty would have + constrained him to follow her, though the goal were the Horselberg, death, + and hell. + </p> + <p> + On the second landing she again stood still and, leaning against a pillar, + raised her arms and extended them towards the moon, in whose silvery light + they gleamed like marble. Heinz saw her lips move, heard his own name fall + from them, and all self-control vanished. + </p> + <p> + “Eva!” he cried with passionate fervor, holding out his arms to clasp her; + but, ere he even touched her, a shriek of despairing anguish echoed loudly + back from the walls. + </p> + <p> + The sound of her own name had broken the threads with which the mysterious + power of the moonlight had drawn her from her couch, down through the + house, out of doors, and again back to the stairs. + </p> + <p> + Sleep vanished with the dream which she had shared with him and, + shuddering, she perceived where she was, saw the knight before her, became + conscious that she had left her chamber in her night-robe, with disordered + hair and bare feet; and, frantic with horror at the thought of the + resistless might with which a mysterious force constrained her to obey it + against her own will, deeply wounded by the painful feeling that she had + been led so far across the bounds of maidenly modesty, hurt and angered by + the boldness of the man before her, who had dared to follow her into her + parents’ house, she again raised her voice, this time to call her from + whom she was accustomed to seek and find help in every situation in life. + </p> + <p> + “Els! Els!” rang up the stairs; and the next moment Els, who had already + heard Eva’s first scream, sprang down the few steps to her sister’s side. + </p> + <p> + One glance at the trembling girl in her nightrobe, and at the moonlight + which still bathed her in its rays, told Els what had drawn Eva to the + stairs. + </p> + <p> + The knight must have slipped into the house and found her there. She knew + him and, before Heinz had time to collect his thoughts, she said + soothingly to her sister, who threw her arms around her as though seeking + protection, “Go up to your room, child!—Help her, Katterle. I’ll + come directly.” + </p> + <p> + While Eva, leaning on the maid’s arm, mounted the stairs with trembling + knees, Els turned to the Swiss and said in a grave, resolute tone: “If you + are worthy of your escutcheon, Sir Knight, you will not now fly like a + coward from this house across whose threshold you stole with shameful + insolence, but await me here until I return. You shall not be detained + long. But, to guard yourself and another from misinterpretation, you must + hear me.” + </p> + <p> + Heinz nodded assent in silence, as if still under the spell of what he had + recently experienced. But, ere he reached the entry below, Martsche, the + old housekeeper, and Endres, the aged head packer, came towards him, just + as they had risen from their beds, the former with a petticoat flung round + her shoulders, the latter wrapped in a horse-blanket. + </p> + <p> + Eva’s shriek had waked both, but Els enjoined silence on everyone and, + after telling them to go back to bed, said briefly that Eva in her + somnambulism had this time gone out into the street and been brought back + by the knight. Finally, she again said to Heinz, “Presently!” and then + went to her sister. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> + <p> + When Biberli bade farewell to his sweetheart, who gave him Eva’s little + note, he had arranged to meet her again in an hour or, if his duties + detained him longer, in two; but after the “true and steadfast” fellow + left her, her heart throbbed more and more anxiously, for the wrong she + had done in acting as messenger between the young daughter of her + employers and a stranger knight was indeed hard to forgive. + </p> + <p> + Instead of waiting in the kitchen or entry for her lover’s return, as she + had intended, she had gone to the image of the Virgin at the gate of the + Convent of St. Clare, before which she had often found consolation, + especially when homesick yearning for the mountains of her native + Switzerland pressed upon her too sorely. This time also it had been + gracious to her, for after she had prayed very devoutly and vowed to give + a candle to the Mother of God, as well as to St. Clare, she fancied that + the image smiled upon her and promised that she should go unpunished. + </p> + <p> + On her return the knight had just followed Eva into the house, and Biberli + pursued his master as far as the stairs. Here Katterle met her lover, but, + when she learned what was occurring, she became greatly enraged and + incensed by the base interpretation which the servant placed upon Eva’s + going out into the street and, terrified by the danger into which the + knight threatened to plunge them all, she forgot the patience and + submission she was accustomed to show the true and steadfast Biberli. But—resolved + to protect her young mistress from the presumptuous knight-scarcely had + she angrily cried shame upon her lover for this base suspicion, protesting + that Eva had never gone to seek a knight but, as she had often done on + bright moonlight nights, walked in her sleep down the stairs and out of + doors, when the young girl’s shriek of terror summoned her to her aid. + </p> + <p> + Biberli looked after her sullenly, meanwhile execrating bitterly enough + the wild love which had robbed his master of reason and threatened to hurl + him, Biberli, and even the innocent Katterle, whose brave defence of her + mistress had especially pleased him, into serious misfortune. + </p> + <p> + When old Endres appeared he had slipped behind a wall formed of bales + heaped one above another, and did not stir until the entry was quiet + again. + </p> + <p> + To his amazement he had then found his master standing beside the door of + the house, but his question—which, it is true, was not wholly devoid + of a shade of sarcasm—whether the knight was waiting for the return + of his sleep-walking sweetheart, was so harshly rebuffed that he deemed it + advisable to keep silence for a time. + </p> + <p> + Though Heinz Schorlin had perceived that he had followed an unconscious + somnambulist, he was not yet capable of calmly reflecting upon what had + occurred or of regarding the future with prudence. He knew one thing only: + the fear was idle that the lovely creature whose image, surrounded by a + halo of light, still hovered before him like a vision from a higher, more + beautiful world, was an unworthy person who, with a face of angelic + innocence, transgressed the laws of custom and modesty. Her shriek of + terror, her horror at seeing him, and the cry for help which had brought + her sister to her aid and roused the servants from their sleep, gave him + the right to esteem her as highly as ever; and this conviction fanned into + such a blaze the feeling of happiness which love had awakened and his + foolish distrust had already begun to stifle, that he was firmly resolved, + cost what it might, to make Eva his own. + </p> + <p> + After he had reached this determination he began to reflect more quietly. + What cared he for liberty and a rapid advance in the career upon which he + had entered, if only his future life was beautified by her love! + </p> + <p> + If he were required to woo her in the usual form, he would do so. And what + a charming yet resolute creature was the other E, who, in her anxiety + about her sister, had crossed his path with such grave, firm dignity! She + was Wolff Eysvogel’s betrothed bride, and it seemed to him a very pleasant + thing to call the young man, whom he had so quickly learned to esteem, his + brother-in-law. + </p> + <p> + If the father refused his daughter to him, he would leave Nuremberg and + ride to the Rhine, where Hartmann, the Emperor Rudolph’s son, whom he + loved like a younger brother, was now living. Heinz had instructed the lad + of eighteen in the use of the lance and the sword, and Hartmann had sent + him word the day before that the Rhine was beautiful, but without him he + but half enjoyed even the pleasantest things. He needed him. Hundreds of + other knights and squires could break in the new horses for the Emperor + and the young Bohemian princess, though perhaps not quite so skilfully. + Hartmann would understand him and persuade his imperial father to aid him + in his suit. The warmhearted youth could not bear to see him sorrowful, + and without Eva there was no longer joy or happiness. + </p> + <p> + He was roused from these thoughts and dreams by his own name called in a + low tone. + </p> + <p> + Katterle had gone with Eva to the chamber, whither the older sister + followed them. Tenderly embracing the weeping girl, she had kissed her wet + eyes and whispered in an agitated voice, with which, however, blended a + great deal of affectionate mischief: “The wolf who forced his way into the + house does not seem quite so harmless as mine, whom I have succeeded in + taming very tolerably. Go to mother now, darling. I’ll be back directly.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you intend to do?” asked Eva timidly, still unable, under the + influence of her strange experiences, to regain her self-control. + </p> + <p> + “To look around the house,” replied her sister, beckoning to Katterle to + accompany her. + </p> + <p> + In the entry she questioned the maid with stern decision, and the + trembling girl owned, amid her tears, that Eva had sent a little note to + the knight in reply to his request that she would name her colour, and + whatever else her anxious mistress desired hastily to learn. + </p> + <p> + After a threatening “We will discuss your outrageous conduct later,” Els + hurried down-stairs, and found in the entry the man whose pleasure in the + pursuit of the innocent child whom she protected she meant to spoil. But + though she expressed her indignation to the knight with the utmost + harshness, he besought a hearing with so much respect and in such seemly + words, that she requested him, in a gentler tone, to speak freely. But + scarcely had he begun to relate how Eva, at the ball, had filled his heart + with the purest love, when the trampling of horses’ hoofs, which had come + nearer and nearer to the house, suddenly ceased, and Biberli, who had gone + into the court-yard, came hurrying back, exclaiming in a tone of warning, + “The von Montforts!” + </p> + <p> + At the same moment two men-servants threw back both leaves of the door, + torchlight mingled with the moonbeams in the courtyard, and the next + instant a goodly number of knights and gentlemen entered the hall. + </p> + <p> + Biberli was not mistaken. The von Montforts had returned home, instead of + spending the night at Kadolzburg, and neither Els nor the Swiss had the + time or disposition to seek concealment. + </p> + <p> + The intruders were preceded by men-servants, whose torches lighted the + long, lofty storehouse brilliantly. It seemed to Els as if her heart + stopped beating and she felt her cheeks blanch. + </p> + <p> + Here she beheld Count von Montfort’s bronzed face, the countenance of a + sportsman and reveller; yonder the frank, handsome features of the young + Burgrave, Eitelfritz von Zollern, framed by the hood of the Knights of St. + John, drawn up during the night-ride; there the pale, noble visage of the + quiet knight Boemund Altrosen, far famed for his prowess with lance and + sword; beyond, the scarred, martial countenance of Count Casper Schlick, + set in a mass of tangled brown locks; and then the watery, blue eyes of + Sir Seitz Siebenburg, the husband of her future sister-in-law Isabella. + </p> + <p> + They had pressed in, talking eagerly, laughing, and rejoicing that the + wild night ride proposed by Cordula von Montfort, which had led over dark + forest paths, lighted only by a stray moonbeam, and often across fields + and ditches and through streams, had ended without mischance to man or + beast. + </p> + <p> + Now they all crowded around the countess, Seitz Siebenburg bending towards + her with such zeal that the ends of his huge mustache brushed the plumes + in her cap, and Boemund Altrosen, who had just been gazing into the + flushed face of the daring girl with the warm joy of true love, cast a + look of menace at him. + </p> + <p> + Els, too, greatly disliked “the Mustache,” as her future brother-in-law + was called because the huge ornament on his upper lip made him conspicuous + among the beardless knights. She was aware that he returned the feeling, + and had left no means untried to incite Wolff Eysvogel’s parents to oppose + his betrothal. Now he was one of the first to notice her and, after + whispering with a malicious smile to the countess and those nearest to + him, he looked at her so malevolently that she could easily guess what + interpretation he was trying to put upon her nocturnal meeting with the + Swiss in the eyes of his companions. + </p> + <p> + Her cheeks flamed with wrath, and like a flash of lightning came the + thought of the pleasure it would afford this wanton company, whose + greatest delight was to gloat over the errors of their neighbours, if the + knight who had brought her into this suspicious situation, or she herself, + should confess that not she, but the devout Eva, had attracted Heinz + hither. What a satisfaction it would be to this reckless throng to tell + such a tale of a young girl of whom the Burgravine von Zollern had said + the evening before to their Uncle Pfinzing, that purity and piety had + chosen Eva’s lovely face for a mirror! + </p> + <p> + What if Heinz Schorlin, to save her, Els, from evil report, should confess + that she was here only to rebuke his insolent intrusion into a decorous + household? + </p> + <p> + This must be prevented, and Heinz seemed to understand her; for after + their eyes had met, his glance of helpless enquiry told her that he would + leave her to find an escape from this labyrinth. + </p> + <p> + The merry party, who now perceived that they had interrupted the nocturnal + tryst of lovers, did not instantly know what to do and, as one looked + enquiringly at another, an embarrassed silence followed their noisy + jollity. + </p> + <p> + But the hush did not last long, and its interruption at first seemed to + Els to bode the worst result; it was a peal of gay, reckless laughter, + ringing from the lips of the very Cordula von Montfort, into whose eyes, + as the only one of her own sex who was present, Els had just gazed with a + look imploring aid. + </p> + <p> + Had Eva’s aversion to the countess been justified, and was she about to + take advantage of her unpleasant position to jeer at her? + </p> + <p> + Had the two quarreled at the ball the night before, and did Cordula now + perceive an opportunity to punish the younger sister by the humiliation of + the older one? + </p> + <p> + Yet her laugh sounded by no means spiteful—rather, very gay and + natural. The pleasant grey eyes sparkled with the most genuine mirth, and + she clapped her little hands so joyously that the falcon’s chain on the + gauntlet of her riding glove rattled. + </p> + <p> + And what was this? + </p> + <p> + No one looks at a person whom one desires to wound with an expression of + such cheerful encouragement as the look with which Cordula now gazed at + Els and Heinz Schorlin, who stood by her side. True, they were at first + extremely perplexed by the words she now shouted to those around her in a + tone of loud exultation, as though announcing a victory; but from the + beginning they felt that there was no evil purpose in them. Soon they even + caught the real meaning of the countess’s statement, and Els was ashamed + of having feared any injury from the girl whose defender she had always + been. + </p> + <p> + “Won, Sir Knight—cleverly won!” was her first sentence to Heinz. + </p> + <p> + Then, turning to Els, she asked with no less animation: “And you, my fair + maid and very strict housemate, who has won the wager now? Do you still + believe it is an inconceivable thought that the modest daughter of a + decorous Nuremberg race, entitled to enter the lists of a tourney, would + grant a young knight a midnight meeting?” And addressing her companions, + she continued, in an explanatory yet still playful tone: “She was ready to + wager the beautiful brown locks which she now hides modestly under a + kerchief, and even her betrothed lover’s ring. It should be mine if I + succeeded in leading her to commit such an abominable deed. But I was + content, if I won the wager, with a smaller forfeit; yet now that I have + gained it, Jungfrau Ortlieb, you must pay!” + </p> + <p> + The whole company listened in astonishment to this speech, which no one + understood, but the countess, nodding mischievously to her nearest + neighbours, went on: + </p> + <p> + “How bewildered you all look! It might tempt me to satisfy your curiosity + less speedily, but, after the delightful entertainment you gave us, my + Lord Burgrave, one becomes merciful. So you shall hear how I, as wise as + the serpent, craftily forced this haughty knight”—she tapped Heinz + Schorlin’s arm with her riding whip—“and you, too, Jungfrau Ortlieb, + whose pardon I now entreat, to help me win the bet. No offence, noble + sirs! But this bet was what compelled me to drag you all from Kadolzburg + and its charms so early, and induce you to attend me on the reckless ride + through the moonlit night. Now accept the thanks of a lady whose heart is + grateful; for your obedience helped me win the wager. Look yonder at my + handsome, submissive knight, Sir Heinz Schorlin, so rich in every virtue. + I commanded, him, on pain of my anger, to meet me at midnight at the + entrance of our quarters—that is, the entry of the Ortlieb mansion; + and to this modest and happy betrothed bride (may she pardon the madcap!) + I represented how it troubled me and wounded my timid delicacy to enter so + late at night, accompanied only by gentlemen, the house which so + hospitably sheltered us, and go to my sleeping room, though I should not + fear the Sultan and his mamelukes, if with this in my hand”—she + motioned to her riding whip—“and my dear father at my side, I stood + on my own feet which, though by no means small, are well-shod and + resolute. Yet, as we are apt to measure others by our own standard, the + timid, decorous girl believed me, and poor Cordula, who indeed brought + only her maids and no female guardian, and therefore must dispense with + being received on her return by a lady capable of commanding respect, did + not appeal in vain to the charitable feelings of her beautiful housemate. + She promised faithfully to come down into the entry, when the horses + approached, to receive the poor lamb, surrounded by lynxes, wild-cats, + foxes, and wolves, and lead it into the safe fold—if one can call + this stately house by such a name. Both Sir Heinz Schorlin and Jungfrau + Elizabeth Ortlieb kept their word and joined each other here—to + their extreme amazement, I should suppose, as to my knowledge they never + met before—to receive me, and thus had an interview which, however + loudly they may contradict it, I call a nocturnal meeting. But my wager, + fair child, is won, and tomorrow you will deliver to me the exquisite + carved ivory casket, while I shall keep my bracelet.” + </p> + <p> + Here she paused, paying no heed to the merry threats, exclamations of + amazement, and laughter of her companions. + </p> + <p> + But while her father, striking his broad chest, cried again and again, + with rapturous delight, “A paragon of a woman!” and Seitz Siebenburg, in + bitter disappointment, whispered, “The fourteen saintly helpers in time of + need might learn from you how to draw from the clamps what is not worth + rescue and probably despaired of escape,” she was trying to give time to + recover more composure her young hostess, to whom she was sincerely + attached, and who, she felt sure, could have met Heinz Schorlin, who + perhaps had come hither on her own account, only by some cruel chance. So + she added in a quieter tone: “And now, Jungfrau Ortlieb, in sober earnest + I will ask your protection and guidance through the dark house, and + meanwhile you shall tell me how Sir Heinz greeted you and what passed + between you, either good or bad, during the time of waiting.” + </p> + <p> + Els summoned up her courage and answered loud enough to be heard by all + present: “We were speaking of you, Countess Cordula, and the knight said: + </p> + <p> + “I ventured to remark, Countess,” said Heinz, interrupting the new ally, + “that though you might understand how to show a poor knight his folly, no + kinder heart than yours throbbed under any bodice in Switzerland, Swabia, + or France.” Cordula struck him lightly on the shoulder with her riding + whip, saying with a laugh: “Who permits you to peep under women’s bodices + through so wide a tract of country, you scamp? Had I been in Jungfrau + Ortlieb’s place I should have punished your entry into a respectable + house: + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my dear Countess,” Heinz interrupted, and his words bore so + distinctly the stamp of truth and actual experience that even Sir Seitz + Siebenburg was puzzled, “though I am always disposed to be grateful to + you, I cannot feel a sense of obligation for this lady’s reception of me, + even to the most gracious benefactress. For, by my patron saint, she + forbade me the house as if I were a thief and a burglar.” + </p> + <p> + “And she was right!” exclaimed the countess. “I would have treated you + still more harshly. Only you would have spared yourself many a sharp word + had you confessed at once that it was I who summoned you here. I’ll talk + with you tomorrow, and am I not right, Jungfrau Elsyou won’t make him + suffer for losing the wager, but exercise your domestic authority after a + more gentle fashion?” + </p> + <p> + While speaking, she looked at Els with a glance so full of meaning that + the young girl’s cheeks crimsoned, and the longing to put an end to this + deceitful game became almost uncontrollable. The thought of Eva alone + sealed her lips. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> + <p> + One person only besides Sir Seitz Siebenburg had not been deceived—the + young knight Boemund Altrosen, whose love for Cordula was genuine, and + who, by its unerring instinct, felt that she had invented her tale and for + a purpose which did honour to her kindness of heart. So his calm black + eyes rested upon the woman he loved with proud delight, while Seitz + Siebenburg twisted his mustache fiercely. Not a look or movement of either + of the two girls had escaped his notice, and Cordula’s bold interference + in behalf of the reckless Swiss knight, who now seemed to have ensnared + his future sister-in-law also, increased the envy and jealousy which + tortured him until he was forced to exert the utmost self-restraint in + order not to tell the countess to her face that he, at least, was far from + being deceived by such a fable. Yet he succeeded in controlling himself. + But as he forced his lips to silence he gazed with the most open scorn at + the bales of merchandise heaped around him. He would show the others that, + though the husband of a merchant’s daughter, he retained the prejudices of + his knightly rank. + </p> + <p> + But no one heeded the disagreeable fellow, who had no intimate friends in + the group. Most of the company were pressing round Heinz Schorlin with + jests and questions, but bluff Count von Montfort warmly clasped Els’s + hand, while he apologised for the bold jest of his young daughter who, in + spite of her recklessness, meant kindly. + </p> + <p> + Nothing could have been more unwelcome to a girl in so unpleasant a + situation than this delay. She longed most ardently to get away but, ere + she succeeded in escaping from the friendly old noble, two gentlemen + hastily entered the brightly lighted entry, at sight of whom her heart + seemed to stop beating. + </p> + <p> + The old count, who noticed her blanched face, released her, asking + sympathisingly what troubled her, but Els did not hear him. + </p> + <p> + When she felt him loose her hand she would fain have fled up the stairs to + her mother and sister, to avoid the discussions which must now follow. But + she knew into what violent outbursts of sudden anger her usually prudent + father could be hurried if there was no one at hand to warn him. + </p> + <p> + There he stood in the doorway, his stern, gloomy expression forming a + strange contrast to the merry party who had entered in such a jovial mood. + </p> + <p> + His companion, Herr Casper Eysvogel, had already noticed his future + daughter-in-law, recognised her by an amazed shrug of the shoulders which + was anything but a friendly greeting, and now eyed the excited revellers + with a look as grave and repellent as that of the owner of the house. Herr + Casper’s unusual height permitted him to gaze over the heads of the party + though, with the exception of Count von Montfort, they were all tall, nay, + remarkably tall men, and the delicacy of his clear-cut, pallid, beardless + face had never seemed to Els handsomer or more sinister. True, he was the + father of her Wolff, but the son resembled this cold-hearted man only in + his unusual stature, and a chill ran through her veins as she felt the + stately old merchant’s blue eyes, still keen and glittering, rest upon + her. + </p> + <p> + On the day of her betrothal she had rushed into his arms with a warm and + grateful heart, and he had kissed her, as custom dictated; but it was done + in a strange way—his thin, well-cut lips had barely brushed her + brow. Then he stepped back and turned to his wife with the low command, + “It is your turn now, Rosalinde.” Her future mother-in-law rose quickly, + and doubtless intended to embrace her affectionately, but a loud cough + from her own mother seemed to check her, for ere she opened her arms to + Els she turned to her and excused her act by the words, “He wishes it.” + Yet Els was finally clasped in Frau Rosalinde’s arms and kissed more + warmly than—from what had previously occurred—she had + expected. + </p> + <p> + Wolff’s grandmother, old Countess Rotterbach, who rarely left the huge + gilt armchair in her daughter’s sitting-room, had watched the whole scene + with a scornful smile; then, thrusting her prominent chin still farther + forward, she said to her daughter, loud enough for Els to hear, “This into + the bargain?” + </p> + <p> + All these things returned to the young girl’s memory as she gazed at the + cold, statuesque face of her lover’s father. It seemed as if he held his + tall, noble figure more haughtily erect than usual, and that his plain + dark garments were of richer material and more faultless cut than ever; + nay, she even fancied that, like the lion, which crouches and strains + every muscle ere it springs upon its victim, he was summoning all his + pride and sternness to crush her. + </p> + <p> + Els was innocent; nay, the motive which had brought her here to defend her + sister could not fail to be approved by every well-disposed person, and + certainly not last by her father, and it would have suited her truthful + nature to contradict openly Countess Cordula’s friendly falsehood had not + her dread of fatally exposing Eva imposed silence. + </p> + <p> + How her father’s cheeks glowed already! With increasing anxiety, she + attributed it to the indignation which overpowered him, yet he was only + heated by the haste with which, accompanied by his future son-in-law’s + father, he had rushed here from the Frauenthor as fast as his feet would + carry him. Casper Eysvogel had also attended the Vorchtel entertainment + and accompanied Ernst Ortlieb into the street to discuss some business + matters. + </p> + <p> + He intended to persuade him to advance the capital for which he had just + vainly asked Herr Vorchtel. He stood in most urgent need for the next few + days of this great sum, of which his son and business partner must have no + knowledge, and at first Wolff Eysvogel’s future father-in-law saw no + reason to refuse. But Herr Ernst was a cautious man, and when his + companion imposed the condition that his son should be kept in ignorance + of the loan, he was puzzled. He wished to learn why the business partner + should not know what must be recorded in the books of the house; but + Casper Eysvogel needed this capital to silence the Jew Pfefferkorn, from + whom he had secretly borrowed large sums to conceal the heavy losses + sustained in Venice the year before at the gaming table. + </p> + <p> + At first courteously, then with rising anger, he evaded the questions of + the business man, and his manner of doing so, with the little + contradictions in which the arrogant man, unaccustomed to falsehood, + involved himself, showed Herr Ernst that all was not as it should be. + </p> + <p> + By the time they reached the Frauenthor, he had told Casper Eysvogel + positively that he would not fulfil the request until Wolff was informed + of the matter. + </p> + <p> + Then the sorely pressed man perceived that nothing but a frank confession + could lead him to his goal. But what an advantage it would give his + companion, what a humiliation it would impose upon himself! He could not + force his lips to utter it, but resolved to venture a last essay by + appealing to the father, instead of to the business man; and therefore, + with the haughty, condescending manner natural to him, he asked Herr + Ernst, as if it were his final word, whether he had considered that his + refusal of a request, which twenty other men would deem it an honour to + fulfil, might give their relations a form very undesirable both to his + daughter and himself? + </p> + <p> + “No, I did not suppose that a necessity,” replied his companion firmly, + and then added in an irritated tone: “But if you need the loan so much + that you require for your son a father-in-law who will advance it to you + more readily, why, then, Herr Casper—” + </p> + <p> + Here he paused abruptly. A flood of light streamed into the street from + the doorway of the Ortlieb house. It must be a fire, and with the startled + cry, “St. Florian aid us! my entry is burning!” he rushed forward with his + companion to the endangered house so quickly that the torchbearers, who + even in this bright night did good service in the narrow streets, whose + lofty houses barred out the moonlight, could scarcely follow. + </p> + <p> + Thus Herr Ernst, far more anxious about his invalid, helpless wife than + his imperilled wares, soon reached his own door. His companion crossed the + threshold close behind him, sullen, deeply incensed, and determined to + order his son to choose between his love and favour and the daughter of + this unfriendly man, whom only a sudden accident had prevented from + breaking the betrothal. + </p> + <p> + The sight of so many torches blazing here was an exasperating spectacle to + Ernst Ortlieb, who with wise caution and love of order insisted that + nothing but lanterns should be used to light his house, which contained + inflammable wares of great value; but other things disturbed his + composure, already wavering, to an even greater degree. + </p> + <p> + What was his Els doing at this hour among these gentlemen, all of whom + were strangers? + </p> + <p> + Without heeding them or the countess, he was hastening towards her to + obtain a solution of this enigma, but the young Burgrave Eitelfritz von + Zollern, the Knight of Altrosen, Cordula von Montfort, and others barred + his way by greeting him and eagerly entreating him to pardon their + intrusion at so late an hour. + </p> + <p> + Having no alternative, he curtly assented, and was somewhat soothed as he + saw old Count von Montfort, who was still standing beside Els, engaged in + an animated conversation with her. His daughter’s presence was probably + due to that of the guests quartered in his home, especially Cordula, whom, + since she disturbed the peace of his quiet household night after night, he + regarded as the personification of restlessness and reckless freedom. He + would have preferred to pass her unnoticed, but she had clung to his arm + and was trying, with coaxing graciousness, to soften his indignation by + gaily relating how she had come here and what had detained her and her + companions. But Ernst Ortlieb, who would usually have been very + susceptible to such an advance from a young and aristocratic lady, could + not now succeed in smoothing his brow. In his excitement he was not even + able to grasp the meaning of the story she related merrily, though with + well-feigned contrition. While listening to her with one ear, he was + straining the other to catch what Sir Seitz Siebenburg was saying to his + father-in-law, Casper Eysvogel. + </p> + <p> + He gathered from Countess Cordula’s account that she had succeeded in + playing some bold prank in connection with Els and the Swiss knight Heinz + Schorlin, and the words “the Mustache” was whispering to his + father-in-law-the direction of his glance betrayed it—also referred + to Els and the Swiss. But the less Herr Ernst heard of this conversation + the more painfully it excited his already perturbed spirit. + </p> + <p> + Suddenly his pleasant features, which, on account of the lady at his side, + he had hitherto forced to wear a gracious aspect, assumed an expression + which filled the reckless countess with grave anxiety, and urged the + terrified Els, who had not turned her eyes from him, to a hasty + resolution. That was her father’s look when on the point of an outbreak of + fury, and at this hour, surrounded by these people, he must not allow + himself to yield to rage; he must maintain a tolerable degree of + composure. + </p> + <p> + Without heeding the young Burgrave Eitelfritz or Sir Boemund Altrosen, who + were just approaching her, she forced her way nearer to her father, He + still maintained his self-control, but already the veins on his brow had + swollen and his short figure was rigidly erect. The cause of his + excitement—she had noticed it—was some word uttered by Seitz + Siebenburg. Her father was the only person who had understood it, but she + was not mistaken in the conjecture that it referred to her and the Swiss + knight, and she believed it to be base and spiteful. + </p> + <p> + In fact, after his father-in-law had told him that Ernst Ortlieb thought + his house was on fire, “the Mustache,” in reply to Herr Casper’s enquiry + how his son’s betrothed bride happened to be there, answered scornfully: + “Els? She did not hasten hither, like the old man, to put the fire out, + but because one flame was not enough for her. Wolff must know it + to-morrow. By day the slender little flame of honourable betrothed love + flickers for him; by night it blazes more brightly for yonder Swiss + scoundrel. And the young lady chooses for the scene of this toying with + fire the easily ignited warehouse of her own father!” + </p> + <p> + “I will secure mine against such risks,” Casper Eysvogel answered; then, + casting a contemptuous glance at Els and a wrathful one at the Swiss + knight, he added with angry resolution: “It is not yet too late. So long + as I am myself no one shall bring peril and disgrace upon my house and my + son.” + </p> + <p> + Then Herr Ernst had suddenly become aware of the suspicion with which his + beautiful, brave, self-sacrificing child was regarded. Pale as death, he + struggled for composure, and when his eyes met the imploring gaze of the + basely defamed girl, he said to himself that he must maintain his + self-control in order not to afford the frivolous revellers who surrounded + him an entertaining spectacle. + </p> + <p> + Wolff was dear to him, but before he would have led his Els to the house + where the miserable “Mustache” lived, and whose head was the coldhearted, + gloomy man whose words had just struck him like a poisoned arrow, he, whom + the Lord had bereft of his beloved, gallant son, would have been ready to + deprive himself of his daughters also and take both to the convent. Eva + longed to go, and Els might find there a new and beautiful happiness, like + his sister, the Abbess Kunigunde. In the Eysvogel house, never! + </p> + <p> + During these hasty reflections Els extended her hand toward him, and the + shining gold circlet which her lover had placed on her ring finger + glittered in the torchlight. A thought darted through his brain with the + speed of lightning, and without hesitation he drew the ring from the hand + of his astonished daughter, whispering curtly, yet tenderly, in reply to + her anxious cry, “What are you doing?” + </p> + <p> + “Trust me, child.” + </p> + <p> + Then hastily approaching Casper Eysvogel, he beckoned to him to move a + little aside from the group. + </p> + <p> + The other followed, believing that Herr Ernst would now promise the sum + requested, yet firmly resolved, much as he needed it, to refuse. + </p> + <p> + Ernst Ortlieb, however, made no allusion to business matters, but with a + swift gesture handed him the ring which united their two children. Then, + after a rapid glance around had assured him that no one had followed them, + he whispered to Herr Casper: “Tell your Wolff that he was, and would have + remained, dear to us; but my daughter seems to me too good for his + father’s house and for kindred who fear that she will bring injury and + shame upon them. Your wish is fulfilled. I hereby break the betrothal.” + </p> + <p> + “And, in so doing, you only anticipate the step which I intended to take + with more cogent motives,” replied Casper Eysvogel with cool composure, + shrugging his shoulders contemptuously. “The city will judge to-morrow + which of the two parties was compelled to sever a bond sacred in the sight + of God and men. Unfortunately, it is impossible for me to give your + daughter the good opinion you cherish of my son.” + </p> + <p> + Drawing his stately figure to its full height as he spoke, he gazed at his + diminutive adversary with a look of haughty contempt and, without + vouchsafing a word in farewell, turned his back upon him. + </p> + <p> + Repressed fury was seething in Ernst Ortlieb’s breast, and he would + scarcely have succeeded in controlling himself longer but for the + consolation afforded by the thought that every tie was sundered between + his daughter and this cold, arrogant, unjust man and his haughty, evil + disposed kindred. But when he again looked for the daughter on whom his + hasty act had doubtless inflicted a severe blow, she was no longer + visible. + </p> + <p> + Directly after he took the ring she had glided silently, unnoticed by most + of the company, up the stairs to the second story. Cordula von Montfort + told him this in a low tone. + </p> + <p> + Els had made no answer to her questions, but her imploring, tearful eyes + pierced the young countess to the heart. Her quick ear had caught + Siebenburg’s malicious words and Casper Eysvogel’s harsh response and, + with deep pity, she felt how keenly the poor girl must suffer. + </p> + <p> + The happiness of a whole life destroyed without any fault of her own! From + their first meeting Els had seemed to her incapable of any careless error, + and she had merely tried, by her bold, interference, to protect her from + the gossip of evil tongues. But Heinz Schorlin had just approached and + whispered that, by his knightly honour, Els was a total stranger to him, + and he only wished he might find his own dear sister at home as pure and + free from any fault. + </p> + <p> + Poor child! But the countess knew who had frustrated her intervention in + behalf of Els. It was Sir Seitz Siebenburg, “the Mustache,” whose + officious homage, at first amusing, had long since become repulsive. Her + heart shrank from the thought that, merely from vain pleasure in having a + throng of admirers, she had given this scoundrel more than one glance of + encouragement. The riding whip fairly quivered in her right hand as, after + informing Ernst Ortlieb where Els had gone, she warned the gentlemen that + it was time to depart, and Seitz Siebenburg submissively, yet as + familiarly as if he had a right to her special favour, held out his hand + in farewell. + </p> + <p> + But Countess Cordula withdrew hers with visible dislike, saying in a tone + of chilling repulse: “Remember me to your wife, Sir Knight. Tell her to + take care that her twin sons resemble their father as little as possible.” + </p> + <p> + “Then you want to have two ardent admirers the less?” asked Siebenburg + gaily, supposing that the countess’s remark was a jest. + </p> + <p> + But when she did not, as he expected, give these insulting words an + interpretation favourable to him, but merely shrugged her shoulders + scornfully, he added, glancing fiercely at the Swiss knight: + </p> + <p> + “True, you would doubtless be better pleased should the boys grow up to + resemble the lucky Sir Heinz Schorlin, for whose sake you proved yourself + the inventor of tales more marvellous, if not more credible, than the most + skilful travelling minstrel.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps so,” replied the countess with contemptuous brevity. “But I + should be satisfied if the twins—and this agrees with my first wish + should grow up honest men. If you should pay me the honour of a visit + during the next few days, Sir Seitz, I could not receive it.” + </p> + <p> + With these words she turned away, paying no further heed to him, though he + called her name aloud, as if half frantic. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> + <p> + It was after midnight when the servants closed the heavy door of the + Ortlieb mansion. The late guests had left it, mounted their horses, and + ridden away together through the Frauenthor into the city. + </p> + <p> + The moon no longer lighted their way. A sultry wind had swept from the + southwest masses of grey clouds, which constantly grew denser and darker. + Heinz Schorlin did not notice it, but his follower, Biberli, called his + attention to the rising storm and entreated him to choose the nearest road + to the city. To remain outside the gate in such darkness would be + uncomfortable, nay, perhaps not without peril, but the knight merely flung + him the peevish answer, “So much the better,” and, to Biberli’s surprise, + turned into St. Klarengasse, which brought him by no means nearer to his + distant lodgings in the Bindergasse. + </p> + <p> + It was unfortunate to be warmly devoted to a master who had no fear, whom + he was obliged to serve as a messenger of love, and who now probably + scarcely knew himself whither this love would lead him. + </p> + <p> + But true and steadfast Biberli would really have followed Sir Heinz, not + only in a dangerous nocturnal ramble, but through all the terrors of. + hell. So he only glanced down at his long, lean legs, which would be + exposed here to the bites of the dogs, with whom he stood on especially + bad terms, raised his long robe higher, as the paths over which they must + pass were of doubtful cleanliness, and deemed it a good omen when his foot + struck against a stout stick, which his patron saint had perhaps thrown in + his way as a weapon. Its possession was somewhat soothing, it is true, yet + he did not regain the pleasant consciousness of peace in which his soul + had rejoiced a few short hours before. + </p> + <p> + He knew what to expect from the irritable mood into which recent events + appeared to have thrown his master. Heinz usually soon forgot any such + trivial disappointment, but the difficulty threatening himself and + Katterle was far worse—nay, might even assume terrible proportions. + </p> + <p> + These alarming thoughts made him sigh so deeply that Heinz turned towards + him. + </p> + <p> + He would gladly have relieved his own troubled breast in the same way. + Never before had the soul of this light-hearted child of good fortune + served as the arena for so fierce a struggle of contending emotions. + </p> + <p> + He loved Eva, and the image of her white, supernaturally beautiful figure, + flooded by the moonlight, still stood before him as distinctly as when, + after her disappearance, he had resolved to plead his suit for her to her + sister; but the usually reckless fellow asked himself, shuddering, what + would have happened had he obeyed Eva’s summons and been found with her, + as he had just been surprised with her sister. She was not wholly free + from guilt, for her note had really contained an invitation to a meeting; + yet she escaped. But his needless impetuosity and her sudden appearance + before the house had placed her modest, charming sister, the betrothed + bride of the gallant fellow who had fought with him in the Marchfield, in + danger of being misunderstood and despised. If the finger of scorn were + pointed at her, if a stain rested on her fair fame, the austere Wolff + Eysvogel would hardly desire to make her his wife, and then this also + would be his fault. + </p> + <p> + His kind, honest heart suffered keenly under these self-accusations, the + first which he had ever heeded. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto the volatile young fellow, who had often gaily risked his life in + battle and his last penny at the gaming table, had never thought of + seriously examining his own soul, battling by his own strength of will + against some secret longing and shunning its cause. On the contrary, from + childhood he had accustomed himself to rely on the protection and aid of + the Virgin and the saints; and when they passed the image with the + ever-burning lamp, where Katterle had just sought and found consolation, + he implored it not to let his bold intrusion into the home of the maiden + he loved bring evil upon her and her sister. He also vowed to the convent + and its saint—which, come what might, should also be his—a + rich gift whenever the Emperor or the gaming table again filled his purse. + </p> + <p> + The thought of being burdened his whole life long with the reproach of + having made two such charming, innocent creatures miserable seemed + unendurable. He would gladly have given gold and blood to remove it. + </p> + <p> + It was too late that day, but he resolved to go to the confessional on the + morrow, for absolution had always relieved and lightened his heart. But + how trivial his errors had been! True, the wrong he had now committed was + not a mortal sin, and would hardly impose a severe penance upon him, yet + it burdened him like the most infamous crime. He did not understand + himself, and often wondered why he, reckless Heinz, thus made a mountain + out of a molehill. Yet when, after this reflection, he uttered a sigh of + relief, it seemed as if a voice within commanded him not to think lightly + of what had passed, for on that evening he had ceased to bestow pleasure + on every one, and instead of, as usual, being helpful and agreeable, he + had plunged others who had done him no wrong—nay, perhaps a whole + household, whose daughter had given him the first love of her young + heart-into misery and disgrace. Had he considered the consequences of his + act, he would still be merry Heinz. Then he remembered how, when a boy, + playing with other lads high up among the mountains just as it was + beginning to thaw, he had hurled the work they had finished with so much + toil, a snow man, down the slope, rejoicing with his playfellows over its + swift descent towards the valley, until they noticed with what frightful + speed its bulk increased as it sped over its snowy road, till at last, + like a terrible avalanche, it swept away a herdsman’s hut—fortunately + an empty one. Now, also, his heedlessness had set in motion a mass which + constantly rolled onward, and how terrible might be the harm it would do! + </p> + <p> + If Hartmann, the Emperor’s son, were only there! He confided everything to + him, for he was sure of his silence. Both his duty as a knight and his + conscience forbade him to relate his experiences and ask counsel from any + one else. + </p> + <p> + He was still absorbed in these gloomy thoughts when, just before reaching + the Walch, he heard Biberli’s deep sigh. Here, behind and beside the + frames of the cloth weavers, stood the tents before which the followers + and soldiers of the princes and dignitaries who had come to the Reichstag + were still sitting around the camp fire, carousing and laughing. + </p> + <p> + Any interruption was welcome to him, and to Biberli it seemed like a + deliverance to be permitted to use his poor endangered tongue, for his + master had asked what grief oppressed him. + </p> + <p> + “If you desired to know what trouble did not burden my soul I could find a + speedier answer,” replied Biberli piteously. “Oh, this night, my lord! + What has it not brought upon us and others! Look at the black clouds + rising in the south. They are like the dark days impending over us poor + mortals.” + </p> + <p> + Then he confided to Heinz his fears for himself and Katterle. The knight’s + assurance that he would intercede for him and, if necessary, even appeal + to the Emperor’s favour, somewhat cheered his servitor’s drooping spirits, + it is true, but by no means restored his composure, and his tone was + lugubrious enough as he went on: + </p> + <p> + “And the poor innocent girl in the Ortlieb house! Your little lady, my + lord, broke the bread she must now eat herself, but the other, the older + E.” + </p> + <p> + “I know,” interrupted the knight sorrowfully. “But if the gracious Virgin + aids us, they will continue to believe in the wager Cordula von Montfort——” + </p> + <p> + “She! she!” Biberli exclaimed, enthusiastically waving his stick aloft. + “The Lord created her in a good hour. Such a heart! Such friendly + kindness! And to think that she interposed so graciously for you—you, + Sir Heinz, to whom she showed the favour of combing your locks, as if you + were already her promised husband, and who afterwards, for another’s sake, + left her at the ball as if she wore a fern cap and had become invisible. I + saw the whole from the musician’s gallery. True, the somnambulist is + marvellously beautiful.” + </p> + <p> + But the knight interrupted him by exclaiming so vehemently: “Silence!” + that he paused. + </p> + <p> + Both walked on without speaking for some distance ere Heinz began again: + </p> + <p> + “Even though I live to grow old and grey, never shall I behold aught more + beautiful than the vision of that white-robed girlish figure on the + stairs.” + </p> + <p> + True and steadfast Biberli sighed faintly. Love for Eva Ortlieb held his + master as if in a vise; but a Schorlin seemed to him far too good a match + for a Nuremberg maiden who had grown up among sacks of pepper and chests + of goods and, moreover, was a somnambulist. He looked higher for his + Heinz, and had already found the right match for him. So, turning to him + again, he said earnestly: + </p> + <p> + “Drive the bewitching vision from your mind, Sir Heinz. You don’t know—but + I could tell you some tales about women who walk in their sleep by + moonlight.” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” asked Heinz eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “As a maiden,” Biberli continued impressively, with the pious intention of + guarding his master from injury, “the somnambulist merely runs the risk of + falling from the roof, or whatever accident may happen to a sleepwalker; + but if she enters the estate of holy matrimony, the evil power which has + dominion over her sooner or later transforms her at midnight into a troll, + which seizes her husband’s throat in his sleep and strangles him.” + </p> + <p> + “Nursery tales!” cried Heinz angrily, but Biberli answered calmly: + </p> + <p> + “It can make no difference to you what occurs in the case of such + possessed women, for henceforward the Ortlieb house will be closed against + you. And—begging your pardon—it is fortunate. For, my lord, + the horse mounted by the first Schorlin—the chaplain showed it to + you in the picture—came from the ark in which Noah saved it with the + other animals from the deluge, and the first Lady Schorlin whom the family + chronicles mention was a countess. Your ancestresses came from citadels + and castles; no Schorlin ever yet brought his bride from a tradesman’s + house. You, the proudest of them all, will scarcely think of making such + an error, though it is true—” + </p> + <p> + “Ernst Ortlieb, spite of his trade, is a man of knightly lineage, to whom + the king of arms opens the lists at every tournament!” exclaimed Heinz + indignantly. + </p> + <p> + “In the combat with blunt weapons,” replied Biberli contemptuously. + </p> + <p> + “Nay, for the jousts and single combat,” cried Heinz excitedly. “The + Emperor Frederick himself dubbed Herr Ernst a knight.” + </p> + <p> + “You know best,” replied Biberli modestly. But his coat of arms, like his + entry, smells of cloves and pepper. Here is another, however, who, like + your first ancestress, has a countess’s title, and who has a right—My + name isn’t Biberli if your lady mother at home would not be more than + happy were I to inform her that the Countess von Montfort and the darling + of her heart, which you are: + </p> + <p> + “The name of Montfort and what goes with it,” Heinz interrupted, “would + surely please those at home. But the rest! Where could a girl be found + who, setting aside Cordula’s kind heart, would be so great a contrast to + my mother in every respect?” + </p> + <p> + “Stormy mornings merge into quiet days,” said the servant. “Everything + depends, my lord, upon the heart of which you speak so slightingly—the + heart and, even above that, upon the blood. ‘Help is needed there,’ cried + the kind heart just now, and then the blood did its ‘devoir’. The act + followed the desire as the sound follows the blow of the hammer, the + thunder the flash of lightning. Well for the castle that is ruled by such + a mistress! I am only the servant, and respect commands me to curb my + tongue; but to-day I had news from home through the Provost Werner, of + Lucerne, whom I knew at Stansstadt. I meant to tell you of it over the + wine at the Thirsty Troopers, but that accursed note and the misfortune + which followed prevented. It will not make either of us more cheerful, but + whoever is ordered by the leech to drink gall and wormwood does wisely to + swallow the dose at one gulp. Do you wish to empty the cup now?” + </p> + <p> + The knight nodded assent, and Biberli went on. “Home affairs are not going + as they ought. Though your uncle’s hair is already grey, the knightly + blood in his veins makes him grasp the sword too quickly. The quarrel + about the bridge-toll has broken out again more violently than ever. The + townsfolk drove off our cattle as security and, by way of punishment, your + uncle seized the goods of their merchants, and they came to blows. True, + the Schorlin retainers forced back the men from town with bloody heads, + but if the feud lasts much longer we cannot hold out, for the others have + the money, and since the war cry has sounded less frequently there has + been no lack of men at arms who will serve any one who pays. Besides, the + townsfolk can appeal to the treaty of peace, and if your uncle continues + to seize the merchant’s wares they will apply to the imperial magistrate, + and then: + </p> + <p> + “Then,” cried Heinz eagerly, “then the time will have come for me to leave + the court and return home to look after my rights.” + </p> + <p> + “A single arm, no matter how strong it may be, can avail nothing there, my + lord,” Biberli protested earnestly. “Your Uncle Ramsweg has scarcely his + peer as a leader, but even were it not so you could not bring yourself to + send the old man home and put yourself in his place. Besides, it would be + as unwise as it is unjust. What is lacking at home is money to pay the + town what it demands for the use of the bridge, or to increase the number + of your men, and therefore: + </p> + <p> + “Well?” asked Heinz eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “Therefore seek the Countess von Montfort, who favours you above every one + else,” was the reply; “for with her all you need will be yours without + effort. Her dowry will suffice to settle twenty such bridge dues, and if + it should come to a fray, the brave huntress will ride to the field at + your side with helmet and spear. Which of the four Fs did Countess Cordula + von Montfort ever lack?” + </p> + <p> + “The four Fs?” asked Heinz, listening intently. “The Fs,” explained the + ex-pedagogue, “are the four letters which marriageable knights should + consider. They are: Family, figure, favour, and fortune. But hold your cap + on! What a hot blast this is, as if the storm were coming straight from + the jaws of hell. And the dust! Where did all these withered leaves come + from in the month of June? They are whirling about as if the foliage had + already fallen. There are big raindrops driving into my face too B-r-r! + You need all four Fs. No rain will wash a single one of them away, and I + hope it won’t efface the least word of my speech either. What, according + to human foresight, could be lacking to secure the fairest happiness, if + you and the countess—” + </p> + <p> + “Love,” replied Heinz Schorlin curtly. + </p> + <p> + “That will come of itself,” cried Biberli, as if sure of what he was + saying, “if the bride is Countess Cordula.” + </p> + <p> + “Possibly,” answered the knight, “but the heart must not be filled by + another’s image.” + </p> + <p> + Here he paused, for in the darkness he had stumbled into the ditch by the + road. + </p> + <p> + The whirlwind which preceded the bursting of the storm blew such clouds of + dust and everything it contained into their faces that it was difficult to + advance. But Biberli was glad, for he had not yet found a fitting answer. + He struggled silently on beside his master against the wind, until it + suddenly subsided, and a violent storm of rain streamed in big warm drops + on the thirsty earth and the belated pedestrians. Then, spite of Heinz’s + protestations, Biberli hurriedly snatched the long robe embroidered with + the St from his shoulders and threw it over his master, declaring that his + shirt was as safe from injury as his skin, but the rain would ruin the + knight’s delicate embroidered doublet. + </p> + <p> + Then he drew over his head the hood which hung from his coat, and + meanwhile must have decided upon an answer, for as soon as they moved on + he began again: “You must drive your love for the beautiful sleepwalker + out of your mind. Try to do so, my dear, dear master, for the sake of your + lady mother, your young sister who will soon be old enough to marry, our + light-hearted Maria, and the good old castle. For your own happiness, your + lofty career, which began so gloriously, you must hear me! O master, my + dear master, tear from your heart the image of the little Nuremberg witch, + tempting though it is, I admit. The wound will bleed for a brief time, but + after so much mirthful pleasure a fleeting disappointment in love, I + should think, would not be too hard to bear if it will be speedily + followed by the fairest and most enduring happiness.” + </p> + <p> + Here a flash of lightning, which illumined the hospital door close before + them, and made every surrounding object as bright as day, interrupted the + affectionate entreaty of the faithful fellow, and at the same time a + tremendous peal of thunder crashed and rattled through the air. + </p> + <p> + Master and servant crossed themselves, but Heinz exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “That struck the tower yonder. A little farther to the left, and all + doubts and misgivings would have been ended.” + </p> + <p> + “You can say that!” exclaimed Biberli reproachfully while passing with his + master through the gate which had just been opened for an imperial + messenger. “And you dare to make such a speech in the midst of this + heavenly wrath! For the sake of a pair of lovely eyes you are ready to + execrate a life which the saints have so blessed with every gift that + thousands and tens of thousands would not give it up from sheer gratitude + and joy, even if it were not a blasphemous crime!” + </p> + <p> + Again the lightning and thunder drowned his words. Biberli’s heart + trembled, and muttering prayers beseeching protection from the avenging + hand above, he walked swiftly onward till they reached the Corn Market. + Here they were again stopped, for, notwithstanding the late hour, a throng + of people, shouting and wailing, was just pouring from the Ledergasse into + the square, headed by a night watchman provided with spear, horn, and + lantern, a bailiff, torchbearers, and some police officers, who were + vainly trying to silence the loudest outcries. + </p> + <p> + Again a brilliant flash of lightning pierced the black mass of clouds, and + Heinz, shuddering, pointed to the crowd and asked, “Do you suppose the + lightning killed the man whom they are carrying yonder?” + </p> + <p> + “Let me see,” replied Biberli, among whose small vices curiosity was by no + means the least. He must have understood news gathering thoroughly, for he + soon returned and informed Heinz, who had sought shelter from the rain + under the broad bow window of a lofty house, that the bearers were just + carrying to his parents’ home a young man whose thread of life had been + suddenly severed by a stab through the breast in a duel. After the + witnesses had taken the corpse to the leech Otto, in the Ledergasse, and + the latter said that the youth was dead, they had quickly dispersed, + fearing a severe punishment on account of the breach of the peace. The + murdered man was Ulrich Vorchtel, the oldest son of the wealthy Berthold + Vorchel, who collected the imperial taxes. + </p> + <p> + Again Heinz shuddered. He had seen the unfortunate young man the day + before yesterday at the fencing school, and yesterday, full of overflowing + mirth, at the dance, and knew that he, too, had fought in the battle of + Marchfield. His foe must have been master of the art of wielding the + sword, for the dead man had been a skilful fencer, and was tall and + stalwart in figure. + </p> + <p> + When the servant ended his story Heinz stood still in the darkness for a + time, silently listening. The bells had begun to ring, the blast of the + watchman’s horn blended with the wailing notes summoning aid, and in two + places—near the Thiergartenthor and the Frauenthor—the sky was + crimsoned by the reflection of a conflagration, probably kindled by some + flash of lightning, which flickered over the clouds, alternately rising + and falling, sometimes deeper and anon paler in hue. Throngs of people, + shouting “Fire!” pressed from the cross streets into the square. The + stillness of the night was over. + </p> + <p> + When Heinz again turned to Biberli he said in a hollow tone: + </p> + <p> + “If the earth should swallow up Nuremberg tonight it would not surprise + me. But over yonder—look, Biber, the Duke of Pomerania’s quarters in + the Green Shield are still lighted. I’ll wager that they are yet at the + gaming table. A plague upon it! I would be there, too, if my purse + allowed. I feel as if yonder dead man and his coffin were burdening my + soul. If it was really good fortune in love that snatched the zecchins + from my purse yesterday: + </p> + <p> + “Then,” cried Biberli eagerly, “to-night is the very time, ere Countess + Cordula teaches you to forget what troubles you, to win them back. The + gold for the first stake is at your disposal.” + </p> + <p> + “From the Duke of Pomerania, you think?” asked Heinz; then, in a quick, + resolute tone, added: “No! Often as the duke has offered me his purse, I + never borrow from my peers when the prospect of repayment looks so + uncertain.” + </p> + <p> + “Gently, my lord,” returned Biberli, slapping his belt importantly. “Here + is what you need for the stake as your own property. No miracles have been + wrought for us, only I forgot But look! There are the black clouds rolling + northward over the castle. That was a frightful storm! But a spendthrift + doesn’t keep house long-and the thunder has not yet followed that last + flash of lightning. There is plenty of uproar without it. It’s hard work + to hear one’s self speak amid all the ringing, trumpeting, yelling, and + shrieking. It seems as if they expected to put out the fire with noise. + The fathers of the city can attend to that. It doesn’t appear to disturb + the duke and his guests at their dice; and here, my lord, are fifty + florins which, I think, will do for the beginning.” + </p> + <p> + Biberli handed the knight a little bag containing this sum, and when Heinz + asked in perplexity where he obtained it, the ex-schoolmaster answered + gaily: “They came just in the nick of time. I received them from Suss, the + jockey, while you were out riding this afternoon.” + </p> + <p> + “For the black?” Heinz enquired. + </p> + <p> + “Certainly, my lord. It’s a pity about the splendid stallion. But, as you + know, he has the staggers, and when I struck him on the coronet he stood + as if rooted to the earth, and the equerry, who was there, said that the + disease was proved. So the Jew silently submitted, let the horse be led + away, and paid back what we gave him. Fifty heavy florins! More than + enough for a beginning. If I may advise you, count on the two and the five + when fixed numbers are to be thrown or hit. Why? Because you must turn + your ill luck in love to advantage: and those from whom it comes are the + two beautiful Ortlieb Es, as Nuremberg folk call the ladies Els and Eva. + That makes the two. But E is the fifth letter in the alphabet, so I should + choose the five. If Biberli did not put things together shrewdly—” + </p> + <p> + “He would be as oversharp as he has often been already,” Heinz + interrupted, but he patted Biberli’s wet arm as he spoke, and added kindly + “Yet every day proves that my Biberli is a true and steadfast fellow; but + where in the wide world did you, a schoolmaster, gain instruction in the + art of throwing the dice?” + </p> + <p> + “While we were studying in Paris, with my dead foster brother,” replied + the servant with evident emotion. “But now go up, my lord, before the fire + alarm, and I know not what else, makes the people upstairs separate. The + iron must be forged during this wild night. Only a few drops of rain are + falling. You can cross the street dry even without my long garment.” + </p> + <p> + While speaking he divested the knight of his robe, and continued eagerly: + “Now, my lord, from the coffin, or let us say rather the leaden weight, + which oppresses your soul, let a bolt be melted that will strike + misfortune to the heart. Glittering gold has a cheering colour.” + </p> + <p> + “Stop! stop!” Heinz interrupted positively. “No good wishes on the eve of + hunting or gaming. + </p> + <p> + “But if I come bounding down the stairs of the Green Shield with a purse + as heavy as my heart is just now—why, Biberli, success puts a new + face on many things, and yours shall again look at me without anxiety.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> + <p> + The thunderclouds had gathered in the blackest masses above the Frauenthor + and the Ortlieb mansion. Ere the storm burst the oppressive atmosphere had + burdened the hearts within as heavily as it weighed outside upon tree, + bush, and all animated creation. + </p> + <p> + In the servants’ rooms under the roof the maids slept quietly and + dreamlessly; and the men, with their mouths wide open, snored after the + labour of the day, unconscious of what was passing outside in the sky or + the events within which had destroyed the peace of their master and his + family. + </p> + <p> + The only bed unoccupied was the one in the little room next to the stairs + leading to the garret, which was occupied by Katterle. The Swiss, kneeling + before it with her face buried in the coarse linen pillow case, + alternately sobbed, prayed, and cursed herself and her recklessness. + </p> + <p> + When the gale, which preceded the thunderstorm, blew leaves and straws in + through the open window she started violently, imagining that Herr Ortlieb + had come to call her to account and her trial was to begin. The barber’s + widow, whom she had seen a few days before in the pillory, with a stone + around her neck, because she had allowed a cloth weaver’s heedless + daughter to come to her lodging with a handsome trumpeter who belonged to + the city musicians, rose before her mental vision. How the poor thing had + trembled and moaned after the executioner’s assistant hung the heavy stone + around her neck! Then, driven frantic by the jeers and insults of the + people, the missiles flung by the street boys, and the unbearable burden, + she could control herself no longer but, pouring forth a flood of curses, + thrust out her tongue at her tormentors. + </p> + <p> + What a spectacle! But ere she, Katterle, would submit to such disgrace she + would bid farewell to life with all its joys; and even to the countryman + to whom her heart clung, and who, spite of his well-proven truth and + steadfastness, had brought misery upon her. + </p> + <p> + Now the memory of the hateful word which she, too, had called to the + barber’s widow weighed heavily on her heart. Never, never again would she + be arrogant to a neighbour who had fallen into misfortune. + </p> + <p> + This vow, and many others, she made to St. Clare; then her thoughts + wandered to the city moat, to the Pegnitz, the Fischbach, and all the + other streams in and near Nuremberg, where it was possible to drown and + thus escape the terrible disgrace which threatened her. But in so doing + she had doubtless committed a heavy sin; for while recalling the Dutzen + Pond, from whose dark surface she had often gathered white water lilies + after passing through the Frauenthor into the open fields, and wondering + in what part of its reedy shore her design could be most easily executed, + a brilliant flash of lightning blazed through her room, and at the same + time a peal of thunder shook the old mansion to its foundations. + </p> + <p> + That was meant for her and her wicked thoughts. No! For the sake of + escaping disgrace here on earth, she dared not trifle with eternal + salvation and the hope of seeing her dead mother in the other world. + </p> + <p> + The remembrance of that dear mother, who had laboured so earnestly to + train her in every good path, soothed her. Surely she was looking down + upon her and knew that she had remained upright and honest, that she had + not defrauded her employers of even a pin, and that the little fault which + was to be so grievously punished had been committed solely out of love for + her countryman, who in his truth and steadfastness meant honestly by her. + What Biberli requested her to do could be no heavy sin. + </p> + <p> + But the powers above seemed to be of a different opinion; for again a + dazzling glare of light illumined the room, and the crash and rattle of + the thunder of the angry heavens accompanied it with a deafening din. + Katterle shrieked aloud; it seemed as if the gates of hell had opened + before her, or the destruction of the world had begun. + </p> + <p> + Frantic with terror, she sprang back from the window, through which the + raindrops were already sprinkling her face. They cooled her flushed cheeks + and brought her back to reality. The offence she had just committed was no + trivial one. She, whom Herr Ortlieb, with entire confidence, had placed in + the service of the fair young girl whose invalid mother could not care for + her, had permitted herself to be induced to persuade Eva, who was scarcely + beyond childhood, to a rendezvous with a man whom she represented to the + inexperienced maiden as a godly, virtuous knight, though she knew from + Biberli how far the latter surpassed his master in fidelity and + steadfastness. + </p> + <p> + “Lead us not into temptation!” How often she had repeated the words in the + Lord’s Prayer, and now she herself had become the serpent that tempted + into sin the innocent child whom duty should have commanded her to guard. + </p> + <p> + No, no! The guilt for which she was threatened with punishment was by no + means small, and even if her earthly judge did not call her to account, + she would go to confession to-morrow and honestly perform the penance + imposed. + </p> + <p> + Moved by these thoughts, she gazed across the courtyard to the convent. + Just at that moment the lightning again flashed, the thunder pealed, and + she covered her face with her hands. When she lowered her arms she saw on + the roof of the nuns’ granary, which adjoined the cow-stable, a slender + column of smoke, followed by a narrow tongue of flame, which grew steadily + brighter. + </p> + <p> + The lightning had set it on fire. + </p> + <p> + Sympathy for the danger and losses of others forced her own grief and + anxiety into the background and, without pausing to think, she slipped on + her shoes, snatched her shawl from the chest, and ran downstairs, + shouting: “The lightning has struck! The convent is burning!” + </p> + <p> + Just at that moment the door of the chamber occupied by the two sisters + opened, and Ernst Ortlieb, with tangled hair and pallid cheeks, came + toward her. + </p> + <p> + Within the room the dim light of the little lamp and the fiery glare of + the lightning illumined tear-stained, agitated faces. + </p> + <p> + After Heinz Schorlin had called to her, and Els had hurried to her aid, + Eva, clad in her long, plain night robe, and barefooted, just as she had + risen from her couch, followed the maid to her room. What must the knight, + who but yesterday, she knew, had looked up to her as to a saint, think of + her now? + </p> + <p> + She felt as if she were disgraced, stained with shame. Yet it was through + no fault of her own, and overwhelmed by the terrible conviction that + mysterious, supernatural powers, against which resistance was hopeless, + were playing a cruel game with her, she had felt as if the stormy sea were + tossing her in a rudderless boat on its angry surges. + </p> + <p> + Unable to seek consolation in prayer, as usual, she had given herself up + to dull despair, but only for a short time. Els had soon returned, and the + firm, quiet manner with which her prudent, helpful friend and sister met + her, and even tried to raise her drooping courage by a jest ere she sent + her to their mother’s sick room, had fallen on her soul like refreshing + dew; not because Els promised to act for her—on the contrary, what + she intended to do roused her to resistance. + </p> + <p> + She had been far too guilty and oppressed to oppose her, yet indignation + concerning the sharp words which Els had uttered about the knight, and her + intention of forbidding him the house, perhaps forever, had stimulated her + like strong acid wine. + </p> + <p> + Not until after her sister had left her did she become capable of clearly + understanding what she had felt during her period of somnambulism. + </p> + <p> + While her mother, thanks to a narcotic, slept soundly, breathing quietly, + and in the entry below something, she knew not what, perhaps due to her + father’s return, was occurring, she sat thinking, pondering, while an + impetuous throng of rebellious wishes raised their voices, alternately + asking and denying, in her agitated breast. + </p> + <p> + How she had happened to rise from her couch and go out had vanished + utterly from her memory, but she was still perfectly conscious of her + feelings during the night walk. If hitherto she had yearned to drain + heavenly bliss from the chalice of faith, during her wanderings through + the house she had longed for nothing save to drink her fill from the cup + of earthly joy. Ardent kisses, of which she had forbidden herself even to + think, she awaited with blissful delight. Her timorous heart, held in + check by virgin modesty, accustomed to desire nothing save what she could + have confessed to her sister and the abbess, seemed as if it had cast off + every fetter and boldly resolved to risk the most daring deeds. The + somnambulist had longed for the moment when, after Heinz Schorlin’s + confession that he loved her, she could throw her arms around his neck + with rapturous gratitude. + </p> + <p> + If, while awake, she had desired only to speak to him of her saint and of + his duty to overthrow the foes of the Church, she had wished while gazing + at the moon from the stairs, and in front of the house door, to whisper + sweet words of love, listen to his, and in so doing forget herself, the + world, and everything which did not belong to him, to her, and their love. + </p> + <p> + And she remembered this longing and yearning in a way very unlike a mere + dream. It seemed rather as if, while the moon was attracting her by its + magic power, something, which had long slumbered in the depths of her + soul, had waked to life; something, from which formerly, ere her heart and + mind had been able rightly to understand it, she had shrunk with pious + horror, had assumed a tangible form. + </p> + <p> + Now she dreaded this newly recognised sinful part of her own nature, which + she had imagined a pure vessel that had room only for what was noble, + sacred, and innocent. + </p> + <p> + She, too—she knew it now—was only a girl like those on whose + desire for love she had looked down with arrogant contempt, no bride of + heaven or saint. + </p> + <p> + She had not yet taken the veil, and it was fortunate, for what would have + become of her had she not discovered until after her profession this part + of her nature, which she thought every true nun, if she possessed it, must + discard, like the hair which was shorn from her head, before taking the + vow of the order. + </p> + <p> + During this self-inspection it became more and more evident that she was + not one person, but two in one—a twofold nature with a single body + and two distinct souls; and this conviction caused her as much pain as if + the cut which had produced the separation were still bleeding. + </p> + <p> + Just at that moment her eyes fell upon the image of the Virgin opposite, + and the usual impulse to lift her soul in prayer took possession of her + even more powerfully than a short time before. + </p> + <p> + With fervent warmth she besought her to release her from this newly + awakened nature, which surely could not be pleasing in the sight of + Heaven, and let her once more become what she was before the unfortunate + ramble in the moonlight. + </p> + <p> + But the composure she needed for prayer was soon destroyed, for the image + of the knight rose before her again and again, and it seemed as if her own + name, which he had called with such ardent longing, once more rang in her + ears. + </p> + <p> + Whoever thus raises his voice in appeal to another loves that person. + Heinz Schorlin’s love was great and sincere and, instead of heeding the + inner voice that warned her to return to prayer, she cried defiantly, “I + will not!” + </p> + <p> + She could not yet part from the man for whom her heart throbbed with such + passionate yearning, who was so brave and godly, so ardently devoted to + her. + </p> + <p> + True, it had been peacefully beautiful to dream herself into the bright + glory of heaven, yet the stormy rapture she had felt while thinking of him + and his love seemed richer and greater. She could not, would not part from + him. + </p> + <p> + Then she remembered her sister’s intention of driving Heinz—Eva + already called the knight by that name in her soliloquy—from her + presence, and the thought that she might perhaps wound him so keenly that + knightly honour would forbid his return alarmed and incensed her. + </p> + <p> + What right had Els to distrust him? A godly knight played no base game + with the chosen lady of, his heart, and that, yes, that she certainly was, + since she had named her colour to him. Nothing should separate them. She + needed him for her happiness as much as she did light and air. Hitherto + she had longed for bliss in another world, but she was so young she + probably had a long life before her, and what could existence on earth + offer if robbed of the hope of his possession? + </p> + <p> + The newly awakened part of her nature demanded its rights. It would never + again allow itself to be forced into the old slumber. + </p> + <p> + If her sister came back and boasted of having driven away the dangerous + animal forever, she would show her that she had a different opinion of the + knight, and would permit no one to interpose between them. But, while + still pondering over this plan, the door of the sick-room was softly + opened and her father beckoned to her to follow him. + </p> + <p> + Silently leading the way through the dusky corridor, no longer illumined + by the moonlight, he entered his daughter’s room before her. The lamp, + still burning there, revealed the agitated face of her sister who, resting + her chin on her hand, sat on the stool beside the spinning wheel. + </p> + <p> + Eva’s courage, which had blazed up so brightly, instantly fell again. + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens! What has happened?” she cried in terror; but her father + answered in a hollow tone: + </p> + <p> + “For the sake of your noble sister, to whom I pledged my word, I will + force myself to remain calm. But look at her! Her poor heart must be like + a graveyard, for she was doomed to bury what she held dearest. And who,” + he continued furiously, so carried away by grief and indignation as to be + unmindful of his promise to maintain his composure, “who is to blame for + it all, save you and your boundless imprudence?” + </p> + <p> + Eva, with uplifted hands, tried to explain how, unconscious of her acts, + she had walked in her sleep down the stairs and out of the house, but he + imperiously cut her short with: + </p> + <p> + “Silence! I know all. My daughter gave a worthless tempter the right to + expect the worst from her. You, whom we deemed the ornament of this house, + whose purity hitherto was stainless, are to blame if people passing on the + street point at it! Alas! alas! Our honour, our ancient, unsullied name!” + </p> + <p> + Groaning aloud, the father struck his brow with his clenched hand; but + when Els rose and passed her arm around his shoulders to speak words of + consolation, Eva, who hitherto had vainly struggled for words, could + endure no more. + </p> + <p> + “Whoever says that of me, my father,” she exclaimed with flashing eyes; + scarcely able to control her voice, “has opened his ears to slander; and + whoever terms Heinz Schorlin a worthless tempter, is blinded by a + delusion, and I call him to his face, even were it my own father, to whom + I owe gratitude and respect—” + </p> + <p> + But here she stopped and extended her arms to keep off the deeply angered + man, for he had started forward with quivering lips, and—she + perceived it clearly—was already under the spell of one of the + terrible fits of fury which might lead him to the most unprecedented + deeds. Els, however, had clung to him and, while holding him back with all + her strength, cried out in a tone of keen reproach, “Is this the way you + keep your promise?” + </p> + <p> + Then, lowering her voice, she continued with loving entreaty: “My dear, + dear father, can you doubt that she was asleep, unconscious of her acts, + when she did what has brought so much misery upon us?” + </p> + <p> + And, interrupting herself, she added eagerly in a tone of the firmest + conviction: “No, no, neither shame nor misery has yet touched you, my + father, nor the poor child yonder. The suspicion of evil rests on me, and + me alone, and if any one here must be wretched it is I.” + </p> + <p> + Then Herr Ernst, regaining his self-control, drew back from Eva, but the + latter, as if fairly frantic, exclaimed: “Do you want to drive me out of + my senses by your mysterious words and accusations? What, in the name of + all the saints, has happened that can plunge my Els into misery and + shame?” + </p> + <p> + “Into misery and shame,” repeated her father in a hollow tone, throwing + himself into a chair, where he sat motionless, with his face buried in his + hands, while Els told her sister what had occurred when she went down into + the entry to speak to the knight. + </p> + <p> + Eva listened to her story, fairly gasping for breath. For one brief moment + she cherished the suspicion that Cordula had not acted from pure sympathy, + but to impose upon Heinz Schorlin a debt of gratitude which would bind him + to her more firmly. Yet when she heard that her father had given back his + daughter’s ring to Herr Casper Eysvogel and broken his child’s betrothal + she thought of nothing save her sister’s grief and, sobbing aloud, threw + herself into Els’s arms. + </p> + <p> + The girls held each other in a close embrace until the first flash of + lightning and peal of thunder interrupted the conversation. + </p> + <p> + The father and daughters had been so deeply agitated that they had not + heard the storm rising outside, and the outbreak of the tempest surprised + them. The peal of thunder, which so swiftly followed the lightning, also + startled them and when, soon after, a second one shook the house with its + crashing, rattling roar, Herr Ernst went out to wake the chief packer. But + old Endres was already keeping watch among the wares entrusted to him and + when, after a brief absence, the master of the house returned, he found + Eva again clasped in her sister’s arms, and saw the latter kissing her + brow and eyes as she tenderly strove to comfort her. + </p> + <p> + But Eva seemed deaf to her soothing words. Els, her faithful Els, was no + longer the betrothed bride of her Wolff; her great, beautiful happiness + was destroyed forever. On the morrow all Nuremberg would learn that Herr + Casper had broken his son’s betrothal pledge, because his bride, for the + sake of a tempter, Sir Heinz Schorlin, had failed to keep her troth with + him. + </p> + <p> + How deeply all this pierced Eva’s heart! how terrible was the torture of + the thought that she was the cause of this frightful misfortune! Dissolved + in an agony of tears, she entreated the poor girl to forgive her; and Els + did so willingly, and in a way that touched her father to the very depths + of his heart. How good the girls must be who, spite of the sore suffering + which one had brought upon the other, were still so loving and loyal! + </p> + <p> + Convinced that Eva, too, had done nothing worthy of punishment, he went + towards them to clasp both in his arms, but ere he could do so the clap of + thunder which had frightened Katterle so terribly shook the whole room. + “St. Clare, aid us!” cried Eva, crossing herself and falling upon her + knees; but Els rushed to the window, opened it, and looked down the + street. Nothing was visible there save a faint red glow on the distant + northern horizon, and two mailed soldiers who were riding into the city at + a rapid trot. They had been sent from the stables in the Marienthurm to + keep order in case a fire should break out. Several men with hooks and + poles followed, also hurrying to the Frauenthor. + </p> + <p> + In reply to the question where the fire was and where they going, they + answered: “To the Fischbach, to help. Flames have burst out apparently + under the fortress at the Thiergartenthor.” + </p> + <p> + The long-drawn call for help from the warder’s horn, which came at the + same moment, proved that the men were right. + </p> + <p> + Herr Ernst hastened out of the room just as Katterle’s shriek, “The + lightning struck! the convent is burning!” rung from the upper step of the + stairs. + </p> + <p> + He had already pronounced her sentence, and the sight of her roused his + wrath again so vehemently that, spite of the urgent peril, he shouted to + her that, whatever claimed his attention now, she certainly should not + escape the most severe punishment for her shameful conduct. + </p> + <p> + Then he ordered old Endres and two of the menservants to watch the + sleeping-room of his invalid wife, that in case anything should happen the + helpless woman might be instantly borne to a place of safety. + </p> + <p> + Ere he himself went to the scene of the conflagration he hurried back to + his daughters. + </p> + <p> + While the girls were giving him his hat and cloak he told them where the + fire had broken out, and this caused another detention of the anxious + master of the house, for Eva seized her shoes and stockings and, kicking + her little slippers from her feet, declared that she, too, would not + remain absent from the place when her dear nuns were in danger. But her + father commanded her to stay with her mother and sister, and went to the + door, turning back once more on the threshold to his daughters with the + anxious entreaty: “Think of your mother!” + </p> + <p> + Another peal of thunder drowned the sound of his footsteps hurrying down + the stairs. When Els, who had watched her father from the window a short + time, went back to her sister, Eva dried her eyes and cheeks, saying: + “Perhaps he is right; but whenever my heart urges me to obey any warm + impulse, obstacles are put in my way. What a weak nonentity is the + daughter of an honourable Nuremberg family!” + </p> + <p> + Els heard this complaint with astonishment. Was this her Eva, her “little + saint,” who yesterday had desired nothing more ardently than with humble + obedience, far from the tumult of the world, to become worthy of her + Heavenly Bridegroom, and in the quiet peace of the convent raise her soul + to God? What had so changed the girl in these few hours? Even the most + worldly-minded of her friends would have taken such an impeachment ill. + </p> + <p> + But she had no time now to appeal to the conscience of her misguided + sister. Love and duty summoned her to her mother’s couch. And then! The + child had become aware of her love, and was she, Els, who had been parted + from Wolff by her own father, and yet did not mean to give him up, + justified in advising her sister to cast aside her love and the hope of + future happiness with and through the man to whom she had given her heart? + </p> + <p> + What miracles love wrought! If in a single night it had transformed the + devout future Bride of Heaven into an ardently loving woman, it could + accomplish the impossible for her also. + </p> + <p> + While Eva was gazing out of the window Els returned to her mother. She was + still asleep and, without permitting either curiosity or longing to divert + her from her duty, Els kept her place beside the couch of the beloved + invalid, spite of the fire alarm which, though somewhat subdued, was heard + in the room. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> + <p> + Eva was standing at the open window. The violence of the storm seemed + exhausted. The clouds were rolling northward, and the thunder followed the + flashes of lightning at longer and longer intervals. Peace was restored to + the heavens, but the crowd and noise in the city and the street constantly + increased. + </p> + <p> + The iron tongues of the alarm bells had never swung so violently, the + warder’s horn had never made the air quiver with such resonant appeals for + aid. + </p> + <p> + Nor did the metallic voices above call for help in vain, for while a + roseate glow tinged the linden in front of her window and the houses on + the opposite side of the street with the hues of dawn, the crowds + thronging from the Frauenthor to St. Klarengasse grew denser and denser. + </p> + <p> + The convent was not visible from her chamber, but the acrid odor of the + smoke and the loud voices which reached her ear from that direction proved + that the fire was no trivial one. While she was seeking out the spot from + which Heinz must have looked up to her window, the Ortlieb menservants, + with some of the Montfort retainers, came out of the house with pails and + ladders. + </p> + <p> + A female figure glided into the dark street after them. A black shawl + concealed her head and the upper part of her figure, and she held a bundle + in her hand. + </p> + <p> + It must be Katterle. + </p> + <p> + Where was she going at this hour? As she was carrying the package, she + could scarcely intend to help in putting out the fire. Was she stealing + away from fear of punishment? Poor thing! Even the maid was hurled into + misfortune through her guilt. + </p> + <p> + It pierced her very heart. But while she called to Katterle to stop her, + something else, which engrossed her still more, diverted her attention—the + loud voice of Countess Cordula reached her from the street door. With whom + was she talking? Did the girl, who ventured upon so many things which + ill-beseemed a modest maiden, intend to join the men? Eva forgot that she, + too, would have hurried to the nuns had not her father prevented it. The + countess was already standing in the courtyard. + </p> + <p> + After Eva had given her a hasty glance she again looked for the maid, but + Katterle had already vanished in the darkness. This grieved her; she had + neglected something which might have saved the girl, to whom she was + warmly attached, from some imprudent act. But while attracted by the + strange appearance of the countess she had forgotten the other. + </p> + <p> + Cordula had probably just left her couch, for she wore only a plain dress + tucked up very high, short boots, which she probably used in hunting, and + a shawl crossed over her bosom; another was wound round her head in the + fashion of the peasant women who brought their goods to market on cold + winter days. No farmer’s wife could be more simply clad, and yet—Eva + was forced to admit it—there was something aristocratic in her firm + bearing. + </p> + <p> + Her companions were her father’s chaplain and the equerry who had grown + grey in his service. Both were trying to dissuade her. The former pointed + to a troop of women who were following the chief of police and some city + constables, and said warningly: “Those are all wanton queans, whom the law + of this city compels to lend their aid in putting out fires. How would it + beseem your rank to join these who shame their sex——No, no! It + would be said to-morrow that the ornament of the house of Montfort had——” + </p> + <p> + “That Countess Cordula had used her hands in extinguishing the fire,” she + interrupted with gay self-confidence. “Is there any disgrace in that? Must + my noble birth debar me from being numbered among those who help their + neighbours so far as lies in their power? If any good is accomplished + here, those poor women yonder will make it no worse by their aid. If + people here believe that they do, it will give me double pleasure to + ennoble it by working with them. Putting out the flames will not degrade + me, and will make the women better. So, forward! See how the fire is + blazing yonder! Help is needed there and, thank Heaven, I am no weakling. + Besides, there are women who want assistance and, to women in peril, the + most welcome aid is woman’s.” + </p> + <p> + The old equerry, his eyes glittering with tears, nodded assent, and led + the way into the street; but the countess, instead of following instantly, + glanced back for the page who was to carry the bandages which she had + learned to use among her retainers at home. The agile boy did not delay + her long; but while his mistress was looking to see that he had forgotten + nothing of importance, he perceived at the window Eva, whose beauty had + long since fired his young heart, and cast a languishing glance at her. + Then Cordula also noticed her and called a pleasant greeting. Eva was on + the point of answering in the same tone, when she remembered that Cordula + had spoken of Heinz Schorlin in the presence of others as if he were + awaiting her in all submission. Anger surged hotly in her breast, and she + drew back into the room as if she had not heard the salutation. + </p> + <p> + The countess perceived it, and shrugged her shoulders pityingly. + </p> + <p> + Eva, dissatisfied with herself, continued to gaze down into the street + long after the crowds of people flocking from the city had concealed + Cordula from her eyes. It seemed as though she would never again succeed + in anything that would bring contentment. Never had she felt so weak, so + ill-tempered, so devoid of self-reliance. Yet she could not, as usual, + seek consolation with her saint. There was so much here below to divert + her attention. + </p> + <p> + The roseate glow on the linden had become a crimson glare, the flickering + light on the opposite walls a dazzling illumination. The wind, now blowing + from the west, bore from St. Klarengasse burning objects which scattered + sparks around them—bundles of hay caught by the flames—from + the convent barn to the Marienthurm opposite, and into the street. + Besides, the noise above and behind, before and below her, grew louder and + louder. The ringing of the bells and the blare of trumpets from the + steeples continued, and with this constant ringing, pealing, and crashing + from above, mingled the high, clear voices of the choir of nuns in the + convent, beseeching in fervent litanies the help of their patron saint. + True, the singing was often drowned by the noise from the street, for the + fire marshals and quartermasters had been informed in time, and watchmen, + soldiers in the pay of the city, men from the hospital, and the abandoned + women (required by law to help put out the fires) came in little groups, + while bailiffs and servants of the Council, barbers (who were obliged to + lend their aid, but whose surgical skill could find little employment + here), members of the Council, priests and monks arrived singly. The + street also echoed with the trampling of many steeds, for mounted troopers + in coats of mail first dashed by to aid the bailiffs in maintaining order, + then the inspector of water works, with his chief subordinate, trotted + along to St. Klarengasse on the clumsy horses placed at their disposal by + the Council in case of fire. He was followed by the millers, with brass + fire engines. While their well-fed nags drew on sledges, with little + noise, through the mire of the streets now softened by the rain, the heavy + wooden water barrels needed in the work of extinguishing the flames, there + was a loud rattling and clanking as the carts appeared on which the men + from the Public Works building were bringing large and small ladders, + hooks and levers, pails and torches, to the scene of the conflagration. + </p> + <p> + Besides those who were constrained by the law, many others desired to aid + the popular Sisters of St. Clare and thereby earn a reward from God. A + brewer had furnished his powerful stallions to convey to the scene of + action, with their tools, the eight masons whose duty it was to use their + skill in extinguishing the flames. All sorts of people—men and women—followed, + yelling and shrieking, to seek their own profit during the work of rescue. + But the bailiffs kept a sharp eye on them, and made way when the commander + of the German knights, with several companions on whose black mantles the + white cross gleamed, appeared on horseback, and at last old Herr Berthold + Vorchtel trotted up on his noble grey, which was known to the whole city. + He still had a firm seat in the saddle, but his head was bowed, and + whoever knew that only one hour before the corpse of his oldest son, slain + in a duel, had been brought home, admired the aged magistrate’s strength + of will. As First Losunger and commander in chief he was the head of the + Council, and therefore of the city also. Duty had commanded him to mount + his steed, but how pale and haggard was his shrewd face, usually so + animated! + </p> + <p> + Just in front of the Ortlieb mansion the commander of the German knights + rode to his side, and Eva saw how warmly he shook him by the hand, as if + he desired to show the old man very cordially his deep sympathy in some + sore trouble which had assailed him. + </p> + <p> + Ever since Wolff’s betrothal to Els had been announced the Vorchtels had + ceased to be on terms of intimacy with the Ortliebs; but old Herr + Berthold, though he himself had probably regarded young Eysvogel as his + “Ursel’s” future husband, had always treated Eva kindly, and she was not + mistaken—tears were glittering on his cheeks in the torchlight. The + sight touched the young girl’s inmost heart. How eagerly she desired to + know what had befallen the Vorchtels, and to give the old man some token + of sympathy! What could have caused him so much sorrow? Only a few hours + before her father had returned from a gay entertainment at his house. It + could scarcely concern Herr Berthold’s wife, his daughter Ursula, or + either of his two vigorous sons. Perhaps death had only bereft him of some + more distant, though beloved relative, yet surely she would have known + that, for the Ortliebs were connected by marriage both with the old + gentleman and his wife. + </p> + <p> + Tortured by a presentiment of evil, Eva gazed after him, and also watched + for Heinz Schorlin among the people in the street. Must not anxiety for + her bring him hither, if he learned how near her house the fire was + burning? + </p> + <p> + Whenever a helmet or knight’s baret appeared above the crowd she thought + that he was coming. Once she believed that she had certainly recognised + him, for a tall young man of knightly bearing appeared, not mounted, but + on foot, and stopped opposite to the Ortlieb house. That must be he! But + when he looked up to her window, the reflection of the fire showed that + the man who had made her heart beat so quickly was indeed a young and + handsome knight, but by no means the person for whom she had mistaken him. + It was Boemund Altrosen, famed as victor in many a tournament, who when a + boy had often been at the house of her uncle, Herr Pfinzing. There was no + mistaking his coal-black, waving locks. It was said that the dark-blue + sleeve of a woman’s robe which he wore on his helmet in the jousts + belonged to the Countess von Montfort. She was his lady, for whom he had + won so many victories. + </p> + <p> + Heinz Schorlin had mentioned him at the ball as his friend, and told her + that the gallant knight would vainly strive to win the reckless countess. + Perhaps he was now looking at the house so intently on Cordula’s account. + Or had Heinz, his friend, sent him to watch over her while he was possibly + detained by the Emperor? + </p> + <p> + But, no; he had just gone nearer to the house to question a man in the von + Montfort livery, and the reply now led him to move on towards the convent. + </p> + <p> + Were the tears which filled Eva’s eyes caused by the smoke that poured + from the fire more and more densely into the street, or to disappointment + and bitter anguish? + </p> + <p> + The danger which threatened her aunt and her beloved nuns also increased + her excitement. True, the sisters themselves seemed to feel safe, for + snatches of their singing were still audible amid the ringing of the bells + and the blare of the trumpets, but the fire must have been very hard to + extinguish. This was proved by the bright glow on the linden tree and the + shouts of command which, though unintelligible, rose above every other + sound. + </p> + <p> + The street below was becoming less crowded. Most of those who had left + their beds to render aid had already reached the scene of the + conflagration. Only a few stragglers still passed through the open gate + towards the Marienthurm. Among them were horsemen, and Eva’s heart again + throbbed more quickly, but only for a short time. Heinz Schorlin was far + taller than the man who had again deceived her, and his way would hardly + have been lighted by two mounted torch bearers. Soon her rosy lips even + parted in a smile, for the sturdy little man on the big, strong-boned + Vinzgau steed, whom she now saw distinctly, was her dearest relative, her + godfather, the kind, shrewd, imperial magistrate, Berthold Pfinzing, the + husband of her father’s sister, good Aunt Christine. + </p> + <p> + If he looked up he would tell her about old Herr Vorchtel. Nor did he ride + past his darling’s house without a glance at her window, and when he saw + Eva beckon he ordered the servants to keep back, and stopped behind the + chains. + </p> + <p> + After he had briefly greeted his niece and she had enquired what had + befallen the Vorchtels, he asked anxiously: “Then you know nothing yet? + And Els—has it been kept from her, too?” + </p> + <p> + “What, in the name of all the saints?” asked Eva, with increasing alarm. + </p> + <p> + Then Herr Pfinzing, who saw that the door of the house was open, asked her + to come down. Eva was soon standing beside her godfather’s big bay, and + while patting the smooth neck of the splendid animal he said hurriedly, in + a low tone: “It’s fortunate that it happened so. You can break it + gradually to your sister, child. To-night Summon up your courage, for + there are things which even a man—To make the story short, then: + Tonight Wolff Eysvogel and young Vorchtel quarreled, or rather Ulrich + irritated your Wolff so cruelly that he drew his sword—” + </p> + <p> + “Wolff!” shrieked Eva, whose hand had already dropped from the horse. + “Wolff! He is so terribly strong, and if he drew his sword in anger——” + </p> + <p> + “He dealt his foe one powerful thrust,” replied the imperial magistrate + with an expressive gesture. “The sword pierced him through. But I must go + on Only this one thing more: Ulrich was borne back to his parents as a + corpse. And Wolff Where is he hiding? May the saints long be the only ones + who know! A quarrel with such a result under the Emperor’s eyes, now when + peace has just been declared throughout the land! Who knows what sentence + will be pronounced if the bailiffs show themselves shrewder this time than + usual! My office compelled me to set the pack upon him. That is the reason + I am so late. Tell Els as cautiously as possible.” + </p> + <p> + He bowed gallantly and trotted on, but Eva, as if hunted by enemies, + rushed up the staircase, threw herself on her knees before the prie dieu, + and sobbed aloud. + </p> + <p> + Young Vorchtel had undoubtedly heard of the events in the entry, taunted + Wolff with his betrothed bride’s nocturnal interview with a knight, and + thus roused the strong man to fury. How terrible it all was! How could she + bear it! Her thoughtlessness had cost a human life, robbed parents of + their son! Through her fault her sister’s betrothed husband, whom she also + loved, was in danger of being placed under ban, perhaps even of being led + to the executioner’s block! + </p> + <p> + She had no thought of any other motive which might have induced the + hot-blooded young men to cross swords and, firmly convinced that her + luckless letter had drawn Heinz Schorlin to the house and thus led to all + these terrible things, she vainly struggled for composure. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes she beheld in imagination the despairing Els; sometimes the aged + Vorchtels, grieving themselves to death; sometimes Wolff, outlawed, hiding + like a hunted deer in the recesses of the forest; sometimes the maid, + fleeing with her little bundle into the darkness of the night; sometimes + the burning convent; and at intervals also Heinz Schorlin, as he knelt + before her and raised his clasped hands with passionate entreaty. + </p> + <p> + But she repelled every thought of him as a sin, and even repressed the + impulse to look out into the street to seek him. Her sole duty now was to + pray to her patron saint and the Mother of God in behalf of her sister, + whom she had hurled into misfortune, and her poor heart bleeding from such + deep wounds; but the consolation which usually followed the mere uplifting + of her soul in prayer did not come, and it could not be otherwise, for + amid her continual looking into her own heart and listening to what went + on around her no real devotion was possible. + </p> + <p> + Although she constantly made fresh efforts to collect her thoughts, and + continued to kneel with clasped hands before the prie dieu, not a + hoof-beat, not a single loud voice, escaped her ear. Even the alternate + deepening and paling of the reflection of the fire, which streamed through + the window, attracted her attention, and the ringing of bells and braying + of trumpets, which still continued, maintained the agitation in her soul. + </p> + <p> + Yet prayer was the sole atonement she could make for the wrong she had + done her sister; so she did not cease her endeavours to plead for her to + the Great Helper above, but her efforts were futile. Yet even when she + heard voices close by the house, among which she distinguished Countess + Cordula’s and—if she was not mistaken—her father’s, she + resisted the impulse to rise from her knees. + </p> + <p> + At last the vain struggle was ended by an interruption from without. After + unusually loud voices exclaiming and questioning had reached her from the + entry, the door of her chamber suddenly opened and old Martsche looked in. + The housekeeper was seeking something; but when she found the devout child + on her knees she did not wish to disturb her, and contented herself with + the evidence of her eyes. But Eva stopped her, and learned that she was + searching for Katterle, who could neither be found in her room, or + anywhere else. Herr Ortlieb had brought Countess von Montfort home + severely burned, and there were all sorts of things for the maid to do. + </p> + <p> + Eva clung shuddering to the back of the prie dieu, for the certainty that + the unfortunate girl had really fled was like strewing salt on her wounds. + </p> + <p> + When Martsche left her and Els entered, her excitement had risen to such a + pitch that she flung herself before her, as if frantic and, clinging to + her knees, heaping self-accusations upon herself with passionate + impetuosity, she pleaded, amid her sobs, for pardon and mercy. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Els had been informed by her father of her lover’s fatal deed, + and as soon as she perceived what tortured her sister she relieved her, + with loving words of explanation, from the reproach of being the cause of + this misfortune also, for the quarrel had taken place so early that no + tidings of the meeting in the entry could have reached young Vorchtel when + he became involved in the fray with Wolff. + </p> + <p> + Nor was it solely to soothe Eva that she assured her that, deeply as she + mourned the death of the hapless Ulrich and his parents’ grief, Wolff’s + deed could not diminish either her love or her hope of becoming his. + </p> + <p> + Eva listened to this statement with sparkling eyes. The love in her + sister’s heart was as immovably firm as the ancient stones of her native + stronghold, which defied every storm, and on which even the destroying, + kindling lightning could inflict no injury. This made her doubly dear, and + from the depths of dull despair her soul, ever prone to soar upwards, rose + swiftly to the heights of hopeful exaltation. + </p> + <p> + When Els at last entreated her to go to rest without her, she willingly + consented, for her mother was comfortable, and Sister Renata was watching + at her bedside. + </p> + <p> + Eva kept her promise, after Els, who wanted to see the Countess von + Montfort, had satisfied her concerning the welfare of the nuns and + promised to go to rest herself as soon as possible. + </p> + <p> + The stopping of the alarm bells proved that the fire was under control. + Even its reflection had disappeared, but the eastern sky was beginning to + be suffused with a faint tinge of rose colour. + </p> + <p> + When her sister left her Eva herself drew the curtains before the window, + and sleep soon ended her thoughts and yearnings, her grief and her hope. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> + <p> + Countess Cordula von Montfort’s room faced the east and looked out into + the garden. The sun of the June morning had just risen, filling it with + cheerful light. + </p> + <p> + The invalid’s maid had wished to deny Els admittance, but the countess + called eagerly to her, and then ordered the windows to be opened, because + she never felt comfortable unless it was light around her and she could + breathe God’s pure air. + </p> + <p> + The morning breeze bore the smoke which still rose from the fire in + another direction, and thus a refreshing air really entered the room from + the garden, for the thunderstorm had refreshed all nature, and flower beds + and grass, bush and tree, exhaled a fresh odour of earth and leafage which + it was a delight to breathe. + </p> + <p> + The leech Otto, to whom the severely wounded Ulrich Vorchtel had been + carried, had just left the countess. The burns on her hands and arms had + been bandaged—nay, the old gentleman had cut out the scorched + portions of her tresses with his own hand. Cordula’s energetic action had + made the famous surgeon deem her worthy of such care. He had also advised + her to seek the nursing of the oldest daughter of her host, whose invalid + wife he was attending, and she had gladly assented; for Els had attracted + her from their first meeting, and she was accustomed to begin the day at + sunrise. + </p> + <p> + “How does it happen that you neither weep nor even hang your head after + all the sorrow which last night brought you?” asked Cordula, as the + Nuremberg maiden sat down beside her bed. “You are a stranger to the Swiss + knight, and when we surprised you with him you had not come to a meeting—I + know that full well. But if so true and warm a love unites you to young + Eysvogel, how does it happen that your joyous courage is so little damped + by his father’s denial and his own unhappy deed, which at this time could + scarcely escape punishment? You do not seem frivolous, and yet—” + </p> + <p> + “Yet,” replied Els with a pleasant smile, “many things have made a deeper + impression. We are not all alike, Countess, yet there is much in your + nature which must render it easy for you to understand me; for, Countess——” + </p> + <p> + “Call me Cordula,” interrupted the girl in a tone of friendly entreaty. + “Why should I deny that I am fond of you? and at the risk of making you + vain, I will betray——” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” asked Els eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “That the splendid old leech described you to me exactly as I had imagined + you,” was the reply. “You were one of those, he said, whose mere presence + beside a sick-bed was as good as medicine, and so you are; and, dear + Jungfrau Els, this salutary medicine benefits me.” + </p> + <p> + “If I am to dispense with the ‘Countess,’” replied the other, “you must + spare me the ‘Jungfrau.’ Nursing you will give me all the more pleasure on + account of the warm gratitude——” + </p> + <p> + “Never mind that,” interrupted Cordula. “But please look at the bandage, + beneath which the flesh burns and aches more than is necessary, and then + go on with your explanation.” + </p> + <p> + Els examined the countess’s arm, and then applied a household remedy whose + use she had learned from the wife of Herr Pfinzing, her Aunt Christine, + who was familiar with the healing art. It relieved the pain, and when + Cordula told her so, Els went on with her explanation. “When all these + blows fell upon me, they at first seemed, indeed, unprecedented and + scarcely possible to endure. When afterwards my Wolff’s unhappy deed was + added, I felt as though I were standing in a dense, dark mist, where each + step forwards must lead me into a stifling morass or over a precipice. + Then I began to reflect upon what had happened, as is my custom; I + separated, in my thoughts, the evil menacing in the future from the good, + and had scarcely made a little progress in this way when morass and abyss + lost their terrors; both, I found, could be left to take care of + themselves, since neither Wolff nor I lack love and good will, and we + possess some degree of prudence and caution.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, this thinking and considering!” cried the countess, with a faint + sigh. “It succeeds in my case, too, only, unluckily, I usually don’t begin + until it is too late and the folly has been committed.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, henceforth, you must reverse the process,” answered Els cheerily. + But directly after she changed her tone, which sounded serious enough as + she added: “The sorrow of the poor Vorchtels and the grief my betrothed + husband must endure, because the dead man was once a dear friend, + certainly casts a dark shadow upon many things; but you, who love the + chase, must surely be familiar with the misty autumn mornings to which I + allude. Everything, far and near, is covered by a thick veil, yet one + feels that there is bright sunshine behind it. Suddenly the mist scatters——” + </p> + <p> + “And mountain and forest, land and water, lie before us in the radiant + sunlight!” cried the countess. “How well I know such scenes! And how I + should rejoice if a favourable wind would sweep the grey mist away for you + right speedily! Only—indeed, I am not disposed to look on the dark + side—only, perhaps you do not know how resolute the Emperor is that + the peace of the country shall be maintained. If your lover allowed + himself to be carried away——” + </p> + <p> + “This was not the first time,” Els eagerly interrupted, “that young + Vorchtel tried to anger him in the presence of others; and he believed + that he was justified in bearing a grudge against his former friend—it + was considered a settled thing that Wolff and his sister Ursula were to + marry.” + </p> + <p> + “Until,” Cordula broke in, “he gazed into your bright eyes.” + </p> + <p> + “How could you know that?” asked Els in confusion. + </p> + <p> + “Because, in love and hate, as well as in reckoning, two and three follow + one,” laughed the countess. “As for your Wolff, in particular, I will + gladly believe, with you, that he can succeed in clearing himself before + the judges. But with regard to old Eysvogel, who looks as though, if he + met our dear Lord Himself, he would think first which of the two was the + richer, your future brother-in-law Siebenburg, that disagreeable + ‘Mustache,’ and his poor wife, who sits at home grieving over her + dissolute husband—what gratitude you can expect from such kindred—” + </p> + <p> + “None,” replied Els sadly. Yet a mischievous smile hovered around her lips + as, bending over the invalid, she added in a whisper: “But the good I + expect from all the evil is, that we and the Eysvogels will be separated + as if by wall and moat. They will never cross them, but Wolff would find + the way back to me, though we were parted by an ocean, and mountains + towering to the sky divided——” + </p> + <p> + “This confidence, indeed, maintains the courage,” said the countess, and + with a faint sigh she added: “Whatever evil may befall you, many might + envy you.” + </p> + <p> + “Then love has conquered you also?” Els began; but Cordula answered + evasively: + </p> + <p> + “Let that pass, dear Jungfrau. Perhaps love treats me as a mother deals + with a froward child, because I asked too much of her. My life has become + an endless battue. Much game of all kinds is thus driven out to be shot, + but the sportsman finds true pleasure only in tracking the single + heathcock, the solitary chamois. Yet, no,” and in her eagerness she flung + her bandaged hand so high into the air that she groaned with pain and was + forced to keep silence. When able to speak once more, still tortured by + severe suffering, she exclaimed angrily: “No, I want neither driving nor + stalking. What do I care for the prey? I am a woman, too. I would fain be + the poor persecuted game, which the hunter pursues at the risk of breaking + his bones and neck. It must be delightful; one would willingly bear the + pain of a wound for its sake. I don’t mean these pitiful burns, but a deep + and deadly one.” + </p> + <p> + “You ought to have spared yourself these,” said Els in a tone of + affectionate warning. “Consider what you are to your father, and how your + suffering pains him! To risk a precious human life for the sake of a + stupid brute—” + </p> + <p> + “They call it a sin, I know,” Cordula burst forth. “And yet I would commit + the same tomorrow at the risk of again—Oh, you cautious city people, + you maidens with snow-white hands! What do you know of a girl like me? You + cannot even imagine what my child life was; and yet it is told in a single + word—motherless! I was never permitted to see her, to hear her dear, + warning voice. She paid with her own life for giving me mine. My father? + How kind he is! He meant to supply his dead wife’s place by anticipating + my every wish. Had I desired to feast my eyes on the castle in flames, it + would, perhaps, now lie in ashes. So I became what I am. True—and + this is something—I grew to be at least one person’s joy—his. + No, no, at home there are others also, though they dwell in wretched + hovels, who would gladly welcome me back. But except these, who will ask + about the reckless countess? I myself do not care to linger long when the + mirror shows me my image. Do you wish to know what this has to do with the + fire? Much; for otherwise I should scarcely have been wounded. The + lightning had struck only the convent barn; the cow stable, when we + arrived, was still safe, but the flames soon reached it also. Neither the + nuns nor the men had thought of driving the cattle out. Poor city cattle! + In the country the animals have more friendly care. When the work of + rescue was at last commenced the cows naturally refused to leave their old + home. Some prudent person had torn the door off the hinges that they might + not stifle. Just in front of it stood a pretty red cow with a white star + on her face. A calf was by her side, and the mother had already sunk on + her knees and was licking it in mortal terror. I pitied the poor thing, + and as Boemund Altrosen, the black-haired knight who entered your house + with the rest after the ride to Kadolzburg, had just come there, I told + him to save the calf. Of course he obeyed my wish, and as it struggled he + dragged it out of the stable with his strong arms. The building was + already blazing, and the thatched roof threatened to fall in. Just at that + moment the old cow looked at me so piteously and uttered such a mournful + bellow that it touched me to the heart. My eyes rested on the calf, and a + voice within whispered that it would be motherless, like me, and miss + during the first part of its life God’s best gift. But since, as you have + heard, I act before I think, I went myself—I no longer know how—into + the burning stable. It was hard to breathe in the dense smoke, and fiery + sparks scorched my shawl and my hair, but I was conscious of one thought: + You must save the helpless little creature’s mother! So I called and lured + her, as I do at home, where all the cows are fond of me, but it was + useless; and just as I perceived this the thatched roof fell in, and I + should probably have perished had not Altrosen this time carried my own by + no means light figure out of the stable instead of the calf.” + </p> + <p> + “And you?” asked Els eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “I submitted,” replied the countess. + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” urged Els. “Your heart throbbed faster with grateful joy, for + you saw the desire of your soul fulfilled. A hunter, and one of the + noblest of them all, risked his life in the pursuit of your love. O + Countess Cordula, I remember that knight well, and if the dark-blue sleeve + which he wore on his helm in the tournament was yours—” + </p> + <p> + “I believe it was,” Cordula interrupted indifferently. “But, what was of + more importance, when I opened my eyes again the cow was standing outside, + licking her recovered calf.” + </p> + <p> + “And the knight?” asked Els. “Whoever so heroically risks his life for his + lady’s wish should be sure of her gratitude.” + </p> + <p> + “Boemund can rely on that,” said Cordula positively. “At least, what he + did this time for my sake weighs more heavily in the scale than the lances + he has broken, his love songs, or the mute language of his longing eyes. + Those are shafts which do not pierce my heart. How reproachfully you look + at me! Let him take lessons from his friend Heinz Schorlin, and he may + improve. Yes, the Swiss knight! He would be the man for me, spite of your + involuntary meeting with him and your devout sister, for whom he forgot + every one else, and me also, in the dancing hall. O Jungfrau Els, I have + the hunter’s eyes, which are keen-sighted! For his sake your beautiful + Eva, with her saintly gaze, might easily forget to pray. It was not you, + but she, who drew him to-night to your house. Had this thought entered my + head downstairs in the entry I should probably, to be honest, have omitted + my little fairy tale and let matters take their course. St. Clare ought to + have protected her future votary. Besides, it pleases the arrogant little + lady to show me as plainly as possible, on every occasion, that I am a + horror to her. Let those who will accept such insults. My Christianity + does not go far enough to offer her the right cheek too. And shall I tell + you something? To spoil her game, I should be capable, in spite of all the + life preservers in the world, of binding Schorlin to me in good earnest.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not!” pleaded Els, raising her clasped hands beseechingly, and added, + as if in explanation: “For the noble Boemund Altrosen’s sake, do not.” + </p> + <p> + “To promise that, my darling, is beyond my power,” replied Cordula coolly, + “because I myself do not know what I may do or leave undone tomorrow or + the day after. I am like a beech leaf on the stream. Let us see where the + current will carry it. It is certain,” and she looked at her bandaged + hands, “that my greatest beauty, my round arms, are disfigured. Scars + adorn a man; on a woman they are ugly and repulsive. At a dance they can + be hidden under tight sleeves, but how hot that would be in the + ‘Schwabeln’ and ‘Rai’! So I had better keep away from these foolish + gaieties in future. A calf turns a countess out of a ballroom! What do you + think of that? New things often happen.” + </p> + <p> + Here she was interrupted; the housekeeper called Els. Sir Seitz + Siebenburg, spite of the untimely hour, had come to speak to her about an + important matter. Her father had gone to rest and sleep. The knight also + enquired sympathisingly about Countess von Montfort and presented his + respects. + </p> + <p> + “Of which I can make no use!” cried Cordula angrily. “Tell him so, + Martsche.” + </p> + <p> + As the housekeeper withdrew she exclaimed impatiently: “How it burns! The + heat would be enough to convert the rescued calf into an appetising roast. + I wish I could sleep off the pain of my foolish prank! The sunlight is + beginning to be troublesome. I cannot bear it; it is blinding. Draw the + curtain over the window.” + </p> + <p> + Cordula’s own maid hastened to obey the order. Els helped the countess + turn on her pillows, and as in doing so she touched her arm, the sufferer + cried angrily: “Who cares what hurts me? Not even you!” + </p> + <p> + Here she paused. The pleading glance which Els had cast at her must have + pierced her soft heart, for her bosom suddenly heaved violently and, + struggling to repress her sobs, she gasped, “I know you mean kindly, but I + am not made of stone or iron either. I want to be alone and go to sleep.” + </p> + <p> + She closed her eyes as she spoke and, when Els bent to kiss her, tears + bedewed her cheeks. + </p> + <p> + Soon after Els went down into the entry to meet her lover’s + brother-in-law. He had refused to enter the empty sitting-room. The + Countess von Montfort’s unfriendly dismissal had vexed him sorely, yet it + made no lasting impression. Other events had forced into the background + the bitter attack of Cordula, for whom he had never felt any genuine + regard. + </p> + <p> + The experiences of the last few hours had converted the carefully + bedizened gallant into a coarse fellow, whose outward appearance bore + visible tokens of his mental depravity. The faultlessly cut garment was + pushed awry on his powerful limbs and soiled on the breast with wine + stains. The closely fitting steel chain armour, in which he had ridden + out, now hung in large folds upon his powerful frame. The long mustache, + which usually curled so arrogantly upwards, now drooped damp and limp over + his mouth and chin, and his long reddish hair fell in dishevelled locks + around his bloated face. His blue eyes, which usually sparkled so + brightly, now looked dull and bleared, and there were white spots on his + copper-coloured cheeks. + </p> + <p> + Since Countess Cordula gave him the insulting message to his wife he had + undergone more than he usually experienced in the course of years. + </p> + <p> + “An accursed night!” he had exclaimed, in reply to the housekeeper’s + question concerning the cause of his disordered appearance. + </p> + <p> + Els, too, was startled by his looks and the hoarse sound of his voice. + Nay, she even drew back from him, for his wandering glance made her fear + that he was intoxicated. + </p> + <p> + Only a short time before, it is true, he had scarcely been able to stand + erect, but the terrible news which had assailed him had quickly sobered + him. + </p> + <p> + He had come at this unwontedly early hour to enquire whether the Ortliebs + had heard anything of his brother-in-law Wolff. There was not a word of + allusion to the broken betrothal. + </p> + <p> + In return for the promise that she would let the Eysvogels know as soon as + she received any tidings of her lover, which Els gave unasked, Siebenburg, + who had always treated her repellently or indifferently, thanked her so + humbly that she was surprised. She did not know how to interpret it; nay, + she anticipated nothing good when, with urgent cordiality, he entreated + her to forget the unpleasant events of the preceding night, which she must + attribute to a sudden fit of anger on Herr Casper’s part. She was far too + dear to all the members of the family for them to give her up so easily. + What had occurred—she must admit that herself—might have + induced even her best friend to misunderstand it. For one brief moment he, + too, had been tempted to doubt her innocence. If she knew old Eysvogel’s + terrible situation she would certainly do everything in her power to + persuade her father to receive him that morning, or—which would be + still better—go to his office. The weal and woe of many persons were + at stake, her own above all, since, as Wolff’s betrothed bride, she + belonged to him inseparably. + </p> + <p> + “Even without the ring?” interrupted Els bitterly; and when Siebenburg + eagerly lamented that he had not brought it back, she answered proudly + “Don’t trouble yourself, Sir Seitz! I need this sacred pledge as little as + the man who still wears mine. Tell your kinsfolk so. I will inform my + father of Herr Casper’s wish; he is asleep now. Shall I guess aright in + believing that the other disasters which have overtaken you are connected + with the waggon trains Wolff so anxiously expected?” + </p> + <p> + Siebenburg, twirling his cap in confusion, assented to her question, + adding that he knew nothing except that they were lost and, after + repeating his entreaty that she would accomplish a meeting between the two + old gentlemen, left her. + </p> + <p> + It would indeed have been painful for him to talk with Els, for a + messenger had brought tidings that the waggons had been attacked and + robbed, and the perpetrators of the deed were his own brothers and their + cousin and accomplice Absbach. True, Seitz himself had had no share in the + assault, yet he did not feel wholly blameless for what had occurred, since + over the wine and cards he had boasted, in the presence of the robbers, of + the costly wares which his father-in-law was expecting, and mentioned the + road they would take. + </p> + <p> + Seitz Siebenburg’s conscience was also burdened with something quite + different. + </p> + <p> + Vexed and irritated by the countess’s insulting rebuff, he had gone to the + Green Shield to forget his annoyance at the gaming table in the Duke of + Pomerania’s quarters. He had fared ill. There was no lack of fiery Rhine + wine supplied by the generous host; the sultry atmosphere caused by the + rising thunderstorm increased his thirst and, half intoxicated, and + incensed by the luck of Heinz Schorlin, in whom he saw the preferred lover + of the lady who had so suddenly withdrawn her favour, he had been led on + to stakes of unprecedented amount. At last he risked the lands, castle, + and village which he possessed in Hersbruck as his wife’s dower. Moreover, + he was aware of having said things which, though he could not recall them + to memory in detail, had roused the indignation of many of those who were + present. The remarks referred principally to the Ortlieb sisters. + </p> + <p> + Amid the wild uproar prevailing around the gaming table that night the + duel which had cost young Vorchtel his life was not mentioned until the + last dice had been thrown. In the discussion the victor’s betrothed bride + had been named, and Siebenburg clearly remembered that he had spoken of + the breaking of his brother-in-law’s engagement, and connected it with + accusations which involved him in a quarrel with several of the guests, + among them Heinz Schorlin. + </p> + <p> + Similar occurrences were frequent, and he was brave, strong, and skilful + enough to cope with any one, even the dreaded Swiss; only he was vexed and + troubled because he had disputed with the man to whom he had lost his + property. Besides, his father-in-law had so earnestly enjoined it upon him + to put no obstacle in the way of his desire to make peace with the + Ortliebs that he was obliged to bow his stiff neck to them. + </p> + <p> + The arrogant knight’s position was critical, and real inward dignity was + unknown to him. Yet he would rather have been dragged with his brothers to + the executioner’s block than humbled himself before the Swiss. But he must + talk with him for the sake of his twin sons, whose heritage he had so + shamefully gambled away. True, the utmost he intended was the confession + that, while intoxicated, he had staked his property at the gaming table + and said things which he regretted. Heinz Schorlin’s generosity was well + known. Perhaps he might offer some acceptable arrangement ere the notary + conveyed his estate to him. He did not yet feel that he could stoop so low + as to receive a gift from this young upstart. + </p> + <p> + If his father-in-law, who supported him, was really ruined, as he had just + asserted, he would indeed be plunged into beggary, with his wife, whose + stately figure constantly rose before him, with a look of mute reproach, + his beautiful twin boys, and his load of debt. + </p> + <p> + The gigantic man felt physically crushed by the terrible blows of fate + which had fallen upon him during this last wakeful night. He would fain + have gone to the nearest tavern and there left it to the wine to bring + forgetfulness. To drink, drink constantly, and in the intervals sleep with + his head resting on his arms, seemed the most tempting prospect. But he + was obliged to return to the Eysvogels. There was too much at stake. + Besides, he longed to see the twins who resembled him so closely, and of + whom Countess Cordula had said that she hoped they would not be like their + father. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> + <p> + The city gates were already open. Peasants and peasant women bringing + vegetables and other farm produce to market thronged the streets, wains + loaded with grain or charcoal rumbled along, and herds of cattle and + swine, laden donkeys, the little carts of the farmers and bee keepers + conveying milk and honey to the city, passed over the dyke, which was + still softened by the rain of the preceding night. + </p> + <p> + The thunderstorm had cooled the air, but the rays of the morning sun were + already scorching. A few heavy little clouds were darkly relieved against + the blue sky, and a peasant, driving two sucking pigs before him, called + to another, who was carrying a goose under each arm, that the sun was + drawing water, and thundershowers seldom came singly. + </p> + <p> + Yet the city looked pleasant enough in the freshness of early June. The + maidservants who were opening the shutters glanced gaily out into the + streets, and arranged the flowers in front of the windows or bowed + reverently as a priest passed by on his way to mass. The barefooted + Capuchin, with his long beard, beckoned to the cook or the tradesman’s + wife and, as she put something into his beggar’s sack and he thanked her + kindly with some pious axiom, she felt as if she herself and all her + household had gained a right to the blessing of Heaven for that day, and + cheerily continued her work. + </p> + <p> + The brass counter in the low, broad bow window of the baker’s house + glittered brightly, and the pale apprentice wiped the flour from his face + and gave his master’s rosy-cheeked daughter fresh warm cakes to set on the + shining shelves. The barber’s nimble apprentice hung the towel and basin + at the door, while his master, wearied by the wine-bibbing and talk at the + tavern or his labour at the fire, was still asleep. His active wife had + risen before him, strewed the shop with fresh sand, and renewed the + goldfinch’s food. + </p> + <p> + The workshops and stores were adorned with birch branches, and the young + daughters of the burghers, in becoming caps, the maid servants and + apprentices, who were going to market with baskets on their arms, wore a + flower or something green on their breasts or in their caps. + </p> + <p> + The first notes of the bells, pealing solemnly, were summoning worshippers + to mass, the birds were singing in the garden, and the cocks were crowing + in the yards of the houses. The animals passing in the street lowed, + grunted, and cackled merrily in the dawn of the young day. + </p> + <p> + Gay young men, travelling students who had sought cheap quarters in the + country, now entered the city with a merry song on their lips just shaded + by the first down of manhood, and when a maiden met them she lowered her + eyes modestly before the riotous fellows. + </p> + <p> + The terrors of the frightful thunderstorm seemed forgotten. Nuremberg + looked gladsome; a carpet hung from many a bow-window, and flags and + streamers fluttered from roofs and balconies to honour the distinguished + guests. Many signs of their presence were visible, squires and equerries, + in their masters’ colours, were riding spirited horses, and a few knights + who loved early rising were already in the saddle, their shining helmets + and coats of mail flashing brightly in the sunshine. + </p> + <p> + The gigantic figure of Sir Seitz Siebenburg moved with drooping head + through the budding joy of this June day towards the Eysvogel dwelling. + </p> + <p> + His gloomy, haggard face and disordered attire made two neatly dressed + young shoemaker’s apprentices, on their way to their work, nudge each + other and look keenly at him. + </p> + <p> + “I’d rather meet him here in broad daylight among houses and people than + in the dusk on the highway,” remarked one of them. + </p> + <p> + “There’s no danger,” replied the other. “He wears the curb now. He moved + from the robber nest into the rich Eysvogel house opposite. That’s Herr + Casper’s son-in-law. But such people can never let other folks’ property + alone. Only here they work in another way. The shoes he wears were made in + our workshop, but the master still whistles for his pay, and he owes + everybody—the tailor, the lacemaker, the armourer, the girdlemaker, + and the goldsmith. If an apprentice reminds him of the debt, let him + beware of bruises.” + </p> + <p> + “The Emperor Rudolph ought to issue an edict against such injustice!” + wrathfully exclaimed the other and taller youth, the handsome son of a + master of the craft from Weissenburg on the Sand, who expected soon to + take his father’s place. “Up at Castle Graufels, which is saddled on our + little town, master and man would be going barefoot but for us; yet for + three years we haven’t seen so much as a penny of his, though my father + says times have already improved, since the Hapsburg, as a just man——” + </p> + <p> + “Things have not been so bad here for a long while, the saints be + praised!” his companion broke in. “Siebenburg, or some of his wife’s rich + kindred, will at last be compelled to settle matters. We have the law and + the Honourable Council to attend to that. Look up! Yonder stately old + house gave its daughter to the penniless knight. She is one of our + customers too; a handsome woman, and not one of the worst either. But her + mother, who was born a countess—if the shoe doesn’t make a foot + small which Nature created big, there’s such an outcry! True, the old + woman, her mother, is worse still; she scolds and screams. But look up at + the bow window. There she stands. I’m only a poor brewer’s son, but before + I——” + </p> + <p> + “You don’t say so!” the other interrupted. “Have you seen the owl in the + cage in front of the guardhouse at the gate of the hospital? It is her + living image; and how her chin projects and moves up and down, as though + she were chewing leather!” + </p> + <p> + “And yet,” said the other, as if insisting upon something difficult to + believe, “and yet the old woman is a real countess.” + </p> + <p> + The Weissenburg apprentice expressed his astonishment with another: “You + don’t say so!” but as he spoke he grasped his companion’s arm, adding + earnestly: “Let us go. That ugly old woman just looked at me, and if it + wasn’t the evil eye I shall go straight to the church and drive away the + misfortune with holy water.” + </p> + <p> + “Come, then,” answered the Nuremberg youth, but continued thoughtfully: + “Yet my master’s grandmother, a woman of eighty, is probably older than + the one up there, but nobody could imagine a kinder, pleasanter dame. When + she looks approvingly at one it seems as if the dear God’s blessing were + shining from two little windows.” + </p> + <p> + “That’s just like my grandmother at home!” exclaimed the Weissenburg + apprentice with sparkling eyes. + </p> + <p> + Turning from the Eysvogel mansion as they spoke, they pursued their way. + </p> + <p> + Siebenburg had overtaken the apprentices, but ere crossing the threshold + of the house which was now his home he stopped before it. + </p> + <p> + It might, perhaps, be called the largest and handsomest in Nuremberg; but + it was only a wide two-story structure, though the roof had been adorned + with battlements and the sides with a small bow-windowed turret. At the + second story a bracket, bearing an image of the Madonna, had been built + out on one side, and on the other the bow window from which old Countess + Rotterbach had looked down into the street. + </p> + <p> + The coat of arms was very striking and wholly out of harmony with the + simplicity of the rest of the building. Its showy splendour, visible for a + long distance, occupied the wide space between the door of the house and + the windows of the upper story. The escutcheon of the noble family from + which Rosalinde, Herr Casper’s wife, had descended rested against the + shield bearing the birds. The Rotterbach supporters, a nude man and a bear + standing on its hind legs, rose on both sides of the double escutcheon, + and the stone cutter had surmounted the Eysvogel helmet with a count’s + coronet. + </p> + <p> + This elaborate decoration of the ancient patrician house had become one of + the sights of the city, and had often made Herr Casper, at the Honourable + Council and elsewhere, clench his fist under his mantle, for it had drawn + open censure and bitter mockery upon the arrogant man, but his desire to + have it replaced by a more modest one had been baffled by the opposition + of the women of his family. They had had it put up, and would not permit + any one to touch it, though Wolff, after his return from Italy, had + strenuously urged its removal. + </p> + <p> + It had brought the Eysvogels no good fortune, for on the day of its + completion the business received its first serious blow, and it also + served to injure the commercial house externally in a very obvious manner. + Whereas formerly many wares which needed to be kept dry had been hoisted + from the outer door and the street to the spacious attic, this was now + prevented by the projecting figures of the nude men and the bears. + Therefore it became necessary to hoist the goods to be stored in the attic + from the courtyard, which caused delay and hindrances of many kinds. + Various expedients had been suggested, but the women opposed them all, for + they were glad that the ugly casks and bales no longer found their way to + the garret past their windows, and it also gratified their arrogance that + they were no longer visible from the street. + </p> + <p> + Siebenburg now looked up at the huge escutcheon and recalled the day when, + after having been specially favoured by Isabella Eysvogel at a dance in + the Town Hall, he had paused in the same place. A long line of laden + waggons had just stopped in front of the door surmounted by the double + escutcheon, and if he had previously hesitated whether to profit by the + favour of Isabella, whose haughty majesty, which attracted him, also + inspired him with a faint sense of uneasiness, he was now convinced how + foolish it would be not to forge the iron which seemed aglow in his + favour. What riches the men-servants were carrying into the vaulted entry, + which was twice as large as the one in the Ortlieb mansion! Besides, the + escutcheon with the count’s coronet had given the knight assurance that he + would have no cause to be ashamed, in an assembly of his peers, of his + alliance with the Nuremberg maiden. Isabella’s hand could undoubtedly free + him from the oppressive burden of his debts, and she was certainly a + magnificent woman! How well, too, her tall figure would suit him and the + Siebenburgs, whose name was said to be derived from the seven feet of + stature which some of them measured! + </p> + <p> + Now he again remembered the hour when she had laid her slender hand in + his. For a brief period he had been really happy; his heart had not felt + so light since early childhood, though at first he had ventured to confess + only one half his load of debt to his father-in-law. He had even assumed + fresh obligations to relieve his brothers from their most pressing cares. + They had attended his brilliant wedding, and it had flattered his vanity + to show them what he could accomplish as the wealthy Eysvogel’s + son-in-law. + </p> + <p> + But how quickly all this had changed! He had learned that, besides the + woman who had given him her heart and inspired him with a passion hitherto + unknown, he had wedded two others. + </p> + <p> + Now, as the image of old Countess Rotterbach, Isabella’s grandmother, + forced itself upon his mind, he unconsciously knit his brow. He had not + heard her say much, but with every word she bestowed upon him he was + forced to accept something bitter. She rarely left her place in the + armchair in the bow window in the sitting-room, but it seemed as if her + little eyes possessed the power of piercing walls and doors, for she knew + everything that concerned him, even his greatest secrets, which he + believed he had carefully concealed. More on her account than on that of + his mother-in-law, who did nothing except what the former commanded, he + had repeatedly tried to remove with his wife to the estate of Tannenreuth, + which had been assigned to him on the day of the marriage, that its + revenues might support the young couple, but the mother and grandmother + detained his wife, and their wishes were more to her than his. Perhaps, + however, he might have induced her to go with him had not his + father-in-law made his debts a snare, which he drew whenever it was + necessary to stifle his wishes, and he, too, wanted to retain his daughter + at home. + </p> + <p> + Since Wolff’s return from Italy he had become aware that the stream of + gold from the Eysvogel coffers flowed more sparingly, or even failed + altogether to satisfy his extravagant tastes. Therefore his relations with + his brother-in-law, whose prudent caution he considered avarice, and whose + earnest protests against his often unprecedented demands frequently roused + his ire, became more and more unfriendly. + </p> + <p> + The inmates of the Eysvogel house rendered his home unendurable, and from + the experiences of his bachelor days he knew only too well where mirth + reigned in Nuremberg. So he became a rare guest at the Eysvogels, and when + Isabella found herself neglected and deceived, she made him feel her + resentment in her own haughty and—as soon as she deemed herself + injured—harsh manner. + </p> + <p> + At first her displeasure troubled him sorely, but the ardent passion which + had absorbed him during the early days of their marriage had died out, and + only flamed up with its old fervour occasionally; but at such times the + haughty, neglected wife repulsed him with insulting severity. + </p> + <p> + Yet she had never permitted any one to disparage her husband behind his + back. True, Siebenburg did not know this, but he perceived more and more + plainly that both the Eysvogels, father and son, were oppressed by some + grave anxiety, and that the sums which Wolff now paid him no longer + sufficed to hold his creditors in check. He was not accustomed to impose + any restraint upon himself, and thus it soon became known throughout the + city that he did not live at peace with his wife and her family. + </p> + <p> + Yet five weeks ago matters had appeared to improve. The birth of the twins + had brought something new into his life, which drew him nearer to + Isabella. + </p> + <p> + The children at first seemed to him two lovely miracles. Both boys, both + exactly like him. When they were brought to him on their white, + lace-trimmed pillows, his heart had swelled with joy, and it was his + greatest delight to gaze at them. + </p> + <p> + This was the natural result. + </p> + <p> + He, the stalwart Siebenburg, had not become the father of one ordinary + boy, but of two little knights at once. When he returned home—even + if his feet were unsteady—his first visit was to them, and he had + often felt that he was far too poor and insignificant to thank his + neglected wife aright for so precious a gift. + </p> + <p> + Whenever this feeling took possession of him he expressed his love to + Isabella with tender humility; while she, who had bestowed her hand upon + him solely from love, forgot all her wrongs, and her heart throbbed faster + with grateful joy when she saw him, with fatherly pride, carry the twins + about with bent knees, as if their weight was too heavy for his giant arms + to bear. + </p> + <p> + The second week after their birth Isabella fell slightly ill. Her mother + and grandmother undertook the nursing, and as the husband found them both + with the twins whenever he came to see the infants and their mother, the + sick-room grew distasteful to him. Again, as before their birth, he sought + compensation outside of the house for the annoyance caused by the women at + home; but the memory of the little boys haunted him, and when he met his + companions at the tavern he invited them to drink the children’s health in + the host’s best wine. + </p> + <p> + So life went on until the Reichstag brought the von Montforts, whom he had + met at a tournament in Augsburg, to the city of Nuremberg. + </p> + <p> + Mirth reigned wherever Countess Cordula appeared, and Siebenburg needed + amusement and joined the train of her admirers—with what evil result + he now clearly perceived for the first time. + </p> + <p> + He again stood before the stately dwelling where he had hoped to find + luxury and wealth, but where his heart now throbbed more anxiously than + those of his kinsmen had formerly done in the impoverished castle of his + father, who had died so long ago. + </p> + <p> + The Eysvogel dwelling, with its showy escutcheon above the door, was + threatened by want, and hand in hand with it, he knew, the most hideous of + all her children—disgrace. + </p> + <p> + Now he also remembered what he himself had done to increase the peril + menacing the ancient commercial house. Perhaps the old man within was + relying upon the estate of Tannenreuth, which he had assigned to him, to + protect some post upon which much depended, and he had gambled it away. + This must now be confessed, and also the amount of his own debts. + </p> + <p> + An unpleasant task confronted him but, humiliating and harassing as was + the interview awaiting him beyond the threshold before which he still + lingered, at least he would not find Wolff there. This seemed a boon, + since for the first time he would have felt himself in the wrong in the + presence of his unloved brother-in-law. Even the burden of his debts + weighed less heavily on his conscience than the irritating words with + which he had induced his father-in-law to break off Wolff’s betrothal to + Els Ortlieb. The act was base and malicious. Greatly as he had erred, he + had never before been guilty of such a deed, and with a curse upon himself + on his bearded lips he approached the door; but when half way to it he + stopped again and looked up to the second-story windows behind which the + twins slept. With what delight he had always thought of them! But this + time the recollection of the little boys was spoiled by Countess Cordula’s + message to his wife to rear them so that they would not be like him, their + father. + </p> + <p> + An evil wish! And yet the warmest love could have devised no better one in + behalf of the true welfare of the boys. + </p> + <p> + He told himself so as he passed beneath the escutcheon through the heavy + open door with its iron ornaments. He was expected, the steward told him, + but he arched his broad breast as if preparing for a wrestling match, + pulled his mustache still longer, and went up the stairs. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h2> + <p> + The spacious, lofty sitting-room which Seitz Siebenburg entered looked + very magnificent. Gay Flanders tapestries hung on the walls. The ceiling + was slightly vaulted, and in the centre of each mesh of the net designed + upon it glittered a richly gilded kingfisher from the family coat of arms. + Bear and leopard skins lay on the cushions, and upon the shelf which + surrounded three sides of the apartment stood costly vases, gold and + silver utensils, Venetian mirrors and goblets. The chairs and furniture + were made of rare woods inlaid with ebony and mother of pearl, brought by + way of Genoa from Moorish Spain. In the bow window jutting out into the + street, where the old grandmother sat in her armchair, two green and + yellow parrots on brass perches interrupted the conversation, whenever it + grew louder, with the shrill screams of their ugly voices. + </p> + <p> + Siebenburg found all the family except Wolff and the twins. His wife was + half sitting, half reclining, on a divan. When Seitz entered she raised + her head from the white arm on which it had rested, turned her oval face + with its regular features towards him, and gathered up the fair locks + which, released from their braids, hung around her in long, thick tresses. + Her eyes showed that she had been weeping violently, and as her husband + approached she again sobbed painfully. + </p> + <p> + Her grandmother seemed annoyed by her lamentations for, pointing to + Isabella’s tears, she exclaimed sharply, glancing angrily at Siebenburg: + </p> + <p> + “It’s a pity for every one of them!” + </p> + <p> + The knight’s blood boiled at the words, but they strengthened his courage. + He felt relieved from any consideration for these people, not one of whom, + except the poor woman shedding such burning tears, had given him occasion + to return love for love. Had they flowed only for the lost wealth, and not + for him and the grief he caused Isabella, they would not have seemed “a + pity” to the old countess. + </p> + <p> + Siebenburg’s breath came quicker. + </p> + <p> + The gratitude he owed his father-in-law certainly did not outweigh the + humiliations with which he, his weak wife, and ill-natured mother-in-law + had embittered his existence. + </p> + <p> + Even now the old gentleman barely vouchsafed him a greeting. After he had + asked about his son, called himself a ruined man, and upbraided the knight + with insulting harshness because his brothers—the news had been + brought to him a short time before—were the robbers who had seized + his goods, and the old countess had chimed in with the exclamation, “They + are all just fit for the executioner’s block!” Seitz could restrain + himself no longer; nay, it gave him actual pleasure to show these hated + people what he had done, on his part, to add to their embarrassments. He + was no orator, but now resentment loosened his tongue, and with swift, + scornful words he told Herr Casper that, as the son-in-law of a house + which liked to represent itself as immensely rich, he had borrowed from + others what—he was justified in believing it—had been withheld + through parsimony. Besides, his debts were small in comparison with the + vast sums Herr Casper had lavished in maintaining the impoverished estates + of the Rotterbach kindred. Like every knight whose own home was not + pleasant, he sometimes gambled; and when, yesterday, ill luck pursued him + and he lost the estate of Tannenreuth, he sincerely regretted the + disaster, but it could not be helped. + </p> + <p> + Terror and rage had sealed the old countess’s lips, but now they parted in + the hoarse cry: “You deserve the wheel and the gallows, not the honourable + block!” and her daughter, Rosalinde Eysvogel, repeated in a tone of + sorrowful lamentation, “Yes, the wheel and the gallows.” + </p> + <p> + A scornful laugh from Siebenburg greeted the threat, but when Herr Casper, + white as death and barely able to control his voice, asked whether this + incredible confession was merely intended to frighten the women, and the + knight assured him of the contrary, he groaned aloud: “Then the old house + must succumb to disgraceful ruin.” + </p> + <p> + Years of life spent together may inspire and increase aversion instead of + love, but they undoubtedly produce a certain community of existence. The + bitter anguish of his aged household companion, the father of his wife, to + whom bonds of love still unsevered united him, touched even Seitz + Siebenburg. Besides, nothing moves the heart more quickly than the grief + of a proud, stern man. Herr Casper’s confession did not make him dearer to + the knight, but it induced him to drop the irritating tone which he had + assumed, and in an altered voice he begged him not to give up his cause as + lost without resistance. For his daughter’s sake old Herr Ortlieb must + lend his aid. Els, with whom he had just spoken, would cling firmly to + Wolff, and try to induce her father to do all that was possible for her + lover’s house. He would endeavour to settle with his own creditors + himself. His sharp sword and strong arm would be welcome everywhere, and + the booty he won——Here he was interrupted by the grandmother’s + query in a tone of cutting contempt: “Booty? On the highway, do you mean?” + </p> + <p> + Once more the attack from the hostile old woman rendered the knight’s + decision easier, for, struggling not to give way to his anger, he + answered: “Rather, I think, in the Holy Land, in the war against the + infidel Saracens. At any rate, my presence would be more welcome anywhere + than in this house, whose roof shelters you, Countess. If, Herr Casper, + you intend to share with my wife and the twins what is left after the old + wealth has gone, unfortunately, I cannot permit you to do so. I will + provide for them also. True, it was your duty; for ever since Isabella + became my wife you have taken advantage of my poverty and impaired my + right to command her. That must be changed from this very day. I have + learned the bitter taste of the bread which you provide. I shall confide + them to my uncle, the Knight Heideck. He was my dead mother’s only + brother, and his wife, as you know, is the children’s godmother. They are + childless, and would consider it the most precious of gifts to have such + boys in the castle. My deserted wife must stay with him, while I—I + know not yet in what master’s service—provide that the three are not + supported only by the charity of strangers—-” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Seitz, Seitz!” interrupted Isabella, in a tone of urgent entreaty. + She had risen from her cushions, and was hurrying towards him. “Do not go! + You must not go so!” + </p> + <p> + Her tall figure nestled closely against him as she spoke, and she threw + her arms around his neck; but he kissed her brow and eyes, saying, with a + gentleness which surprised even her: “You are very kind, but I cannot, + must not remain here.” + </p> + <p> + “The children, the little boys!” she exclaimed again, gazing up at him + with love-beaming eyes. Then his tortured heart seemed to shrink, and, + pressing his hand on his brow, he paused some time ere he answered + gloomily: “It is for them that I go. Words have been spoken which appeal + to me, and to you, too, Isabella: ‘See that the innocent little creatures + are reared to be unlike their unhappy father.’ And the person who uttered + them——” + </p> + <p> + “A sage, a great sage,” giggled the countess, unable to control her bitter + wrath against the man whom she hated; but Siebenburg fiercely retorted: + </p> + <p> + “Although no sage, at least no monster spitting venom.” + </p> + <p> + “And you permit this insult to be offered to your grandmother?” Frau + Rosalinde Eysvogel wailed to her daughter as piteously as if the injury + had been inflicted on herself. But Isabella only clung more closely to her + husband, heeding neither her mother’s appeal nor her father’s warning not + to be deluded by Siebenburg’s empty promises. + </p> + <p> + While the old countess vainly struggled for words, Rosalinde Eysvogel + stood beside the lofty mantelpiece, weeping softly. Before Siebenburg + appeared, spite of the early hour and the agitating news which she had + just received, she had used her leisure for an elaborate toilette. A long + trailing robe of costly brocade, blue on the left side and yellow on the + right, now floated around her tall figure. When the knight returned she + had looked radiant in her gold and gems, like a princess. Now, crushed and + feeble, she presented a pitiable image of powerless yet offensively hollow + splendour. It would have required too much exertion to assail her + son-in-law with invectives, like her energetic mother; but when she saw + her daughter, to whom she had already appealed several times in a tone of + anguished entreaty, rest her proud head so tenderly on her husband’s broad + breast, as she had done during the first weeks of their marriage, but + never since, the unhappy woman clearly perceived that the knight’s + incredible demand was meant seriously. What she had believed an idle boast + he actually requested. Yonder hated intruder expected her to part with her + only daughter, who was far more to her than her unloved husband, her + exacting mother, or the son who restricted her wishes, whom she had never + understood, and against whom her heart had long been hardened. But it + could not be and, losing all self-control and dignity, she shrieked aloud, + tore the blue headband from her hair and, repeating the “never” constantly + as if she had gone out of her senses, gasped: “Never, never, never, so + long as I live!” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke she rushed to her startled husband, pointed to her + son-in-law, who still held his wife in a close embrace, and in a + half-stifled voice commanded Herr Casper to strike down the gambler, + robber, spendthrift, and kidnapper of children, or drive him out of the + house like some savage, dangerous beast. Then she ordered Isabella to + leave the profligate who wanted to drag her down to ruin; and when her + daughter refused to obey, she burst into violent weeping, sobbing and + moaning till her strength failed and she was really attacked with one of + the convulsions she had often feigned, by the advice of her own mother, to + extort from her husband the gratification of some extravagant wish. + </p> + <p> + Indignant, yet full of sincere sympathy, Herr Casper supported his wife, + whose queenly beauty had once fired his heart, and in whose embrace he had + imagined that he would be vouchsafed here below the joys of the redeemed. + As she rested her head, with its long auburn tresses, still so luxuriant, + upon his shoulder, exquisite pictures of the past rose before the mental + vision of the elderly man; but the spell was quickly broken, for the + kerchief with which he wiped her face was dyed red from her rouged cheeks. + </p> + <p> + A bitter smile hovered around his well-formed, beardless lips, and the man + of business remembered the vast sums which he had squandered to gratify + the extravagant wishes of the mother and daughter, and show these + countesses that he, the burgher, in whose veins ran noble blood, + understood as well as any man of their own rank how to increase the charm + of life by luxury and splendour. + </p> + <p> + While he supported his wife, and the old countess was seeking to relieve + her, Isabella also prepared to hasten to her mother’s assistance, but her + husband stopped her with resistless strength, whispering: “You know that + these convulsions are not dangerous. Come with me to the children. I want + to bid them farewell. Show me in this last hour, at least, that these + women are not more to you than I.” He released her as he spoke, and the + mental struggle which for a short time made her bosom heave violently with + her hurried breathing ended with a low exclamation, “I will come.” + </p> + <p> + The nurse, whom Isabella sent out of the room when she entered with her + husband, silently obeyed, but stopped at the door to watch. She saw the + turbulent knight kneel beside the children’s cradle before the wife whom + he had so basely neglected, raise his tearful eyes to the majestic woman, + whose stature was little less than his own and, lifting his clasped hands, + make a confession which she could not hear; saw her draw him towards her, + nestle with loving devotion against his broad breast, and place first one + and then the other twin boy in his arms. + </p> + <p> + The young mother’s cheeks as well as the father’s were wet, but the eyes + of both sparkled with grateful joy when Isabella, in taking leave of her + husband, thanked him with a last loving kiss for the vow that, wherever he + might go, he would treasure her and the children in his heart, and do + everything in his power to secure a fate that should be worthy of them. + </p> + <p> + As Siebenburg went downstairs he met his father-in-law on the second-story + landing. Herr Casper, deadly pale, was clinging with his right hand to the + baluster, pressing his left on his brow, as he vainly struggled for + composure and breath. He had forgotten to strengthen himself with food and + drink, and the terrible blows of fate which had fallen upon him during + these last hours of trial crushed, though but for a short time, his still + vigorous strength. The knight went nearer to help him, but when he offered + Herr Casper his arm the old merchant angrily thrust it back and accepted a + servant’s support. + </p> + <p> + While the man assisted him upstairs he repented that he had yielded to + resentment, and not asked his son-in-law to try to discover Wolff’s hiding + place, but no sooner had food and fiery wine strengthened him than his act + seemed wise. The return of the business partner, without whose knowledge + he had incurred great financial obligations, would have placed him in the + most painful situation. The old gentleman would have been obliged to + account to Wolff for the large sum which he owed to the Jew Pfefferkorn, + the most impatient of his creditors, though he need not have told him that + he had used it in Venice to gratify his love of gaming. How should he + answer his son if he asked why he had rejected his betrothed bride, and + soon after condescended to receive her again as his daughter and enter + into close relations with her father? Yet this must be done. Ernst Ortlieb + was the only person who could help him. It had become impossible to seek + aid from Herr Berthold Vorchtel, the man whose oldest son Wolff had slain, + and yet he possessed the means to save the sinking ship from destruction. + </p> + <p> + When the news of the duel reached him the messenger’s blanched face had + made him believe that Wolff had fallen. In that moment he had perceived + that his loss would have rendered him miserable for the rest of his life. + This was a source of pleasure, for since Wolff had extorted his consent to + the betrothal with Els Ortlieb, and thus estranged him from the Vorchtels, + he had seriously feared that he had ceased to love him. Nay, in many an + hour when he had cause to feel shame in the presence of his prudent, + cautious, and upright partner, it had seemed as if he hated him. Now the + fear of the judge whom he saw in Wolff was blended with sincere anxiety + concerning his only son, whose breach of the peace menaced him with + banishment—nay, if he could not pay the price of blood which the + Vorchtels might demand, with death. Doubtless he had done many things to + prejudice Wolff against his betrothed bride, yet he who had cast the first + stone at her now felt that, in her simple purity, she would be capable of + no repudiation of the fidelity she owed her future husband. However + strongly he had struggled against this conviction, he knew that she, if + any one, could make his son happy—far happier than he had ever been + with the tall, slender, snow-white, unapproachable countess, who had + helped bring him to ruin. + </p> + <p> + While consuming the food and drink, he heard his wife, usually a most + obedient daughter, disputing with her mother. This was fortunate; for, if + they were at variance, he need not fear that they would act as firm allies + against him when he expressed the wish to have Wolff’s marriage solemnised + as soon as circumstances would permit. + </p> + <p> + It was not yet time to discuss the matter with any one. He would first go + to the Jew Pfefferkorn once more to persuade him to defer his claims, and + then, before the meeting of the Council, would repair to the Ortliebs, to + commit to Herr Ernst the destiny of the Eysvogel firm and his partner + Wolff, on which also depended the welfare of the young merchant’s + betrothed bride. If the father remained obdurate, if he resented the wrong + he had inflicted yesterday upon him and his daughter, he was a lost man; + for he had already availed himself of the good will of all those whose + doors usually stood open to him. Doubtless the news of his recent severe + losses were in every one’s mouth, and the letter which he had just + received threatened him with an indictment. + </p> + <p> + The luckless Siebenburg’s creditors, too, would now be added to his own. + It was all very well for him to say that he would settle his debts him + self. As soon as it was rumoured abroad that he had gambled away the + estate of Tannenreuth, whose value gave the creditors some security, they + would rise as one man, and the house assailed would be his, Casper + Eysvogel’s. + </p> + <p> + The harried man’s thoughts of his son-in-law were by no means the most + kindly. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the latter set out for the second distasteful interview of the + morning. + </p> + <p> + His purpose was to make some arrangement with Heinz Schorlin about the + lost estate and obtain definite knowledge concerning his quarrel with him, + of which he remembered nothing except that intoxication and jealousy had + carried him further than would have happened otherwise. He had undoubtedly + spoken insultingly of Els; his words, when uttered against a lady, had + been sharper than beseemed a knight. Yet was not any one who found a + maiden alone at night with this man justified in doubting her virtue? In + the depths of his soul he believed in her innocence, yet he avoided + confessing it. Why should not the Swiss, whom Nature had given such power + over the hearts of women, have also entangled his brother-in-law’s + betrothed bride in a love affair? Why should not the gay girl who had + pledged her troth to a grave, dull fellow like Wolff, have been tempted + into a little love dalliance with the bold, joyous Schorlin? + </p> + <p> + Not until he had received proof that he had erred would he submit to + recall his charges. + </p> + <p> + He had left his wife with fresh courage and full of good intentions. Now + that he was forced to bid her farewell, he first realised what she had + been to him. No doubt both had much to forgive, but she was a splendid + woman. Though her father’s storehouses contained chests of spices and + bales of cloth, he did not know one more queenly. That he could have + preferred, even for a single moment, the Countess von Montfort, whose sole + advantage over her was her nimble tongue and gay, bold manners, now seemed + incomprehensible. He had joined Cordula’s admirers only to forget at her + feet the annoyances with which he had been wearied at home. He had but one + thing for which to thank the countess—her remark concerning the + future of the twins. + </p> + <p> + Yet was he really so base that it would have been a disgrace for his + darlings to resemble him? “No!” a voice within cried loudly, and as the + same voice reminded him of the victories won in tournaments and sword + combats, of the open hand with which, since he had been the rich + Eysvogel’s son-in-law, he had lent and given money to his brothers, and + especially of the manly resolve to provide for his wife and children as a + soldier in the service of some prince, another, lower, yet insistent, + recalled other things. It referred to the time when, with his brothers, he + had attacked a train of freight waggons and not cut down their armed + escort alone. The curse of a broad-shouldered Nordlinger carrier, whose + breast he had pierced with a lance though he cried out that he was a + father and had a wife and child to support, the shriek of the pretty boy + with curling brown hair who clung to the bridle of his steed as he rode + against the father, and whose arm he had cut off, still seemed to ring in + his ears. He also remembered the time when, after a rich capture on the + highway which had filled his purse, he had ridden to Nuremberg in + magnificent new clothes at the carnival season in order, by his brothers’ + counsel, to win a wealthy bride. Fortune and the saints had permitted him + to find a woman to satisfy both his avarice and his heart, yet he had + neither kept faith with her nor even showed her proper consideration. But, + strangely enough, the warning voice reproached him still more sharply for + having, in the presence of others, accused and disparaged his + brother-in-law’s betrothed bride, whose guilt he believed proved. Again he + felt how ignoble and unworthy of a knight his conduct had been. Why had he + pursued this course? Merely—he admitted it now—to harm Wolff, + the monitor and niggard whom he hated; perhaps also because he secretly + told himself that, if Wolff formed a happy marriage, he and his children, + not Siebenburg’s twin boys, would obtain the larger share of the Eysvogel + property. + </p> + <p> + This greed of gain, which had brought him to Nuremberg to seek a wife, was + probably latent in his blood, though his reckless accumulation of debts + seemed to contradict it. Yesterday, at the Duke of Pomerania’s, it had + again led him into that wild, mad dice-throwing. + </p> + <p> + Seitz Siebenburg was no calm thinker. All these thoughts passed singly in + swift flashes through his excited brain. Like the steady monotone of the + bass accompanying the rise and fall of the air, he constantly heard the + assurance that it would be a pity if his splendid twins should resemble + him. + </p> + <p> + Therefore they must grow up away from his influence, under the care of his + good uncle. With this man’s example before their eyes they would become + knights as upright and noble as Kunz Heideck, whom every one esteemed. + </p> + <p> + For the sake of the twins he had resolved to begin a new and worthier life + himself. His wife would aid him, and love should lend him strength to + conduct himself in future so that Countess von Montfort, and every one who + meant well by his sons, might wish them to resemble their father. + </p> + <p> + He walked on, holding his head proudly erect. Seeing the first worshippers + entering the Church of Our Lady, he went in, too, repeated several + Paternosters, commended the little boys and their mother to the care of + the gracious Virgin, and besought her to help him curb the turbulent + impulses which often led him to commit deeds he afterwards regretted. + </p> + <p> + Many people knew Casper Eysvogel’s tall, haughty son-in-law and marvelled + at the fervent devotion with which, kneeling in the first place he found + near the entrance, beside two old women, he continued to pray. Was it true + that the Eysvogel firm had been placed in a very critical situation by the + loss of great trains of merchandise? One of his neighbours had heard him + sigh, and declared that something must weigh heavily upon the “Mustache.” + She would tell her nephew Hemerlein, the belt-maker, to whom the knight + owed large sums for saddles and harnesses, that he would be wise to look + after his money betimes. + </p> + <p> + Siebenburg quitted the church in a more hopeful mood than when he entered + it. + </p> + <p> + The prayers had helped him. + </p> + <p> + When he reached the fruit market he noticed that people gazed at him in + surprise. He had paid no heed to his dress since the morning of the + previous day, and as he always consumed large quantities of food and drink + he felt the need of refreshment. Entering the first barber’s shop, he had + the stubble removed from his cheeks and chin, and arranged his disordered + attire, and then, going to a taproom close by, ate and drank, without + sitting down, what he found ready and, invigorated in body and mind, + continued his walk. + </p> + <p> + The fruit market was full of busy life. Juicy strawberries and early + cherries, red radishes, heads of cabbages, bunches of greens, and long + stalks of asparagus were offered for sale, with roses and auriculas, + balsams and early pinks, in pots and bouquets, and the ruddy peasant + lasses behind the stands, the stately burgher women in their big round + hats, the daughters of the master workmen with their long floating locks + escaping from under richly embroidered caps, the maidservants with neat + little baskets on their round arms, afforded a varied and pleasing scene. + Everything that reached the ear, too, was cheery and amusing, and rendered + the knight’s mood brighter. + </p> + <p> + Proud of his newly acquired power of resistance, he walked on, after + yielding to the impulse to buy the handsomest bouquet of roses offered by + the pretty flower girl Kuni, whom, on Countess Cordula’s account, during + the Reichstag he had patronised more frequently than usual. Without + knowing why himself, he did not tell the pretty girl, who had already + trusted him very often, for whom he intended it, but ordered it to be + charged with the rest. + </p> + <p> + At the corner of the Bindergasse, where Heinz Schorlin lodged, he found a + beggar woman with a bandaged head, whom he commissioned to carry the roses + to the Eysvogel mansion and give them to his wife, Fran Isabella + Siebenburg, in his—Sir Seitz’s—name. + </p> + <p> + In front of the house occupied by the master cloth-maker Deichsler, where + the Swiss had his quarters, the tailor Ploss stopped him. He came from + Heinz Schorlin, and reminded Siebenburg of his by no means inconsiderable + debt; but the latter begged him to have patience a little longer, as he + had met with heavy losses at the gaming table the night before, and Ploss + agreed to wait till St. Heinrich’s day—[15th July]. + </p> + <p> + How many besides the tailor had large demands! and when could Seitz begin + to cancel his debts? The thought even darted through his mind that instead + of carrying his good intentions into effect he had not paid for the roses—but + flowers were so cheap in June! + </p> + <p> + Besides, he had no time to dwell upon this trifle, for while quieting the + tailor he had noticed a girl who, notwithstanding the heat of the day, + kept her face hidden so far under her Riese—[A kerchief for the + head, resembling a veil, made of fine linen.]—that nothing but her + eyes and the upper part of her nose were visible. She had given him a + hasty nod and, if he was not mistaken, it was the Ortlieb sisters’ maid, + whom he had often seen. + </p> + <p> + When he again looked after the muffled figure she was hurrying up the + cloth-maker’s stairs. + </p> + <p> + It was Katterle herself. + </p> + <p> + At the first landing she had glanced back, and in doing so pushed the + kerchief aside. What could she want with the Swiss? It could scarcely be + anything except to bring him a message from one of her mistresses, + doubtless Els. + </p> + <p> + So he had seen aright, and acted wisely not to believe the countess. + </p> + <p> + Poor Wolff! Deceived even when a betrothed lover! He did not exactly wish + him happiness even now, and yet he pitied him. + </p> + <p> + Seitz could now stand before Heinz Schorlin with the utmost confidence. + The Swiss must know how matters stood between the older E and him self, + though his knightly duty constrained him to deny it to others. + Siebenburg’s self-reproaches had been vain. He had suspected no innocent + girl—only called a faithless betrothed bride by the fitting name. + </p> + <p> + The matter concerning his estate of Tannenreuth was worse. It had been + gambled away, and therefore forfeited. He had already given it up in + imagination; it was only necessary to have the transfer made by the + notary. The Swiss should learn how a true knight satisfies even the + heaviest losses at the gaming table. He would not spare Heinz Schorlin. He + meant to reproach the unprincipled fellow who by base arts had alienated + the betrothed bride of an honest man—for that Wolff certainly was—when + adverse circumstances prevented his watching the faithless woman himself. + Twisting the ends of his mustache with two rapid motions, he knocked at + the young knight’s door. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. + </h2> + <p> + Twice, three times, Siebenburg rapped, but in vain. Yet the Swiss was + there. His armour-bearer had told Seitz so downstairs, and he heard his + voice within. At last he struck the door so heavily with the handle of his + dagger that the whole house echoed with the sound. This succeeded; the + door opened, and Biberli’s narrow head appeared. He looked at the visitor + in astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “Tell your master,” said the latter imperiously, recognising Heinz + Schorlin’s servant, “that if he closes his lodgings against dunning + tradesfolk—” + </p> + <p> + “By your knock, my lord,” Biberli interrupted, “we really thought the + sword cutler had come with hammer and anvil. My master, however, need have + no fear of creditors; for though you may not yet know it, Sir Knight, + there are generous noblemen in Nuremberg during the Reichstag who throw + away castles and lands in his favour at the gaming table.” + </p> + <p> + “And hurl their fists even more swiftly into the faces of insolent + varlets!” cried Siebenburg, raising his right hand threateningly. “Now + take me to your master at once!” + </p> + <p> + “Or, at any rate, within his four walls,” replied the servitor, preceding + Seitz into the small anteroom from which he had come. “As to the ‘at + once,’ that rests with the saints, for you must know——” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense!” interrupted the knight. “Tell your master that Siebenburg has + neither time nor inclination to wait in his antechamber.” + </p> + <p> + “And certainly nothing could afford Sir Heinz Schorlin greater pleasure + than your speedy departure,” Biberli retorted. + </p> + <p> + “Insolent knave!” thundered Seitz, who perceived the insult conveyed in + the reply, grasping the neck of his long robe; but Biberli felt that he + had seized only the hood, swiftly unclasped it, and as he hurried to a + side door, through which loud voices echoed, Siebenburg heard the low cry + of a woman. It came from behind a curtain spread over some clothes that + hung on the wall, and Seitz said to himself that the person must be the + maid whom he had just met. She was in Els Ortlieb’s service, and he was + glad to have this living witness at hand. + </p> + <p> + If he could induce Heinz to talk with him here in the anteroom it would be + impossible for her to escape. So, feigning that he had noticed nothing, he + pretended to be much amused by Biberli’s nimble flight. Forcing a laugh, + he flung the hood at his head, and before he opened the door of the + adjoining room again asked to speak to his master. Biberli replied that he + must wait; the knight was holding a religious conversation with a devout + old mendicant friar. If he might venture to offer counsel, he would not + interrupt his master now; he had received very sad news, and the tailor + who came to take his measure for his mourning garments had just left him. + If Seitz had any business with the knight, and expected any benefit from + his favour and rare generosity—— + </p> + <p> + But Siebenburg let him get no farther. Forgetting the stratagem which was + to lure Heinz hither, he burst into a furious rage, fiercely declaring + that he sought favour and generosity from no man, least of all a Heinz + Schorlin and, advancing to the door, flung the servant who barred his + passage so rudely against the wall that he uttered a loud cry of pain. + </p> + <p> + Ere it had died away Heinz appeared on the threshold. A long white robe + increased the pallor of his face, but yesterday so ruddy, and his reddened + eyes showed traces of recent tears. + </p> + <p> + When he perceived what had occurred, and saw his faithful follower, with a + face distorted by pain, rubbing his shoulder, his cheeks flushed angrily, + and with just indignation he rebuked Siebenburg for his unseemly intrusion + into his quarters and his brutal conduct. + </p> + <p> + Then, without heeding the knight, he asked Biberli if he was seriously + injured, and when the latter answered in the negative he again turned to + Seitz and briefly enquired what he wanted. If he desired to own that, + while in a state of senseless intoxication he had slandered modest + maidens, and was ignorant of his actions when he staked his castle and + lands against the gold lying before him, Heinz Schorlin, he might keep + Tannenreuth. The form in which he would revoke his calumny to Jungfrau + Ortlieb he would discuss with him later. At present his mind was occupied + with more important matters than the senseless talk of a drunkard, and he + would therefore request the knight to leave him. + </p> + <p> + As Heinz uttered the last words he pointed to the door, and this + indiscreet, anything but inviting gesture robbed Siebenburg of the last + remnant of composure maintained with so much difficulty. + </p> + <p> + Nothing is more infuriating to weak natures than to have others expect + them to pursue a course opposite to that which, after a victory over baser + impulses, they have recognised as the right one and intended to follow. He + who had come to resign his lost property voluntarily was regarded by the + Swiss as an importunate mendicant; he who stood here to prove that he was + perfectly justified in accusing Els Ortlieb of a crime, Schorlin expected + to make a revocation against his better knowledge. And what price did the + insolent fellow demand for the restored estate and the right to brand him + as a slanderer? The pleasure of seeing the unwelcome guest retire as + quickly as possible. No greater degree of contempt and offensive + presumption could be imagined, and as Seitz set his own admirable conduct + during the past few hours far above the profligate behaviour of the Swiss, + he was fired with honest indignation and, far from heeding the white robe + and altered countenance of his enemy, gave the reins to his wrath. + </p> + <p> + Pale with fury, he flung, as it were, the estate the Swiss had won from + him at his feet, amid no lack of insulting words. + </p> + <p> + At first Heinz listened to the luckless gambler’s outbreak of rage in + silent amazement, but when the latter began to threaten, and even clapped + his hand on his sword, the composure which never failed him in the + presence of anything that resembled danger quickly returned. + </p> + <p> + He had felt a strong aversion to Siebenburg from their first meeting, and + the slanderous words with which he had dragged in the dust the good name + of a maiden who, Heinz knew, had incurred suspicion solely through his + fault, had filled him with scorn. So, with quiet contempt, he let him rave + on; but when the person to whom he had just been talking—the old + Minorite monk whom he had met on the highroad and accompanied to Nuremberg—appeared + at the door of the next room, he stopped Seitz with a firm “Enough!” + pointed to the old man, and in brief, simple words, gave the castle and + lands of Tannenreuth to the monastery of the mendicant friars of the + Franciscan order in Nuremberg. + </p> + <p> + Siebenburg listened with a contemptuous shrug of the shoulders, then he + said bitterly: “I thought that a life of poverty was the chief rule in the + order of St. Francis. But no matter! May the gift won at the gaming table + profit the holy Brothers. For you, Sir Knight, it will gain the favour of + the Saint of Assisi, whose power is renowned. So you have acted wisely.” + </p> + <p> + Here he hesitated; he felt choked with rage. But while the Minorite was + thanking Heinz for the generous gift, Siebenburg’s eyes again rested on + the curtain behind which the maid was concealed. + </p> + <p> + It was now his turn to deal the Swiss a blow. The old mendicant friar was + a venerable person whose bearing commanded respect, and Heinz seemed to + value his good opinion. For that very reason the Minorite should learn the + character of this patron of his order. + </p> + <p> + “Since you so earnestly desire to be rid of my company, Sir Heinz + Schorlin,” he continued, “I will fulfil your wish. Only just now you + appeared to consider certain words uttered last night in reference to a + lady—” + </p> + <p> + “Let that pass,” interrupted Heinz with marked emphasis. + </p> + <p> + “I might expect that desire,” replied Siebenburg scornfully; “for as you + are in the act of gaining the favour of Heaven by pious works, it will be + agreeable to you—” + </p> + <p> + “What?” asked the Swiss sharply. + </p> + <p> + “You will surely desire,” was the reply, “to change conduct which is an + offence to honourable people, and still more to the saints above. You who + have estranged a betrothed bride from her lover and lured her to midnight + interviews, no doubt suppose yourself safe from the future husband, whom + the result of a duel—as you know—will keep from her side. But + Wolff happens to be my brother-in-law, and if I feel disposed to take his + place and break a lance with you——” + </p> + <p> + Heinz, pale as death, interrupted him, exclaiming in a tone of the deepest + indignation: “So be it, then. We will have a tilt with lances, and then we + will fight with our swords.” + </p> + <p> + Siebenburg looked at him an instant, as if puzzled by his adversary’s + sharp assault, but quickly regained his composure and answered: “Agreed! + In the joust—[single combat in the tourney]—with sharp weapons + it will soon appear who has right on his side.” + </p> + <p> + “Right?” asked Heinz in astonishment, shrugging his shoulders scornfully. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, right,” cried the other furiously, “which you have ceased to prize.” + </p> + <p> + “So far from it,” the Swiss answered quietly, “that before we discuss the + mode of combat with the herald I must ask you to recall the insults with + which yesterday, in your drunkenness, you injured the honour of a virtuous + maiden in the presence of other knights and gentlemen.” + </p> + <p> + “Whose protector,” laughed Seitz, “you seem to have constituted yourself, + by your own choice, in her bridegroom’s place.” + </p> + <p> + “I accept the position,” replied Heinz with cool deliberation. “Not you, + nay, I will fight in Wolff Eysvogel’s stead—and with his consent, I + think. I know him, and esteem him so highly——” + </p> + <p> + “That you invite his plighted bride to nocturnal love dalliance, and + exchange love messages with her,” interrupted the other. + </p> + <p> + This was too much for Heinz Schorlin and, with honest indignation, he + cried: “Prove it! Or, by our Lord’s blood!—My sword, Biberli!—Spite + of the peace proclaimed throughout the land, you shall learn, ere you open + your slandering lips again——” + </p> + <p> + Here he paused suddenly, for while Biberli withdrew to obey the command + which, though it probably suited his wishes, he was slow in executing, + doubtless that he might save his master from a reckless act, Siebenburg, + frantic with fury, rushed to the curtain. Ere Heinz could interfere, he + jerked it back so violently that he tore it from the fastenings and forced + the terrified maid, whose arm he grasped, to approach the knight with him. + </p> + <p> + Heinz had seen Katterle only by moonlight and in the twilight, so her + unexpected appearance gave him no information. He gazed at her + enquiringly, with as much amazement as though she had risen from the + earth. Siebenburg gave him no time to collect his thoughts, but dragged + the girl before the monk and, raising his voice in menace, commanded: + “Tell the holy Brother who you are, woman!” + </p> + <p> + “Katterle of Sarnen,” she answered, weeping. “And whom do you serve?” the + knight demanded. + </p> + <p> + “The Ortlieb sisters, Jungfrau Els and Jungfrau Eva,” was the reply. + </p> + <p> + “The beautiful Es, as they are called here, holy Brother,” said Siebenburg + with a malicious laugh, “whose maid I recognise in this girl. If she did + not come hither to mend the linen of her mistress’s friend—” + </p> + <p> + But here Biberli, who on his return to the anteroom had been terrified by + the sight of his sweetheart, interrupted the knight by turning to Heinz + with the exclamation: “Forgive me, my lord. Surely you know that she is my + betrothed bride. She came just now—scarcely a dozen Paternosters + ago-to talk with me about the marriage.” + </p> + <p> + Katterle had listened in surprise to the bold words of her true and + steadfast lover, yet she was not ill pleased, for he had never before + spoken of their marriage voluntarily. At the same time she felt the + obligation of aiding him and nodded assent, while Siebenburg rudely + interrupted the servant by calling to the monk: “Lies and deception, pious + Brother. Black must be whitened here. She stole, muffled, to her + mistress’s gallant, to bring a message from the older beautiful E, with + whom this godly knight was surprised last night.” + </p> + <p> + Again the passionate outbreak of his foe restored the Swiss to composure. + With a calmness which seemed to the servant incomprehensible, though it + filled him with delight, he turned to the monk, saying earnestly and + simply: “Appearances may be against me, Pater Benedictus. I will tell you + all the circumstances at once. How this maid came here will be explained + later. As for the maiden whom this man calls the older beautiful E, never—I + swear it by our saint—have I sought her love or received from her + the smallest token of her favour.” + </p> + <p> + Then turning to Siebenburg he continued, still calmly, but with menacing + sternness: “If I judge you aright, you will now go from one to another + telling whom you found here, in order to injure the fair fame of the + maiden whom your wife’s valiant brother chose for his bride, and to place + my name with hers in the pillory.” + </p> + <p> + “Where Els Ortlieb belongs rather than in the honourable home of a + Nuremberg patrician,” retorted Siebenburg furiously. “If she became too + base for my brother-in-law, the fault is yours. I shall certainly take + care that he learns the truth and knows where, and at what an hour, his + betrothed bride met foreign heartbreakers. To open the eyes of others + concerning her will also be a pleasant duty.” + </p> + <p> + Heinz sprang towards Biberli to snatch the sword from his hand, but he + held it firmly, seeking his master’s eyes with a look of warning entreaty; + but his faithful solicitude would have been futile had not the monk lent + his aid. The old man’s whispered exhortation to his young friend to spare + the imperial master, to whom he was so deeply indebted, a fresh sorrow, + restored to the infuriated young knight his power of self-control. Pushing + the thick locks back from his brow with a hasty movement, he answered in a + tone of the most intense contempt: + </p> + <p> + “Do what you will, but remember this: Beware that, ere the joust begins, + you do not ride the rail instead of the charger. The maidens whose pure + name you so yearn to sully are of noble birth, and if they appear to + complain of you——” + </p> + <p> + “Then I will proclaim the truth,” Siebenburg retorted, “and the Court of + Love and Pursuivant at Arms will deprive you, the base seducer, of the + right to enter the lists rather than me, my handsome knight!” + </p> + <p> + “So be it,” replied Heinz quietly. “You can discuss the other points with + my herald. Wolff Eysvogel, too—rely upon it—will challenge + you, if you fulfil your base design.” + </p> + <p> + Then, turning his back upon Seitz without a word of farewell, he motioned + the monk towards the open door of the antechamber, and letting him lead + the way, closed it behind them. + </p> + <p> + “He will come to you, you boaster!” Siebenburg shouted contemptuously + after the Swiss, and then turned to Biberli and the maid with a + patronising question; but the former, without even opening his lips in + reply, hastened to the door and, with a significant gesture, induced the + knight to retire. + </p> + <p> + Seitz submitted and hastened down the stairs, his eyes flashing as if he + had won a great victory. At the door of the house he grasped the hilt of + his sword, and then, with rapid movements, twisted the ends of his + mustache. The surprise he had given the insolent Swiss by the discovery of + his love messenger—it had acted like a spell—could not have + succeeded better. And what had Schorlin alleged in justification? Nothing, + absolutely nothing at all. Wolff Eysvogel’s herald should challenge the + Swiss, not him, who meant to open the deceived lover’s eyes concerning his + betrothed bride. + </p> + <p> + He eagerly anticipated the joust and the sword combat with Heinz. The + sharper the herald’s conditions the better. He had hurled more powerful + foes than the Swiss from the saddle, and from knightly “courtoisie” not + even used his strength without consideration. Heinz Schorlin should feel + it. + </p> + <p> + He gazed around him like a victor, and throwing his head back haughtily he + went down the Bindergasse, this time past the Franciscan monastery towards + the Town Hall and the fish market. Eber, the sword cutler, lived there + and, spite of the large sum he owed him, Seitz wished to talk with him + about the sharp weapons he needed for the joust. On his way he gave his + imagination free course. It showed him his impetuous onset, his enemy’s + fall in the sand, the sword combat, and the end of the joust, the swift + death of his hated foe. + </p> + <p> + These pictures of the future occupied his thoughts so deeply that he + neither saw nor heard what was passing around him. Many a person for whom + he forgot to turn aside looked angrily after him. Suddenly he found his + farther progress arrested. The crier had just raised his voice to announce + some important tidings to the people who thronged around him between the + Town Hall and the Franciscan monastery. Perhaps he might have succeeded in + forcing a passage through the concourse, but when he heard the name “Ernst + Ortlieb,” in the monotonous speech of the city crier, he followed the + remainder of his notice. It made known to the citizens of Nuremberg that, + since the thunderstorm of the preceding night, a maid had been missing + from the house of the Honourable Herr Ernst Ortlieb, of the Council, a + Swiss by birth, Katharina of Sarnen, called Katterle, a woman of blameless + reputation. Whoever should learn anything concerning the girl was + requested to bring the news to the Ortlieb residence. + </p> + <p> + What did this mean? + </p> + <p> + If the girl had vanished at midnight and not returned to her employers + since, she could scarcely have sought Heinz Schorlin as a messenger of + love from Els. But if she had not come to the Swiss from one of the Es, + what proof did he, Seitz, possess of the guilt of his brother-in-law’s + bride? How should he succeed in making Wolff understand that his beloved + Els had wronged him if the maid was to play no part in proving it? + Yesterday evening he had not believed firmly in her guilt; that very + morning it had even seemed to him a shameful thing that he had cast + suspicion upon her in the presence of others. The encounter with the maid + at the Swiss knight’s lodgings had first induced him to insist on his + accusation so defiantly. And now? If Heinz Schorlin, with the help of the + Ortliebs, succeeded in proving the innocence of those whom he had accused, + then—ah, he must not pursue that train of thought—then, at the + lady’s accusation, he might be deprived of the right to enter the lists in + the tournament; then all the disgrace which could be inflicted upon the + slanderous defamer of character threatened him; then Wolff would summon + him to a reckoning, as well as Heinz Schorlin. Wolff, whom he had begun to + hate since, with his resistless arm of iron, he had exposed him for the + first time to the malicious glee of the bystanders in the fencing hall. + </p> + <p> + Yet it was not this which suddenly bowed his head and loudly admonished + him that he had again behaved like a reckless fool. Cowardice was his + least fault. He did not fear what might befall him in battle. Whether he + would be barred out from the lists was the terrible question which + darkened the bright morning already verging towards noon. He had charged + Els with perfidy in the presence of others, and thereby exposed her, the + plighted bride of a knight, to the utmost scorn. And besides—fool + that he was!—his brothers had again attacked a train of waggons on + the highway and would soon be called to account as robbers. This would + certainly lead the Swiss and others to investigate his own past, and the + Pursuivant at Arms excluded from joust and tourney whoever “injured trade + or merchant.” What would not his enemy, who was in such high favour with + the Emperor, do to compass his destruction? But—and at the thought + he uttered a low imprecation—how could he ride to the joust if his + father-in-law closed his strong box which, moreover, was said to be empty? + If the old man was forced to declare himself bankrupt Siebenburg’s + creditors would instantly seize his splendid chargers and costly suits of + armour, scarcely one half of which were paid for. How much money he needed + as security in case of defeat! His sole property was debts. Yet the + thought seemed like an illumination—his wife’s valuable old jewels + could probably still be saved, and she might be induced to give him part + of the ornaments for the tournament. He need only make her understand that + his honour and that of the twins were at stake. Would that Heaven might + spare his boys such hours of anxiety and self-accusation! + </p> + <p> + But what was this? Was he deluding himself? Did his over-excited + imagination make him hear a death knell pealing for his honour and his + hopes, which must be borne to their grave? Yet no! All the citizens and + peasants, men and women, great and small, who thronged the salt market, + which he had just entered, raised their heads to listen with him; for from + every steeple at once rang the mournful death knell which announced to the + city the decease of an “honourable” member of the Council, a secular or + ecclesiastical prince. The mourning banner was already waving on the roof + of the Town Hall, towards which he turned. Men in the service of the city + were hoisting other black flags upon the almshouse, and now the Hegelein—[Proclaimer + of decrees]—in mourning garments, mounted on a steed caparisoned + with crepe, came riding by at the head of other horsemen clad in sable, + proclaiming to the throng that Hartmann, the Emperor Rudolph’s promising + son, had found an untimely end. The noble youth was drowned while bathing + in the Rhine. + </p> + <p> + It seemed as if a frost had blighted a blooming garden. The gay bustle in + the market place was paralysed. The loud sobs of many women blended with + exclamations of grief and pity from bearded lips which had just been + merrily bargaining for salt and fish, meat and game. Messengers with crepe + on their hats or caps forced a passage through the throng, and a train of + German knights, priests, and monks passed with bowed heads, bearing + candles in their hands, between the Town Hail and St. Sebald’s Church + towards the corn magazine and the citadel. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile dark clouds were spreading slowly over the bright-blue vault of + the June sky. A flock of rooks hovered around the Town Hall, and then + flew, with loud cries, towards the castle. + </p> + <p> + Seitz watched them indifferently. Even the great omnipotent sovereign + there had his own cross to bear; tears flowed in his proud palace also, + and sighs of anguish were heard. And this was just. He had never wished + evil to any one who did not injure him, but even if he could have averted + this sore sorrow from the Emperor Rudolph he would not have stirred a + finger. His coronation had been a blow to him and to his brothers. + Formerly they had been permitted to work their will on the highways, but + the Hapsburg, the Swiss, had pitilessly stopped their brigandage. Now for + the first time robber-knights were sentenced and their castles destroyed. + The Emperor meant to transform Germany into a sheepfold, Absbach + exclaimed. The Siebenburg brothers were his faithful allies, and though + they complained that the joyous, knightly clank of arms would be silenced + under such a sovereign, they themselves took care that the loud battle + shouts, cries of pain, and shrieks for aid were not hushed on the roads + used for traffic by the merchants. But this was not Seitz’s sole reason + for shrugging his shoulders at the expressions of the warmest sympathy + which rose around him. The Emperor was tenderly attached to Heinz + Schorlin, and the man who was so kindly disposed to his foe could never be + his friend. Perhaps to-morrow Rudolph might behead his brothers and + elevate Heinz Schorlin to still greater honors. Seitz, whose eyes had + overflowed with tears when the warder of his native castle lost his aged + wife, who had been his nurse, now found no cause to grieve with the + mourners. + </p> + <p> + So he continued his way, burdened with his own anxieties, amid the tears + and lamentations of the multitude. The numerous retinue of servants in the + Eysvogel mansion were moving restlessly to and fro; the news of the + prince’s death had reached them. Herr Casper had left the house. He was + probably at Herr Ernst Ortlieb’s. If the latter had already learned what + he, Seitz Siebenburg, had said at the gaming table of his daughter, + perhaps his hand had dealt the first decisive blow at the tottering house + where, so long as it stood, his wife and the twins would under any + circumstances find shelter. Resentment against the Swiss, hatred, and + jealousy, had made him a knave, and at the same time the most shortsighted + of fools. + </p> + <p> + As he approached the second story, in which the nursery was situated and + where he expected to find his wife, it suddenly seemed as if a star had + risen amid the darkness. If he poured out his heart to Isabella and let + her share the terrible torture of his soul, perhaps it would awaken a + tender sympathy in the woman who still loved him, and who was dearer to + him than he could express. Her jewels were certainly very valuable, but + far more precious was the hope of being permitted to rest his aching head + upon her breast and feel her slender white hand push back the hair from + his anxious brow. Oh, if misfortune would draw her again as near to him as + during the early months of their married life and directly before it, he + could rise from his depression with fresh vigour and transform the battle, + now half lost, into victory. Besides, she was clever and had power over + the hearts of her family, so perhaps she might point out the pathway of + escape, which his brain, unused to reflection, could not discover. + </p> + <p> + His heart throbbed high as, animated by fresh hope, he entered the + corridor from which opened the rooms which he occupied with her. But his + wish to find her alone was not to be fulfilled; several voices reached + him. + </p> + <p> + What was the meaning of the scene? + </p> + <p> + Isabella, her face deadly pale, and her tall figure drawn up to its full + height, stood before the door of the nursery with a stern, cold expression + on her lovely lips, like a princess pronouncing sentence upon a criminal. + She was panting for breath, and before her, her mother, and her + grandmother, Countess Cordula’s pretty page, whom Siebenburg knew only too + well, was moving to and fro with eager gestures. He held in his hand the + bunch of roses which Seitz had sent to his newly-won wife and darling as a + token of reconciliation, and Siebenburg heard his clear, boyish tones + urge: “I have already said so and, noble lady, you may believe me, this + bouquet, which the woman brought us, was intended for my gracious + mistress, Countess von Montfort. It was meant to give her a fair morning + greeting, and—Do not let this vex you, for it was done only in the + joyous game of love, as custom dictated. Ever since we came here your lord + has daily honoured my countess with the loveliest flowers whose buds + unfold in the region near the Rhine. But my gracious mistress, as you have + already heard, believes that you, noble lady, have a better right to these + unusually beautiful children of the spring than she who last evening bade + your lord behold in you, not in her, fair lady, the most fitting object of + his homage. So she sent me hither, most gracious madam, to lay what is + yours at your feet.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke, the agile boy, with a graceful bow, tried to place the + flowers in Isabella’s hand, but she would not receive the bouquet, and the + abrupt gesture with which she pushed them back flung the nosegay on the + floor. Paying no further heed to it, she answered in a cold, haughty tone: + “Thank your mistress, and tell her that I appreciated her kind intention, + but the roses which she sent me were too full of thorns.” Then, turning + her back on the page, she advanced with majestic pride to the door of the + nursery. + </p> + <p> + Her mother and grandmother tried to follow, but Siebenburg pressed between + them and his wife, and his voice thrilled with the anguish of a soul + overwhelmed by despair as he cried imploringly: “Hear me, Isabella! There + is a most unhappy misunderstanding here. By all that is sacred to me, by + our love, by our children, I swear those roses were intended for you, my + heart’s treasure, and for you alone.” + </p> + <p> + But Countess Rotterbach cut him short by exclaiming with a loud chuckle: + “The unripe early pears will probably come from the fruit market to the + housewife’s hands later; the roses found their way to Countess von + Montfort more quickly.” + </p> + <p> + The malicious words were followed like an echo by Frau Rosalinde’s tearful + “It is only too true. This also!” + </p> + <p> + The knight, unheeding the angry, upbraiding woman, hastened in pursuit of + his wife to throw himself at her feet and confess the whole truth; but + she, who had heard long before that Sir Seitz was paying Countess Cordula + more conspicuous attention than beseemed a faithful husband, and who, + after the happy hour so recently experienced, had expected, until the + arrival of the page, the dawn of brighter, better days, now felt doubly + abased, deceived, betrayed. + </p> + <p> + Without vouchsafing the unfortunate man even a glance or a word, she + entered the nursery before he reached her; but he, feeling that he must + follow her at any cost, laid his hand on the lock of the door and tried to + open it. The strong oak resisted his shaking and pulling. Isabella had + shot the heavy iron bolt into its place. Seitz first knocked with his + fingers and then with his clenched fist, until the grandmother exclaimed: + “You have destroyed the house, at least spare the doors.” + </p> + <p> + Uttering a fierce imprecation, he went to his own chamber, hastily thrust + into his pockets all the gold and valuables which he possessed, and then + went out again into the street. His way led him past Kuni, the flower girl + from whom he had bought the roses. The beggar who was to carry them to his + wife did not hear distinctly, on account of her bandaged head, and not + understanding the knight, went to the girl from whom she had seen him + purchase the blossoms to ask where they belonged. Kuni pointed to the + lodgings of the von Montforts, where she had already sent so many bouquets + for Siebenburg. The latter saw both the flower-seller and the beggar + woman, but did not attempt to learn how the roses which he intended for + his wife had reached Countess Cordula. He suspected the truth, but felt no + desire to have it confirmed. Fate meant to destroy him, he had learned + that. The means employed mattered little. It would have been folly to + strive against the superior power of such an adversary. Let ruin pursue + its course. His sole wish was to forget his misery, though but for a brief + time. He knew he could accomplish this by drink, so he entered the Mirror + wine tavern and drained bumper after bumper with a speed which made the + landlord, though he was accustomed to marvellous performances on the part + of his guests, shake the head set on his immensely thick neck somewhat + suspiciously. + </p> + <p> + The few persons present had gathered in a group and were talking sadly + about the great misfortune which had assailed the Emperor. The universal + grief displayed so hypocritically, as Seitz thought, angered him, and he + gazed at them with such a sullen, threatening look that no one ventured to + approach him. Sometimes he stared into his wine, sometimes into vacancy, + sometimes at the vaulted ceiling above. He harshly rebuffed the landlord + and the waiter who tried to accost him, but when the peasant’s prediction + was fulfilled and the thunderstorm of the preceding night was followed at + midnight by one equally severe, he arose and left the hostelry. The rain + tempted him into the open air. The taproom was so sultry, so terribly + sultry. The moisture of the heavens would refresh him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. + </h2> + <p> + The fury of the tempest had ceased, but the sky was still obscured by + clouds. A cool breeze blew from the northeast through the damp, heavy air. + </p> + <p> + Heinz Schorlin was coming from the fortress, and after crossing the + Diligengasse went directly towards his lodgings. His coat of mail, spurs, + and helmeted head were accoutrements for the saddle, yet he was on foot. A + throng of men, women, and children, whispering eagerly together, + accompanied him. One pointed him out to another, as if there was something + unusual about him. Two stalwart soldiers in the pay of the city followed, + carrying his saddle and the equipments of his horse, and kept back the + boys or women who boldly attempted to press too near. + </p> + <p> + Heinz did not heed the throng. He looked pale, and his thick locks, + falling in disorder from under his helmet, floated around his face. The + chain armour on his limbs and his long surcoat were covered with mire. The + young knight, usually so trim, looked disordered and, as it were, thrown + off his balance. His bright face bore the impress of a horror still + unconquered, as he gazed restlessly into vacancy, and seemed to be seeking + something, now above and now in the ground. + </p> + <p> + The pretty young hostess, Frau Barbara Deichsler, holding her little + three-year-old daughter by the hand, stood in front of the house in the + Bindergasse where he lodged. The knight usually had a pleasant or merry + word for her, and a gay jest or bit of candy for Annele. Nay, the young + noble, who was fond of children, liked to toss the little one in his arms + and play with her. + </p> + <p> + Frau Barbara had already heard that, as Heinz was returning from the + fortress, the lightning had struck directly in front of him, killing his + beautiful dun charger, which she had so often admired. It had happened + directly before the eyes of the guard, and the news had gone from man to + man of the incredible miracle which had saved the life of the young Swiss, + the dearest friend of the Emperor’s dead son. + </p> + <p> + When Heinz approached the door Frau Barbara stepped forward with Annele to + congratulate him that the dear saints had so graciously protected him, but + he only answered gravely: “What are we mortals? Rejoice in the child, Frau + Barbara, so long as she is spared to you.” + </p> + <p> + He passed into the entry as he spoke, but Frau Deichsler hastily prepared + to call his armour-bearer, a grey-bearded Swiss who had served the + knight’s father and slept away the hours not devoted to his duties or to + the wine cup. He must supply the place of Biberli, who had left the house + a long time before, and for the first time in many years was keeping his + master waiting. But Heinz knew where he was, and while the armour-bearer + was divesting him, awkwardly enough, of his suit of mail and gala attire, + he was often seized with anxiety about his faithful follower, though many + things with which the morning had burdened his soul lay nearer to his + heart. + </p> + <p> + Never had he been so lucky in gambling as last night in the Duke of + Pomerania’s quarters. Biberli’s advice to trust to the two and five had + been repeatedly tested, and besides the estate of Tannenreuth, which + Siebenburg had staked against all his winnings, he had brought home more + gold than he had ever seen before. + </p> + <p> + Yet he had gone to rest in a mood by no means joyous. It was painful to + him to deprive any one of his lands and home. He had even resisted + accepting Siebenburg’s reckless stake, but his obstinate persistence and + demand could not be opposed. The calumnies by which the “Mustache” had + assailed the innocent Els Ortlieb haunted him, and many others had shown + their indignation against the traducer. Probably thirty gentlemen at the + gaming table had been witnesses of these incidents, and if, to-morrow, it + was in everybody’s mouth that he, Heinz, had been caught at mid-night in + an interview with the elder beautiful Ortlieb E, the fault was his, and he + would be burdened with the guilt of having sullied the honour and name of + a pure maiden, the betrothed bride of an estimable man. + </p> + <p> + And Eva! + </p> + <p> + When he woke in the morning his first thought had been of her. She had + seemed more desirable than ever. But his relatives at home, and the + counsel Biberli had urged upon him during their nocturnal wandering, had + constantly interposed between him and the maiden whom he so ardently + loved. Besides, it seemed certain that the passion which filled his heart + must end unhappily. Else what was the meaning of this unexampled good luck + at the gaming table? The torture of this thought had kept him awake a long + time. Then he had sunk into a deep, dreamless sleep. In the morning + Biberli, full of delight, roused him, and displayed three large bags + filled with florins and zecchins, the gains of the night before. + </p> + <p> + The servant had begged to be permitted to count the golden blessing, which + in itself would suffice to buy the right to use the bridge from the city + of Luzerne twice over, and the best thing about which was that it would + restore the peace of mind of his lady mother at Schorlin Castle. + </p> + <p> + Now, in the name of all the saints, let him continue his life of liberty, + and leave the somnambulist to walk over the roofs, and suffer Altrosen, + who had worn her colour so patiently, to wed the countess. + </p> + <p> + But how long the servitor’s already narrow face became when Heinz, with a + grave resolution new to Biberli, answered positively that no ducats would + stray from these bags to Schorlin Castle. If, last night, anxiety had + burdened his mind like the corpse of a murdered man, these gains weighed + upon his soul like the loathsome body of a dead cat. Never in his whole + life had he felt so poor as with this devil’s money. The witch-bait which + Biberli had given him with the two and the five had drawn it out of the + pockets of his fellow gamblers. He would be neither a cut-purse nor a + dealer in the black arts. The wages of hell should depart as quickly as + they came. While speaking, he seized the second largest bag and gave it to + the servant, exclaiming: “Now keep your promise to Katterle like an honest + man. The poor thing will have a hard time at her employer’s. I make but + one condition: you are to remain in my service. I can’t do without you.” + </p> + <p> + While the armour-bearer, in the agile Biberli’s place, was handing him the + garments to be worn in the house, Heinz again remembered how the faithful + fellow had thrown himself on his knees and kissed his master’s hands and + arms in the excess of his joyful surprise, and yet he had felt as if a + dark cloud was shadowing the brightness of his soul. The morning sun had + shone so radiantly into his window, and Annele had come with such + bewitching shyness to bring him a little bunch of lilies of the valley + with a rose in the centre, and a pleasant morning greeting from her + mother, that the cloud could not remain, yet it had only parted + occasionally to close again speedily, though it was less dense and dark + than before. + </p> + <p> + Yet he had taken the child in his arms and looked down into the narrow + street to show her the people going to market so gaily in the early + morning. But he soon put her down again, for he recognised in a horseman + approaching on a weary steed Count Curt Gleichen, the most intimate friend + of young Prince Hartmann and himself, and when he called to him he had + slid from his saddle with a faint greeting. + </p> + <p> + Heinz instantly rushed out of the house to meet him, but he had found him + beside his steed, which had sunk on its knees, and then, trembling and + panting, dragged itself, supported by its rider’s hand, into the entry. + There it fell, rolled over on its side, and stretched its limbs stiffly in + death. It was the third horse which the messenger had killed since he left + the Rhine, yet he was sure of arriving too soon; for he had to announce to + a father the death of his promising son. + </p> + <p> + Heinz listened, utterly overwhelmed, to the narrative of the eye-witness, + who described how Hartmann, ere he could stretch out a hand to save him, + had been dragged into the depths by the waves of the Rhine. + </p> + <p> + In spite of the sunny brightness of the morning the young Swiss had had a + presentiment of some great misfortune, and had told himself that he would + welcome it if it relieved him from the burden which had darkened his soul + since the disgraceful good luck of the previous night. Now it had + happened, and how gladly he would have continued to bear the heaviest load + to undo the past. He had sobbed on his friend’s breast like a child, + accusing Heaven for having visited him with this affliction. + </p> + <p> + Hartmann had been not only his friend but his pupil—and what a + pupil! He had instructed him in horsemanship and the use of the sword, and + during the last year shared everything with him and young Count Gleichen + as if they were three brothers and, like a brother, the prince had + constantly grown closer to his heart. Had he, Heinz, accompanied Hartmann + to the Rhine and been permitted to remain with him, neither or both would + have fallen victims to the river! And Hartmann’s aged father, the noble + man to whom he owed everything, and who clung with his whole soul to the + beloved youth, his image in mind and person—how would the Emperor + Rudolph endure this? But a few months ago death had snatched from him his + wife, the love of his youth, the mother of his children, the companion of + his glorious career! The thought of him stirred Heinz to the depths of his + soul, and he would fain have hastened at once to the castle to help the + stricken father bear the new and terrible burden imposed upon him. But he + must first care for the messenger of these terrible tidings who, with lips + white from exhaustion, needed refreshment. + </p> + <p> + Biberli, who saw and thought of everything, had already urged the hostess + to do what she could, and sent the servant to the tailor that, when Heinz + rode to the fortress, he might not lack the mourning—a tabard would + suffice—which could be made in a few hours. + </p> + <p> + Frau Barbara had just brought the lunch and promised to obey the command + to keep the terrible news which she had just heard a secret from every + one, that the rumor might not reach the fortress prematurely, when another + visitor appeared—Heinz Schorlin’s cousin, Sir Arnold Maier of + Silenen, a tall, broad-shouldered man of fifty, with stalwart frame and + powerful limbs. + </p> + <p> + His grave, bronzed countenance, framed by a grey beard, revealed that he, + too, brought no cheering news. He had never come to his young cousin’s at + so early an hour. + </p> + <p> + His intelligent, kindly grey eyes surveyed Heinz with astonishment. What + had befallen the happy-hearted fellow? But when he heard the news which + had wet the young knight’s eyes with tears, his own lips also quivered, + and his deep, manly tones faltered as he laid his heavy hands on the + mourner’s shoulders and gazed tearfully into his eyes. At last he + exclaimed mournfully: “My poor, poor boy! Pray to Him to whom we owe all + that is good, and who tries us with the evil. Would to God I had less + painful tidings for you!” + </p> + <p> + Heinz shrank back, but his cousin told him the tidings learned from a + Swiss messenger scarcely an hour before. The dispute over the bridge toll + had caused a fight. The uncle who supplied a father’s place to Heinz and + managed his affairs—brave old Walther Ramsweg—was killed; + Schorlin Castle had been taken by the city soldiery and, at the command of + the chief magistrate, razed to the ground. Wendula Schorlin, Heinz’s + mother, with her daughter Maria, had fallen into the hands of the city + soldiers and been carried to the convent in Constance, where she and her + youngest child now remained with the two older daughters. + </p> + <p> + Heinz, deeply agitated by the news, exclaimed: “Uncle Ramsweg, our kind + second father, also in the grave without my being able to press his brave, + loyal hand in farewell! And Maria, our singing bird, our nimble little + squirrel, with those grave, world-weary Sisters! And my mother! You, too, + like every one, love her, Cousin—and you know her. She who has been + accustomed to command, and to manage the house and the lands, who like a + saint dried tears far and near amid trouble and deprivation—she, + deprived of her own strong will, in a convent! Oh, Cousin, Cousin! To hear + this, and not be able to rush upon the rabble who have robbed us of the + home of our ancestors, as a boy crushes a snail shell! Can it be imagined? + No Castle Schorlin towering high above the lake on the cliff at the verge + of the forest. The room where we all saw the light of the world and + listened to our mother’s songs destroyed; the sacred chamber where the + father who so lovingly protected us closed his eyes; the chapel where we + prayed so devoutly and vowed to the Holy Virgin a candle from our little + possessions, or, in the lovely month of May, brought flowers to her from + our mother’s little garden, the cliff, or the dark forest. The courtyard + where we learned to manage a steed and use our weapons, the hall where we + listened to the wandering minstrels, in ruins! Gone, gone, all gone! My + mother and Maria weeping prisoners!” + </p> + <p> + Here his cousin broke in to show him that love was leading him to look on + the dark side. His mother had chosen the convent for her daughter’s sake; + she was by no means detained there by force. She could live wherever she + pleased, and her dowry, with what she had saved, would be ample to support + her and Maria, in the city or the country, in a style suited to their + rank. + </p> + <p> + This afforded Heinz some consolation, but enough remained to keep his + grief alive, and his voice sounded very sorrowful as he added: “That + lessens the bitterness of the cup. But who will re build the ancient + castle? Who will restore our uncle? And the Emperor, my beloved, fatherly + master, dying of grief! Our Hartmann dead! Washed away like a dry branch + which the swift Reuss seizes and hurries out of our sight! Too much, too + hard, too terrible! Yet the sun shines as brightly as before! The children + in the street below laugh as merrily as ever!” + </p> + <p> + Groaning aloud, he covered his face with his hands, and those from whom he + might have expected consolation were forced to leave him in the midst of + the deepest sorrow; for the Swiss mail, which had come to Maier of Silenen + as the most distinguished of his countrymen, was awaiting distribution, + and Count Gleichen was forced to fulfill his sorrowful duty as messenger. + His friend Heinz had lent him his second horse, the black, to ride to the + fortress. + </p> + <p> + While Heinz, pursued by grief and care, sometimes paced up and down the + room, sometimes threw himself into the armchair which Frau Barbara, to do + him special honour, had placed in the sitting-room, the Minorite monk + Benedictus, whom he had brought to Nuremberg, had come uninvited from the + neighbouring monastery to give him a morning greeting. The enthusiasm with + which St. Francis had filled his soul in his early years had not died out + in his aged breast. He who in his youth had borne the escutcheon of his + distinguished race in many a battle and tourney, as a knight worthy of all + honour, sympathised with his young equal in rank, and found him in the + mood to provide for his eternal salvation. On the ride to Nuremberg he had + perceived in Heinz a pious heart and a keen intellect which yearned for + higher things. But at that time the joyous youth had not seemed to him + ripe for the call of Heaven; when he found him bowed with grief, his eyes, + so radiant yesterday, swimming in tears, the conviction was aroused that + the Omnipotent One Himself had taken him by the hand to lead the young + Swiss, to whom he gratefully wished the best blessings, into the path + which the noble Saint of Assisi himself had pointed out to him, and + wherein he had found a bliss for which in the world he had vainly yearned. + </p> + <p> + But his conversation with his young friend had been interrupted, first by + the tailor who was to make his mourning garb, then by Siebenburg, and even + later he had had no opportunity to school Heinz; for after Seitz had gone + Biberli and Katterle had needed questioning. The result of this was + sufficiently startling, and had induced Heinz to send the servant and his + sweetheart on the errand from which the former had not yet returned. + </p> + <p> + When the young knight found himself alone he repeated what the monk had + just urged upon him. Then Eva’s image rose before him, and he had asked + himself whether she, the devout maiden, would not thank her saint when she + learned that he, obedient to her counsel, was beginning to provide for his + eternal salvation. + </p> + <p> + Moved by such thoughts, he had smiled as he told himself that the Minorite + seemed to be earnestly striving to win him for the monastery. The old man + meant kindly, but how could he renounce the trade of arms, for which he + was reared and which he loved? + </p> + <p> + Then he had been obliged to ride to the fortress to wait upon the Emperor + and tell him how deeply he sympathised with his grief. But he was denied + admittance. Rudolph desired to be alone, and would not see even his + nearest relatives. + </p> + <p> + On the way home he wished to pass through the inner gate of the + Thiergartnerthor into Thorstrasse to cross the milk market. The violence + of the noonday thundershower had already begun to abate, and he had ridden + quietly forward, absorbed in his grief, when suddenly a loud, rattling + crash had deafened his ears and made him feel as if the earth, the gate, + and the fortress were reeling. At the same moment his horse leaped upward + with all four feet at once, tossed its clever head convulsively, and sank + on its knees. + </p> + <p> + Half blinded by the dazzling light he saw, and bewildered by the + sulphurous vapour he noticed, Heinz nevertheless retained his presence of + mind, and had sprung from the saddle ere the quivering steed fell on its + side. Several of the guard at the gate quickly hastened to his assistance, + examined the horse with him, and found the noble animal already dead. The + lightning had darted along the iron mail on its forehead and the steel + bit, and struck the ground without injuring Heinz himself. The soldiers + and a Dominican monk who had sought shelter from the rain in the + guardhouse extolled this as a great miracle. The people who had crowded to + the spot were also seized with pious awe, and followed the knight to whom + Heaven had so distinctly showed its favour. + </p> + <p> + Heinz himself only felt that something extraordinary had happened. The + world had gained a new aspect. His life, which yesterday had appeared so + immeasurably long, now seemed brief, pitifully brief. Perhaps it would end + ere the sun sank to rest in the Haller meadows. He must deem every hour + that he was permitted to breathe as a gift, like the earnest money he, + placed in the trainer’s hand in a horse trade. According to human judgment + the lightning should have killed him as well as the horse. If he still + lived and breathed and saw the grey clouds drifting across the sky, this + was granted only that he might secure his eternal salvation, to which + hitherto he had given so little concern. How grateful he ought to be that + this respite had been allowed him—that he had not been snatched away + unwarned, like Prince Hartmann, in the midst of his sins! + </p> + <p> + Would not Eva feel the same when she learned what had befallen him? + Perhaps Biberli would come back soon—he had been gone so long—and + could tell him about her. + </p> + <p> + Even before the thunderbolt had stirred the inmost depths of his being, + when he was merely touched by his deep grief and the monk’s admonition, he + had striven to guide the servant and his sweetheart into the right path, + and the grey-haired monk aided him. The monastic life, it is true, would + not have suited Biberli, but he had shown himself ready to atone for the + wrong done the poor girl who had kept her troth for three long years and, + unasked, went back with her to her angry master. + </p> + <p> + Ere Heinz set forth on his ride to the fortress he had gone out declaring + that he would prove the meaning of his truth and steadfastness, thereby + incurring a peril which certainly gave him a right to wear the T and St on + his long robe and cap forever. He must expect to be held to a strict + account by Ernst Ortlieb. If the incensed father, who was a member of the + Council, used the full severity of the law, he might fare even worse than + ill. But he had realised the pass to which he had brought his sweetheart, + and the Minorite led his honest heart to the perception of the sin he + would commit if he permitted her to atone for an act which she had done by + his desire—nay, at his command. + </p> + <p> + With the gold Heinz had given him, and after his assurance that he would + retain him in his service even when a married man, he could, it is true, + more easily endure being punished with her who, as his wife, would soon be + destined to share evil with him as well as good. He had also secured the + aid of both his master and the Minorite, and had arranged an account of + what had occurred, which placed his own crime and the maid’s in a milder + light. Finally—and he hoped the best result from this—Katterle + would bring the Ortliebs good news, and he was the very man to make it + useful to Jungfrau Els. + </p> + <p> + So he had committed his destiny to his beloved master, behind whom was the + Emperor himself, to the Minorite, who, judging from his great age and + dignified aspect, might be an influential man, St. Leodogar, and his own + full purse and, with a heart throbbing anxiously, entered the street with + the closely muffled Katterle, to take the unpleasant walk to the + exasperated master and father. + </p> + <p> + The morning had been rife with important events to Biberli also. The means + of establishing a household, the conviction that it would be hard for him + to remain a contented man without the idol of his heart, and the still + more important one that it would not be wise to defer happiness long, + because, as the death of young Prince Hartmann had shown, and Pater + Benedictus made still more evident, the possibility of enjoying the + pleasures of life might be over far too speedily. + </p> + <p> + He had been within an ace of losing his Katterle forever, and through no + one’s guilt save that of the man on whose truth and steadfastness she so + firmly relied. After Siebenburg’s departure she had confessed with tears + to him, his master, and the monk, what had befallen her, and how she had + finally reached the Bindergasse and Sir Heinz Schorlin’s lodgings. + </p> + <p> + When, during the conflagration, fearing punishment, she had fled, she went + first to the Dutzen pond. Determined to end her existence, she reached the + goal of her nocturnal and her life pilgrimage. The mysterious black water + with its rush-grown shore, where ducks quacked and frogs croaked in the + sultry gloom, lay before her in the terrible darkness. After she had + repeated several Paternosters, the thought that she must die without + receiving the last unction weighed heavily on her soul. But this she could + not help, and it seemed more terrible to stand in the stocks, like the + barber’s widow, and be insulted, spit upon by the people, than to endure + the flames of purgatory, where so many others—probably among them + Biberli, who had brought her to this pass—would be tortured with + her. + </p> + <p> + So she laid down the bundle which—she did not know why herself—she + had brought with her, and took off her shoes as if she were going into the + water to bathe. Just at that moment she suddenly saw a red light + glimmering on the dark surface of the water. It could not be the + reflection of the fires of purgatory, as she had thought at first. It + certainly did not proceed from the forge on the opposite shore, now + closed, for its outlines rose dark and motionless against the moon. No—a + brief glance around verified it—the light came from the burning of + the convent. The sky was coloured a vivid scarlet in two places, but the + glow was brightest towards the southeastern part of the city, where St. + Klarengasse must be. Then she was overpowered by torturing curiosity. Must + she die without knowing how much the fire had injured the newly built + convent, on whose site she had enjoyed the springtime of love, and how the + good Sisters fared? It seemed impossible, and her greatest fault for the + first time proved a blessing. It drew her back from the Dutzen pond to the + city. + </p> + <p> + On reaching the Marienthurm she learned that only a barn and a cow stable + had b@en destroyed by the flames. For this trivial loss she had suffered + intense anxiety and been faithless to her resolution to seek death, which + ends all fears. + </p> + <p> + Vexed by her own weakness, she determined to go back to her employer’s + house and there accept whatever fate the saints bestowed. But when she saw + a light still shining through the parchment panes in the room occupied by + the two Es, she imagined that Herr Ernst was pronouncing judgment upon + Eva. In doing so her own guilt must be recalled, and the thought terrified + her so deeply that she joined the people returning from the fire, for whom + the Frauenthor still stood open, and allowed the crowd to carry her on + with them to St. Kunigunde’s chapel in St. Lawrence’s church; and when + some, passing the great Imhof residence, turned into the Kotgasse, she + followed. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto she had walked on without goal or purpose, but here the question + where to seek shelter confronted her; for the torchbearers who had lighted + the way disappeared one after another in the various houses. Deep darkness + suddenly surrounded her, and she was seized with terror. But ere the last + torch vanished, its light fell upon one of the brass basins which hung in + front of the barbers’ shops. + </p> + <p> + The barber! The woman whom she had seen in the stocks was the widow of + one, and the house where she granted the lovers the meeting, on whose + account she had been condemned to so severe a punishment, was in the + Kotgasse, and had been pointed out to her. It must be directly opposite. + The thought entered her mind that the woman who had endured such a + terrible punishment, for a crime akin to her own, would understand better + than any one else the anguish of her heart. How could the widow yonder + refuse her companion in guilt a compassionate reception! + </p> + <p> + It was a happy idea, but she would never have ventured to rouse the woman + from her sleep, so she must wait. But the first grey light of dawn was + already appearing in the eastern horizon on the opposite side of the + square of St. Lawrence, and perhaps Frau Ratzer would open her house + early. + </p> + <p> + The street did honour to the name of Kotgasse—[Kot or koth-mire]. + Holding her dress high around her, Katterle waded across to the northern + row of houses and reached the plank sidewalk covered with mud to her + ankles; but at the same moment a door directly in front of her opened, and + two persons, a man and a woman, entered the street and glided by; but they + came from Frau Ratzer’s—she recognised it by the bow-window above + the entrance. The maid hurried towards the door, which still stood open, + and on its threshold was the woman to whom she intended to pay her early + visit. + </p> + <p> + Almost unable to speak, she entreated her to grant a poor girl, who did + not know where to seek shelter at this hour, the protection of her house. + </p> + <p> + The widow silently drew Katterle into the dark, narrow entry, shut the + door, and led her into a neat, gaily ornamented room. A lamp which was + still burning hung from the ceiling, but Frau Ratzer raised the tallow + candle she had carried to the door, threw its light upon her face, and + nodded approvingly. Katterle was a pretty girl, and the flush of shame + which crimsoned her cheeks was very becoming. The widow probably thought + so, too, for she stroked them with her fat hand, promising, as she did so, + to receive her and let her want for nothing if she proved an obedient + little daughter. Then she pinched the girl’s arm with the tips of her + fingers so sharply that she shrank back and timidly told the woman what + had brought her there, saying that she was and intended to remain a + respectable girl, and had sought shelter with Frau Ratzer because she knew + what a sore disgrace she had suffered for the same fault which had driven + her from home. + </p> + <p> + But the widow, starting as if stung by a scorpion, denounced Katterle as + an impudent hussy, who rightfully belonged in the stocks, to which the + base injustice of the money-bags in the court had condemned her. There was + no room in her clean house for anyone who reminded her of this outrage and + believed that she had really committed so shameful an act. Then, seizing + the maid by the shoulders, she pushed her into the street. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile it had grown light. The sun had just risen in the east above the + square of St. Lawrence and spread a golden fan of rays over the azure sky. + The radiant spectacle did not escape the eyes of the frightened girl, and + she rejoiced because it gave her the assurance that the terrifying + darkness of the night was over. + </p> + <p> + How fresh the morning was, how clear and beautiful the light of the young + day! And it shone not only on the great and the good, but on the lowly, + the poor, and the wicked. Even for the horrible woman within the sky + adorned itself with the exquisite blue and glorious brilliancy. + </p> + <p> + Uttering a sigh of relief she soon reached the Church of St. Lawrence, + which the old sexton was just opening. She was the first person who + entered the stately house of God that morning and knelt in one of the pews + to pray. + </p> + <p> + This had been the right thing for her to do. Dear Lord! Where was there + any maid in greater trouble, yet Heaven had preserved her from the death + on a red-hot gridiron which had rendered St. Lawrence, whose name the + church bore, a blessed martyr. Compared with that, even standing in the + pillory was not specially grievous. So she poured out her whole soul to + the saint, confessing everything which grieved and oppressed her, until + the early mass began. She had even confided to him that she was from + Sarnen in Switzerland, and had neither friend nor countryman here in + Nuremberg save her lover, the true and steadfast Biberli. Yet no! There + was one person from her home who probably would do her a kindness, the + wife of the gatekeeper in the von Zollern castle, a native of Berne, who + had come to Nuremberg and the fortress as the maid of the Countess + Elizabeth of Hapsburg, the present Burgravine. This excellent woman could + give her better counsel than any one, and she certainly owed the + recollection of Frau Gertrude to her patron saint. + </p> + <p> + After a brief thanksgiving she left the church and went to the fortress. + </p> + <p> + As she expected, her countrywoman received her kindly; and after Katterle + had confided everything to her, and in doing so mentioned Wolff Eysvogel, + the betrothed husband of the elder of her young mistresses, Frau Gertrude + listened intently and requested her to wait a short time. + </p> + <p> + Yet one quarter of an hour after another elapsed before she again + appeared. Her husband, the Bernese warder, a giant of a man to whom the + red and yellow Swiss uniform and glittering halberd he carried in his hand + were very becoming, accompanied his wife. + </p> + <p> + After briefly questioning Katterle, he exacted a solemn promise of secrecy + and then motioned to her to follow him. Meanwhile the maid had been + informed how the duel between Wolff Eysvogel and Ulrich Vorchtel had + ended, but while she still clasped her hands in horror, the Swiss had + opened the door of a bright, spacious apartment, where Els Ortlieb’s + betrothed husband received her with a kind though sorrowful greeting. Then + he continued his writing, and at last gave her two letters. One, on whose + back he drew a little heart, that she might not mistake it for the other, + was addressed to his betrothed bride; the second to Heinz Schorlin, whom + Wolff—no, her ears did not deceive her—called the future + husband of his sister-in-law Eva. At breakfast, which she shared with her + country people and their little daughter, Katterle would have liked to + learn how Wolff reached the fortress, but the gatekeeper maintained + absolute silence on this subject. + </p> + <p> + The maid at last, without hindrance, reached the Deichsler house and found + Biberli (not) at home. She ought to have returned to the Ortliebs in his + company long before, but the knight still vainly awaited his servant’s + appearance. He missed him sorely, since it did not enter his head that his + faithful shadow, Biberli, knew nothing of the thunderbolt which had almost + robbed him of his master and killed his pet, the dun horse. Besides, he + was anxious about his fate and curious to learn how he had found the + Ortlieb sisters; for, though Eva alone had power to make Heinz Schorlin’s + heart beat faster, the misfortune of poor Els affected him more deeply as + the thought that he was its cause grew more and more painful. + </p> + <p> + Wolff’s letter, which Katterle delivered to him, revealed young Eysvogel’s + steadfast love for the hapless girl. In it he also alluded to his + nocturnal interview with Heinz, and in cordial words admitted that he + thought he had found in him a sincere friend, to whom, if to any one, he + would not grudge his fair young sister-in-law Eva. Then he described how + the unfortunate duel had occurred. + </p> + <p> + After mentioning what had excited young Ulrich Vorchtel’s animosity, he + related that, soon after his interview with Heinz, he had met young + Vorchtel, accompanied by several friends. Ulrich had barred his way, + loading him with invectives so fierce and so offensive to his honour, that + he was obliged to accept the challenge. As he wore no weapon save the + dagger in his belt, he used the sword which a German knight among Ulrich’s + companions offered him. Calm in the consciousness that he had given his + former friend’s sister no reason to believe in his love, and firmly + resolved merely to bestow a slight lesson on her brother, he took the + weapon. But when Ulrich shouted to the crusader that the blade he lent was + too good for the treacherous hand he permitted to wield it, his blood + boiled, and with his first powerful thrust all was over. + </p> + <p> + The German knight had then introduced himself as a son of the Burgrave von + Zollern and taken him to the castle, where, with his father’s knowledge, + the noble young Knight Hospitaller concealed him, and the point now was to + show the matter, which was undoubtedly a breach of the peace, to the + Emperor Rudolph in the right light. The young Burgrave thought that he, + Heinz Schorlin, could aid in convincing the sovereign, who would lend him + a ready ear, that he, Wolff, had only drawn his sword under compulsion. So + truly as Heinz himself hoped to be a happy man through Eva’s love, he must + help him to bridge the chasm which, by his luckless deed, separated him + from his betrothed bride. + </p> + <p> + Heinz had had this letter read aloud twice. Then when Biberli had gone and + he rode to the fortress, he had resolved to do everything in his power for + the young Nuremberg noble who had so quickly won his regard, but the + sorely stricken imperial father had refused to see him, and therefore it + was impossible to take any step in the matter. + </p> + <p> + Yet Wolff’s letter had showed that he believed him in all earnestness to + be Eva’s future husband, and thus strengthened his resolve to woo her as + soon as he felt a little more independent. + </p> + <p> + After the thunderbolt had killed the horse under him, and the old Minorite + had again come and showed him that the Lord Himself, through the miracle + He had wrought, had taken him firmly and swiftly by the hand as His chosen + follower, it seemed to his agitated mind, when he took up the letter a + second time, as though everything Wolff had written about him and Els’s + sister was not intended for him. + </p> + <p> + Eva was happiness—but Heaven had vouchsafed a miracle to prove the + transitoriness of earthly life, that by renunciation here he might attain + endless bliss above. Sacrifice and again sacrifice, according to the + Minorite, was the magic spell that opened the gates of heaven, and what + harder sacrifice could he offer than that of his love? “Renounce! + renounce!” he heard a voice within cry in his ears as, with much + difficulty, he himself read Wolff’s letter, but whatever he might cast + away of all that was his, he still would fail to take up his cross as + Father Benedictus required; for even as an unknown beggar he would have + enjoyed—this he firmly believed—in Eva’s love the highest + earthly bliss. Yet divine love was said to be so much more rapturous, and + how much longer it endured! + </p> + <p> + And she? Did not the holy expression of her eyes and the aspiration of her + own soul show that she would understand him, approve his sacrifice, + imitate it, and exchange earthly for heavenly love? Neither could renounce + it without inflicting deep wounds on the heart, but every drop of blood + which gushed from them, the Minorite said, would add new and heavy weight + to their claim to eternal salvation. + </p> + <p> + Ay, Heinz would try to resign Eva! But when he yielded to the impulse to + read Wolff’s letter again he felt like a dethroned prince whom some + stranger, ignorant of his misfortune, praises for his mighty power. + </p> + <p> + The visions of the future which the greyhaired monk conjured up, all that + he told hint of his own regeneration, transformation, and the happiness + which he would find as a disciple of St. Francis in poverty, liberty, and + the silent struggle for eternal bliss, everything which he described with + fervid eloquence, increased the tumult in the young knight’s deeply + agitated soul. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IN THE FIRE OF THE FORGE—PART II. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> + <p> + The vesper bells had already died away, yet Heinz was still listening + eagerly to the aged Minorite, who was now relating the story of St. + Francis, his breach with everything that he loved, and the sorrowful + commencement of his life. The monk could have desired no more attentive + auditor. Only the young knight often looked out of the window in search of + Biberli, who had not yet returned. + </p> + <p> + The latter had gone to the Ortlieb mansion with Katterle. + </p> + <p> + The runaway maid, whose disappearance, at old Martsche’s earnest request, + had already been “cried” in the city, had no cause to complain of her + reception; for the housekeeper and the other servants, who knew nothing of + her guilt, greeted her as a favourite companion whom they had greatly + missed, and Biberli had taken care that she was provided with answers to + the questions of the inquisitive. The story which he had invented began + with the false report that a fire had broken out in the fortress. This had + startled Katterle, and attracted her to the citadel to aid her + countrywoman and her little daughter. Then came the statement that she + spent the night there, and lastly the tale that in the morning she was + detained in the Swiss warder’s quarters by a gentleman of rank—perhaps + the Burgrave himself—who, after he had learned who she was, wished + to give her some important papers for Herr Ernst Ortlieb. She had waited + hours for them and finally, on the way home, chanced to meet Biberli. + </p> + <p> + At first the maid found it difficult to repeat this patchwork of truth and + fiction in proper order, but the ex-schoolmaster impressed it so firmly on + his sweetheart’s mind that at last it flowed from her lips as fluently as + his pupils in Stanstadt had recited the alphabet. + </p> + <p> + So she became among the other servants the heroine of an innocent + adventure whose truth no one doubted, least of all the housekeeper, who + felt a maternal affection for her. Some time elapsed ere she could reach + the Es; they were still with their mother, who was so ill that the leech + Otto left the sick-room shaking his head. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he had gone Biberli stopped Els, who had accompanied the + physician outside the door of the sufferer’s chamber, and earnestly + entreated her to forgive him and Katterle—who stood at his side with + drooping head, holding her apron to her eyes and persuade her father also + to let mercy take the place of justice. + </p> + <p> + But kind-hearted Els proved sterner than the maid had ever seen her. + </p> + <p> + As her mother had been as well as usual when she woke, they had told her + of the events of the previous night. Her father was very considerate, and + even kept back many incidents, but the invalid was too weak for so + unexpected and startling a communication. She was well aware of her + excitable daughter’s passionate nature; but she had never expected that + her little “saint,” the future bride of Heaven, would be so quickly fired + with earthly love, especially for a stranger knight. Moreover, the conduct + of Eva who, though she entreated her forgiveness, by no means showed + herself contritely ready to resign her lover, had given her so much food + for thought that she could not find the rest her frail body required. + </p> + <p> + Soon after these disclosures she was again attacked with convulsions, and + Els thought of them and the fact that they were caused by Eva’s + imprudence, instigated by the maid, when she refused Biberli her + intercession with her father in behalf of him and his bride, as he now + called Katterle. + </p> + <p> + The servitor uttered a few touching exclamations of grief, yet meanwhile + thrust his hand into the pocket of his long robe and, with a courteous bow + and the warmest message of love from her betrothed husband, whom Katterle + had seen in perfect health and under the best care in the Zollern castle, + delivered to the indignant girl the letter which Wolff had entrusted to + the maid. Els hurried with the missive so impatiently expected to the + window in the hall, through which the sun, not yet reached by the rising + clouds, was shining, and as it contained nothing save tender words of love + which proved that her betrothed husband firmly relied upon her fidelity + and, come what might, would not give her up, she returned to the pair, and + hurriedly, but in a more kindly tone, informed them that her father was + greatly incensed against both, but she would try to soften him. At present + he was in his office with Herr Casper Eysvogel; Biberli might wait in the + kitchen till the latter went away. + </p> + <p> + Els then entered the sick-chamber, but Biberli put his hand under his + sweetheart’s chin, bent her head back gently, and said: “Now you see how + Biberli and other clever people manage. The best is kept until the last. + The result of the first throw matters little, only he who wins the last + goes home content. To know how to choose the bait is also an art. The + trout bites at the fly, the pike at the worm, and a yearning maiden at her + lover’s letter. Take notice! To-day, which began with such cruel sorrow, + will yet have a tolerable end.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay,” cried Katterle, nudging him angrily with her elbow, “we never had a + day begin more happily for us. The gold with which we can set up + housekeeping—” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes,” interrupted Biberli, “the zecchins and gold florins are + certainly no trifle. Much can be bought with them. But Schorlin Castle + razed to the ground, my master’s lady mother and Fraulein Maria held as + half captives in the convent, to say nothing of the light-hearted Prince + Hartmann and Sir Heinz’s piteous grief—if all these things could be + undone, child, I should not think the bag of gold, and another into the + bargain, too high a price to pay for it. What is the use of a house filled + with fine furniture when the heart is so full of sorrow? At home we all + eat together out of a cracked clay dish across which a tinker had drawn a + wire, with rude wooden spoons made by my father, yet how we all relished + it!—what more did we want?” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he drew her into the kitchen, where he found a friendly + reception. + </p> + <p> + True, the Ortlieb servants were attached to their employers and sincerely + sorry for the ill health of the mistress of the house, but for several + years the lamentations and anxiety concerning her had been ceaseless. The + young prince’s death had startled rather than saddened them. They did not + know him, but it was terrible to die so young and so suddenly. They would + not have listened to a merry tale which stirred them to laughter, but + Biberli’s stories of distant lands, of the court, of war, of the + tournament, just suited their present mood, and the narrator was well + pleased to find ready listeners. He had so many things to forget, and he + never succeeded better than when permitted to use his tongue freely. He + wagged it valiantly, too, but when the thunderstorm burst he paused and + went to the window. His narrow face was blanched, and his agile limbs + moved restlessly. Suddenly remarking, “My master will need me,” he held + out his hand to Katterle in farewell. But as the zigzag flash of lightning + had just been followed by the peal of thunder, she clung to him, earnestly + beseeching him not to leave her. He yielded, but went out to learn whether + Herr Casper was still in the office, and in a short time returned, + exclaiming angrily: “The old Eysvogel seems to be building his nest here!” + </p> + <p> + Then, to the vexation of the clumsy old cook, whom he interrupted by his + restless movements in the Paternosters she was repeating on her rosary, he + began to stride up and down before the hearth. + </p> + <p> + His light heart had rarely been so heavy. He could not keep his thoughts + from his master, and felt sure that Heinz needed him; that he, Biberli, + would have cause to regret not being with him at this moment. Had the + storm destroyed the Ortlieb mansion he would have considered it only + natural; and as he glanced around the kitchen in search of Katterle, who, + like most of the others, was on her knees with her rosary in her hand, old + Martsche rushed in, hurried up to the cook, shook her as if to rouse her + from sleep, and exclaimed: “Hot water for the blood-letting! Quick! Our + mistress—she’ll slip through our hands.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke, the young kitchen maid Metz helped the clumsy woman up, and + Biberli also lent his aid. + </p> + <p> + Just as the jug was filled, Els, too, hastened in, snatched it from the + hand of Martsche, whose old feet were too slow for her, and hurried with + it into the entry and up the stairs, passing her father, to whom she had + called on the way down. + </p> + <p> + Casper Eysvogel stood at the bottom of the steps, and called after her + that it would not be his fault, but her father’s, if everything between + her and his son was over. + </p> + <p> + She probably heard the words, but made no answer, and hastened as fast as + her feet would carry her to her mother’s bed. + </p> + <p> + The old physician was holding the gasping woman in his arms, and Eva knelt + beside the high bedstead sobbing, as she covered the dry, burning hand + with kisses. + </p> + <p> + When Ernst Ortlieb entered the chamber of his beloved wife a cold chill + ran down his back, for the odour of musk, which he had already inhaled + beside many a deathbed, reached him. + </p> + <p> + It had come to this! The end which he had so long delayed by tender love + and care was approaching. The flower which had adorned his youth and, + spite of its broken stem, had grown still dearer and was treasured beyond + everything else that bloomed in his garden, would be torn from him. + </p> + <p> + This time no friendly potion had helped her to sleep through the noise of + the thunderstorm. Soon after the attack of convulsions the agitated, + feeble sufferer had started up in terror at the first loud peal of + thunder. Fright followed fright, and when the leech came voluntarily to + enquire for her, he found a dying woman. + </p> + <p> + The bleeding restored her to consciousness for a short time, and she + evidently recognised her husband and her children. To the former she gave + a grateful, tender glance of love, to Els an affectionate, confidential + gesture, but Eva, her pride and joy, whom the past night had rendered a + child of sorrow, claimed her attention most fully. + </p> + <p> + Her kind, gentle eyes rested a long time upon her: then she looked toward + her husband as if beseeching him to cherish this child with special + tenderness in his heart; and when he returned the glance with another, in + which all the wealth of his great and loyal love shone through his tears, + her fever-flushed features brightened. Memories of the spring of her love + seemed to irradiate her last moments and, as her eyes again rested on Eva, + her lips once more smiled with the bewitching expression, once her + husband’s delight, which had long deserted them. + </p> + <p> + It seemed during this time as if she had forgotten the faithful nurse who + for years had willingly sacrificed the pleasures of her days and the sleep + of her nights, to lavish upon the child of her anxiety all that her + mother-heart still contained, which was naught save love. + </p> + <p> + Els doubtless noticed it, but with no bitter or sorrowful thoughts. She + and the beloved dying woman understood one another. Each knew what she was + to the other. Her mother need not doubt, nor did she, that, whatever + obstacles life might place in her pathway, Els would pursue the right + course even without counsel and guidance. But Eva needed her love and care + so much just now, and when the sufferer gave her older daughter also a + tender glance and vainly strove to falter a few words of thanks, Els + herself replaced in Eva’s the hand which her mother had withdrawn. + </p> + <p> + Fran Maria nodded gently to Els, as if asking her sensible elder daughter + to watch over her forsaken sister in her place. + </p> + <p> + Then her eyes again sought her husband, but the priest, to whom she had + just confessed, approached her instead. + </p> + <p> + After the holy man had performed the duties of his office, she again + turned her head toward Eva. It seemed as though she was feasting her eyes + on her daughter’s charms. Meanwhile she strove to utter what more she + desired to say, but the bystanders understood only the words—they + were her last: “We thought—should be untouched—But now Heaven——” + </p> + <p> + Here she paused and, after closing her eyes for a time, went on in a lower + but perfectly distinct tone: “You are good—I hope—the + forge-fire of life—it is fortunate for you The heart and its demands + The hap—pi—ness—which it—gave—me——It + ought—it must—you, too——” + </p> + <p> + Whilst speaking she had again glanced towards her husband, then at the + Abbess Kunigunde, who knelt beside him, and as the abbess met the look she + thought, “She is entrusting the child to me, and desires Eva to be happy + as one of us and the fairest of the brides of Heaven!” Ernst Ortlieb, + wholly overpowered by the deepest grief, was far from enquiring into the + meaning of these last words of his beloved dying wife. + </p> + <p> + Els, on the contrary, who had learned to read the sufferer’s features and + understood her even without words when speech was difficult, had watched + every change in the expression of her features with the utmost attention. + Without reflecting or interpreting, she was sure that the movements of her + dying mother’s lips had predicted to Eva that the “forge fire of life” + would exert its purifying and moulding influence on her also, and wished + that in the world, not in the convent, she might be as happy as she + herself had been rendered by her father’s love. + </p> + <p> + After these farewell words Frau Maria’s features became painfully + distorted, the lids drooped over her eyes, there was a brief struggle, + then a slight gesture from the physician announced to the weeping group + that her earthly pilgrimage was over. + </p> + <p> + No one spoke. All knelt silently, with clasped hands, beside the couch, + until Eva, as if roused from a dream, shrieked, “She will never come back + again!” and with passionate grief threw herself upon the lifeless form to + kiss the still face and beseech her to open her dear eyes once more and + not leave her. + </p> + <p> + How often she had remained away from the invalid in order to let her aunt + point out the path for her own higher happiness whilst Els nursed her + mother; but now that she had left her, she suddenly felt what she had + possessed and lost in her love. It seemed as if hitherto she had walked + beneath the shadow of leafy boughs, and her mother’s death had stripped + them all away as an autumn tempest cruelly tears off the foliage. + Henceforth she must walk in the scorching sun without protection or + shelter. Meanwhile she beheld in imagination fierce flames blazing + brightly from the dark soot—the forge fire of life, to which the + dead woman’s last words had referred. She knew what her mother had wished + to say, but at the present time she lacked both the desire and the + strength to realise it. + </p> + <p> + For a time each remained absorbed by individual grief. Then the father + drew both girls to his heart and confessed that, with their mother’s death + life, already impoverished by the loss of his only son, had been bereft of + its last charm. His most ardent desire was to be summoned soon to follow + the departed ones. + </p> + <p> + Els summoned up her courage and asked: “And we—are we nothing to + you, father?” + </p> + <p> + Surprised by this rebuke, he started, removed his wet handkerchief from + his eyes, and answered: “Yes, yes—but the old do not reckon Ay, much + is left to me. But he who is robbed of his best possession easily forgets + the good things remaining, and good you both are.” + </p> + <p> + He kissed his daughter lovingly as he spoke, as if wishing to retract the + words which had wounded her; then gazing at the still face of the dead, he + said: “Before you dress her, leave her alone with me for a time——There + is a wild turmoil here and here”—he pointed to his breast and brow—“and + yet The last hours——There is so much to settle and consider in + a future without her With her, with her dear calm features before my eyes——” + </p> + <p> + Here a fresh outburst of grief stifled his voice; but Els pointed to the + image of the Virgin on the wall and beckoned to her sister. + </p> + <p> + Wholly engrossed by her own sorrow, Eva had scarcely heeded her father’s + words, and now impetuously refused to leave her mother. Herr Ernst, + pleased by this immoderate grief for the one dearest to him, permitted her + to remain, and asked Els to attend to the outside affairs which a death + always brought with it. + </p> + <p> + Els accepted the new duty as a matter of course and went to the door; but + at the threshold she turned back, rushed to the deathbed, kissed the pure + brow and closed eyelids of the sleeper, and then knelt beside her in + silent prayer. When she rose she clasped Eva, who had knelt and risen with + her, in a close embrace, and whispered: “Whatever happens, you may rely on + me.” + </p> + <p> + Then she consulted her father concerning certain arrangements which must + be made, and also asked him what she should say to the maid’s lover, who + had come to beseech his forgiveness. + </p> + <p> + “Tell him to leave me in peace!” cried Herr Ernst vehemently. Els tried to + intercede for the servant, but her father pressed both hands over his + ears, exclaiming: “Who can reach a decision when he is out of his senses + himself? Let the man come to-morrow, or the day after. Whoever may call, I + will see no one, and don’t wish to know who is here.” + </p> + <p> + But the peace and solitude for which he longed seemed denied him. A few + hours after he left the chamber of death he was obliged to go to the Town + Hall on business which could not be deferred; and when, shortly before + sunset, he returned home and locked himself into his own room, old + Eysvogel again appeared. + </p> + <p> + He looked pale and agitated, and ordered the manservant—who denied + him admittance as he had been directed—to call Jungfrau Els. His + voice trembled as he entreated her to persuade her father to see him + again. The matter in question was the final decision of the fate of his + ancient house, of Wolff, and also her own and her marriage with his son. + Perhaps the death of his beloved wife might render her father’s mood more + gentle. He did not yet know all Now he must learn it. If he again said + “No,” it would seal the ruin of the Eysvogel firm. + </p> + <p> + How imploringly he could plead! how humbly the words fell from the old + merchant’s lips, moving Els to her inmost heart as she remembered the curt + inflexibility with which, only yesterday, this arrogant man, in that very + spot, had refused any connection with the Ortliebs! How much it must cost + him to bow his stiff neck before her, who was so much younger, and + approach her father, whose heart he had so pitilessly trampled under foot, + in the character of a supplicant for aid, perhaps a beggar! + </p> + <p> + Besides, Wolff was his son! + </p> + <p> + Whatever wrong the father had done her she must forget it, and the task + was not difficult; for now—she felt it—no matter from what + motive, he honestly desired to unite her to his son. If her lover now led + her through the door adorned with the huge, showy escutcheon, she would no + longer come as a person unwillingly tolerated, but as a welcome + helper-perhaps as the saviour of the imperilled house. Of the women of the + Eysvogel family she forbade herself to think. + </p> + <p> + How touching the handsome, aristocratic, grey-haired man seemed to her in + his helpless weakness! If her father would only receive him, he would find + it no easier than she to deny him the compassion he so greatly needed. + </p> + <p> + She knocked at the lonely mourner’s door and was admitted. + </p> + <p> + He was sitting, with his head bowed on his hands, opposite to the large + portrait of her dead mother in her bridal robes. The dusk of the gathering + twilight concealed the picture, but he had doubtless gazed long at the + lovely features, and still beheld them with his mental vision. + </p> + <p> + Els was received with a mournful greeting; but when Herr Ernst heard what + had brought her to him, he fiercely commanded her to tell Herr Casper that + he would have nothing more to do with him. + </p> + <p> + Els interceded for the unfortunate man, begging, pleading, and assuring + her father that she would never give up Wolff. The happiness of her whole + life was centred in him and his love. If he refused the Eysvogels the aid + besought by the old merchant who, in his humility, seemed a different man—— + </p> + <p> + Here her father indignantly broke in, ordering her to disturb him no + longer. But now the heritage of his own nature asserted itself in Els and, + with an outburst of indignation, she pointed to the picture of her mother, + whose kind heart certainly could not have endured to see a broken-hearted + man, on whose rescue the happiness of her own child depended, turned from + her door like an importunate beggar. + </p> + <p> + At this the man whose locks had long been grey sprang from his chair with + the agility of a youth, exclaiming in vehement excitement: “To embitter + the hours devoted to the most sacred grief is genuine Eysvogel + selfishness. Everything for themselves! What do they care for others? I + except your Wolff; let the future decide what concerns him and you. I will + stand by you. But to hope for happiness and peace-nay, even a life without + bitter sorrow for you from the rest of the kin—is to expect to + gather sweet pears from juniper bushes. Ever since your betrothal your + mother and I have had no sleep, disturbed whenever we talked to each other + about your being condemned to live under the same roof with that old + devil, the countess, her pitiable daughter, and that worthless Siebenburg. + But within the past few hours all this has been changed. The table-cloth + has been cut between the Eysvogels and the Ortliebs. No power in the world + can ever join it. I have not told you what has happened. Now you may learn + that you——But first listen, and then decide on whose side you + will stand. + </p> + <p> + “Early this morning I went to the session of the Council. In the + market-place I met first one member of it, then a second, third, and + fourth; each asked me what had happened to the beautiful E, my lovely + little daughter. Gradually I learned what had reached their ears. + Yesterday evening, on his way home from here, the man outside, Casper + Eysvogel, sullied your—our—good name, child, in a way I have + just learned the particulars. He boasted, in the presence of those + estimable old gentlemen, the Brothers Ebner, that he had flung at my feet + the ring which bound you to his son. You had been surprised at midnight, + he said, in the arms of a Swiss knight, and that base scoundrel + Siebenburg, his daughter’s husband, dared at the gaming-table, before a + number of knights and gentlemen—among them young Hans Gross, Veit + Holzschuher, and others-to put your interview with the Swiss in so false a + light that No, I cannot bring my lips to utter it—— + </p> + <p> + “You need hear only this one thing more: the wretch said that he thanked + his patron saint that they had discovered the jade’s tricks in time. And + this, child, was the real belief of the whole contemptible crew! But now + that the water is up to their necks, and they need my helping hand to save + them from drowning-now they will graciously take Ernst Ortlieb’s daughter + if he will give them his property into the bargain, that they may destroy + both fortune and child. No—a thousand times no! It is not seemly, at + this hour, to yield to the spirit of hate; but she who is lying in her + last sleep above would not have counselled me by a single word to such + suicidal folly. I did not learn the worst until I went to the Council, or + I would have turned the importunate fellow from the door this morning. + Tell the old man so, and add that Ernst Ortlieb will have nothing more to + do with him.” + </p> + <p> + Here the deeply incensed father pointed to the door. + </p> + <p> + Els had listened with eyes dilating in horror. The result surpassed her + worst fears. + </p> + <p> + She had felt so secure in her innocence, and the countess had interceded + for her so cleverly that, absorbed by anxieties concerning Eva, Cordula, + and her mother, she had already half forgotten the disagreeable incident. + </p> + <p> + Yet, now that her fair name was dragged through the mire, she could + scarcely be angry with those who pointed the finger of scorn at her; for + faithlessness to a betrothed lover was an offence as great as infidelity + to a husband. Nay, her friends were more ready to condemn a girl who broke + her vow than a wife who forgot her duty. + </p> + <p> + And if Wolff, in his biding-place in the citadel, should learn what was + said of his Els, to whom yesterday old and young raised their hats in glad + yet respectful greeting, would he not believe those who appealed to his + own father? + </p> + <p> + Yet ere she had fully realised this fear, she told herself that it was her + duty and her right to thrust it aside. Wolff would not be Wolff if even + for a moment he believed such a thing possible. They ought not, could not, + doubt each other. Though all Nuremberg should listen to the base calumny + and turn its back upon her, she was sure of her Wolff. Ay, he would + cherish her with twofold tenderness when he learned by whom this terrible + suffering had been inflicted upon her. + </p> + <p> + Drawing a long breath, she again fixed her eyes upon her mother’s + portrait. Had she now rushed out to tell the old man who had so cruelly + injured her—oh, it would have lightened her heart!—the wrong + he had done and what she thought of him, her mother would certainly have + stopped her, saying: “Remember that he is your betrothed husband’s + father.” She would not forget it; she could not even hate the ruined man. + </p> + <p> + Any effort to change her father’s mood now—she saw it plainly—would + be futile. Later, when his just anger had cooled, perhaps he might be + persuaded to aid the endangered house. + </p> + <p> + Herr Ernst gazed after her sorrowfully as, with a gesture of farewell, she + silently left the room to tell her lover’s father that he had come in + vain. + </p> + <p> + The old merchant was waiting in the entry, where the wails of the servants + and the women in the neighbourhood who, according to custom, were beating + their brows and breasts and rending their garments, could be heard + distinctly. + </p> + <p> + Deadly pale, as if ready to sink, he tottered towards the door. + </p> + <p> + When Els saw him hesitate at the top of the few steps leading to the + entry, she gave him her arm to support him down. As he cautiously put one + foot after the other on the stairs, she wondered how it was possible that + this man, whose tall figure and handsome face were cast in so noble a + mould, could believe her to be so base; and at the same moment she + remembered the words which old Berthold Vorchtel had uttered in her + presence to his son Ulrich: “If anything obscure comes between you and a + friend, obtain a clear understanding and peace by truth.” + </p> + <p> + Had the young man who had irritated his misjudged friend into crossing + swords with him followed this counsel, perhaps he would have been alive + now. She would take it herself, and frankly ask Wolff’s father what + justified him in accusing her of so base a deed. + </p> + <p> + The lamps were already lighted in the hall, and the rays from the central + one fell upon Herr Casper’s colourless face, which wore an expression of + despair. But just as her lips parted to ask the question the odour of musk + reached her from the death-chamber, whose door Eva had opened. Her + mother’s gentle face, still in death, rose before her memory, and she was + forced to exert the utmost self-control not to weep aloud. Without further + reflection she imposed silence upon herself and—yesterday she would + not have ventured to do it—threw her arm around Herr Casper’s + shoulders, gazed affectionately at him, and whispered: “You must not + despair, father. You have a faithful ally in this house in Els.” + </p> + <p> + The old man looked down at her in astonishment, but instead of drawing her + closer to him he released himself with courteous coldness, saying + bitterly: “There is no longer any bond between us and the Ortliebs, + Jungfrau Els. From this day forth I am no more your father than you are + the bride of my son. Your will may be good, but how little it can + accomplish has unfortunately been proved.” + </p> + <p> + Shrugging his shoulders wearily as he spoke, he nodded a farewell and left + the house. + </p> + <p> + Four bearers were waiting outside with the sedan-chair, three servants + with torches, and two stout attendants carrying clubs over their + shoulders. All wore costly liveries of the Eysvogel colours, and when + their master had taken his seat in the gilded conveyance and the men + lifted it, Els heard a weaver’s wife, who lived near by, say to her little + boy: “That’s the rich Herr Eysvogel, Fritzel. He has as much money to + spend every hour as we have in a whole year, and he is a very happy man.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> + <h3> + Els went back into the house. + </h3> + <p> + The repulse which she had just received caused her bitter sorrow. Her + father was right. Herr Casper had treated her kindly from a purely selfish + motive. She herself was nothing to him. + </p> + <p> + But there was so much for her to do that she found little time to grieve + over this new trouble. + </p> + <p> + Eva was praying in the death-chamber for the soul of the beloved dead with + some of the nuns from the convent, who had lost in her mother a generous + benefactress. + </p> + <p> + Els was glad to know that she was occupied; it was better that her sister + should be spared many of the duties which she was obliged to perform. + Whilst arranging with the coffin-maker and the “Hegelein,” the sexton and + upholsterer, ordering a large number of candles and everything else + requisite at the funeral of the mistress of an aristocratic household, she + also found time to look after her father and Countess Cordula, who was + better. Yet she did not forget her own affairs. + </p> + <p> + Biberli had returned. He had much to relate; but when forced to admit that + nothing was urgent, she requested him to defer it until later, and only + commissioned him to go to the castle, greet Wolff in her name, and + announce her mother’s death; Katterle would accompany him, in order to + obtain admittance through her countryman, the Swiss warder. + </p> + <p> + Els might have sent one of the Ortlieb servants; but, in the first place, + the fugitive’s refuge must be concealed, and then she told herself that + Biberli, who had witnessed the occurrence of the previous evening, could + best inform Wolff of the real course of events. But when she gave him + permission to tell her betrothed husband all that he had seen and heard + the day before at the Ortlieb mansion, Biberli replied that a better + person than he had undertaken to do so. As he left his master, Sir Heinz + was just going to seek her lover. When she learned all that had befallen + the knight, she would understand that he was no longer himself. Els, + however, had no time to listen, and promised to hear his story when he + returned; but he was too full of the recent experience to leave it untold, + and briefly related how wonderfully Heaven had preserved his master’s + life. Then he also told her hurriedly that the trouble which had come upon + her through Sir Heinz’s fault burdened his soul. Therefore he would not + let the night pass without at least showing her betrothed husband how he + should regard the gossip of idle tongues if it penetrated to his + hiding-place. + </p> + <p> + Els uttered a sigh of relief. Surely Wolff must trust her! Yet what + viciously coloured reports might reach him from the Eysvogels! Now that he + would learn the actual truth from the most credible eye-witnesses she no + longer dreaded even the worst calumny. + </p> + <p> + No one appeared at supper except her father. Eva had begged to be excused. + She wished to remain undisturbed; but the world, with rude yet beneficent + hand, interrupted even her surrender to her grief for her mother. + </p> + <p> + The tailor, who protested that, owing to the mourning for young Prince + Hartmann, he had fairly “stolen” this hour for the beautiful Ortlieb + sisters, came with his assistant, and at the same time a messenger arrived + from the cloth-house in the market-place bringing the packages of white + stuffs for selection. Then it was necessary to decide upon the pattern and + material; the sisters must appear in mourning the next morning at the + consecration, and later at the mass for the dead. + </p> + <p> + Eva had turned to these worldly matters with sincere repugnance, but Els + would not release her from giving them due attention. + </p> + <p> + It was well for her tortured soul and the poor eyes reddened by weeping. + But when she again knelt in the chamber of death beside her dear nuns and + saw the grey robe, which they all wore, the wish to don one, which she had + so often cherished, again awoke. No other was more pleasing to her + Heavenly Bridegroom, and she forbade herself in this hour to think of the + only person for whose sake she would gladly have adorned herself. Yet the + struggle to forget him constantly recalled him to her mind, no matter how + earnestly she strove to shut out his image whenever it appeared. But, + after her last conversation, must not her mother have died in the belief + that she would not give up her love? And the dead woman’s last words? Yet, + no matter what they meant, here and now nothing should come between her + and the beloved departed. She devoted herself heart and soul to the memory + of the longing for her. + </p> + <p> + Grief for her loss, repentance for not having devoted herself faithfully + enough to her, and the hope that in the convent her prayers might obtain a + special place in the world beyond for the beloved sleeper, now revived her + wish to take the veil. She felt bound to the nuns, who shared her + aspirations. When her father came to send her to her rest and asked + whether, as a motherless child, she intended to trust his love and care or + to choose another mother who was not of this world, she answered quietly + with a loving glance at the picture of St. Clare, “As you wish, and she + commands.” + </p> + <p> + Herr Ernst kindly replied that she still had ample time to make her + decision, and then again urged her to leave the watch beside the dead to + the women who had been appointed to it and the nuns, who desired to remain + with the body; but Eva insisted so eagerly upon sharing it that Els, by a + significant gesture to her father, induced him to yield. + </p> + <p> + She kept her sister away whilst the corpse was being laid out and the + women were performing their other duties by asking Eva to receive their + Aunt Christine, the wife of Berthold Pfinzing, who had hurried to the city + from Schweinau as soon as she had news of her sister-in-law’s death. + </p> + <p> + Nothing must cloud the memory of the beloved sufferer in the mind of her + child, and Els knew that Frau Christine had been a dear friend of the dead + woman, that Eva clung to her like a second mother, and that nothing could + reach her sister from her honest heart which would not benefit her. Nor + was she mistaken, for the warm, affectionate manner in which the matron + greeted the young girl restored her composure; nay, when Fran Christine + was obliged to go, because her time was claimed by important duties, she + would gladly have detained her. + </p> + <p> + When Eva, in a calmer mood than before, at last entered the hall where her + mother’s body now lay in a white silk shroud on the snowy satin pillows, + as she was to be placed before the altar for the service of consecration + on the morrow, she was again overwhelmed with all the violence of the + deepest grief; nay, the burning anguish of her soul expressed itself so + vehemently that the abbess, who had returned whilst the sisters were still + taking leave of their Aunt Christine, did not succeed in soothing her + until, drawing her aside, she whispered: “Remember our saint, child. He + called everything, even the sorest agony, ‘Sister Sorrow’. So you, too, + must greet sorrow as a sister, the daughter of your heavenly Father. + Remember the supreme, loving hand whence it came, and you will bear it + patiently.” + </p> + <p> + Eva nodded gratefully, and when grief threatened to overpower her she + thought of the saint’s soothing words, “Sister Sorrow,” and her heart grew + calmer. + </p> + <p> + Els knew how much the emotions of the previous nights must have wearied + her, and had permitted her to share the vigil beside the corpse only + because she believed that she would be unable to resist sleep. She had + slipped a pillow between her back and that of the tall, handsome chair + which she had chosen for a seat, but Eva disappointed her expectation; for + whatever she earnestly desired she accomplished, and whilst Els often + closed her eyes, she remained wide awake. When sleep threatened to + overpower her she thought of her mother’s last words, especially one + phrase, “the forge fire of life,” which seemed specially pregnant with + meaning. Yet, ere she had reached any definite understanding of its true + significance, the cocks began to crow, the song of the nightingale ceased, + and the twittering of the other birds in the trees and bushes in the + garden greeted the dawning day. + </p> + <p> + Then she rose and, smiling, kissed Els, who was sleeping, on the forehead, + told Sister Renata that she would go to rest, and lay down on her bed in + the darkened chamber. + </p> + <p> + Whilst praying and reflecting she had thought constantly of her mother. + Now she dreamed that Heinz Schorlin had borne her in his strong arms out + of the burning convent, as Sir Boemund Altrosen had saved the Countess von + Montfort, and carried her to the dead woman, who looked as fresh and well + as in the days before her sickness. + </p> + <p> + When, three hours before noon, she awoke, she returned greatly refreshed + to her dead mother. How mild and gentle her face was even now; yet the + dear, silent lips could never again give her a morning greeting and, + overwhelmed by grief, she threw herself on her knees before the coffin. + </p> + <p> + But she soon rose again. Her recent slumber had transformed the passionate + anguish into quiet sorrow. + </p> + <p> + Now, too, she could think of external things. There was little to be done + in the last arrangement of the dead, but she could place the delicate, + pale hands in a more natural position, and the flowers which the gardener + had brought to adorn the coffin did not satisfy her. She knew all that + grew in the woods and fields near Nuremberg, and no one could dispose + bouquets more gracefully. Her mother had been especially fond of some of + them, and was always pleased when she brought them home from her walks + with the abbess or Sister Perpetua, the experienced old doctress of the + convent. Many grew in the forest, others on the brink of the water. The + beloved dead should not leave the house, whose guide and ornament she had + been, without her favourite blossoms. + </p> + <p> + Eva arranged the flowers brought by the gardener as gracefully as + possible, and then asked Sister Perpetua to go to walk with her, telling + her father and sister that she wished to be out of doors with the nun for + a short time. + </p> + <p> + She told no one what she meant to do. Her mother’s favourite flowers + should be her own last gift to her. + </p> + <p> + Old Martsche received the order to send Ortel, the youngest manservant in + the household, a good-natured fellow eighteen years old, with a basket, to + wait for her and Sister Perpetua at the weir. + </p> + <p> + After the thunderstorm of the day before the air was specially fresh and + pure; it was a pleasure merely to breathe. The sun shone brightly from the + cloudless sky. It was a delightful walk through the meadows and forest + over the footpath which passed near the very Dutzen pool, where Katterle + the day before had resolved to seek death. All Nature seemed revived as + though by a refreshing bath. Larks flew heavenward with a low sweet song, + from amidst the grain growing luxuriantly for the winter harvest, and + butterflies hovered above the blossoming fields. Slender dragon-flies and + smaller busy insects flitted buzzing from flower to flower, sucking honey + from the brimming calyxes and bearing to others the seeds needed to form + fruit. The songs of finches and the twitter of white-throats echoed from + many a bush by the wayside. + </p> + <p> + In the forest they were surrounded by delightful shade animated by + hundreds of loud and low voices far away and close at hand. Countless buds + were opening under the moss and ferns, strawberries were ripening close to + the ground, and the delicate leafy boughs of the bilberry bushes were full + of juicy green oared fruit. + </p> + <p> + Near the weir they heard a loud clanking and echoing, but it had a very + different effect from the noise of the city; instead of exciting curiosity + there was something soothing in the regularity of the blows of the iron + hammer and the monotonous croaking of the frogs. + </p> + <p> + In this part of the forest, where the fairest flowers grew, the morning + dew still hung glittering from the blossoms and grasses. Here it was + secluded, yet full of life, and amidst the wealth of sounds in which might + be heard the tapping of the woodpecker, the cry of the lapwing, and the + call of the distant wood-pigeon, it was so still and peaceful that Eva’s + heart grew lighter in spite of her grief. + </p> + <p> + Sister Perpetua spoke only to answer a question. She sympathised with + Eva’s thought when she frankly expressed her pleasure in every new + discovery, for she knew for whom and with what purpose she was seeking and + culling the flowers and, instead of accusing her of want of feeling, she + watched with silent emotion the change wrought in the innocent child by + the effort to render, in league with Nature, an act of loving service to + the one she held dearest. + </p> + <p> + True, even now grief often rudely assailed Eva’s heart. At such times she + paused, sighing silently, or exclaimed to her companion, “Ah, if she could + be with us!” or else asked thoughtfully if she remembered how her mother + had rejoiced over the fragrant orchid or the white water-lily which she + had just found. + </p> + <p> + Sister Perpetua had taken part of the blossoms which she had gathered; but + Ortel already stood waiting with the basket, and the house-dog, Wasser, + which had followed the young servant, ran barking joyously to meet the + ladies. Eva already had flowers enough to adorn the coffin as she desired, + and the sun showed that it was time to return. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto they had met no one. The blossoms could be arranged here in the + forest meadow under the shade of the thick hazel-bushes which bordered the + pine wood. + </p> + <p> + After Eva had thrown hers on the grass, she asked the nun to do the same + with her own motley bundle. + </p> + <p> + Between the thicket and the road stood a little chapel which had been + erected by the Mendel family on the spot where a son of old Herr Nikolaus + had been murdered. Four Frank robber knights had attacked him and the + train of waggons he had ridden out to meet, and killed the spirited young + man, who fought bravely in their defence. + </p> + <p> + Such an event would no longer have been possible so near the city. But Eva + knew what had befallen the Eysvogel wares and, although she did not lack + courage, she started in terror as she heard the tramp of horses’ hoofs and + the clank of weapons, not from the city, but within the forest. + </p> + <p> + She hastily beckoned to her companion who, being slightly deaf had heard + nothing, to hide with her behind the hazel-bushes, and also told the young + servant, who had already placed the basket beside the flowers, to conceal + himself, and all three strained their ears to catch the sounds from the + wood. + </p> + <p> + Ortel held the dog by the collar, silenced him, and assured his mistress + that it was only another little band of troopers on their way from Altdorf + to join the imperial army. + </p> + <p> + But this surmise soon proved wrong, for the first persons to appear were + two armed horsemen, who turned their heads as nimbly as their steeds, now + to the right and now to the left, scanning the thickets along the road + distrustfully. After a somewhat lengthy interval the tall figure of an + elderly man followed, clad in deep mourning. Beneath his cap, bordered + with fine fur, long locks fell to his shoulders, and he was mounted on a + powerful Binzgau charger. At his side, on a beautiful spirited bay, rode a + very young woman whose pliant figure was extremely aristocratic in its + bearing. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the hazel-bushes and pine trees, which had concealed the noble + pair, permitted a view of them, Eva recognised in the gentleman the + Emperor Rudolph, and in his companion Duchess Agnes of Austria, his young + daughter-in-law, whom she had not forgotten since the dance at the Town + Hall. Behind them came several mailed knights, with the emblems of the + deepest mourning on their garments and helmets, and among those nearest to + the Emperor Eva perceived—her heart almost stood still—the + person whom she had least expected to meet here—Heinz Schorlin. + </p> + <p> + Whilst she was gathering the flowers for her mother’s coffin his image had + almost vanished from her mind. Now he appeared before her in person, and + the sight moved her so deeply that Sister Perpetua, who saw her turn pale + and cling to the young pine by her side, attributed her altered expression + to fear of robber knights, and whispered, “Don’t be troubled, child; it is + only the Emperor.” + </p> + <p> + Neither the first horsemen-guards whom the magistrate, Berthold Pfinzing, + Eva’s uncle, had assigned to the sovereign without his knowledge, to + protect him from unpleasant encounters during his early morning ride—nor + the Emperor and his companions could have seen Eva whilst they were + passing the chapel; but scarcely had they reached it when the dog Wasser, + which had escaped from Ortel’s grasp, burst through the hazel copse and, + barking furiously, dashed towards the duchess’s horse. + </p> + <p> + The spirited animal leaped aside, but a few seconds later Heinz Schorlin + had swung himself from the saddle and dealt the dog so vigorous a kick + that it retreated howling into the thicket. Meanwhile he had watched every + movement of the bay, and at the right instant his strong hand had grasped + its nostrils and forced it to stand. + </p> + <p> + “Always alert and on the spot at the right time!” cried the Emperor, then + added mournfully, “So was our Hartmann, too.” + </p> + <p> + The duchess bent her head in assent, but the grieving father pointed to + Heinz, and added: “The boy owed his blithe vigour partly to the healthful + Swiss blood with which he was born, but yonder knight, during the decisive + years of life, set him the example. Will you dismount, child, and let + Schorlin quiet the bay?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no,” replied the duchess, “I understand the animal. You have not yet + broken the wonderful son of the desert of shying, as you promised. It was + not the barking cur, but yonder basket that has dropped from the skies, + which frightened him.” + </p> + <p> + She pointed, as she spoke, to the grass near the chapel where, beside + Eva’s flowers, stood the light willow basket which was to receive them. + </p> + <p> + “Possibly, noble lady,” replied Heinz, patting the glossy neck of the + Arabian, a gift to the Emperor Rudolph from the Egyptian Mameluke Sultan + Kalaun. “But perhaps the clever creature merely wished to force his royal + rider to linger here. Graciously look over yonder, Your Highness; does it + not seem as if the wood fairy herself had laid by the roadside for your + illustrious Majesty the fairest flowers that bloom in field and forest, + mere and moss?” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he stooped, selected from the mass of blossoms gathered by Eva + those which specially pleased his eye, hastily arranged them in a bouquet, + and with a respectful bow presented them to the duchess. + </p> + <p> + She thanked him graciously, put the nosegay in her belt, and gazed at him + with so warm a light in her eyes that Eva felt as if her heart was + shrinking as she watched the scene. + </p> + <p> + Even princesses, who were separated from him by so wide a gulf, could not + help favouring this man. How could she, the simple maiden whom he had + assured of his love, ever have been able to give him up? + </p> + <p> + But she had no time to think and ponder; the Emperor was already riding on + with the Bohemian princess, and Heinz went to his horse, whose bridle was + held by one of the troopers who followed the train. + </p> + <p> + Ere he swung himself into the saddle again, however, he paused to reflect. + </p> + <p> + The thought that he had robbed some flower or herb-gatherer of a portion + of the result of her morning’s work had entered his mind and, obeying a + hasty impulse, he flung a glittering zecchin into the basket. + </p> + <p> + Eva saw it, and every fibre of her being urged her to step forward, tell + him that the flowers were hers, and thank him in the name of the poor for + whom she destined his gift; but maidenly diffidence held her in check, + although he gave her sufficient opportunity; for when he perceived the + image of the Virgin in the Mendel chapel, he crossed himself, removed his + helmet, and bending the knee repeated, whilst the others rode on without + him, a silent prayer. His brown locks floated around his head, and his + features expressed deep earnestness and glowing ardour. + </p> + <p> + Oh, how gladly Eva would have thrown herself on her knees beside him, + clasped his hands, and—nay, not prayed, her heart was throbbing too + stormily for that-rested her head upon his breast and told him that she + trusted him, and felt herself one with him in earthly as well as heavenly + love! + </p> + <p> + Whoever prayed thus in solitude had a soul yearning for the loftiest + things. Others might say what they chose, she knew him better. This man, + from the first hour of their meeting, had loved her with the most ardent + but also with the holiest passion; never, never had he sought her merely + for wanton amusement. Her mother’s last wish would be fulfilled. She need + only trust him with her whole soul, and leave the “forge fire of life” to + strengthen and purify her. + </p> + <p> + Now she remembered where the dying woman had heard the phrase. + </p> + <p> + Her Aunt Christine had used it recently in her mother’s presence. Young + Kunz Schurstab had fallen into evil ways in Lyons. Every one, even his own + father, had given him up for lost; but after several years he returned + home and proved himself capable of admirable work, both in his father’s + business and in the Council. In reply to Frau Ortlieb’s enquiry where this + transformation in the young man had occurred, her aunt answered: + </p> + <p> + “In the forge fire of life.” Eva told herself that she had intentionally + kept aloof from its flames, and in the convent, perhaps, they would never + have reached her. Yesterday they had seized upon her for the first time, + and henceforward she would not evade them, that she might obey her mother + and become worthy of the man praying silently yonder. He owed to his + heroic courage and good sword a renowned name; but what had she ever done + save selfishly to provide for her own welfare in this world and the next? + She had not even been strong enough to hold the head of the mother, to + whom she owed everything and who had loved her so tenderly, when the + convulsions attacked her. + </p> + <p> + Even after she closed her eyes in death—she had noticed it—she + had been kept from every duty in the household and for the beloved dead, + because it was deemed unsuitable for her, and Els and every one avoided + putting the serious demands of life between the “little saint” and her + aspirations towards the bliss of heaven. Yet Eva knew that she could + accomplish whatever she willed to do, and instead of using the strength + which she felt stirring with secret power in her fragile body, she had + preferred to let it remain idle, in order to dwell in another world from + that in which she had been permitted to prove her might. The fire of the + forge, by whose means pieces of worthless iron were transformed into + swords and ploughshares, should use its influence upon her also. Let it + burn and torture her, if it only made her a genuine, noble woman, a woman + like her Aunt Christine, from whom her mother had heard the phrase of “the + forge fire of life,” who aided and pointed out the right path to hundreds, + and probably, at her age, had needed neither an Els nor an Abbess + Kunigunde to keep her, body and soul, in the right way. She loved both; + but some impulse within rebelled vehemently against being treated like a + child, and—now that her mother was dead—subjecting her own + will to that of any other person than the man to whom she would have + gladly looked up as a master. + </p> + <p> + Whilst Heinz knelt in front of the chapel without noticing Sister + Perpetua, who was praying before the altar within, these thoughts darted + through Eva’s brain like a flash of lightning. Now he rose and went to his + horse, but ere he mounted it the dog, barking furiously, again broke from + the thicket close at her side. + </p> + <p> + Heinz must have seen her white mourning robes, for her own name reached + her ears in a sudden cry, and soon after—she herself could not have + told how—Heinz was standing beside the basket amidst the flowers, + with her hand clasped in his, gazing into her eyes so earnestly and sadly + that he seemed a different person from the reckless dancer in the Town + Hall, though the look was equally warm and tender. Whilst doing so, he + spoke of the deep wound inflicted upon her by her mother’s death. Fate had + dealt him a severe blow also, but grief taught him to turn whither she, + too, had directed him. + </p> + <p> + Just at that moment the blast of the horn summoning the Emperor’s train to + his side echoed through the forest. + </p> + <p> + “The Emperor!” cried Heinz; then bending towards the flowers he seized a + few forget-me-nots, and, whilst gazing tenderly at them and Eva, murmured + in a low tone, as if grief choked his utterance: “I know you will give + them to me, for they wear the colour of the Queen of Heaven, which is also + yours, and will be mine till my heart and eyes fail me.” + </p> + <p> + Eva granted his request with a whispered “Keep them”; but he pressed his + hand to his brow and, as if torn by contending emotions, hastily added: + “Yes, it is that of the Holy Virgin. They say that Heaven has summoned me + by a miracle to serve only her and the highest, and it often seems to me + that they are right. But what will be the result of the conflicting powers + which since that flash of lightning have drawn one usually so prompt in + decision as I, now here, now there? Your blue, Eva, the hue of these + flowers, will remain mine whether I wear it in honour of the Blessed + Virgin, or—if the world does not release me—in yours. She or + you! You, too, Eva, I know, stand hesitating at the crossing of two paths—which + is the right one? We will pray Heaven to show it to you and to me.” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he swung himself swiftly into the saddle and, obeying the + summons, dashed after his imperial master. + </p> + <p> + Eva gazed silently at the spot where he had vanished behind a group of + pine trees; but Ortel, who had gathered a few early strawberries for her, + soon roused her from her waking dream by exclaiming, as he clapped his big + hands: “I’ll be hanged, Jungfrau Eva, if the knight who spoke to you isn’t + the Swiss to whom the great miracle happened yesterday!” + </p> + <p> + “The miracle?” she asked eagerly, for Els had intentionally concealed what + she heard, and this evidently had something to do with the “wonderful + summons” of which Heinz had spoken without being understood. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, a great, genuine miracle,” Ortel went on eagerly. “The lightning—I + heard it from the butcher boy who brings the meat, he learned it from his + master’s wife herself, and now every child in the city knows it—the + lightning struck the knight’s casque during the thundershower yesterday; + it ran along his armour, flashing brightly; the horse sank dead under him + without moving a limb, but he himself escaped unhurt, and the mark of a + cross can be seen in the place where the lightning struck his helmet.” + </p> + <p> + “And you think this happened to the very knight who took the flowers + yonder?” asked Eva anxiously. + </p> + <p> + “As certainly as I hope to have the sacrament before I die, Jungfrau Eva,” + the youth protested. “I saw him riding with that lank Biberli, Katterle’s + lover, who serves him, and such noblemen are not found by the dozen. + Besides, he is one of those nearest to the Emperor Rudolph’s person. If it + isn’t he, I’ll submit to torment——” + </p> + <p> + “Fie upon your miserable oaths!” Eva interrupted reprovingly. “Do you know + also that the tall, stately gentleman with the long grey hair——” + </p> + <p> + “That was the Emperor Rudolph!” cried Ortel, sure he was right. “Whoever + has once seen him does not forget him. Everything on earth belongs to him; + but when the knight took our flowers so freely just now as if they were + his own, I thought But there—there—there! See for yourself, + Jungfrau! A heavy, unclipped yellow zecchin!” + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he took the coin in his hand, crossed himself, and added + thoughtfully: “The little silver coin, or whatever he flung in here—perhaps + to pay for the flowers, which are not worth five shillings—has been + changed into pure gold by the saint who wrought the miracle for him. My + soul! If many in Nuremberg paid so high for forage, the rich Eysvogel + would leave the Council and go in search of wild flowers!” + </p> + <p> + Eva begged the man to leave the zecchin, promising to give him another at + home and half a pound in coppers as earnest money. “This is what I call a + lucky morning!” cried Ortel. But directly after he changed his tone, + remembering Eva’s white mourning robe and the object of their expedition, + and his fresh voice sounded very sympathetic as he added: “If one could + only call your lady mother back to life! Ah, me! I’d spend all my savings + to buy for the saints as many candles as my mother has in her little shop, + if that would change things.” + </p> + <p> + Whilst speaking he filled the basket with flowers, and the nun helped him. + Eva walked before them with bowed head. + </p> + <p> + Could she hope to wed the man for whom Heaven had performed such a + miracle? Was it no sin to hope and plead that he would wear their common + colour, not in honour of the Queen of Heaven, but of the lowly Eva, in + whom nothing was strong save the desire for good? Was not Heinz forcing + her to enter into rivalry with one the most distant comparison with whom + meant defeat? Yet, no! Her gracious Friend above knew her and her heart. + She knew with what tender love and reverence she had looked up to her from + childhood, and she now confided the love in her heart to her who had shown + herself gracious a thousand times when she raised her soul to her in + prayer. + </p> + <p> + Eva was breathing heavily when she emerged from the forest and stopped to + wait until Sister Perpetua had finished her prayer in the chapel and + overtook her. Her heart was heavy, and when, in the meadow beyond the + woods, the heat of the sun, which was already approaching the zenith, made + itself felt, it seemed as if she had left the untroubled happiness of + childhood behind her in the green thicket. Yet she would not have missed + this forest walk at any price. She knew now that she had no rival save the + one whom Heinz ought to love no less than she. Whether they both decided + in favour of the world or the cloister, they would remain united in love + for her and her divine Son. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> + <p> + Outside the courtyard of the Ortlieb mansion Eva saw Biberli going towards + the Frauenthor. He had been with Els a long time, giving a report as + frankly as ever. The day before he said to Katterle: “Calm yourself, my + little lamb. Now that the daughters need you and me to carry secret + messages, the father will leave us in peace too. A member of the Council + would be like the receiver of stolen goods if he allowed a man whom he + deemed worthy of the stocks to render him many services.” + </p> + <p> + And Herr Ernst Ortlieb really did let him alone, because he was forced to + recognise that Biberli and Katterle were indispensable in carrying on his + daughter’s intercourse with Wolff. + </p> + <p> + Els had forgiven the clever fellow the more willingly the more consoling + became the tidings he brought her from her betrothed bridegroom. Besides, + she regarded it as specially fortunate that she learned through him many + things concerning Heinz Schorlin, which for her sister’s sake she was glad + to know. + </p> + <p> + True, it would have been useless trouble to try to extort from the true + and steadfast Biberli even a single word which, for his master’s sake, it + would have been wiser to withhold, yet he discussed matters patiently, and + told her everything that he could communicate conscientiously. So, when + Eva returned, she was accurately informed of all that had befallen and + troubled the knight the day before. + </p> + <p> + She listened sympathisingly to the servant’s lamentation over the + marvellous change which had taken place in Heinz since his horse was + killed under him. But she shook her head incredulously at Biberli’s + statement that his master seriously intended to seek peace in the + cloister, like his two older sisters; yet at the man’s animated + description of how Father Benedictus had profited by Sir Heinz’s mood to + estrange him from the world, the doubt vanished. + </p> + <p> + Biberli’s assurance that he had often seen other young knights rush into + the world with specially joyous recklessness, who had suddenly halted as + if in terror and known no other expedient than to change the coat of mail + for the monk’s cowl, reminded her of similar incidents among her own + acquaintances. The man was right in his assertion that most of them had + been directed to the monastery by monks of the Order of St. Francis, since + the name of the Saint of Assisi and the miracles he performed had become + known in this country also. Whoever believed it impossible to see the gay + Sir Heinz in a monk’s cowl, added the experienced fellow, might find + himself mistaken. + </p> + <p> + He had intentionally kept silence concerning Sir Seitz Siebenburg’s + challenge and his master’s other dealings with the “Mustache.” On the + other hand, he had eagerly striven to inform Els of the minutest details + of the reception he met with from her betrothed lover. With what zealous + warmth he related that Wolff, like the upright man he was, had rejected + even the faintest shadow of doubt of her steadfastness and truth, which + were his own principal virtues also. + </p> + <p> + Even before Sir Heinz Schorlin’s visit young Herr Eysvogel had known what + to think of the calumnies which, it is true, were repeated to him. His + calm, unclouded courage and clear mind were probably best shown by the + numerous sheets of paper he had covered with estimates, all relating to + the condition of the Eysvogel business. He had confided these documents + also to him to be delivered to his father, and after discharging this duty + he had come to her. According to his custom, he had reserved the best + thing for the last, but it was now time to give it to her. + </p> + <p> + As he spoke he drew from the breast pocket of his long coat a wrought-iron + rose. Els knew it well; it had adorned the clasp of her lover’s belt, and + the unusual delicacy of the workmanship had often aroused her admiration. + What the gift was to announce she read on the paper accompanying it, which + contained the following simple lines: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The iron rude, when shaped by fire and blows, + Delights our eyes as a most beauteous rose. + So may the lies which strove to work us ill + But serve our hearts with greater love to fill.” + </pre> + <p> + Biberli withdrew as soon as he had delivered the gift; his master was + awaiting him on his return from his early ride with the Emperor; but Els, + with glowing cheeks, read and reread the verse which brought such cheering + consolation from her lover. It seemed like a miracle that they recalled + the words of her dying mother concerning the forge fire which, in her last + moments, she had mentioned in connection with Eva’s future. Here it had + formed from rude iron the fairest of flowers. Nothing sweeter or lovelier, + the sister thought, could be made from her darling. But would the fire + also possess the power to lead Eva, as it were, from heaven to earth, and + transform her into an energetic woman, symmetrical in thought and deed? + And what was the necessity? She was there to guide her and remove every + stone from her path. + </p> + <p> + Ah, if she should renounce the cloister and find a husband like her Wolff! + Again and again she read his greeting and pressed the beloved sheet to her + lips. She would fain have hastened to her mother’s corpse to show it to + her. But just at that moment Eva returned. She must rejoice with her over + this beautiful confirmation of her hope, and as, with flushed cheeks and + brow moist with perspiration, she stood before her, Els tenderly embraced + her and, overflowing with gratitude, showed her her lover’s gift and + verse, and invited her to share the great happiness which so brightly + illumined the darkness of her grief. Eva, who was so weary that she could + scarcely stand thought, like her sister, as Els read Wolff’s lines aloud, + of her mother’s last words. But the forge fire of life must not transform + her into a rose; she would become harder, firmer, and she knew why and for + whose sake. Only yesterday, had she been so exhausted, nothing would have + kept her, after a few brief words to prevent Els’s disappointment, from + lying down, arranging her pillows comfortably, and refreshing herself with + some cooling drink; but now she not only succeeded in appearing attentive, + but in sympathising with all her heart in her sister’s happiness. How + delightful it was, too, to be able to give something to the person from + whom hitherto she had only received. + </p> + <p> + She succeeded so fully in concealing the struggle against the claims of + her wearied body that Els, after joyously perceiving how faithfully her + sister sympathised with her own delight, continued to relate what she had + just heard. Eva forced herself to listen and behave as if her account of + Heinz Schorlin’s wonderful escape and desire to enter a monastery was news + to her. + </p> + <p> + Not until Els had narrated the last detail did she admit that she needed + rest; and when the former, startled by her own want of perception, urged + her to lie down, she would not do so until she had put the flowers she had + brought home into water. At last she stretched herself on the couch beside + her sister, who had so long needed sleep and rest, and a few minutes after + the deep dreamless slumber of youth chained both, until Katterle, at the + end of an hour, woke them. + </p> + <p> + Both used the favourable moments which follow the awakening from a sound + sleep to cherish the best thoughts and most healthful resolutions. When + Eva left her chamber she had clearly perceived what the last hours had + taken and bestowed, and found a positive answer to the important question + which she must now confront. + </p> + <p> + Els, like her lover, would cling fast to her love, and strive with + tireless patience to conquer whatever obstacles it might encounter, + especially from the Eysvogel family. + </p> + <p> + Before leaving home Eva adorned the beloved dead with the flowers, leaves, + and vines which the gardener had brought and she herself had gathered, and + at the church she put the last touches to this work so dear to her heart. + She gave the preference to the flowers which had been her mother’s + favourites, but the others were also used. With a light hand and a + delicate appreciation of harmony and beauty she interwove the children of + the forest with those of the garden. She could not be satisfied till every + one was in the right place. + </p> + <p> + Countess Cordula had insisted upon attending the consecration, but she had + not known who cared for its adornment. Yet when she stood in the church by + the side of the open coffin she gazed long at the gentle face of the quiet + sufferer, charming even in death, who on her bright couch seemed dreaming + in a light slumber. At last she whispered to Els: “How wonderfully + beautiful! Did you arrange it?” + </p> + <p> + The latter shook her head, but Cordula added, as if soliloquising: “It + seems as though the hands of the Madonna herself had adorned a sleeping + saint with garden flowers, and child-angels had scattered over her the + blossoms of the forest.” + </p> + <p> + Then Els, who hitherto had refused to talk in this place and this solemn + hour, broke her silence and briefly told Cordula who had artistically and + lovingly adorned her mother. + </p> + <p> + “Eva?” repeated the countess, as if surprised, gazing at her friend’s + younger sister who, as the music of the organ and the alternate chanting + had just begun, had already risen from her knees. Cordula felt spellbound, + for the young girl looked as fresh as a May rose and so touchingly + beautiful in the deep, earnest devotion which filled her whole being, and + the white purity of her mourning robes, that the countess did not + understand how she could ever have disliked her. Eva, with her up lifted + eyes, seemed to be gazing directly into the open heavens. + </p> + <p> + Cordula paid little attention to the sacred service, but watched the Es, + as she liked to call the sisters, all the more closely. The elder, though + so overwhelmed with grief that she could not help sobbing aloud, did not + cease to think of her dear ones, and from time to time gazed with tender + sympathy at her father or with quiet sorrow at her sister. Eva, on the + contrary, was completely absorbed by her own anguish and the memory of her + to whom it was due. The others appeared to have no existence for her. + Whilst the large tears rolled slowly down her cheeks, she sometimes gazed + tenderly at the face of the beloved dead; sometimes, with fervent + entreaty, at the image of the Virgin. The pleading expression of the large + blue eyes seemed to the countess to express such childlike need of help + that the impetuous girl would fain have clasped her to her heart and + exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Wait, you lovely, obstinate little orphan; Cordula, whom you dislike, is + here, and though you don’t wish to receive any kindness from her, you must + submit. What do I care for all the worshippers of a very poor idol who + call themselves my ‘adorers’? I need only detain wandering pilgrims, or + invite minnesingers to the castle, to shorten the hours. And he for whom + yonder child-angel’s heart yearns—would he not be a fool to prefer a + Will-o’-the-wisp like me? Besides, it is easy for the peasant to give his + neighbour the cloud which hangs over his field. True, before the dance——But + the past is past. Boemund Altrosen is the only person who is always the + same. One can rely upon him, but I really need neither. If I could only do + without the open air, the forest, horses, and hunting, I should suit + convent walls far better than this Eva, whom Heaven itself seems to have + created to be the delight of every man’s heart. We will see what she + herself decides.” + </p> + <p> + Then she recognised Sir Boemund Altrosen in the congregation and pursued + her train of thought. “He is a noble man, and whoever thus makes himself + miserable about me I ought to try to cure. Perhaps I will yet do so.” + </p> + <p> + Similar reflections occupied her mind until she saw Heinz Schorlin + kneeling, half concealed by a pillar, behind Boemund Altrosen. He had + learned from Biberli at what hour the consecration would take place, and + his honest heart bade him attend the service for the dead woman who had so + much to forgive him. + </p> + <p> + The Ortlieb sisters did not see him, but Cordula unconsciously shook her + head as she gazed. Was this grave man, so absorbed in devotion that he did + not vouchsafe those who surrounded him even a single glance, the Heinz + whose delightful gaiety had captivated her heart? The linden, with foliage + withered by the autumn blasts, was more like the same tree in the spring + when the birds were singing in its boughs, than yonder absorbed supplicant + resembled the bold Heinz of a few days ago. The old mocker, Chamberlain + Wiesenthau, was right when he told her and her father that morning that + the gay Swiss had been transformed by the miracle which had befallen him, + like the Saul of holy writ, in the twinkling of an eye, into a Paul. The + calendar-makers were already preparing to assign a day to St. Schorlin. + </p> + <p> + But she ought not to have joined in the boisterous laugh with which her + father rewarded the old slanderer’s news. No! The knight’s experience must + have made a deeper impression than the others suspected. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps little Eva’s love would result in her seeking with the sisters of + St. Clare, and Heinz with the Franciscans, peace and a loftier passion. + She was certainly to be pitied if love had taken as firm a hold upon her + heart as Cordula thought she had perceived. + </p> + <p> + Again her kind heart throbbed with tender sympathy, and when the sisters + left the sedan chairs which had brought them back to the house, and + Cordula met Eva in the corridor, she held out her hand with frank + cordiality, saying, “Clasp it trustingly, girl. True, you do not value it + much, but it is offered to no one to whom Cordula does not mean kindly.” + </p> + <p> + Eva, taken by surprise, obeyed her request. How frank and kindly her grey + eyes were! Cordula herself must be so, too, and, obeying a hasty impulse, + she nodded with friendly warmth; then, as if ashamed of her change of + mood, hurried past her up the stairs. + </p> + <p> + The following day had been appointed for the mass for the dead in St. + Sebald’s Church. + </p> + <p> + Els had told Eva that the countess had seen Heinz Schorlin at the + consecration. The news pleased her, and she expressed her joy so + animatedly and spoke so confidently of the knight’s love that Els felt + anxious. But she did not have courage to disturb her peace of mind, and + her father’s two sisters, the abbess, and Herr Pfinzing’s wife, also said + nothing to Eva concerning the future as they helped Els to arrange the + dead woman’s clothing, which was to be given to the poor, decide to what + persons or charitable institutions it should be sent, and listened to her + account of the facts that formed the foundation of the slanders against + her, which were being more loudly and universally discussed throughout the + city. + </p> + <p> + Eva felt painfully how incapable of rendering assistance the others + considered her, and her pride forbade her to urge it upon them. Even her + Aunt Kunigunde scarcely asked her a question. It seemed to the abbess that + the right hour for a decisive enquiry had not yet come, and wise Aunt + Christine never talked with her younger niece upon religious subjects + unless she herself requested her to do so. + </p> + <p> + The mass for the dead was to be celebrated at an unusually early hour, for + another, which would be attended by the whole city and all the + distinguished persons, knights, and nobles who had come to the Reichstag, + was to begin four hours before noon. This was for Prince Hartmann, who had + been snatched away so prematurely. + </p> + <p> + The Ortliebs, with all their kindred and servants, the members of the + Council with their wives and daughters, and many burghers and burgher + women, assembled soon after sunrise in St. Sebald’s Church. + </p> + <p> + Those present were almost lost in the spacious, lofty interior with its + three naves. At first there was little appearance of devotion, for the + early arrivals had many things to ask and whisper to one another. The city + architect lowered his loud voice very little as he discussed with a + brother in the craft from Cologne in what way the house of God, which + originally had been built in the Byzantine style, could be at least partly + adapted to the French pointed arch which was used with such remarkable + success in Germany, at Cologne and Marburg. They discussed the eastern + choir, which needed complete rebuilding, the missing steeples, and the + effect of the pointed arch which harmonised so admirably with the German + cast of character, and did not cease until the music began. Now the great + number of those present showed how much love the dead woman had sowed and + reaped. The sisters, when they first looked around them, saw with grateful + joy the father of the young man who had fallen in the duel with Wolff, old + Herr Berthold Vorchtel, his wife, and Ursula. On the other hand, the pew + adorned with the Eysvogel coat of arms was still empty. This wounded Els + deeply; but she uttered a sigh of relief when—the introitus had just + begun—at least one member of the haughty family to which she felt + allied through Wolff appeared, Isabella Siebenburg, her lover’s sister. It + was kind in her to come notwithstanding the absence of the others, and + even her own husband. Els would return it to her and her twins. + </p> + <p> + The music, whose heart-stirring notes accompanied the solemn service, + deeply moved the souls of both sisters; but when, after the Gloria in + excelsis Deo, the Cum Sancto Spiritu pealed forth, Eva, who, absorbed in + devotion, had long since ceased to gaze around her, felt her sister’s hand + touch her arm and, following the direction of her glance, saw at some + distance the man for whom her heart yearned, and the grave, devout knight + yonder seemed far nearer to her than the gay companion who, in the mazes + of the dance, had gazed so boldly into the faces of the men, so tenderly + into those of the fair women. How fast her heart throbbed! how ardently + she longed for the moment when he would raise his head and look across at + her! But when he moved, it was only to follow the sacred service and with + it Christ’s sacrifice upon the cross. + </p> + <p> + Then Eva reproached herself for depriving her dead mother, to the repose + of whose soul this hour was dedicated, of her just due, and she strove + with all her power to regain the spirit of devotion which she had lost. + But her lover sat opposite and, though she lowered her eyes, her earnest + endeavour to concentrate her thoughts was futile. + </p> + <p> + Her struggle was interrupted by the commencement of the Credo, and during + this confession, which brings before the Christian in a fixed form what it + is incumbent upon him to believe, the thought entered her mind of + beseeching her whose faithful love had always guided her safely and for + her good—the Queen of Heaven, to whom Heinz was as loyally devoted + as she herself—that she might give her a sign whether she might + continue to believe in his love and keep faith with him, or whether she + should return to the path which led to a different form of happiness. + </p> + <p> + During the singing of the Credo the heavenly Helper, for whose aid she + hoped, made known to her that if, before the end of the Sanctus, which + immediately followed the Credo, Heinz looked over at her and returned her + glance, she might deem it certain that the Holy Virgin would permit her to + hope for his love. If he omitted to do so, then she would consider it + decided that he renounced his earthly for his heavenly love, and try + herself to give up the earthly one, in which, however, she believed she + had recognised something divine. The Credo closed and died away, the + resonant harmonies of the Sanctus filled the wide space, and the knight, + with the same devout attention, followed the sacred service in which, in + the imagination of believers, the bread and wine is transformed into the + body and blood of Christ, and a significant, painless ceremony represents + the Saviour’s bloody death upon the cross. + </p> + <p> + Eva told herself that she ought to have followed with the same intentness + as Heinz the mass celebrated for the soul of her own mother, but she could + no longer succeed in doing so. Besides, she was denied the privilege of + looking freely and often at him upon whose movements depended the fate of + her life. Many glances were undoubtedly directed at her, the daughter of + the dead woman in whose memory so many citizens had gathered; many, + perhaps, had come solely to see the beautiful Es. Therefore propriety and + modesty forbade her to watch Heinz. She only ventured to cast a stolen + glance at him. + </p> + <p> + Every note of the Sanctus was familiar to her, and when it drew near the + end Heinz retained the same position. The fairest hope of her life must be + laid with the flowers in her mother’s coffin. + </p> + <p> + Now the last bars of the Sanctus were commencing. He had scarcely had time + to change his attitude since her last secret glance at him, yet she could + not resist the temptation, though it was useless, of looking at him once + more. She felt like the prisoner who sees the judge rise and does not know + whether he intends to acquit or condemn him. The city lute-player who led + the choir was just raising his hands again to let them fall finally at the + close of the Sanctus, and as she turned her eyes from him in the direction + whence only too soon she was to be deprived of the fairest of rights, a + burning blush suddenly crimsoned her cheeks. Heinz Schorlin’s eyes had met + hers with a full, clear gaze. + </p> + <p> + Eva pressed her clasped hands, as if beseeching aid, upon her bosom, which + rose and fell beneath them with passionate emotion; and No, she could not + be mistaken; he had understood her, for his look expressed a wealth of + sympathy, the ardent, sorrowful sympathy which only love knows. Then the + eyes of both fell. When their glances met again, the hosanna of the choir + rang out to both like a shout of welcome with which liberated Nature + exultingly greets the awakening spring; and to the deeply agitated knight, + who had resolved to fly from the world and its vain pleasures, the hosanna + which poured its waves of sound towards him, whilst the eyes of the woman + he loved met his for the second time, seemed to revive the waning joy of + existence. The shout which had greeted the Saviour on his entry into + Jerusalem reached the “called” man like a command from love to open wide + the gate of the heart, and whether he willed it or not, love, amidst the + solemn melody of the hosanna, made a new and joyous entrance into his + grateful soul. But during the Benedictus he was already making the first + attempt to resist this emotion; and whilst Eva, first offering thanks for + the cheering decision, and then earnestly striving to enter with her whole + soul into the sacred service, modestly denied herself the pleasure of + looking across at her lover, Heinz was endeavouring to crush the hopes + which had again mastered the soul resolved on renunciation. + </p> + <p> + Yet he found the conflict harder than he expected and as, at the close of + the mass, the Dona nobis pacem (grant us peace) began, he joined + beseechingly in the prayer. + </p> + <p> + It was not granted, for even during the high mass for the soul of his + dearest friend, which also detained the Ortliebs in church, he sought + Eva’s glance only too often, but always in vain. Once only, when the Dona + nobis pacem pealed forth again, this time for the prince, his eyes met + those of the woman he loved. + </p> + <p> + The young Duchess Agnes noticed whither he looked so often, but when + Countess Cordula knelt beside the Ortliebs, cordially returned every + glance of the knight’s, and once even nodded slightly to him, the young + Bohemian believed the report that Heinz Schorlin and the countess were the + same as betrothed, and it vexed her—nay, spoiled the whole of the + day which had just begun. + </p> + <p> + When Heinz left the church Eva’s image filled his heart and mind. He went + directly from the sanctuary to his lodgings; but there neither Frau + Barbara, his pretty young hostess, nor Biberli would believe their eyes or + ears, when the former heard in the entry, the latter in the adjoining + room, the lash of a scourge upon naked limbs, and loud groans. Both sounds + were familiar to Barbel through her father, and to Biberli from the time + of penance after his stay in Paris, and his own person. + </p> + <p> + Heinz Schorlin, certainly for the first time in his life, had scourged + himself. + </p> + <p> + It was done by the advice of Father Benedictus but, although he followed + the counsel so earnestly that for a long time large bloody stripes covered + his back and shoulders, this remedy for sinful thoughts produced an effect + exactly opposite to the one expected; for, whenever the places where the + scourge had struck him so severely smarted under his armour, they reminded + him of her for whose sake he had raised his hand against himself, and the + blissful glance from her eyes. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> + <p> + During the days which succeeded the mass for the dead the Ortlieb mansion + was very silent. The Burgrave von Zollern, who still gladly concealed in + his castle the brave companion in arms to whom he had entrusted the + imperial standard on the Marchfield, when his own strong arm needed rest, + had permitted Herr Ernst, as the young man’s future father-in-law, to + visit him. Both were now in constant communication, as Els hoped, for the + advantage of the Eysvogel business. + </p> + <p> + Biberli did not cease acting as messenger between her and her future + bridegroom; nay, he could now devote the lion’s share of his days to it; + his master, for the first time since he had entered his service, had left + him. + </p> + <p> + The Emperor had been informed of the great shock experienced by the young + knight, but it was unnecessary; an eye far less keen would not have failed + to note the change in Heinz Schorlin. + </p> + <p> + The noble man who, even as a sovereign, retained the warmth of heart which + had characterised him in his youth as a count, sincerely loved his blithe, + loyal, brave young countryman, whose father he had valued, whose mother he + highly esteemed, and who had been the dearest friend of the son whom death + had so early snatched from him. + </p> + <p> + He knew him thoroughly, and had watched his development with increasing + warmth of sympathy, the more so as many a trait of character which he + recognised in Heinz reminded him of his own nature and aspirations at his + age. + </p> + <p> + At the court of Frederick II he too had not always walked in the paths of + virtue but, like Heinz, he had never let this merge into licentiousness, + and had maintained the chivalrous dignity of his station even more + strictly than the former. + </p> + <p> + Neither had he at any time deviated from the sincere piety which he had + brought from his home to the imperial court, and this was far more + difficult in the train of the bold and intellectual Hohenstaufen, who was + prone to blaspheme even the holiest things, than for Heinz. Finally he, + too, had lapsed into the mood which threatened to lead the light-hearted + Schorlin into a monastery. + </p> + <p> + The mighty impulse which, at that time, owing to the example and teachings + of St. Francis in Italy, had taken possession of so many minds, also left + its impress on his young soul, already agitated by sympathy with many an + extravagant idea, many an opinion condemned by the Church. But ere he had + taken even the first decisive step he was summoned home. His father had + resolved to obtain on the sacred soil of Palestine the mercy of Heaven + which was denied to the excommunicated Emperor, and desired his oldest + son, Rudolph, to represent him at home. + </p> + <p> + Before his departure he confided to his noble son his aspirations for the + grandeur and enlargement of his house, and the youth of twenty-one did not + venture to tell the dignified, far-sighted man, whom his subjects rightly + surnamed “the Wise,” his ardent desire to live henceforth solely for the + salvation of his endangered soul. + </p> + <p> + The sense of duty inherited from father and mother, which both had + imprinted deeply upon his soul, and also the ambition that had been + sedulously fostered at the court of the Emperor Frederick, had given him + courage to repress forever the wish with which he had left the + Hohenstaufen court. The sacrifice was hard, but he made it willingly as + soon as it became apparent to his reflective mind that not only his + earthly but his heavenly Father had appointed the task of devoting the + full wealth of his talents and the power of his will to the elevation of + the house of Hapsburg. + </p> + <p> + The very next year he stood in the place of his father who fell at + Ascalon, deeply lamented. + </p> + <p> + The arduous labour imposed by the management of his own great possessions, + and the ceaseless endeavour to enlarge them, in accordance with the dead + man’s wishes, gave him no time to cherish the longing for the peace of the + cloister. + </p> + <p> + After his election as King of Germany, which had long been neglected under + the government of sham emperors, increased the burden of his duties the + more seriously he took them, and the more difficult the Bohemian king + Ottocar, especially, rendered it for him to maintain the crown he had won, + the more eagerly he strove, particularly after the victory of Marchfield + had secured his sovereignty, to increase the power of his house. + </p> + <p> + A binding duty, a difficult task, must also withhold Heinz Schorlin from + the wish for whose fulfilment his fiery young soul now fervently longed, + and which he knew was receiving powerful sustenance from a worthy and + eloquent Minorite. + </p> + <p> + Rudolph’s own brother had died in peace as canon of Basel and Strasbourg; + his sister was happy in her convent as a modest Dominican; but the young + knight over whose welfare he had promised his mother to watch, and whom he + loved, was not fitted for the monastic life. + </p> + <p> + However earnest might be his intention—after the miracle which + seemed to have been wrought specially for him—of renouncing the + world, sooner or later the time must come when Heinz would long to return + to it and the profession of arms, for which he was born and reared. But if + he could not be deterred from entering the modest order of the mendicant + monks, who proudly called poverty their beloved bride, and should become + the head of a bishopric while young, he would inevitably be one of those + fighting prelates who seemed to the Emperor—who disliked halfway + measures—neither knight nor priest, and with whom he had had many a + quarrel. + </p> + <p> + Opposition would merely have sharpened the young knight’s desire; + therefore his imperial patron had treated him as if he were ignorant of + what was passing in his mind. Without circumlocution, he commanded him, at + the head of several bodies of Frank, Swabian, and Swiss troopers, whom he + placed at his orders, to attack the brothers Siebenburg and their allies, + and destroy their castle. If possible, he was to bring them alive before + the imperial judgment seat, and recover for the Eysvogels the merchandise + of which they had been robbed. + </p> + <p> + When Heinz, after the Emperor Rudolph had mentioned the latter name, + earnestly entreated him to prevent Wolff’s persecution, the sovereign + promised to fulfil the wish as soon as the proper time came. He himself + desired to be gracious to the brave champion of Marchfield, who under + great irritation had drawn his sword. But when Heinz also asked the + Emperor to send his friend Count Gleichen with him, the request was + refused. He must have the entire responsibility of the expedition which he + commanded; for nothing except an important duty that no one would help him + bear, gave promise of making him forget everything that usually engrossed + his attention, and thus his new object of longing. Besides, if he returned + victorious his fame and reward would be undivided. + </p> + <p> + The Hapsburg wished to try upon his young favourite the means which had + availed to keep his own footsteps in the path which he desired to see + Heinz follow: constant occupation associated with heavy responsibility, + the success which brings with it the hope of future achievement and + thereby rouses ambition. + </p> + <p> + The wisdom and kindness of heart of the Emperor Rudolph, whom the + grey-haired ruler’s friends called “Wisdom,” had certainly chosen the + right course for Heinz. But he who had always regarded every opportunity + of drawing his sword for his master as a rare piece of good fortune, + shrank in dismay from this, the most important and honourable charge that + had ever been bestowed upon him. It drew him away from the new path in + which he did not yet feel at home, because the love he could not abjure + constantly thrust him into the world, into the midst of the life and + tumult from which Heaven itself commanded him to turn aside. + </p> + <p> + The Minorite had scarcely been right in the assertion that only the first + rounds of the ladder which leads to heavenly bliss were hard to climb. + </p> + <p> + How quickly he had set his foot on the first step; but each upward stride + was followed by one that dragged him down-nay, it had seemed advisable + wholly to renounce the effort to ascend them, when the monk expected him + to sever the bond which united him to the Emperor, and to tell the + sovereign that he had entered the service of a greater Master, who + commanded him to fight with other weapons than the sword and lance. + </p> + <p> + Heinz had regarded this demand as a summons to turn traitor. It did not + seem to be the call of the devout, experienced director of souls to the + disciples, but the Guelph to the Ghibelline, for Ghibelline he meant to + remain. Gratitude was a Christian virtue, too, and to refuse his service + to the Emperor, who had been a father to him, to whom he had sworn fealty, + and who had loaded him with benefits, could not be pleasing in the sight + of any God. He could never become a Guelph, he told his venerable friend. + The Emperor Rudolph was his beloved master, from whom he had received + nothing but kindness. He might as well be required to refuse obedience to + his own father. + </p> + <p> + “What Guelph? What Ghibelline?” cried the Minorite in a tone of grave + rebuke. “The question is submission to the Most High, or to the world and + its claims. And why should not Heaven require, as you term it, that you + should obey the Lord more willingly than your earthly father—you, + whom the mercy of God summoned amidst thunder and lightning in the + presence of thousands? When Francis, our beloved model, the son of Pier + Bernardone, was threatened with his father’s curse if he did not turn back + from the path which led to the highest goal, Francis restored all that he + had received from him, except his last garment, and with the exclamation, + ‘Our Father who art in heaven, not Pier Bernardone,’ he made the choice + between his earthly and his heavenly Father. From the former he would have + received in abundance everything that the heart of a child of the world + desires-wealth, paternal love, and the blessing which is said to build + houses on earth. But Francis preferred poverty and contempt, nay, even his + father’s curse and the reproach of ingratitude, receiving in exchange + possessions of a nobler nature and more lasting character. You have heard + their names. To obtain them, means to share the bliss of heaven. And you”—he + continued loudly, adopting for the first time a tone of authoritative + severity—“if you really yearned for the greatest possessions, go to + the fortress this very hour, and with the cry in your heart, though not on + your lips, ‘Our Father who art in heaven, not my gracious master and + benefactor Rudolph,’ inform the Emperor what higher Lord you have vowed to + serve.” + </p> + <p> + This kindled a fierce conflict in Heinz Schorlin’s soul, which perhaps + might have ended in favour of a new career and St. Francis, had not + Biberli, ere he reached a conclusion, rushed into the room shouting: + “Seitz Siebenburg, the Mustache, has joined his brothers, and the Knight + of Absbach, with several others—von Hirsdorf, von Streitberg, and + whatever their names may be—have made common cause with them! It is + said that they also expected reinforcements from the Main, in order that + the right to the road——” + </p> + <p> + “Gossip, or positive news?” interrupted Heinz, drawing himself up to his + full height with the cool composure which he attained most easily when any + serious danger threatened him. + </p> + <p> + “As positive,” replied his follower eagerly, “as that Siebenburg is the + greatest rascal in Germany. You will be robbed of your joust with him, for + he’ll mount the block instead of the steed, just as you predicted. The + ladies will drive him from the lists with pins and rods, to say nothing of + the scourging by which knight and squire will silence him. Oh, my lord, if + you only knew!” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” asked the knight anxiously. + </p> + <p> + Then Biberli, paying no further heed to his master’s orders never to + mention the Ortlieb sisters again in his presence, burst forth + indignantly: “It might move a stone to pity to know the wrong the monster + has done Jungfrau Eva and her pure and virtuous sister, the loyal + betrothed bride of a brave man—and the abominable names bestowed on + the young ladies, whom formerly young and old, hat in hand, called the + beautiful Es.” + </p> + <p> + Heinz stamped his foot on the floor and, half frantic, impetuously + exclaimed, his blood boiling with honest indignation: “May the air he + breathes destroy the slandering scoundrel! May I be flayed on the rack if——” + </p> + <p> + Here he was interrupted by a low exclamation of warning from the Minorite, + who perceived in the knight’s fierce oaths a lamentable relapse. Heinz + himself felt ashamed of the ungodly imprecations; yet he could by no means + succeed in regaining his former composure as, drawing a long breath, he + continued: “And those city hypocrites, who call themselves Christians, and + build costly cathedrals for the good of their souls, are not ashamed—yes, + holy Father, it is true—basely to deny our Lord and Saviour, who is + Love itself, and deemed even the Magdalen worthy of His mercy, and rub + their hands in fiendish malignity when unpunished they can sully the white + robe of innocence, and drag pious, lovely simplicity to the pillory.” + </p> + <p> + “That is the very reason, my son,” the monk interrupted soothingly, “that + we disciples of the Saint of Assisi go forth to show the deluded what the + Lord requires of them. Therefore leave behind you the dust of the world, + which defiles both body and soul, join us, who did so before you, and + help, as one of our order, to make those who are perishing in sin and + dishonouring the name of Christ better and purer, genuine Christians. In + this hour of stress lay the sword out of your hand, and leave the steed——” + </p> + <p> + “I shall ride forth, rely upon it, holy Father,” Heinz burst forth afresh. + “With the sky-blue of the gracious Virgin, whom I love, on my shield and + helmet, I will dash like the angel Michael amongst the Siebenburgs and + their followers. And let me tell you, holy Father—you who were once + a knight also—if the Mustache, weltering in his blood at my feet, + prays for mercy, I’ll teach him——” + </p> + <p> + “Son! son!” interrupted the monk again, this time raising his hands + imploringly; but Heinz, paying no heed, exclaimed hoarsely: + </p> + <p> + “Where did you get this news?” + </p> + <p> + “From our Berne countryman at the fortress,” replied the servant eagerly; + “Brandenstein, Schweppermann, and Heidenab brought the tidings. The + Emperor received them at the gate of the citadel, where he was keeping + watch ere he mounted his steed. He heard him call to the messengers, ‘So + our Heinz Schorlin will have a hard nut to crack.’” + </p> + <p> + “Which he will crush after his own heart!” cried Heinz, with flashing + eyes. + </p> + <p> + Then, forcing himself to be calm, he exclaimed in broken sentences, whilst + Biberli was helping him put on his armour: “Your wish, reverend Father, is + also mine. The world—the sooner I can rid myself of it the better; + yet what you describe in the most alluring terms is the peace in your + midst, I—I—Never, never will my heart be calm until——” + </p> + <p> + Here he paused suddenly, struck his breast swiftly and repeatedly with his + fists, and continued eagerly: “Here, Father Benedictus, here are old and + strong demands, which you, too, must once have known ere you offered the + other cheek to the foe. I know not what to call them, but until they are + satisfied I shall never be yours. They must be fulfilled; then, if in + battle and bloodshed I can also forget the love which ever rises again + when I think I have given it the deathblow, if Heaven still desires poor, + heartsick Heinz Schorlin, it shall have him.” + </p> + <p> + The Minorite received the promise with a silent bend of the head. He felt + that he might seriously endanger the fulfilment of his ardent wish to gain + this soul for heaven if he urged Heinz further now. Patiently awaiting a + more fitting season, he therefore contented himself with questioning him + carelessly about the foe and his castles. + </p> + <p> + The day was hot, and as Biberli laced the gambeson—the thick, + quilted undergarment over which was worn the heavy leather coat covered + with scales and rings—the monk exclaimed: “When the duty which you + believe you owe to the world has been fulfilled, you will gratefully + learn, as one of our order, how pleasant it is to walk with liberated soul + in our light-brown cowl.” + </p> + <p> + But he ought to have repressed the remark, for Heinz cast a glance at him + which expressed his astonishment at being so misunderstood, and answered + with unyielding resolution: “If I long for anything in your order, + reverend Father, it is not for easy tasks, but for the most difficult + burden of all. Your summons to take our Redeemer’s cross upon me pleases + me better.” + </p> + <p> + “And I, my son, believe that your words will be inscribed amongst those + which are sure of reward,” the monk answered; then with bowed head added + “At that moment you were nearer the kingdom of heaven than the aged + companion of St. Francis.” + </p> + <p> + But perceiving how impatiently Heinz shrugged his shoulders, and convinced + that it would be advisable to leave him to himself for a time, the old man + blessed him with paternal affection and went his way. When the fiery youth + had performed the task which now claimed all his powers, he hoped to find + him more inclined to allow himself to be led farther along the path which + he had entered. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> + <p> + The Minorite had gone. Biberli had noticed with delight that his master + had not sought as usual to detain him. The iron now seemed to him hot, and + he thought it would be worth while to swing the hammer. + </p> + <p> + The danger in which Heinz stood of being drawn into the monastery made him + deeply anxious, and he had already ventured several times to oppose his + design. Life was teaching him to welcome a small evil when it barred the + way to a greater one, and his master’s marriage, even with a girl of far + lower station than Eva Ortlieb, would have been sure of his favour, if + only it would have deterred him from the purpose of leaving the world to + which he belonged. + </p> + <p> + “True,” the servitor began, “in such heat it is easier to walk in the thin + cowl than in armour. The holy Father is right there. But when it is + necessary to be nimble, the knight has his dancing dress also. Oh, my + lord, what a sight it was when you were waltzing with the lovely Jungfrau + Eva! Look at Heinz Schorlin, the brave hero of Marchfield, and the girl + with the angel face who is with him!’ said those around me, as I was + gazing down from the balcony. And just think—I can’t help speaking + of it again—that now respectable people dare to point their fingers + at the sisters and join in the base calumny uttered by a scoundrel!” + </p> + <p> + Then Heinz fulfilled Biberli’s secret longing to be questioned about the + Es and the charges against them, and he forged the iron. + </p> + <p> + Not from thirst, he said, but to ascertain what fruit had grown from the + hellish seeds sown by Siebenburg, and probably the still worse ones of the + Eysvogel women, he went from tavern to tavern, and there he heard things + which made him clench his fists, and, at the Red Ox, roused him to such + violent protest that he went out of the tap-room faster than he entered + it. + </p> + <p> + Thereupon, without departing far from the truth, he related what was said + about the beautiful Es in Nuremberg. + </p> + <p> + It was everywhere positively asserted that a knight belonging to the + Emperor’s train had been caught at the Ortlieb mansion, either in a + nocturnal interview or while climbing into the window. Both sisters were + said to be guilty. But the sharpest arrows were aimed at Els, the + betrothed bride of the son of a patrician family, whom many a girl would + have been glad to wed. That she preferred the foreigner, whether a + Bohemian, a Swabian, or even a Swiss, made her error doubly shameful in + the eyes of most persons. + </p> + <p> + Whenever Biberli had investigated the source of these evil tales, he had + invariably found it to be Seitz Siebenburg, his retainers, the Eysvogel + butler, or some man or maidservant in their employ. + </p> + <p> + The Vorchtels, who, as he knew from Katterle, would have had the most + reason to cherish resentment against the Ortliebs, had no share in these + slanders. + </p> + <p> + The shrewd fellow had discovered the truth, for after Seitz Siebenburg had + wandered about in the open air during the storm, he again tried to see his + wife. But the effort was vain. Neither entreaties nor threats would induce + her to open the door. Meanwhile it had grown late and, half frantic with + rage, he went to the Duke of Pomerania’s quarters in the Green Shield to + try his luck in gaming. The dice were again moving rapidly, but no one + grasped the box when he offered a stake. No more insulting rebuff could be + imagined, and the repulse which he received from his peers, and especially + the duke, showed him that he was to be excluded from this circle. + </p> + <p> + He was taught at the same time that if he answered the challenge of the + Swiss he would not be permitted to enter the lists. Thus he confronted the + impossibility of satisfying a demand of honour, and this terrible thought + induced him to declare war against everything which honour had hitherto + enjoined, and with it upon its guardians. + </p> + <p> + If they treated him as a robber and a dishonoured man, he would behave + like one; but those who had driven him so far should suffer for it. + </p> + <p> + During the rest of the night and on the following day, until the gate was + closed, he wandered, goblet in hand, only half conscious of what he was + doing, from tavern to tavern, to tell the guests what he knew about the + beautiful Es; and at every repetition of the accusations, of whose justice + he was again fully convinced, his hatred against the sisters, and those + who were their natural defenders and therefore his foes, increased. Every + time he repeated the old charges an addition increasing the slander was + made and, as if aided by some mysterious ally, it soon happened that in + various places his own inventions were repeated to him by the lips of + others who had heard them from strangers. True, he was often contradicted, + sometimes violently but, on the whole, people believed him more readily + than would have happened in the case of any other person; for every one + admitted that, as the brother-in-law of the older E, he had a right to + express his indignation in words. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile his twins often returned to his memory. The thought ought to + have restrained him from such base conduct; but the idea that he was + avenging the wrong inflicted upon their father’s honour, and thus upon + theirs, urged him further and further. + </p> + <p> + Not until a long ride through the forest had sobered him did he see his + conduct in the proper light. + </p> + <p> + Insult and disgrace would certainly await him in the city. His brothers + would receive him kindly. They were of his own blood and could not help + welcoming his sharp sword. Side by side with them he would fight and, if + it must be, die. A voice within warned him against making common cause + with those who had robbed the family of which he had become a member, yet + he again used the remembrance of his innocent darlings to palliate his + purpose. For their sakes only he desired to go to his death, sword in + hand, like a valiant knight in league with those who were risking their + lives in defence of the ancient privilege of their class. They must not + even suspect that their father had been shut out from the tournament, but + grow up in the conviction that he had fallen as a heroic champion of the + cause of the lesser knights to whom he belonged, and on whose neck the + Emperor had set his foot. + </p> + <p> + The assurance which Biberli brought Heinz Schorlin that Seitz Siebenburg + had joined those whom he was ordered to punish, placed the task assigned + him by the Emperor in a new and attractive light; but the servant’s + report, so far as it concerned the Ortlieb sisters, pierced the inmost + depths of his soul. He alone was to blame for the disgrace which had + fallen upon innocent maidens. By the destruction of the calumny he would + at least atone for a portion of his sin. But this did not suffice. It was + his duty to repair the wrong he had done the sisters. How? That he could + not yet determine; for whilst wielding the executioner’s sword in his + master’s service all these thoughts must be silenced; he could consider + nothing save to fulfil the task confided to him by his imperial benefactor + and commander in chief, according to his wishes, and show him that he had + chosen wisely in trusting him to “crack the nut” which he himself had + pronounced a hard one. The yearning and renunciation, the reproaches and + doubts which disturbed his life, until recently so easy, had disgusted him + with it. He would not spare it. Yet if he fell he would be deprived of the + possibility of doing anything whatever for those who through his + imprudence had lost their dearest possession—their good name. + Whenever this picture rose before him it sometimes seemed as if Eva was + gazing at him with her large, bright eyes as trustingly as during the + pause in the dancing, and anon he fancied he saw her as she looked at her + mother’s consecration in her deep mourning before the altar. At that time + her grief and pain had prevented her from noticing how his gaze rested on + her; yet never had she appeared more desirable, never had he longed more + ardently to clasp her in his arms, console her, and assure her that his + love should teach her to forget her grief, that she was destined to find + new happiness in a union with him. + </p> + <p> + This had happened to him just as he commenced the struggle for a new life. + Startled, he confessed it to his grey-haired guide, and used the means + which the Minorite advised him to employ to attain forgetfulness and + renunciation, but always in vain. Had he, like St. Francis, rushed among + briers, his blood would not have turned into roses, but doubtless fresh + memories of her whose happiness his guilt had so suddenly and cruelly + destroyed. + </p> + <p> + For her sake he had already begun to doubt his vocation on the very + threshold of his new career, and did not recover courage until Father + Benedictus, who had communicated with the Abbess Kunigunde, informed him + that Eva was wax in her hands, and within the next few days she would + induce her niece to take the veil. + </p> + <p> + This news had exerted a deep influence upon the young knight’s soul. If + Eva entered the cloister before him, the only strong tie which united him + to the world would be severed, and nothing save the thought of his mother + would prevent his following his vocation. Yet vehement indignation seized + him when he heard from Biberli that the slanderer’s malice would force Eva + to seek refuge with the Sisters. + </p> + <p> + No, a thousand times no! The woman whom he loved should need to seek + refuge from nothing for which Heinz Schorlin’s desire and resolve alike + commanded him to make amends. + </p> + <p> + He must succeed in proving to the whole world that she and her sister were + as pure as they lived in his imagination, either by offering in the lists + the boldest defiance to every one who refused to acknowledge that both + were the most chaste and decorous ladies in the whole world, and Eva, at + the same time, the loveliest and fairest, or by the open interference of + the Emperor or the Burggravine in behalf of the persecuted sisters, after + he had confessed the whole truth to his exalted patrons. + </p> + <p> + But when Biberli pointed out the surest way of restoring the endangered + reputation of the woman he loved, and begged him to imagine how much more + beautiful she would look in the white bridal veil than in her mourning + Riese—[Kerchief of fine linen, arranged like a veil]—he + ordered him to keep silence. + </p> + <p> + The miracle wrought in his behalf forbade him to yearn for happiness and + joy here below. It was intended rather to open his eyes and urge him to + leave the path which led to eternal damnation. It pointed him to the + kingdom of heaven and its bliss, which could be purchased only by severe + sacrifice and the endurance of every grief which the Saviour had taken + upon Himself. But he could at least pay one honour to the maiden to whom + he was so strongly attracted, and whose happiness for life was menaced by + his guilt. When he had assembled his whole force at Schwabach, he would go + into battle with her colour on his helmet and shield. The Queen of Heaven + would not be angry with him if he wore her light blue to atone to the pure + and pious Eva, who was hers even more fully than he himself, for the wrong + inflicted upon her by spiteful malice. + </p> + <p> + Heinz Schorlin’s friends thought the change in his mood a natural + consequence of the events which had befallen him; young Count Gleichen, + his most intimate companion, even looked up to him since his “call” as a + consecrated person. + </p> + <p> + His grey-haired cousin, Sir Arnold Maier, of Silenen, was a devout man + whose own son led a happy life as a Benedictine monk at Engelberg. The + sign by which Heaven had signified its will to Heinz had made a deep + impression upon him, and though he would have preferred to see him + continue in the career so auspiciously begun, he would have considered it + impious to dissuade him from obeying the summons vouchsafed by the Most + High. So he offered no opposition, and sent by the next courier a letter + to Lady Wendula Schorlin, his young cousin’s mother, in which, with + Heinz’s knowledge-nay, at his request—he related what her son had + experienced, and entreated her not to withhold him from the vocation of + which God deemed him worthy. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Biberli wrote to his master’s mother in a different strain, and + did not desist from expressing his opinion, to Heinz, and assuring him + that his place was on a battle charger, with his sword in its sheath or in + his hand, rather than in a monastery with a rosary hanging from a hempen + girdle. + </p> + <p> + This had vexed Heinz—nay, made him seriously angry with the faithful + fellow; and when in full armour he prepared to mount his steed to receive + the last directions of his imperial master, and Biberli asked him on which + horse he should follow, he answered curtly that this time he would go + without him. + </p> + <p> + Yet when he saw tears fill the eyes of his “true and steadfast” companion, + he patted the significant St. on his cap, and added kindly: “Never mind, + Biber, everything will be unchanged between us till I obey my summons, and + you build your own nest with Katterle.” + </p> + <p> + So Biberli had remained in Nuremberg whilst Heinz Schorlin, after the + Emperor with fatherly kindness had dismissed him, granting him full + authority, set forth at the head of his troops as their commander, to take + the field against the Siebenburgs and their allies. + </p> + <p> + The servant was permitted to attend him only to the outskirts of the city. + </p> + <p> + Before the Spitalthor, Countess Cordula, though she was returning from a + ride into the country, had wheeled her spirited dappled horse and joined + him as familiarly as though she belonged to him. Heinz, who would have + liked best to be alone, and to whom any other companion would have been + more welcome, showed her this plainly enough, but she did not seem to + notice it, and during the whole of their ride together gave her tongue + free rein and, though he often indignantly interrupted her, described with + increasing warmth what the Ortlieb sisters had suffered through his fault. + In doing so she drew so touching a picture of Eva’s silent sorrow that + Heinz sometimes longed to thank her, but more frequently to have her + driven away by his men at arms; for he had mounted his horse with the + intention of dividing the time of his ride between pious meditations and + plans for the arrangement of the expedition. What could be more unwelcome + than the persistent loquacity of the countess, who filled his heart and + mind with ideas and wishes that threatened most seriously to imperil his + design? + </p> + <p> + Cordula plainly perceived how unwillingly he listened. Nay, as Heinz more + and more distinctly, at last even offensively, showed her how little he + desired her society, it only increased the animation of her speech, which + seemed to her not to fail wholly in the influence she desired to exert in + Eva’s favour; therefore she remained at his side longer than she had at + first intended. She did not even turn back when they met the young Duchess + Agnes, who with her train was returning to the city from a ride. + </p> + <p> + The Bohemian princess had known that Heinz would ride through the + Spitalthor at this hour to confront his foe, and had intended that the + meeting with her should seem like a good omen. The thought of wishing him + success on his journey had been a pleasant one. True, Cordula’s presence + did not prevent this, but it disturbed her, and she was vexed to find the + countess again at Heinz Schorlin’s side. + </p> + <p> + She showed her displeasure so plainly that her Italian singing mistress, + the elderly spinster Caterina de Celano, took sides with her, and + scornfully asked the countess whether she had brought her curling irons + with her. + </p> + <p> + But she bit her lips at Cordula’s swift retort “O no! Malice meets us on + every road, but in Germany we do not pull one another’s hair on the + highway over every venomous or foolish word.” + </p> + <p> + She turned her back on her as she spoke until the duchess had taken leave + of Heinz, and then rode on with him; but as soon as a portion of the road + intervened between her and the countess the young Bohemian exclaimed: “We + must certainly try to save Sir Heinz from this disagreeable shrew!” + </p> + <p> + “And the saints will aid the good work,” the Italian protested, “for they + themselves have a better right to the charming knight. How grave he + looked! Take care, your Highness, he is following, as my nimble cousin + Frangipani did a short time ago, in the footsteps of the Saint of Assisi.” + </p> + <p> + “But he must not, shall not, go into the monastery!” cried the young + duchess, with childish refractoriness. “The Emperor is opposed to it, and + he, too, does not like the von Montfort’s boisterous manner. We will see + whether I cannot accomplish something, Caterina.” + </p> + <p> + Here she stopped. They had again reached the village of Rottenpach, and in + front of the newly built little church stood its pastor, with the + dignitaries of the parish, and the children were scattering flowers in the + path. She checked her Arabian, dismounted, and graciously inspected the + new house of God, the pride of the congregation. + </p> + <p> + On the way home, just beyond the village, her horse again shied. The + animal had been startled by an old Minorite monk who sat under a crab + apple tree. It was Father Benedictus, who had set out early to anticipate + Heinz and surprise him in his night quarters by his presence. But he had + overestimated his strength, and advanced so slowly that Heinz and his + troopers, from whom he had concealed himself behind a dusty hawthorn bush, + had not seen him. From Schweinau the walk had become difficult, especially + as it was contrary to the teaching of the saint to use a staff. Many a + compassionate peasant, many a miller’s lad and Carter, had offered him a + seat on the back of his nag or in his waggon but, without accepting their + friendly offers, he had plodded on with his bare feet. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps this journey would be his last, but on it he would redeem the + promise which he had made his dying master, to go forth according to the + command of the Saviour, which Francis of Assisi had made his own and that + of his order, to preach and to proclaim, “The kingdom of heaven is at + hand!” + </p> + <p> + “Without price,” ran the words, “have ye received, without price give.” He + had no regard for earthly reward, therefore he yearned the more ardently + for the glad knowledge that he had saved a soul for heaven. + </p> + <p> + He had learned to love Heinz as the saint had formerly loved him, and he + did not grudge him the happiness which, at the knight’s age, had fallen to + the lot of the man whose years now numbered eighty. How long he had been + permitted to enjoy this bliss! True, during the last decades it had been + clouded by many a shadow. + </p> + <p> + He had endured much hardship in the service of his sacred cause, but the + greater the sacrifice he offered the more exquisite was the reward reaped + by his soul. Oh, if this pilgrimage might yield him Heinz Schorlin’s vow + to follow his saint and with him the Saviour!—if he might be + permitted, clasping in his the hand of the beloved youth he had saved, to + exchange this world for eternal bliss! + </p> + <p> + Earth had nothing more to offer; for he who was one of the leaders of his + brotherhood beheld with grief their departure from the paths of their + founder. Poverty, which secures freedom to the body, which knows nothing + of the anxieties of this world and the burden of possession, which permits + the soul to soar unfettered far above the dust—poverty, the divine + bride of St. Francis, was forsaken in many circles of his brother monks. + With property, ease and the longing for secular influence had stolen into + many a monastery. Many shunned the labour which the saint enjoined upon + his disciples, and the old jugs were often filled with new wine, which he, + Benedictus, never tasted, and which the saint rejected as poison. He was + no longer young and strong enough to let his grief and indignation rage + like a purifying thunderstorm amidst these abuses. + </p> + <p> + But Heinz Schorlin! + </p> + <p> + If this youth of noble blood, equally gifted in mind and person, whom + Heaven itself had summoned with lightning and thunder, devoted himself + from sincere conviction, with a heart full of youthful enthusiasm, to his + sacred cause—if Heinz, consecrated by him, and fully aware of the + real purposes of the saint, who, also untaught and rich only in knowledge + of the heart, had begun a career so momentous in consequences, announced + himself as a fearless champion of St. Francis’s will, then the St. George + had been found who was summoned to slay the dragon, and with his blood + instil new life at last into the monasteries of Germany, then perhaps the + fresh prosperity which he desired for the order was at hand. The larger + number of its recruits came from the lower ranks of the people. Sir Heinz + Schorlin’s example would perhaps bring it also, as an elevating element, + the sons of his peers. + </p> + <p> + So, bathed in perspiration, and often on the point of fainting, he + followed Heinz through the dust of the highway. + </p> + <p> + Often, when his strength failed, and he sat down by the roadside to take + breath, his soul-life gained a loftier aspiration. + </p> + <p> + After Heinz rode by without seeing him he continued his way until his feet + grew so heavy that he was forced to sit down beside the road. Then he + imagined that the Saviour Himself came towards him, gazed lovingly into + his face, and turned to beckon some one, Benedictus did not know whom, + heavenward. Suddenly the clouds that had covered the sky parted, and the + old man fancied he heard the song of the troubadour whose soul had been + subdued by love for God, which his friend and master had addressed to his + Redeemer. It must come from the lips of his angels on high, but he longed + to join in the strain. True, his aged lips, rapidly as they moved, uttered + no sound, but he fancied he was sharing in this song of the soul, glowing + with fervent, consuming flames of love, dedicated to the Saviour, the + source of all love: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Love’s flames my kindling heart control, + Love for my Bridegroom fair, + When on my hand he placed the ring, + The Lamb whose fervent love I share + Did pierce my inmost soul,” + </pre> + <p> + the fiery song began, and an absorbing yearning for death and the beloved + Redeemer, whose form had vanished in the sea of flames surging before his + dilated eyes, moved the very depths of his soul as he commenced the second + verse: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “My heart amidst Love’s tortures broke, + Slain by the might of Love’s keen stroke, + To earth my senseless body sank, + Love’s flames my life-blood drank.” + </pre> + <p> + With flushed cheeks, utterly borne away from the world and everything + which surrounded him, he raised his arms towards heaven, then they + suddenly fell. Starting up, he passed his hand over his dazzled eyes and + shook his head sorrowfully. Instead of the angels’ song, he heard the beat + of horses’ hoofs coming nearer and nearer. The open heavens had closed + again; he lay a poor exhausted mortal, with burning brow, beside the road. + </p> + <p> + Duchess Agnes, after visiting the new church at Rottenpach, rode past him + on her return to Nuremberg. + </p> + <p> + Neither she nor her train heeded the old monk. But the Italian who, as she + rode by, had been attracted by the noble features of the aged man, whose + eyes still sparkled with youthful enthusiasm, gazed at him enquiringly. + Her glance met his, and the Minorite’s wrinkled features wore a look of + eager enquiry. He longed to rise and ask the name of the black-eyed lady + at the duchess’s side. But ere he could stand erect, the party had passed + on. + </p> + <p> + Disturbed in mind, and scarcely able to set one sore foot before the + other, he dragged himself forward. + </p> + <p> + Before he reached Rottenpach he met one of the duchess’s pages who had + remained at the village forge and was now riding after his mistress. + Father Benedictus called to him, and the boy, awed by the grey-haired + monk, answered his questions, and told him that the lady on the horse with + the white star on its face was the duchess’s Italian singing mistress, + Caterina de Celano. + </p> + <p> + Every drop of blood receded from the Minorite’s fever-flushed cheeks, and + the page was about to spring from his saddle to support him, but the monk + waved him back impatiently, and by the exertion of all his strength of + will forced himself to stagger on. + </p> + <p> + He had just felt happy in the heart of eternal love; but now the + expression of his countenance changed, and his dark, sunken eyes flashed + angrily. + </p> + <p> + The faded woman beside the duchess bore the name of the lady whose + faithlessness had first induced him to seek rest and forgetfulness in the + peace of the cloister, and led him to despise her whole sex. + </p> + <p> + The horsewoman must be a granddaughter, daughter, or niece of the woman + who had so basely betrayed him. How much she resembled the traitress, but + she did not understand how to hide her real nature as well; her faded + features wore a somewhat malicious expression. The resentment which he + thought he had conquered again awoke. He would have liked to rush after + her and call her to her face——. Yet what would that avail? How + was she to blame for the treachery of another person, whom perhaps she did + not even know? + </p> + <p> + Yet he longed to follow her. + </p> + <p> + His fevered blood urged him on, but his exhausted, aching limbs refused to + serve him. One more violent effort, and sparks flashed before his eyes, + his lips were wet with blood, and he sank gasping on the ground. + </p> + <p> + After some time he succeeded in dragging himself to the side of the road, + where he lay until a Nuremberg carrier, passing with his team of four + horses, lifted him, with the help of his servant, into his cart and took + him on. + </p> + <p> + At Schweinau the jolting of the vehicle became unendurable to the + sufferer, and the carrier willingly fulfilled his wish to be taken to the + hospital where mangled criminals, tortured by the rack, were nursed. + </p> + <p> + There, however, they instantly perceived that his place was not in this + house dedicated to criminal misfortune, and the kind Beguines of Schweinau + took charge of him. + </p> + <p> + On the way the old monk suffered severely in both soul and body. It seemed + like treason, like a rejection of his pure and pious purposes, that Heaven + itself barred the path along which he was wearily wandering to win it a + soul. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> + <p> + The entombment of the magnificent coffin of Frau Maria Ortlieb under the + pavement of the family chapel was over. The little group of sympathising + friends had left the church. Only the widower and his daughters remained, + and when he knew that he could no longer be seen by the few who still + lingered in the house of God, he clasped the two girls to his heart with a + suppressed sob. + </p> + <p> + Never had he experienced such deep sorrow, such anguish of soul. He had + not even been permitted to take leave of his beloved companion with + unmixed grief; fierce resentment had mingled with his trouble. + </p> + <p> + To remain alone in the house with his daughters after the burial and + answer their questions seemed to him impossible. + </p> + <p> + The meeting of the Council, which would soon begin, served as a pretence + for leaving them. Eva was to blame for what he had just suffered; but he + knew everything concerning the rumours about the inexperienced girl and + Heinz Schorlin, and there fore was aware that her fault was trivial. To + censure her seemed as difficult as to discuss calmly with her and the + sensible Els what could be done under existing circumstances; besides, he + was firmly convinced that Eva had nothing left except to take, without + delay, the veil for which she had longed from childhood. His sister, the + Abbess Kunigunde, was keeping the door of the convent open. She had + promised the girl to await her at home. In taking leave of his daughters, + he begged them not to wait for him, because the Council were to decide the + fate of the Eysvogel business, and the session might last a long while. + </p> + <p> + Then his Els gazed at him with a look of such earnest entreaty that he + nodded, and in a tone of the warmest compassion began: “I shall be more + than glad to aid your Wolff, my dear girl, but he himself told you how the + case stands. What would it avail if I beggared myself and you for the + Eysvogels and their tottering house? I must remain hard now, in order + later to smooth the path for Wolff and you, Els. If Berthold Vorchtel + would make up his mind to join me, it might be different, but he summoned + the Council as a complainant, and if he is the one to overthrow the + reeling structure, who can blame him? We shall see. Whatever I can + reasonably do for the unfortunate family shall be accomplished, my girl.” + </p> + <p> + Then he kissed his older daughter on the forehead, hastily gave the + younger the same caress, and left the chapel. But Els detained him, + whispering: “Whatever wrong was inflicted upon us yesterday, do not let it + prejudice you, father. It was meant neither for her whose peace nothing + can now disturb, nor for you. We alone——” + </p> + <p> + “You certainly,” Herr Ernst interrupted bitterly, “were made to feel how + far superior in virtue they considered themselves to you, who are better + and purer than all of them. But keep up Eva’s courage. I have been talking + with your Uncle Pfinzing and your Aunt Christine. You yourself took them + into your confidence, and we will consult together how the serpent’s head + is to be crushed.” + </p> + <p> + He turned away as he spoke, but Els went back to her sister, and after a + brief prayer they left the church with bowed heads. + </p> + <p> + The sedan-chairs were waiting outside. Each was to be borne home + separately, but both preferred, spite of the bright summer weather, to + draw the curtains, that unseen they might weep, and ask themselves how + such wrongs could have been inflicted upon the dead woman and themselves. + </p> + <p> + The respect of high and low for the Ortlieb family had been most + brilliantly displayed when the body of the son, slain in battle, had been + interred in the chapel of his race. And their mother? How many had held + her dear! to how many she had been kind, loving, and friendly! How great a + sympathy the whole city had shown during her illness, and how many of all + classes had attended the mass for her soul! And the burial which had just + taken place? + </p> + <p> + True, on her father’s account all the members of the Council were present, + but scarcely half the wives had appeared. Their daughters—Els had + counted them—numbered only nine, and but three were included among + her friends. The others had probably come out of curiosity. And the common + people, the artisans, the lower classes, who in countless numbers had + accompanied her brother’s coffin to its resting place, and during the mass + for the dead had crowded the spacious nave of St. Sebald’s? There had been + now only a scanty group. The nuns from the convent were present, down to + the most humble lay Sister; but they were under great obligations to her + mother, and their abbess was her father’s sister. There were few other + women except the old crones from the hospitals and nurseries, who were + never absent when there was an opportunity to weep or to backbite. In + going through the nave of the church into the chapel the sisters had + passed a group of younger lads and maidens, who had nudged one another in + so disrespectful a way, whispering all sorts of things, that Els had tried + to draw Eva past them as swiftly as possible. + </p> + <p> + Her wish to keep her more sensitive sister from noticing the disagreeable + gestures and insulting words of the cruel youths and girls was gratified. + True, Eva also felt with keen indignation that far too little honour was + paid to her beloved dead; that the blinded people believed the slanderers + who repeated even worse things of her Els than of herself, and made their + poor mother, who had lived and suffered like a saint, atone for what they + imagined were the sins of her daughters; but the jeers and scorn which had + obtruded themselves upon her father and sister from more than one quarter, + in many a form, had entirely escaped her notice. She had accustomed + herself from childhood to indulge in reflections and emotions apart from + the demands of the world. Whatever occupied her mind or soul absorbed her + completely; here she had been wholly engrossed in this silent intercourse + with the departed, and a single glance at the group assembled in the + church had showed her everything which she desired to know of her + surroundings. + </p> + <p> + Heinz had gone to the field the day before yesterday. Her silent colloquy + concerned him also. How difficult he made it for her to maintain the + resolution which she had formed during the mass for the dead, since he + remained aloof, without giving even the slightest token of remembrance. + True, an inward voice constantly repeated that he could not part from her + any more easily than she from him; but her maidenly pride rebelled against + the neglect with which he grieved her. The defiant desire to punish him + for departing without a word of farewell urged her back to the convent. + She had spent many hours there daily, and in its atmosphere of peace felt + better and happier than in her father’s house or any other spot which she + visited. The close association with her aunt, the abbess, was renewed. + True, she had not urged Eva to a definite statement by so much as a single + word, yet she had made her feel plainly how deeply it would wound her if + her pupil should resolve to disappoint the hopes which she herself had + fostered. If Eva refused to take the veil, would not her kind friend be + justified in charging her with unequalled ingratitude? and whose opinion + did she value even half as much, if she excepted her lover’s, whose + approval was more to her than that of all the rest of the world? + </p> + <p> + He was better than she, and who could tell what important motive kept him + away? Countless worldly wishes had blended with the devotion which she + felt in the convent; and had not the abbess herself taught her to obey, + without regard to individuals or their opinion, the demands of her own + nature, which were in harmony with the will of the Most High? and how + loudly every voice within commanded her to be loyal to her love! She had + made her decision, but offended pride, the memory of the happy, peaceful + hours in the convent and, above all, the fear of grieving the beloved + guide of her childhood, withheld her from the firm and irrevocable + statement to which her nature, averse to hesitation and delay, impelled + her. + </p> + <p> + The nearer the sedan-chair came to the Ortlieb mansion the faster her + heart beat, for that very day, probably within the next few hours, the + abbess would compel her to choose between her father’s house and the + convent. + </p> + <p> + She was panting for breath and deadly pale when, just after Els’s arrival, + she stepped from the chair. It had become intensely hot. Within the + vaulted corridor with its solid, impenetrable walls, a cooler atmosphere + received her, and she hoped to find in her own chamber fresher, purer air, + and—at least for the next few hours—undisturbed peace. + </p> + <p> + But what was the meaning of this scene? At her entrance, the conversation + which Els had evidently just commenced with several other women at the + door of the office suddenly ceased. It must be due to consideration for + her; for she had not failed to notice the significant glance with which + her sister looked at her and then removed her finger from her lips. + </p> + <p> + The abbess, who had been concealed by a wall of chests piled one above + another, now came forward and laid her hand upon the shoulder of a little + elderly woman, who must have been disputing vehemently with the old + housekeeper, Martsche, for she was flushed with excitement, and the + housekeeper’s chin still quivered. + </p> + <p> + Usually Eva paid little heed to the quarrels of the servants, but this one + appeared to have some connection with herself, and the cause could be no + trivial one, since Aunt Kunigunde took part in it. + </p> + <p> + But she had no sooner approached the other women than the abbess drew her + aside and asked her a few unimportant questions. They were probably + intended to keep her away from the disputants. But Eva knew the little + woman, and wished to learn what offence had been given modest, humble + Widow Vorkler. Her husband had been employed by the Ortlieb firm as a + carrier, who had driven his team of six horses to Milan faithfully until + killed in the Tyrol during an attack by robber knights in the lawless + period before the coronation of the Emperor Rudolph. + </p> + <p> + With the aid of Herr Ernst Ortlieb, the widow had then set up a little + shop for the sale of wax candles, images of the saints, rosaries, and + modest confirmation gifts, by which means she gained an honest livelihood + for her seven children and herself. Her oldest son, who on account of hip + disease was not fit for hard work, helped her, and the youngest was Ortel, + who had carried Eva’s basket on the day of her dead mother’s consecration. + Her daughter Metz was also in the Ortlieb’s service as assistant to the + chief cook. + </p> + <p> + When Frau Vorkler had come to see her children, she had scarcely been able + to find words which sufficiently expressed her grateful appreciation, but + to-day she seemed like a different person. + </p> + <p> + The brief colloquy between the abbess and Eva already appeared to her too + long, and when the former bade her finish her business later with Els and + old Martsche, she angrily declared that, with all due reverence for the + Lady Abbess, she must inform Jungfrau Eva also what compelled her, a + virtuous woman with a grateful heart, to take her children from the + service of the employer for whom her husband had sacrificed his life. + </p> + <p> + Els, who was eager to conceal the woman’s insulting errand from Eva, tried + to silence Frau Vorkler, but she defiantly persisted, and with redoubled + zeal protested that speak she must or her heart would break. Then she + declared that she had been proud to place her children in so godly a + household, but now everything was changed, and though it grieved her to + the soul, she must insist upon taking Metz and Ortel from its service. She + lived by the piety of people who bought candles for the dear saints and + rosaries for praying; but even the most devout had eyes everywhere, and if + it were known that her young children were serving in a house where such + things happened, as alas! were reported through the whole city concerning + the daughters of this family—— + </p> + <p> + Here old Martsche with honest indignation interrupted the excited woman; + but Fran Vorkler would not be silenced, and asked what a poor girl like + her Metz possessed except her good name. How quickly suspicion would rest + on a lass whose respectability was questioned! People had begun to do so + ever since the Ortlieb sisters were called the “beautiful” instead of the + pious and virtuous Es. This showed how such notice of the face and figure + benefited Christian maidens. Yesterday and to-day she had given a + three-farthing candle to her saint as a thank offering that this horror + had not reached their mother’s ears. The dead woman had been a truly + devout and noble lady, and her soul would be grateful to her for + impressing upon the minds of her motherless daughters that the path which + they had recklessly entered—— + </p> + <p> + This was too much for Ortel, who, concealed behind a heap of sacks, had + listened to the discussion, and clasping his hands beseechingly, he now + went up to his mother and entreated her to beware of repeating the + slanders of evil-minded people who had dared to cast stones at the + gracious maidens, who were as pure and innocent as their saint herself. + </p> + <p> + Poor Ortel! His kind young eyes streaming with tears might have softened a + rock; but the enraged candle-dealer misinterpreted his honest emotion, and + he certainly would not have been allowed to go on so far had not rage and + amazement kept her silent. But Frau Vorkler never lost the use of her + tongue long, and what a flood of abuse of the degenerate children of the + time, who forgot the respect and gratitude due to their own mother, she + began to pour forth! But when faithful Endres, who had grown grey in the + Ortlieb service, and under whose orders Ortel was placed to help in + unpacking, commanded her to be silent or leave the house, and told her + son, instead of following her, to stay with his old employer, Frau Vorkler + proceeded to lament over the corruption of the whole world, and did not + fail to deal a few side-thrusts at the two daughters of the house. + </p> + <p> + But here also she made little progress, for the abbess led Eva up the + stairs, and the two old family servants, Martsche representing the guiding + mind and Endres the rude strength, made common cause. The latter upheld + Ortel in his refusal to leave the house, and the former declared that Metz + must remain the usual time after giving notice. She would not help Frau + Vorkler to force the poor child into an unequal, miserable marriage with + the old miser to whom she wanted to give her. + </p> + <p> + This remark was aimed at the master-tailor Seubolt, the guardian of the + Vorkler children, who, though forty years her senior, wanted to make + pretty Metz his wife, and who had also promised the widow to obtain for + his future brother-in-law Ortel an excellent place in the stables of the + German order of military monks. Not outraged morality, but the guardian + and suitor in one person, had induced the candle-dealer to take her + children from their good places in the Ortlieb household. The widow’s fear + of having her real motive detected spared the necessity of using force. + But whilst slowly retiring backwards, crab fashion, she shrieked at her + antagonists the threat that her children’s guardian, no less a personage + than master-tailor Nickel Seubolt, was a man who would help her gain her + just rights and snatch the endangered souls of Ortel and her poor young + Metz from temporal and eternal destruction in this Sodom and Gomorrah—— + </p> + <p> + The rest of the burden which oppressed her soul she was forced to confide + to the street. Endres closed the heavy door of the house behind her with a + strength and celerity marvellous in a man of his years. + </p> + <p> + Ortel was terribly agitated. Soon after his mother’s departure he went + with his sister to the woodhouse, where both wept bitterly; for Metz had + given her heart to a young carrier who was expected to return from a trip + to Frankfort the first of July, and would rather have thrown herself into + the Pegnitz than married the rich old tailor to whom she knew her mother + had promised her pretty daughter; whilst her brother, like many youths of + his station, thought that the place of driver of a six-horse wain was the + most delightful calling in the world, and both were warmly attached to + their employer and the family whom they served. And yet both felt that it + was a heavy sin to refuse to obey their mother. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> + <p> + Eva was spared witnessing the close of this unpleasant incident. The + abbess had led her up the stairs into the sitting-room. St. Clare herself, + she thought, had sent Fran Vorkler to render the choice she intended to + place before her niece that very day easier for Eva. + </p> + <p> + Even whilst ascending the broad steps she put her arm around her, but in + the apartment, whence the noonday sun had been shut out and they were + greeted with a cool atmosphere perfumed with the fragrance of the bouquets + of roses and mignonette which Eva and the gardener had set in jars on the + mantelpiece early in the morning, the abbess drew her darling closer to + her side, saying, “The world is again showing you its most disagreeable + face, my poor child, ere you bid it farewell.” + </p> + <p> + She kissed her brow and eyes tenderly as she spoke, expecting Eva, as she + had often done when anything troubled her young soul, to return the caress + impulsively, and accept with grateful impetuosity the invitation to the + shelter which she offered; but the vile assault of the coarse woman who + brought to her knowledge what people were thinking and saying about her + produced upon the strange child, who had already given her many a + surprise, an effect precisely opposite to her expectations. No, Eva had by + no means forgotten the pain inflicted by Frau Vorkler’s base accusations; + but if whilst in the sedan-chair she had feared that she should lack + courage to inflict upon her beloved aunt and friend so great a + disappointment, she now felt that this dread had been needless, and that + her offended maidenly pride absolved her from consideration for any + person. + </p> + <p> + With cautious tenderness she released herself from the arms of the abbess, + gazed sorrowfully at her with her large eyes as if beseeching forgiveness + then, as she saw her aunt look at her with pained surprise, again threw + herself on her breast. + </p> + <p> + Instead of being protectingly embraced by the elder woman, the young girl + clasped her closely to her heart, kissed and patted her with caressing + love, and with the winning charm peculiar to her besought her forgiveness + if she denied herself and her that which she had long desired as the + fairest and noblest goal. + </p> + <p> + When the abbess interrupted her to represent what awaited her in the world + and in the convent, Eva listened, nestling closely to her side until she + had finished, then sighing as deeply as if her own resolve caused her the + keenest suffering, threw her head back, exclaiming, “Yet, in spite of + everything, I cannot, must not enter the convent now.” Clasping the + abbess’s hand, she explained what prevented her from fulfilling the wish + of her childhood’s guide, which had so long been her own, extolling with + warm, sincere gratitude the quiet happiness and sweet anticipations + enjoyed with her beloved nuns ere love had conquered her. + </p> + <p> + During the recent days of sorrow she had again sought the path to her + saints and found the greatest solace in prayer; but whenever she uplifted + her heart to the Saviour, whose bride she had once so fervently vowed to + become, the Redeemer had indeed appeared as usual before the eyes of her + soul, but he resembled in form and features Sir Heinz Schorlin, and, + instead of turning her away from the world to divine love, she had + surrendered herself completely to earthly affection. Prayer had become + sin. The saint’s song: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “O Love, Love’s reign announcing, + Why dost thou wound me so? + Into thy fiercest flames I fling + My heart, my life below.” + </pre> + <p> + no longer invited her to give herself up to be fused into divine love, but + merely rendered the need of her own soul clearer, and expressed in words + the yearning of her heart for her lover. + </p> + <p> + Here her aunt interrupted her with the assurance that all this—she + had had the same experience when, renouncing the love of the noblest and + best of men, she took the veil—would be different, wholly different, + when with St. Clare’s aid she had again found the path on which she had + already once so nearly reached heaven. Even now she beheld in imagination + the day when Eva would look back upon the world she had left as if it were + a mere formless mass of clouds. These were no idle words. The promise was + something derived from her own experience. + </p> + <p> + On her pilgrimage to Rome she had gazed from an Alpine peak and beheld at + her feet nothing save low hills, forests, valleys, and flashing streams, + with here and there a village; but she could distinguish neither human + beings nor animals; a light mist had veiled everything, converting it into + one monotonous surface. But above her head the sky, like a giant dome free + from cloud and mist, arched in a beautiful vault, blue as turquoise and + sapphire. It seemed so close that the eagle soaring near her might reach + it with a few strokes of his pinions. She was steeped in radiance, and the + sun shone down upon her with overpowering brilliancy like the eye of God. + </p> + <p> + Close at her side a gay butterfly hovered about the solitary little white + flower which grew from a bare rock on the topmost summit. In the brilliant + light and amidst the solemn silence that butterfly seemed like a + transfigured soul, and aroused the question, Who that was permitted to + live on this glowing height, so near the Most High, could desire to return + to the grey mist below? + </p> + <p> + So the human soul which soared to the shining height where it was so near + heaven, would blissfully enjoy the purity of the air and the un shadowed + light which bathed it, and all that was passing in the world below would + blend into a single vanquished whole, whose details could no longer be + distinguished. Thus Heinz Schorlin’s image would also mingle with the + remainder of the world, lying far below her, to which he belonged. It + should merely incite her to rise nearer and nearer to heaven, to the + radiant light above, to which her soul would mount as easily as the eagle + that before the pilgrim’s eyes had vanished in the divine blue and the + golden sunshine. + </p> + <p> + “So come and dare the flight!” she concluded with warm enthusiasm. “The + wings you need have grown from your soul, you chosen bride of Heaven. Use + them. That which now most repels you from the goal will fall away as the + snake sheds its skin. Like the phoenix rising from its ashes, the + destruction of the little earthly love which even now causes you more pain + than pleasure, will permit the ascent of the great love for Him Who is + Love incarnate, the love which encompasses the lonely butterfly on the + white blossom in the silent, deserted mountain solitude, which lacks no + feather on its wings, no tiniest hair on its feelers, as warmly and + carefully as the vast, unlimited universe whose duration ends only with + eternity.” + </p> + <p> + Eva, with labouring breath, had fairly hung upon the lips of the revered + woman, who at last gazed upwards with dilated eyes like a prophetess. + </p> + <p> + When she paused the young girl nodded assent. Her teacher and friend + seemed to have crushed her resistance. + </p> + <p> + Like the eagle which had disappeared before the pilgrim’s eyes in the + azure vault of heaven, the radiant light on the pure summit summoned her + pure soul to dare the flight. + </p> + <p> + The abbess watched with delight the influence of her words upon the soul + of her darling, who, gazing thoughtfully at the floor, now seemed to be + pondering over what she had urged. + </p> + <p> + But suddenly Eva raised her bowed head, and her eyes, sparkling with a + brighter light, sought those of the abbess. + </p> + <p> + Her quick intellect had attentively considered what she had heard, and her + vivid power of imagination had enabled her to transfer to reality the + picture which had already half won her over to her friend’s wishes. + </p> + <p> + “No, Aunt Kunigunde, no!” she began, raising her hands as if in repulse. + “Your radiant height strongly allures me also, yet, gladly as I believe + that, for many the world would be easily forgotten above, where no sound + from it reaches us and the mist conceals individual figures from our eyes, + for me, now that love has filled my heart, it would be impossible to + ascend the peak alone and without him. + </p> + <p> + “Hear me, aunt! + </p> + <p> + “What was it that attracted me so powerfully from the beginning? At first, + as you know, the hope of making him a combatant for the possessions which + I have learned through you to regard as the highest and most sacred. Then, + when love came, when a new power, heretofore unknown, awoke within me and—everything + must be told—I longed for his wooing and his embrace, I also felt + that our union could take root and put forth blossoms only in the full + harmony of our mutual love for God and the Saviour. And though since the + mass for the dead was celebrated for my mother—it wounded me, and + defiance and the wish to punish him urged me to put the convent walls + between us—no further token of his love has come, though I know as + well as you that he desired to quit the world, this by no means impairs—nay, + it only strengthens—the confidence I feel that our souls belong to + one another as inseparably as though the sacrament had hallowed our union. + </p> + <p> + “Therefore I should never succeed in coming so near heaven as you, the + lonely, devout pilgrim, attained on the summit of your mountain peak, + unless he accompanied me in spirit, unless his soul joined mine in the + ascent or the flight. It rests in mine as mine rests in his, and were they + separated both would bleed as if from severed veins. For this reason, + aunt, he can never blend into a uniform mass with the rest of the world + below me; for if I gained the radiant height, he would remain at my side + and gaze with me at the mist-veiled world beneath. He can never vanish + from the eyes of my soul, and so, dear aunt, because I owe it to him to + avoid even the semblance——” + </p> + <p> + Here she hesitated; for from the adjoining room they heard a man’s deep + voice telling Els something in loud, excited tones. + </p> + <p> + This interruption was welcome to the abbess; she had as yet found no + answer to her niece’s startling objection. + </p> + <p> + Eva answered her questioning glance with the exclamation, “Uncle + Pfinzing!” + </p> + <p> + “He?” replied the abbess dejectedly. “His opinion has some weight with + you, and this very day, during the burial, he told me how glad he should + be to see you sheltered in the convent from the hateful calumnies caused + by your imprudence!” + </p> + <p> + “Yet—you will see it directly,” the girl declared, “he will surely + understand me when I explain that I would rather endure the worst than + appear to seek refuge from evil tongues in flight. Whoever has expected + Eva Ortlieb to shelter herself from malice behind strong walls will be + mistaken. Heinz is certainly aware of the shameful injustice which has + pursued us, and if he returns he must find me where he left me. I am now + encountering what my dead mother called the forge fire of life, and I will + not shun it like a coward. Heinz, I know, will overthrow the man who + unchained this generation of vipers against us; but if he does not return, + or can bring himself to cast the love that unites us behind him with the + world from which he would fain turn, then, aunt”—and Eva’s eyes + flashed brightly with passionate fire, and her clear voice expressed the + firm decision of a vigorous will—“then I will commit our cause to + One who will not suffer falsehood to conquer truth or wrong to triumph + over right. Then, though it should be necessary to walk over red-hot + ploughshares, let the ordeal bear witness for us.” + </p> + <p> + The abbess, startled, yet rejoicing at the fulness of faith flaming in her + darling’s passionate speech, approached Eva to soothe her; but scarcely + had she begun to speak when the door opened and Berthold Pfinzing entered + with his older niece. + </p> + <p> + He was holding Els by the hand, and it was evident that some sorrowful + thought occupied the minds of both. + </p> + <p> + “Has any new horror happened?” fell in tones of anxious enquiry from Eva’s + lips before she even greeted her dearest relative. + </p> + <p> + “Think of something very bad,” was her sister’s reply, in a tone so + dejected and mournful, that Eva, with a low cry—“My father!”—pressed + her hand upon her heart. + </p> + <p> + “Not dead, darling,” said the magistrate, stroking her head soothingly + with his short, broad hand, “by all the saints, not even wounded or ill. + Yet the daughter has guessed aright, and I have kept the ‘Honourables’ + waiting, that I might tell you the news myself; for what may not such + tidings become whilst passing from lip to lip! It is a toad, a very ugly + toad, and I would not permit a dragon to be brought into the house to you + poor things in its place.” + </p> + <p> + He poured all this forth very rapidly, for, notwithstanding the intense + heat, and the burden of business at the Town Hall, he had left it, though + only to do his dear Es a kindness, lie and his worthy wife Christine, the + sister of Herr Ernst Ortlieb and of the abbess, had long been familiar + with all the tales which slander had called to life, and had striven + zealously enough to refute them. What he had now to relate filled him with + honest indignation against the evil tongues, and he knew how deeply it + would excite and grieve Eva, his godchild, who stood especially near his + heart. He would gladly have said a few kind words to her before beginning + his story, but he was obliged to return to the Town Hall immediately to + open the important conference concerning the fate of the Eysvogel + business. + </p> + <p> + His appearance showed how rapidly he had hurried to the house through the + burning sunshine, for drops of perspiration were trickling down his broad, + low forehead over his plump, smoothshaven cheeks and thick red neck, in + which his small chin vanished as if it were a cushion. Besides, he + constantly raised a large linen handkerchief to his face, and his huge + chest laboured for breath as he hastily repeated to Eva and the abbess + what he had just announced to Els in a few rapid words. + </p> + <p> + Herr Ernst Ortlieb had gone to the Town Hall, where he attended an + examination in his character as magistrate, and had entered the court yard + to enjoy the cool air for a short time with a few other “Honourables,” in + the shady walk near the main gate. + </p> + <p> + Just then master-tailor Seubolt, the guardian of Ortel and his sister, who + were in service at the Ortlieb mansion, approached the Town Hall. No one + could have supposed that the tall, grey-headed man with the bowed back, + who was evidently nearing sixty, really meant to make a young girl like + Metz Vorkler his wife. Besides, he assumed a very humble, modest demeanour + when, passing through the vaulted entrance of the Town Hall, which stood + open to every citizen, he approached Herr Ernst to ask, with many bows and + humble phrases, for the permission, which he had been refused at the + Ortlieb house, to remove his wards from a place which their mother, as + well as he himself, felt sure—he had supposed that the “Honourable” + would have no objection—would be harmful to them in both body and + soul. + </p> + <p> + Surprised and indignant, but perfectly calm, Herr Ernst had requested him + to tell him whatever he had to say at a more convenient time. But as the + tailor insisted that the matter would permit no delay, he invited him to + step aside with him, in order not to make the councillors who were with + him witnesses of the unpleasant discussion. + </p> + <p> + Seubolt, however, seemed to have no greater desire than to be heard by as + many people as possible. Raising his voice to a very loud tone, though he + still maintained an extremely humble manner, he began to give the reasons + which induced him, spite of his deep regret, to remove his wards from the + Ortlieb house. And now, sheltering himself behind frequent repetitions of + “As people say” and “Heaven forbid that I should believe such things,” he + began to relate what the most venomous slander had dared to assert + concerning the beautiful Es. + </p> + <p> + For a time Herr Ernst had forced himself to listen quietly to this + malicious abuse of those whom he held dearest, but at last it became too + much for the quick-tempered man. The tailor had ventured to allude to + Jungfrau Els “who certainly had scarcely given full cause for such evil + slander” in words which caused even the councillors standing near to + contradict him loudly, and induced Herr Pfinzing, who had just come up, to + beckon to the city soldiers. At that instant the blood mounted to the + insulted father’s brain, and the misfortune happened; for as the tailor, + with an unexpected gesture of the arm he was flourishing, brushed Herr + Ernst’s cap, the latter, fairly insane with rage, snatched the pike from + one of the men who, obeying Herr Pfinzing’s signal, were just approaching + the tailor, and with a wild cry struck down the base traducer. + </p> + <p> + Herr Pfinzing, with the presence of mind characteristic of him, instantly + ordered the beadles to carry the wounded man into the Town Hall, and thus + prevented the luckless deed of violence from creating any excitement. + </p> + <p> + The few persons in the courtyard had been detained, and perhaps everything + might yet be well. Herr Ernst had instantly delivered himself up to + justice, and instead of being taken to prison like a common criminal, had + been conveyed in a closed sedan-chair to the watch-tower. + </p> + <p> + The pike had pierced the tailor’s shoulder, but the wound did not seem to + be mortal, and Herr Ernst’s rash deed might be made good by the payment of + blood-money, though, it is true, on account of the tailor’s position and + means, this might be a large sum. + </p> + <p> + “My horse,” said Herr Berthold in conclusion, “was waiting for me, and + brought me here as swiftly as he must carry me back again. But, you poor + things! as for you, my Els, you have a firm nature, and if you insist upon + refusing the invitation to our house, why, wait here to learn whether your + father needs you. You, my little goddaughter Eva, are provided for. This + sorrow, of course, will throw the veil over your fair head.” + </p> + <p> + The worthy man, as he spoke, laid his hand on her shoulder and looked at + her with a glance which seemed to rely on her assent, but she interrupted + him with the exclamation, “No, uncle! Until you have convinced yourself + that no one will dare assail Eva Ortlieb’s honour, do not ask her again if + she desires the protection of the convent.” + </p> + <p> + The magistrate hurriedly passed his huge handkerchief over his face; then + taking Eva’s head between his hands, kissed her brow, and—turning + the shrewd, twinkling eyes, which were as round as everything else about + his person, towards the others, said: “Did any one suggest this, or did + the ‘little saint’ have the sensible idea herself?” + </p> + <p> + When Eva, smiling, pointed to her own forehead, he exclaimed: “My + respects, child. They say that what stirs up there descends from godfather + to godchild, and I’ll never put goblet to my lips again if I—” + </p> + <p> + Here he stopped, and called after Els that he had not meant to hint, for + she was hurrying out to get her uncle something to drink. But ere the door + closed behind her he went on eagerly: + </p> + <p> + “But to you, my saintly child, I will say: your piety soars far too high + for me to follow with my heavy body; yet on the ride here I, old sinner + that I am, longed—no offence, sister-in-law abbess!—to warn + you against the convent, for the very reason which keeps you away from + your saint. We’ll find the gag to stop the mouths of these accursed + slanderers forever, and then, if you want to enter the convent, they shall + not say, when you take the veil, ‘Eva Ortlieb is hiding from her own shame + and the tricks with which we frightened her out of the world.’ No! All + Nuremberg shall join in the hosanna!” + </p> + <p> + Then taking the goblet which Els had just filled, he drained it with great + satisfaction, and rushing off, called back to the sisters: “I’ll soon see + you again, you brave little Es. My wife is coming to talk over the matter + with you. Don’t let that worthless candle-dealer’s children leave the + house till their time is up. If you wish to visit your father in the + watch-tower there will be no difficulty. I’ll tell the warder. Only the + drawbridge will be raised after sunset. You can provide for his bodily + needs, too, Els. We cannot release him yet; the law must take its course.” + </p> + <p> + At the door he stopped again and called back into the room: “We can’t be + sure. If Frau Vorkler and the tailor’s friends make an outcry and molest + you, send at once to the Town Hall. I’ll keep my eyes open and give the + necessary orders.” + </p> + <p> + A few minutes after he trotted through the Frauenthor on his clumsy + stallion. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> + <p> + The watch-tower was in the northern part of the city, in the corn magazine + of the fortress, and the whole width of Nuremberg must be traversed to + reach it. Even before Herr Pfinzing had left the house the sisters + determined to go to their father, and the abbess approved the plan. She + invited the girls to spend the night at the convent, if they found the + deserted house too lonely, but they did not promise to do so. + </p> + <p> + Countess Cordula, who was on friendly terms with Eva, also emptied the + vials of her wrath with all the impetuosity of her nature upon Sir Seitz + Siebenburg and the credulity and malice of the people. From the beginning + she had been firmly convinced that the “Mustache,” as she now called the + knight in a tone of the most intense aversion, had contrived this base + conspiracy, and her opinion was strengthened by Biberli. Now she would + gladly have torn herself into pieces to mitigate the sisters’ hard lot. + She wanted to accompany them to the watch-tower, to have them taken there + in her sedan-chair carried by horses, which had room for several persons, + and at last begged for the favour of being allowed to spend the night in + the room adjoining theirs. If the girls, amidst all these base suspicions, + should find Nuremberg unendurable, she would leave the scene of the + Reichstag with them to-morrow, if necessary, and take them to her castle + in the Vorarlberg. She had other plans for them, too, in her mind, but + lacked time now to explain them to the sisters; they could not obtain + admittance to their father’s prison after sundown, and in a few hours the + long summer day would be over. + </p> + <p> + It was not advisable to use their sedan-chairs adorned with the Ortlieb + coat of arms, which every one knew, so they went on foot with their faces + shrouded by the ‘Reise’ which was part of their mourning dress; and, in + order not to violate usage, were accompanied by two servants, old Martsche + and Katterle. + </p> + <p> + From the Fleischbrucke they might have avoided the market-place, but Els + wanted to enquire whether the Eysvogel matter was being discussed. One of + the “Honourables”—all of whom she knew—was always to be found + near the Town Hall, and Eva understood her sister’s anxiety and went with + her willingly. + </p> + <p> + But when they were passing the prison she became frightened. + </p> + <p> + Through the squares formed by the iron grating in front of the broad + window of the largest one, head after head, hand after hand, was thrust + into the street. The closely cropped heads of the prisoners, many of which + showed mutilations by the hand of the executioner, which had barely + healed, formed, as separated only by the iron bars, they protruded above, + below, and beside one another into the open air, a mosaic picture, + startlingly repulsive in appearance; for savage greed glittered in the + eyes of most, and showed itself in the movements of the long, thin hands + extended for gifts. Bitter need and passionate longing gazed defiantly, + beseechingly, and threateningly at the people who crowded round the + window. Few were silent; they implored the curious and pitying men, women, + and children, who in the presence of their misery rejoiced in their more + favoured lot, for aid in their distress, and rarely in vain; for many a + mother gave her children a loaf to hand to the unfortunates, and meanwhile + impressed on their minds the lesson that they would fare as badly as the + most horrible of the mutilated prisoners unless they were good and + obedient to their parents and teachers. + </p> + <p> + Street boys held out an apple or a bit of bread, to snatch it away just as + they touched it with their finger-tips, thus playing with them for their + own amusement, but the tribulation of the wretched captives. Then some man + who had seen better days, or a criminal whom sudden passion had made a + murderer, would burst into a rage and, seizing the iron bars, shake them + savagely, whilst the others, shrieking, drew in their heads. Then fierce + curses, threats, and invectives echoed over the market-place and, + screaming aloud, the boys ran back; but they soon resumed their malicious + sport. + </p> + <p> + Often, it is true, a mother came who placed her gift in the hands of her + child, or a modest old woman, tradesman, or soldier, from motives of + genuine compassion, offered the prisoners a jug of new milk or + strengthening wine. Nor was there any lack of priests or monks who desired + to give the consolations of religion to the pitiable men behind the bars, + but most of them reaped little gratitude; only a few listened to their + exhortations with open hearts, and but too frequently they were silenced + by insults and rude outcries. + </p> + <p> + Whilst the sisters, attended by their maidservants, were passing these + pitiable people, Frau Tucher, whose daughter had been very ill, sent, for + the love of God, a large basket of freshly baked bread to the prisoners. + One of her servants was distributing it, and they greedily snatched the + welcome gift from his hand. A woman, who was about to give one of the + rolls to the hollow-eyed child in her arms just as a rude fellow who had + lost his ears snatched it, scratched his dirty, freckled face with her + sharp nails, and the sight of the blood which dripped from his lip over + his chin upon the roll was so hideous a spectacle that Eva clung closer to + her sister, who had just put her hand into the pocket hanging from her + belt to give the unfortunates a few shillings, and drew her away with her. + </p> + <p> + Both, followed by the two maids, made their way as fast as possible + through the people who had flocked hither in great numbers for a purpose + which the sisters were to learn only too soon. + </p> + <p> + It was a long time since they had been here, and a few weeks previously + the “Honourables” had had the pillory moved from the other side of the + Town Hall to this spot. Katterle’s warning was not heard in the din around + them. + </p> + <p> + The crowd grew denser every moment, and Eva had already asked her sister + to turn back, when Els saw the man who brought to her father the summons + to the meetings of the Council, and requested him to accompany them + through the throng to the courtyard; but amidst the uproar of shouts and + cries he misunderstood her, and supposing that she wished to witness the + spectacle which had attracted so many, forced a way for the sisters into + the very front rank. + </p> + <p> + The person who had just been bound in this place of shame was the barber’s + widow from the Kotgasse, who had already been here once for giving lovers + an opportunity for secret meetings, and to whom Katterle had fled for + shelter. Bowed by the weight of the stone which had been hung around her + neck, the woman, with outstretched head, looked furiously around the + circle of her tormentors like a wild beast crouched to spring, and + scarcely had the messenger brought the sisters and their servants to a + place near her when, recognising Katterle, she shrieked shrilly to the + crowd that there were the right ones, the dainty folk who, if they did not + belong to a rich family, would be put in the place where, in spite of the + Riese over their faces, with which they mourned for their lost good name, + they had more reason to be than she, who was only the lowly widow of a + barber. + </p> + <p> + Overwhelmed with horror the girls pressed on, and at Eva’s terrified + exclamation, “Let us, O let us go!” the man did his best. But they made + slow progress through the crowd, whose yells, hisses, and catcalls pursued + them to the entrance of the neighbouring Town Hall. + </p> + <p> + Here the guard, with crossed halberds, kept back the people who were + crowding after the insulted girls, and it was fortunate, for Eva’s feet + refused to carry her farther, and her older sister’s strength to support + her failed. + </p> + <p> + Sighing deeply, Els led her to a bench which stood between two pillars, + and then ordered old Martsche, and Katterle, who was trembling in every + limb, to watch Eva till her return. + </p> + <p> + Before they went on, her sister must have some rest, and Martin Schedel, + the old Clerk of the Council, was the man with whom to obtain it. + </p> + <p> + She went in search of him as fast as her feet would bear her, and by a + lucky accident met the kind old man, whom she had known from childhood, on + the stairs leading to the Council chamber and the upper offices. + </p> + <p> + Ernst Ortlieb’s unhappy deed, and the story of the base calumnies in + circulation about the unfortunate man’s daughters, which he had just heard + from Herr Pfinzing, had filled the worthy old clerk’s heart with pity and + indignation; so he eagerly embraced the opportunity afforded to atone to + the young girls for the wrongs committed against them by their + fellow-citizens. Telling the maidservants to wait in the antechamber of + the orphan’s court-room, he led the sisters to his own office, helping Eva + up the long flight of stairs with an arm which, though aged, was still + vigorous. After insisting that she should sit in the armchair before the + big desk, and placing wine and water before her, he begged the young girls + to wait until his return. He was obliged to be present at the meeting, + which had probably already begun. The matter in question was the Eysvogel + business, and if Els would remain he could tell her the result. Then he + left them. + </p> + <p> + Eva, deadly pale, leaned back with closed eyes in the clerk’s high chair. + Els bathed her brow with a wet handkerchief, consoling her by representing + how foolish it would be to suffer the lowest of the populace to destroy + her happiness. + </p> + <p> + Her sister nodded assent, saying: “Did you notice the faces of those + people behind the bars? Most of them, I thought, looked stupid rather than + evil.” Here she hesitated, and then added thoughtfully: “Yet they cannot + be wise. These poor creatures seldom obtain any great sum by thieving and + cheating. To what terrible punishments they expose themselves both in this + world and the next! And conscience!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, conscience!” Els eagerly repeated. “So long as we can say that we + have done nothing wrong, we can suffer even the worst to be said of us + without grieving.” + </p> + <p> + “Still,” sighed Eva, “I feel as if that horrible woman’s insults had + sullied me with a stain no water can wash away. What sorrows have come + upon us since our mother died, Els!” + </p> + <p> + Her sister nodded, and added mournfully: “Our father, my Wolff, your poor, + stricken heart, and below in the Council chamber, Eva, perhaps whilst we + are talking, those who are soon to be my kindred are being doomed. That is + harder to bear, child, than the invectives with which a wicked woman + slanders us. Often I do not know myself where I get the strength to keep + up my courage.” + </p> + <p> + She turned away as she spoke to wipe the tears from her eyes without being + seen; but Eva perceived it, and rose to clasp her in her arms and whisper + words of cheer. Ere she had taken the first step, however, she started; in + rising she had upset the clerk’s tin water-pail, which fell rattling on + the floor. + </p> + <p> + “The water!” she exclaimed sadly, “and my tongue is parched.” + </p> + <p> + “I’ll fetch more,” said Els consolingly; “Herr Martin brought it from over + yonder.” + </p> + <p> + Opening the door to which she had pointed, she entered a low, spacious + anteroom, in which was a brass fire engine, ladders, pails, and various + other utensils for extinguishing a fire in the building, hung on the rough + plastered wall which separated this room from the office of the city + clerk. The centre of the opposite wall was occupied by two small windows + surmounted by a broad, semicircular arch, and separated by a short Roman + pillar. The sashes of both, whose leaden casings were filled with little + round horn panes, stood wide open. This double window was in the upper + part of the Council chamber, which occupied two stories. To create a + draught this hot day it had been flung wide open, and Els could + distinguish plainly the words uttered below. The first that reached her + was the name: “Wolff Eysvogel.” + </p> + <p> + A burning sensation thrilled her. If she went nearer to the window she + could hear what the Honourables decided concerning the Eysvogel house; + and, overpowered by her ardent desire not to lose a single word of the + discussion which was to determine the happiness of Wolff’s life, and + therefore hers, she instantly silenced the voice which admonished her that + listening was wrong. Yet the habit of caring for Eva was so dear to her, + and ruled her with such power, that before listening to what was passing + in the Council chamber below she looked for the water, which she speedily + found, took it to the thirsty girl, and hurriedly told her what she had + discovered in the next room and how she intended to profit by it. + </p> + <p> + In spite of Eva’s entreaty not to do it, she hastened back to the open + window. + </p> + <p> + The younger sister, though she shook her head, gazed after her with a + significant smile. + </p> + <p> + To Eva this was no accident. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps it was her saint herself who, when her sister went to seek + refreshment for her, had guided her to the window. Eva deemed it a boon to + be permitted to find here in solitude the rest needful for her body which, + though usually so strong, had been shaken by horror, and to struggle and + pray for a clear understanding of the many things which troubled her; for + to her prayer was far more than the petition for a spiritual or earthly + blessing; nay, she prayed far less frequently to implore anything than + from yearning for the Most High to whose presence the wings of prayer + raised her. So long as she was absorbed in it, she felt removed from the + world and borne into the abode of God. + </p> + <p> + Now also, whilst Els was listening, she brought no earthly matter to the + Power who guided the universe as well as her own little individual life, + but merely lost herself in supplication and in her intercourse with the + Omnipotent One, who seemed to her a familiar friend; she forgot what + grieved and troubled her and how she had been pained. But meanwhile the + prediction she had made to the abbess was verified; she felt as if her + lover’s soul rose with hers to the pure height where she dwelt, and that + the earthly love which filled her heart and his was but an effluence of + the Eternal Love, whose embodiment to her was God and the Saviour. + </p> + <p> + The union of herself and Heinz seemed imaged by two streams flowing from + the same great inexhaustible, pure, and beneficent fountain, which, after + having run through separate channels, meet to traverse as a single river + the blooming meadows and keep them fresh and green. God’s love, her own, + and his were each separate and yet the same, portions of the great fount + which animated, saved, and blessed her, him, and the whole vast universe. + The spring gushing from her love and his was eternal, and therefore + neither could be exhausted, no matter how much it gave. + </p> + <p> + But both were still in the world. As he would certainly put forth all his + might to show himself worthy of the confidence placed in him by his + Emperor and master, she too must test her youthful strength in the arduous + conflict which she had begun. Her recent experiences were the flames of + the forge fire of life of which her mother had spoken—and how + pitifully she had endured their glow! This must be changed. She had often + proved that when the body is wearied the soul gains greater power to soar. + Should she not begin to avail herself of this to make her feeble body obey + her will? With compressed lips and clenched hand she resolved to try. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. + </h2> + <p> + Whilst Eva, completely absorbed in herself, was forming this resolution, + Els, panting for breath, stood at the open window under the ceiling of the + Council chamber, gazing down and listening to the sounds from beneath. + </p> + <p> + Directly opposite to her was the inscription + </p> + <p> + “Feldt Urtel auf erden, als ir dort woldt geurtheilt werden,” in the + German and Latin languages, and below this motto, urging the magistrates + to justice, was a large fresco representing the unjust judge Sisamnes + being flayed by an executioner in the costume of the Nuremberg Leben—[Executioner’s + assistant. Really “Lowen.”]—before the eyes of King Cambyses, in + order to cover the judgment seat with his skin. Another picture + represented this lofty throne, on which sat the ruler of Persia dispensing + justice. The subject of a third was the Roman army interrupted in its + march by the order of the Emperor Trajan, that he might have time to hear + a widow’s accusation of the murderer of her son and to punish the + criminal. + </p> + <p> + Els did not bestow a single glance upon these familiar pictures, but gazed + down at the thirteen elderly and the same number of much younger men, who + in their high-backed chairs were holding council together at her left hand + far below her. These were the burgomasters of the city, of whom an elder + and a younger one directed for the space of a month, as “Questioner,” the + government of the public affairs of the city and the business of the + “Honourable Council.” + </p> + <p> + At this time the office was filled by Albert Ebner and Jorg Stromer, + whilst in the secret council formed by seven of the older gentlemen, as + the highest executive authority, Hans Schtirstab as the second and + Berthold Vorchtel as first Losunger filled the chief offices. + </p> + <p> + So this year the deeply offended father held the highest place in the + Council, and in the whole community of Nuremberg he, more than any one + else, would decide the fate of the Eysvogels. + </p> + <p> + Els knew this, and with an anxious heart saw him gaze earnestly and sadly + at the papers which Martin Schedel, the city clerk, had just brought to + him from a special desk. At his side, in the centre of the table covered + with green cloth, sat the listener’s uncle, the magistrate Berthold + Pfinzing, who in the Emperor’s name presided over the court of justice. + </p> + <p> + He also appeared in his character of protector of the Jews, and Samuel + Pfefferkorn, a Hebrew usurer, had just left the hall after an examination. + </p> + <p> + Casper Eysvogel was gazing after him with a face white as death. His + handsome head shook as the imperial magistrate, turning to Berthold + Vorchtel, the chief Losunger, said in a tone loud enough to be heard by + all present, “So this is also settled. Herr Casper contracted the great + debt to the Jew without the knowledge of his son and partner, and this + explains to a florin the difference between the accounts of the father and + son. The young man was intentionally kept in the dark about the greatest + danger which threatened the business. To him the situation of the house + must have appeared critical, but by no means hopeless. But for the + Siebenburgs and the other bandits, who transformed the last important and + promising venture of the firm into a great loss, and with the sale of the + landed property, it might perhaps have speedily risen, and under prudent + and skilful management regained its former prosperity. The enormous sum to + which the debt to Samuel Pfefferkorn increased gives the position of + affairs a different aspect. Since, as protector of the Jew, I must insist + upon the payment of this capital with the usual interest, the old Eysvogel + firm will be unable to meet its obligations—nay, its creditors can + be but partially paid. Therefore nothing remains for us to do save to + consider how to protect as far as possible our city and the citizens who + are interested. Yet, in my opinion, the entire firm does not deserve + punishment—only the father, who concealed from his upright son his + own accounts and those of Samuel Pfefferkorn, and—it is hard for me + to say this in Herr Casper’s presence;—also, when the peril became + urgent, illegally deprived his business partner of the possibility of + obtaining a correct view of the real situation of affairs. So, in the + Emperor’s name, let justice take its course.” + </p> + <p> + These words pronounced the doom of the ancient, great, and wealthy + Eysvogel firm; yet the heart of Els throbbed high with joy when, after a + brief interchange of opinions between the assembled members of the + Council, the imperial magistrate, turning to Herr Vorchtel, again began: + “As Chief Losunger, it would be your place, Herr Berthold, to raise your + voice on the part of the Honourable Council in defence of the accused; but + since we are all aware of the great grief inflicted upon you by the son of + the man in whose favour you would be obliged to speak, we should, I think, + spare you this duty, and transfer it to Herr Hans Schtirstab, the second + Losunger, or to Herr Albert Ebner, the oldest of the governing + burgomasters, who, though equally concerned in this sad case, are less + closely connected with the Eysvogels themselves.” + </p> + <p> + Els uttered a sigh of relief, for both the men named were friendly to + Wolff; but Herr Vorchtel had already risen and began to speak, turning his + wise old head slowly to and fro, and drawing his soft grey beard through + his hand. + </p> + <p> + He commenced his address as quietly as if he were talking with friends at + his own table, and the tones of his deep voice, as well as the expression + of his finely moulded aged features, exerted a soothing influence upon his + listeners. + </p> + <p> + Els, with a throbbing heart, felt that nothing which this man advocated + could be wrong, and that whatever he recommended would be sure of + acceptance; for he stood amongst his young and elderly fellow directors of + the Nuremberg republic like an immovably steadfast guardian of duty and + law, who had grown grey in the atmosphere of honesty and honour. Thus she + had imagined the faithful Eckart, thus her own Wolff might look some day + when age had bleached his hair and labour and anxiety had lined his lofty + brow with wrinkles; Berthold Vorchtel, and other “Honourables” who + resembled him; grey-haired Conrad Gross; tall, broad-shouldered Friedrich + Holzschuher, whose long, snow-white hair fell in thick waves to his + shoulders; Ulrich Haller, in whose locks threads of silver were just + appearing, princely in form and bearing; stately Hermann Waldstromer, who + had the keen eyes of a huntsman; the noble Ebner brothers, who would have + attracted attention even in an assembly of knights and counts—nay, + the Emperor Rudolph was probably thinking of the men below when he said + that the Nuremberg Council reminded him of a German oak wood, where firm + reliance could be placed on every noble trunk. + </p> + <p> + Herr Berthold Vorchtel was just such a noble, reliable tree. Els told + herself so, and though she knew how deeply he was wounded when Wolff + preferred her to his daughter Ursula, and how sorely he mourned his son + Ulrich’s death, she was nevertheless convinced that this man would bear + the Eysvogels no grudge for the grief suffered through them, for no word + which was not just and estimable would cross his aged lips. + </p> + <p> + She was not mistaken; for after Herr Berthold had insisted upon his right + to raise his voice, not in behalf of Herr Casper but for his business firm + and its preservation, he remarked, by way of introduction, that for the + sake of Nuremberg he would advise that the Eysvogel house should not be + abandoned without ceremony to the storm which its chief had aroused + against the ancient, solid structure. + </p> + <p> + Then he turned to the papers and parchments, to which the city clerk had + just added several books and rolls. His address, frequently interrupted by + references to the documents before him, sounded clear and positive. The + amount of the sums owed by the Eysvogel firm, as well as the names of its + creditors in Nuremberg, Augsburg, Ulm, and Regensburg, Venice, Milan, + Bruges, and other German and foreign cities, formed the most important + portion of his speech. During its progress he frequently seized a bit of + chalk and blackboard, writing rapidly on the green table whole rows of + figures, and the young burgomasters especially exchanged admiring smiles + as the experienced old merchant added and subtracted in an instant sums + for which they themselves would have needed twice as much time. + </p> + <p> + The figures and names buzzed in the ears of the listener at the window + like the humming of a swarm of gnats. To understand and remember them was + impossible, and she gazed in astonishment at the old man who so clearly + comprehended the confused tangle and drew from it so readily just what he + needed for his purpose. + </p> + <p> + When he closed, and with a loud “Therefore” began to communicate the + result, she summoned all the mental power she possessed in order to + understand it. She succeeded, but her knees fairly trembled when she heard + the sum which the house was obliged to repay to others. + </p> + <p> + Yet, when Herr Berthold lastly gave the estimate of the Eysvogel property + in merchandise, buildings, and estates, she was again surprised. She had + not supposed that Wolff’s proud family was so wealthy; but the close of + this report brought fresh disappointment, for including the sum which Herr + Casper had borrowed from the Jew Pfefferkorn, the debts of the firm + exceeded its possessions far more than Els had expected from the amount of + its riches. + </p> + <p> + She was wholly ignorant of the condition of her own father’s property; but + she thought she knew that it was far from being enough to suffice here. + And this appeared to be the case, for when Berthold Vorchtel resumed his + speech he alluded to Ernst Ortlieb. In words full of sympathy he lamented + the unprecedented insult which had led him to commit the deed of violence + that prevented his sharing in this consultation. But before his removal he + had given him an important commission. Upon certain conditions—but + only upon them—he would place a considerable portion of his fortune + at his disposal for the settlement of this affair. Still, large as was the + promised sum, it would by no means be sufficient to save the Eysvogel + business from ruin. Yet he, Berthold Vorchtel, was of the opinion that its + fall must be prevented at any cost. The sincerity of this conviction he + intended to prove by the best means at a merchant’s command-the pledge of + his own large capital. + </p> + <p> + These words deeply moved the whole assembly, and Els saw her uncle glance + at the old gentleman with a look which expressed the warm appreciation of + a man of the same mind. + </p> + <p> + Casper Eysvogel, who, lost in thought, had permitted the statements of the + Losunger, which were mingled with many a bitter censure of his own + conduct, to pass without contradiction—nay, apparently in a state of + apathy in which he was no longer capable of following details—straightened + his bowed figure and gazed enquiringly into Herr Berthold’s face as if he + did not venture to trust his own ears; but the other looked past him, as + he added that what he was doing for the Eysvogel business was due to no + consideration for the man who had hitherto directed it, or his family, but + solely on account of the good city whose business affairs the confidence + of the Council had summoned him to direct, and her commerce, whose + prosperity was equally dear to most of the Honourables around him. + </p> + <p> + Cries and gestures of assent accompanied the last sentence; but Berthold + Vorchtel recognised the demonstration by remarking that it showed him that + the Council, in the name of the city, would be disposed to do its share in + raising the amount still lacking. + </p> + <p> + This statement elicited opposition, expressed in several quarters in low + tones, and from one seat loudly, and Herr Berthold heard it. Turning to + Peter Ammon, one of the Eysvogels’ principal creditors, who was making the + most animated resistance, he remarked that no one could be more unwilling + than himself to use the means of the community to protect from the + consequences of his conduct a citizen whose own errors had placed him in a + perilous position, but, on the other hand, he would always—and in + this case with special zeal—be ready to aid such a person in spite + of the faults committed, if he believed that he could thus protect the + community from serious injury. + </p> + <p> + Then he asked permission to make a digression, and being greeted with + cries of “Go on!” from all sides, began in brief, clear sentences to show + how the commerce of Nuremberg from small beginnings had reached its + present prosperity. Instead of the timid, irregular exchange of goods as + far as the Rhine, the Main, and the Danube, regular intercourse with + Venice, Milan, Genoa, Bohemia, and Hungary, Flanders, Brabant, and the + coast of the Baltic had commenced. Trade with the Italian cities, and + through them, even with the Levant, had made its first successful opening + under the Hohenstaufen rule; but during the evil days when the foreign + monarchs had neglected Germany and her welfare, it sustained the most + serious losses. By the election of Rudolph of Hapsburg who, with vigour, + good-will, and intelligence, had devoted his attention to the security of + commerce in the countries over which he reigned, better days for the + merchant had returned, and it was very evident what his work required, + what injured and robbed it of its well-earned reward. Confidence at home + and abroad was the foundation of prosperity, not alone of the Nuremberg + merchant but of trade in general. Under the Hohenstaufen rule their + upright ancestors had so strengthened this confidence that wherever he + went the Nuremberg merchant received respect and confidence above many—perhaps + all others. The insecurity of the roads and of justice in the lawless + times before the election of the Hapsburgs might have impaired this great + blessing; but since Rudolph had wielded the sceptre with virile energy, + made commerce secure, and administered justice, confidence had also + returned, and to maintain it no sacrifice should be too great. As for him, + Berthold Vorchtel, he would not spare himself, and if he expected the city + to imitate him he would know how to answer for it. + </p> + <p> + Here he was interrupted by loud shouts of applause; but, without heeding + them, he quietly went on: “And it is necessary to secure confidence in the + Nuremberg merchant in two directions: his honesty and the capital at his + command. Our business friends, far and near, must be permitted to continue + to rely upon our trustworthiness as firmly as upon rock and iron. If we + brought the arrogant Italian to say of us that, amongst the German cities + who were blind, Nuremberg was the one-eyed, we ought now to force them to + number us amongst those who see with both eyes, the honest, + trust-inspiring blue eyes of the German. But to attain this goal we need + the imperial protection, the watchful power of a great and friendly ruler. + The progress which our trade owed to the Hohenstaufen proves this; the + years without an Emperor, on the contrary, showed what threatens our + commerce as soon as we lack this aid. Rights and privileges from + sovereigns smoothed the paths in which we have surpassed others. To obtain + new and more important ones must be our object. From the first Reichstag + which the Emperor Rudolph held here, he has shown that he esteems us and + believes us worthy of his confidence. Many valuable privileges have + revealed this. To maintain this confidence, which is and will remain the + source of the most important favours to Nuremberg, is enjoined upon us + merchants by prudence, upon us directors of the city by regard for its + prosperity. But, my honourable friends, reluctantly as I do so, I must + nevertheless remind you that this confidence, here and there, has already + received a shock through the errors of individuals. Who could have + forgotten the tale of the beautiful cap of the unhappy Meister Mertein, + who has preceded us into the other world? Doubtless it concerned but one + scabby sheep, yet it served to bring the whole flock into disrepute. + Perhaps the fact that it occurred so soon after Rudolph’s election to the + sovereignty, during the early days of his residence in our goodly city, + imprinted it so deeply upon our imperial master’s memory. A few hours ago + he asked for some information concerning the sad affair which now occupies + our attention, and when I represented that the public spirit and honesty + of my countrymen, fellow-citizens, and associate members of the Council + would prevent it from injuring our trade at home or abroad, he alluded to + that story, by no means in the jesting way with which he formerly + mentioned the vexatious incident that redounded to the honour of no one + more than that of his own shrewdness, which at that time—seven years + ago—was so often blended with mirth.” + </p> + <p> + When the speaker began to allude to this much-discussed incident a smile + had flitted over the features of his listeners, for they remembered it + perfectly, and the story of Emperor Rudolph and the cap was still related + to the honour of the presence of mind of the wise Hapsburg judge. + </p> + <p> + During the period of the assembly of the princes a Nuremberg citizen had + taken charge of a bag containing two hundred florins for a foreign + merchant who had lodged with him, but when he was asked for the property + entrusted to him denied that he had received it. + </p> + <p> + This disgraceful occurrence was reported to the Emperor, but he apparently + paid no heed to it, and received Master Mertein, amongst other citizens + who wished to be presented to him. The dishonest man appeared in a rich + gala dress and as, embarrassed by the Emperor’s piercing gaze, he + awkwardly twirled his cap—a magnificent article bordered with costly + fur; the sovereign took it from his hand, examined it admiringly and, with + the remark that it would suit even a king, placed it on his own royal + head. Then he approached one after another to exchange a few words and, as + if forgetting that he wore the head-gear, left the apartment to order a + messenger to take the cap at once to its owner’s wife, show it to her as a + guarantee of trustworthiness, and ask her to bring the bag which the + foreign merchant had given him to the castle. The woman did so and the + cheat was unmasked. + </p> + <p> + Everyone present, like Els, was familiar with this story, which wrongly + cast so evil a light upon the uprightness of the citizens of Nuremberg. + Who could fail to be painfully affected by the thought that Rudolph, + during his present stay amongst them, must witness the injury of others by + a Nuremberg merchant? Who could have now opposed Herr Berthold, when he + asked, still more earnestly than before, that the community would do its + share to maintain confidence in the reliability of the Nuremberg citizens, + and especially of the Honourable Council and everyone of its members? + </p> + <p> + But when he mentioned the large sum which he himself, and the other which + Ernst Ortlieb intended on certain conditions to devote to the settlement + of this affair, Peter Ammon also withdrew his opposition. The First + Losunger’s proposal was unanimously accepted, and also the condition made + by his associate, Ernst Ortlieb. Casper Eysvogel, on whom the resolution + bore most heavily, submitted in silence, shrugging his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + How high Els’s heart throbbed, how she longed to rush down into the + Council chamber and clasp the hand of the noble old man at the green + table, when he said that in consequence of Ernst Ortlieb’s condition—which + he also made—the charge of the newly established Eysvogel business + must be transferred from Herr Casper’s hands to those of his son, Herr + Wolff, as soon as the imperial pardon permitted him to leave his + hiding-place. He, Berthold Vorchtel, would make no complaint against him, + for he knew that Wolff had been forced to cross swords with his Ulrich. He + had formed this resolution after a severe struggle with himself; but as a + Christian and a fair-minded man he had renounced the human desire for + revenge, and as God had wished to give him a token of his approval, he had + sent to his house a substitute for his dead son. Fresh cries of approval + interrupted this communication, whose meaning Els did not understand. + </p> + <p> + Not a word of remonstrance was uttered when the imperial magistrate at + last proposed that Casper Eysvogel and the women of his family should + leave the city and atone for his great offence by ten years in exile. One + of his estates, which he advised the city to buy, could be assigned him as + a residence. Herr Casper’s daughter, Frau Isabella Siebenburg, had + already, with her twin sons, found shelter at the Knight Heideck’s castle. + Her husband, who had joined his guilty brothers, would speedily fall into + the hands of justice and reap what he had sowed. For the final settlement + of this affair he begged the Honourable Council to appoint commissioners, + whom he would willingly join. + </p> + <p> + Then Herr Vorchtel again rose and requested his honourable friends to + treat the new head of the house with entire confidence; for from the books + of the firm and the statements which he had made in his hiding-place and + sent to the Council, both he and the city clerk had become convinced that + he was one of the most cautious and upright young merchants in Nuremberg. + Their opinion was also shared by the most prominent business acquaintances + of the house. + </p> + <p> + This pleased the listener. But whilst the speaker sat down amidst the + eager assent of his associates in office, and Herr Casper Eysvogel, + leaning on the arm of his cousin, Conrad Teufel, left the hall with + tottering steps, utterly crushed, she saw the city clerk Schedel, after a + hasty glance upwards, approach the side door, through which he could reach + the staircase leading to his rooms. + </p> + <p> + He evidently intended to tell the result of the discussion. But the old + gentleman would need considerable time to reach her, so she again listened + to what was passing below. + </p> + <p> + She heard her uncle, the magistrate, speak of her father’s unfortunate + deed, and tell the Council how the name of Herr Ernst’s daughters, who + were held in such honour, had become innocently, through evil gossip, the + talk of the people. Just at that moment the old man’s shuffling step + sounded close by the door. + </p> + <p> + Els stopped listening to hasten towards the messenger of good tidings, and + the old gentleman could scarcely believe his own eyes when he saw the + happiness beaming in the girl’s beautiful fresh face, whose anxiety and + pallor had just roused his deep sympathy. + </p> + <p> + It was scarcely possible that anyone could have anticipated him with the + glad news, and spite of his seventy-two years the city clerk had retained + the keen eyes of youth. When he entered the anteroom with Els and saw the + open window and beside it the white Riese which she had removed in order + to hear better, he released himself from the arm she had passed around his + shoulders, shook his finger threateningly at her, and cried: “It’s + fortunate that I find only the Riese, and not the listener, otherwise I + should be compelled to deliver her to the jailer, or even the torturer, + for unwarranted intrusion into the secrets of the honourable Council. I + can hardly institute proceedings against a bit of linen!” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. + </h2> + <p> + A few minutes later the sisters left the Town Hall. Their white Rieses + were wound so closely about their faces that their features were + completely hidden, but the thin material permitted them to see Herr + Vorchtel, leaning upon the arm of the young burgomaster, Hans Nutzel, + leave the Council chamber, where the other Honourables were still + deliberating. Pointing to the old man, the city clerk told Els with a + significant smile that Ursula Vorchtel was engaged to the talented, + attractive young merchant now walking with her father, and that he had + promised Herr Vorchtel to aid him and his younger son in the management of + his extensive business. This was a great pleasure to the noble old + merchant, and when he, the city clerk, met Ursula that morning, spite of + her deep mourning, she again looked out upon the world like the happy + young creature she was. Her new joy had greatly increased her beauty, and + her lover was the very person to maintain it. Herr Schedel thought it + would be pleasant news to Els, too. The young girl pressed his hand + warmly; for these good tidings put the finishing touch to the glad tidings + she had just heard. The reproach which, unjust as it might be, had spoiled + many an hour for Wolff and entailed such fatal consequences, was now + removed, and to her also “Ursel’s” altered manner had often seemed like a + silent accusation. She felt grateful, as if it were a personal joy, for + the knowledge that the girl who had believed herself deserted by Wolff, + her own lover, was now a happy betrothed bride. + </p> + <p> + Ursula’s engagement removed a burden from Eva’s soul, too, only she did + not understand how a girl whose heart had once opened to a great love + could ever belong to anyone else. Els understood her; nay, in Ursula’s + place she would have done the same, if it were only to weave a fresh + flower in her afflicted father’s fading garland of joy. + </p> + <p> + The city clerk accompanied them to the great entrance door of the Town + Hall. + </p> + <p> + Several jailers and soldiers in the employ of the city were standing + there, and whilst their old friend was promising to do his utmost to + secure Ernst Ortlieb’s liberation and recommending the girls to the + protection of one of the watchmen, Eva’s cheeks flushed; for a messenger + of the Council had just approached the others, and she heard him utter the + name of Sir Heinz Schorlin and his follower Walther Biberli. Els listened, + too, but whilst her sister in embarrassment pressed her hand upon her + heart, she frankly asked the city clerk what had befallen the knight and + his squire, who was betrothed to her maid. She heard that at the last + meeting of the Council an order had been issued for Biberli’s arrest. + </p> + <p> + His name must have been brought up during the discussions of the slanders + which had so infamously pursued the Ortlieb sisters, but she could not + enquire how or in what connection, for the sun was already low in the + western sky, and if the girls wished to see their father there was no time + to lose. + </p> + <p> + Yet, though Katterle had just said that Countess von Montfort was waiting + outside in her great sedan-chair for the young ladies, they were still + detained, for they would not leave the Town Hall without thanking the city + clerk and saying farewell to him. He was still near, but the captain of + the city soldiers had drawn him aside and was telling him something which + seemed to permit no delay, and induced the old gentleman to glance at the + sisters repeatedly. + </p> + <p> + Eva did not notice it; for Biberli’s arrest, which probably had some + connection with Heinz and herself, had awakened a series of anxious + thoughts associated with her lover and his faithful follower. Els troubled + herself only about the events occurring in her immediate vicinity, and + felt perfectly sure that the captain’s communications referred not only to + the four itinerant workmen and the three women who had just been led + across the courtyard to the “Hole,” and to whom the speaker pointed + several times, but especially to her and her sister. + </p> + <p> + When the city clerk at last turned to them again, he remarked carelessly + that a disagreeable mob in front of the Ortlieb mansion had been + dispersed, and then, with urgent cordiality, invited the two girls to + spend the night under the protection of his old housekeeper. When they + declined, he assured them that measures would be taken to guard them from + every insult. He had something to tell their uncle, and the communication + appeared to permit no delay, for with a haste very unusual in the + deliberate old gentleman he left the two sisters with a brief farewell. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Countess Cordula had become weary of waiting in the sedan-chair. + She came striding to meet her new friends, attired in a rustling + canary-green silk robe whose train swept the ground, but it was raised so + high in front that the brown hunting-boots encasing her well-formed feet + were distinctly visible. She was swinging her heavy riding-whip in her + hand, and her favourite dogs, two black dachshunds with yellow spots over + their eyes, followed at her heels. + </p> + <p> + As it was against the rules to bring dogs into the Town Hall, the + doorkeeper tried to stop her, but without paying the slightest attention + to him, she took Els by the hand, beckoned to Eva, and was turning to + leave the path leading to the market-place. + </p> + <p> + In doing so her eyes fell upon the courtyard, where, just after the Ave + Maria, a motley throng had gathered. Here, guarded by jailers, stood + vagabonds and disreputable men and women, sham blind beggars and cripples, + swindlers, and other tatterdemalions, who had been caught in illegal + practices or without the beggar’s sign. In another spot, dark-robed + servants of the Council were discussing official and other matters. Near + the “Hole” a little party of soldiers were resting, passing from hand to + hand the jug of wine bestowed by the Honourable Council. The “Red Coat”—[Executioner]—was + giving orders to his “Life”—[Executioner’s assistant (“Lion”)]—as + they carried across the courtyard a new instrument of torture intended for + the room adjoining the Council chamber, where those who refused to make + depositions were forced to it. In a shady corner sat old people, poorly + clad women, and pale-faced children, the city poor, who at this hour + received food from the kitchen of the Town Hall. A few priests and monks + were going into the wing of the building which contained the “Hole,” with + its various cells and the largest chamber of torture, to give the + consolations of religion to the prisoners and those tortured by the rack + who had not yet been conveyed to the hospital at Schweinau. + </p> + <p> + The countess’s keen glance wandered from one to another. When they reached + the group of paupers they rested upon a woman with deadly pale, hollow + cheeks, pressing a pitifully emaciated infant to her dry breast, and her + eyes swiftly filled with tears. + </p> + <p> + “Here,” she whispered to old Martsche, taking several gold coins from the + pocket that hung at her belt, “give these to the poorest ones. You are + sensible. Divide it so that several will have a share and the money will + reach the right hands. You can take your time. We need neither you nor + Katterle. Go back to the house. I will carry your young mistresses to + their father and home again. Where I am you need have no fear that harm + will befall them.” + </p> + <p> + Then she turned again towards the “Hole,” and seeing the people yelling + and shouting while awaiting imprisonment, she pointed to them with her + whip, saying, “That’s a part of the pack which was set upon you. You shall + hear about it presently. But now come.” + </p> + <p> + As she spoke she went before the girls and urged them to step quickly into + the large, handsome sedan-chair, around which an unusual number of people + had assembled, for she wished to avoid any recognition of the sisters by + the curious spectators. The gilded box, borne between two powerful Brabant + horses in such a way that it hung between the tail of the first and the + head of the second, would have had room for a fourth occupant. + </p> + <p> + When it moved forward, swaying from side to side, Cordula pointed to the + curtained windows, and said: “Shameful, isn’t it? But it is better so, + children. That arch-rascal Siebenburg robbed the people of the little + sense they possessed, and that cat of a candle-dealer, with her mate, the + tailor, or rather his followers, poisoned the minds of the rest. How + quickly it worked! Goodness, it seems to me, acts more slowly. True, your + hot-tempered father spoiled the old rascal’s inclination to woo pretty + Metz for a while; but his male and female gossips, aunts, cousins, and + work-people apparently allowed themselves to be persuaded by his future + mother-in-law to the abominable deed, which caused the brawling rabble you + saw in the Town Hall court to content themselves with a hard couch in the + ‘Hole’ overnight.” + </p> + <p> + “They have done everything bad concerning us, though I don’t know exactly + what,” cried Els indignantly. + </p> + <p> + “Wished to do, Miss Wisdom,” replied the countess, patting Els’s arm + soothingly. “We kept our eyes open, and I helped to put a stop to their + proceedings. The rabble gathered in front of your house, yelling and + shrieking, and when I stepped into your bow-window there was as great an + outcry as if they were trying to bring down the walls of Jericho a second + time. Some boys even flung at me everything they could find in the mire of + the streets. The most delightful articles! There was actually a dead rat! + I can see its tail flying now! Our village lads know how to aim better. + Before the worst came, by the advice of the equerry and our wise chaplain, + whom I consulted, we had done what was necessary, and summoned the guard + at the Frauenthor to our assistance. But the soldiers were in no great + haste; so when matters were going too far, I stepped into the breach + myself, called down to tell them my name, and also showed my crossbow with + an arrow on the string. This had an effect. Only a few women still + continued to load me with horrible abuse. Then the chaplain came to the + window and this restored silence; but, in spite of his earnest words, not + a soul stirred from the spot until the patrol arrived, dispersed the + rabble, and arrested some of them.” + </p> + <p> + Els, who sat by Cordula’s side, drew her towards her and kissed her + gratefully; but Eva’s eyes had filled with tears of grief at the beginning + of the countess’s report of this new insult, and the hostility of so many + of the townsfolk; yet she succeeded in controlling herself. She would not + weep. She had even forced herself to gaze, without the quiver of an + eyelash, at the sorrowful and horrible spectacle outside of the “Hole.” + She must cease being a weak child. How true her dying mother’s words had + been! To be able to struggle and conquer, she must not withdraw from life + and its influences, which, if she did not spare herself, promised to + transform her into the resolute woman she desired to become. + </p> + <p> + She had listened with labouring breath to the speaker’s last words, and + when Els embraced Cordula, she raised her little clenched hand, exclaiming + with passionate emotion: “Oh, if I had only been at home with you! You are + brave, Countess, but I, too, would not have shrunk from them. I would + voluntarily have made myself the target for their malice, and called to + their faces that only miserably deluded people or shameless rascals could + throw stones at my Els, who is a thousand times better than any of them!” + </p> + <p> + “Or at you, you dear, brave child,” added Cordula in an agitated tone. + </p> + <p> + From the day following the burning of the convent the countess had given + up her whim of winning Heinz Schorlin. She now knew that all her nobler + feelings spoke more loudly in favour of the quiet man who had borne her + out of the flames. Sir Boemund Altrosen’s love had proved genuine, and she + would reward him for it; but the heart of the pretty creature opposite to + her was also filled with deep, true love, and she would do everything in + her power for Eva, whom she had loved ever since her affliction had + touched her tender heart. + </p> + <p> + Both sisters were now aware of Cordula’s kind intentions, and the warm + pleasure she displayed when Els told her what the Council had determined, + showed plainly enough that the motherless young countess, who had neither + brother nor sister, clung to the daughters of her host like a third + sister. Old Herr Vorchtel’s treatment of the man who had inflicted so deep + a sorrow upon him touched her inmost soul. It was grand, noble; the + Saviour himself would have rejoiced over it. “If it would only please the + good old man,” she exclaimed, “I would rather offer him my lips to kiss + than the handsomest young knight.” + </p> + <p> + Though two of Count von Montfort’s mounted huntsmen and several constables + accompanied the unusually large and handsome sedan-chair, a curious crowd + had followed it; but the opinion probably prevailed that the countess’s + companions were some of her waiting-women. When they alighted in front of + the watch-tower, however, an elderly laundry-maid who had worked for the + Ortliebs recognised the sisters and pointed them out to the others, + protesting that it was hard for a woman of her chaste spirit to have + served in a house where such things could have happened. Then a tailor’s + apprentice, who considered the whole of the guild insulted in the wounded + Meister Seubolt, put his fingers to his wide mouth and emitted a long, + shrill whistle; but the next instant a blow from a powerful fist silenced + him. It was young Ortel, who had come to the watch-tower to seek Herr + Ernst and tell him that he and his sister Metz, spite of their mother and + guardian, meant to stay in his service. His heart’s blood would not have + been too dear to guard Eva, whom he instantly recognised, from every + insult; but he had no occasion to use his youthful strength a second time, + for the soldiers who guarded the tower and the city mercenaries drove back + the crowd and kept the square in front of the tower open. + </p> + <p> + The countess would not be detained long, for the sun had already sunk + behind the towers and western wall of the fortress, and the reflection of + the sunset was tinging the eastern sky with a roseate hue. The warden + really ought to have refused them admittance, for the time during which he + was permitted to take visitors to the imprisoned “Honourable” had already + passed. But for the daughters of Herr Ernst Ortlieb, to whom he was + greatly indebted, he closed his eyes to this fact, and only entreated them + to make their stay brief, for the drawbridge leading to the tower must be + raised when darkness gathered. + </p> + <p> + The young girls found their father, absorbed in grief as if utterly + crushed, seated at a table on which stood a leaden inkstand with several + sheets of paper. He still held the pen in his hand. + </p> + <p> + He received his daughters with the exclamation, “You poor, poor children!” + But when Els tried to tell him what had given her so much pleasure, he + interrupted her to accuse himself, with deep sorrow, of having again + permitted sudden passion to master him. Probably this was the last time; + such experiences would cool even the hottest blood. Then he began to + relate what had induced him to raise his hand against the tailor, and as, + in doing so, he recalled the insolent hypocrite’s spiteful manner, he + again flew into so violent a rage that the blow which he dealt the table + made the ink splash up and soil both the paper lying beside it and his own + dress, still faultlessly neat even in prison. This caused fresh wrath, and + he furiously crushed the topmost sheet, already half covered with writing, + and hurled it on the floor. + </p> + <p> + Not until Els stooped to pick it up did he calm himself, saying, with a + shrug of the shoulders, “Who can remain unmoved when the whirlwind of + despair seizes him? When a swarm of hornets attacks a horse, and it rears, + who wonders? And I—What stings and blows has Fate spared me?” Els + ventured to speak soothingly to him, and remind him of God, and the saints + to whom he had made such generous offerings in building the convent; but + this awakened an association, and he asked if it were true that Eva had + refused to take the veil. + </p> + <p> + She made a silent gesture of assent, expecting another outburst of anger; + but her father only shook his head sorrowfully, clasped her right hand in + both his, and said sadly: “Poor, poor child! But she, she—your + mother—would probably——The last words her dear lips + bestowed upon us concerned you, child, and I believe their meaning——” + </p> + <p> + Here the warden interrupted him to remind the girls that it was time to + depart; but whilst Els was begging the man for a brief delay, Herr Ernst + looked first at the paper and writing materials, then at his daughters, + and added with quiet decision: “Before you go, you must hear that, in + spite of everything, I did not wholly lose courage, but began to act.” + </p> + <p> + “That is right, dear father,” exclaimed Els, and told him briefly and + quickly what the Council had decided, how warmly old Berthold Vorchtel had + interceded for Wolff, and that the management of the business was to be + confided solely to him. + </p> + <p> + These tidings swiftly and powerfully revived the fading hopes of the + sorely stricken man. He drew up his short figure as if the vigour of youth + had returned, declaring that he now felt sure that this first star in the + dark night would soon be followed by others. “It will now be your Wolff’s + opportunity,” he exclaimed, “to make amends for much that Fate But I was + commencing something else. Give me that bit of crumpled paper. I’ll look + at it again early to-morrow morning; it is a letter to the Emperor I was + composing. Your brother ought not to have given up his young life on the + battlefield for the Crown in vain. He owes me compensation for the son, + you for the brother. He is certainly a fair-minded man, and therefore will + not shut his ears to my complaint. Just wait, children! And you, my devout + Eva, pray to your saint that the petition, which concerns you also, may + effect what I expect.” + </p> + <p> + “And what is that?” asked Eva anxiously. “That the wrong done you, you + poor, deceived child, shall be made good,” replied Herr Ernst with + imperious decision. + </p> + <p> + Eva clasped his hand, pleading warmly and tenderly: “By all that you hold + dear and sacred, I beseech you, father, not to mention me and Sir Heinz + Schorlin in your letter. If he withdrew his love from me, no imperial + decree—” + </p> + <p> + The veins on the Councillor’s brow again swelled with wrath, and though he + did not burst into a passion, he exclaimed in violent excitement: “A + nobleman who declares his love to a chaste Nuremberg maiden of noble birth + assumes thereby a duty which, if unfulfilled, imposes a severe punishment + upon him. This just punishment, at least, the tempter shall not escape. + The Emperor, who proclaimed peace throughout the land and cleared the + highways of the bands of robbers, will consider it his first duty—” + </p> + <p> + Here the warden interrupted him by calling from the threshold of the room + that the draw-bridge would be raised and the young ladies must follow him + without delay. + </p> + <p> + Eva again besought her father not to enter an accusation against the + knight, and Els warmly supported her sister; but their brief, ardent + entreaty produced no effect upon the obstinate man except, after he had + pressed a farewell kiss upon the brows of both, to tell them with resolute + dignity that the night would bring counsel, and he was quite sure that + this time, as usual, he should pursue the right course for the real good + of his dear children. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto Herr Ernst had indeed proved himself a faithful and prudent head + of his family, but this time his daughters left him with heavy, anxious + hearts. + </p> + <p> + Fear of her father’s intention tortured Eva like a new misfortune, and Els + and the countess also hoped that the petition would go without the + accusation against Heinz. + </p> + <p> + Whilst the sedan-chair was bearing the girls home few words were + exchanged. Not until they approached the Frauenthor did they enter into a + more animated conversation, which referred principally to Biberli and the + question whether the Honourable Council would call Katterle to account + also, and what could be done to save both from severe punishment. Cordula + had drawn aside the curtain on the right and was gazing into the street, + apparently from curiosity, but really with great anxiety. But Herr + Pfinzing had done his part, and with the exception of several soldiers in + the pay of the city there were few people in sight near the Ortlieb + mansion. + </p> + <p> + A horse was being led up and down on the opposite side of the courtyard, + and behind the chains stood a sedan-chair with several men, to whom Metz + had just brought from the kitchen a coal of fire to light their torches. + The pretty girl looked as bright as if she felt small concern for the + severe wound of the grey-haired tailor who had chosen her for his wife. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0029" id="link2HCH0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI. + </h2> + <p> + As the young girls were getting out of their sedan-chair, the Frauenthor, + which was closed at nightfall, opened to admit another whose destination + also seemed to be the Ortlieb mansion. + </p> + <p> + Katterle was standing in the lower entry with her apron raised to her + face. She had learned that her true and steadfast lover had been carried + to the “Hole,” and was waiting here for her mistresses and also for Herr + Pfinzing and his wife, whom old Martsche had conducted to the sittingroom + in the second story. Herr Pfinzing, in her opinion, had as much power as + the Emperor, and his wife was famed all over the city for her charitable + and active kindness. When the noble couple came down Katterle meant to + throw herself on her knees at their feet and beseech them to have mercy on + her betrothed husband. The sisters and Cordula comforted her with the + promise that they would commend Biberli’s cause to the magistrate; but as + they went upstairs they again expressed to one another the fear that + Katterle herself would sooner or later follow the man she loved to prison. + </p> + <p> + They found Herr Pfinzing and his wife in the sitting-room. + </p> + <p> + Katterle was not wrong in expecting kindly help from this lady, for a more + benevolent face than hers could scarcely be imagined, and, more over, Fran + Christine certainly did not lack strength to do what she deemed right. + Though not quite so broad as her short, extremely corpulent husband, she + surpassed him in height by several inches, and time had transformed the + pretty, slender, modest girl into a majestic woman. The slight arch of the + nose, the lofty brow, the light down on the upper lip, and the deep voice + even gave her a somewhat imperious aspect. Had it not been for the kind, + faithful eyes, and an extremely pleasant expression about the mouth, one + might have wondered how she could succeed in inspiring everyone at the + first glance with confidence in her helpful kindness of heart. + </p> + <p> + Her grey pug had also been brought with her. How could an animal supply + the place of beloved human beings? Yet the pug had become necessary to her + since her son, like so many other young men who belonged to patrician + Nuremberg families, had fallen in the battle of Marchfield, and her + daughter had accompanied her husband to his home in Augsburg. The onerous + duties of her husband’s office compelled him to leave her alone a great + deal, and even in her extremely active life there were lonely hours when + she needed a living creature that was faithfully devoted to her. + </p> + <p> + She was often overburdened with work, for every charitable institution + sought her as a “fosterer.” True, in many cases their request was vain. + Whatever she undertook must be faultlessly executed, and the charge of the + orphan children in the city, the Beguines, and the hospital at her summer + residence occupied her sufficiently. During the winter she lived with her + husband at his official quarters in the castle, but as soon as spring came + she longed for her little manor at Schweinau, for she had taken into the + institution erected there for the widows of noble crusaders, but in which + only the last four of these ladies were now supported, a number of + Beguines. These were godly girls and women who did not wish to submit to + convent rules, or did not possess the favour or the money required for + admission. + </p> + <p> + Without pledging themselves to celibacy or any of the other restrictions + imposed upon the nuns, they desired only, in association with others of + the same mind, to lead a life pleasing in the sight of God and devoted to + Christian charity. Schweinau afforded abundant opportunity for charitable + women to aid suffering fellow-mortals, since it was here that the + unfortunates who had been mutilated by the hands of the executioner and + his assistants, or wounded on the rack, often nearly unto death, were + brought to be bandaged, and as far as possible healed. The Beguines + occupied themselves in nursing them, but had many a conflict with the + spiritual authorities, who preferred the monks and nuns bound by a + monastic vow. The order of St. Francis alone regarded them with favour, + interceded for them, and watched over them with kindly interest, taking + care that they were kept aloof from everything which would expose them to + reproach or blame. + </p> + <p> + Frau Christine, the Abbess Kunigunde’s sister, aided her in this effort, + and the Beguines, to whom the magistrate’s wife in no way belonged, but + who had given them a home on her own estate, silently rendered her + obedience when she wished to see undesirable conditions in their common + life removed. + </p> + <p> + Els, as well as Eva, had long since told Frau Christine, who was equally + dear to both, everything that afforded ground for the shameful calumnies + which had now urged their father to a deed for which he was atoning in + prison. + </p> + <p> + When, a few hours before, a messenger from her husband informed her of + what had occurred, she had instantly come to the city to see that the + right thing was done, and take the girls thus bereft of their father from + the desolate Ortlieb mansion to her own house. Herr Pfinzing had warmly + approved this plan, and accompanied her to the “Es,” as he, too, was fond + of calling his nieces. + </p> + <p> + When she had been told what motives induced Eva not to confide herself + just now to the protection of the convent, Frau Christine struck her broad + hips, exclaiming, “There’s something in blood! The young creature acts as + if her old aunt had thought for her.” + </p> + <p> + Her invitation sounded so loving and cordial, her husband pressed it with + such winning, jovial urgency, and the pug Amicus, whose attachment to Eva + was especially noticeable, supported his mistress’s wish with such ardent + zeal, that she called the sisters’ attention to his intercession. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the girls had already expressed to each other, with the mute + language of the eyes, their inclination to accept the invitation so + affectionately extended. Els only made the condition that they were not to + go to Schweinau until early the following morning, after their visit to + their father; Eva, on the other hand, desired to go as soon as possible, + gladly and gratefully confessing to her aunt how much more calmly she + would face the future now that she was permitted to be under her + protection. + </p> + <p> + “Just creep under the old hen’s wings, my little chicken; she will keep + you warm,” said the kind-hearted woman, kissing Eva. But, as she began to + plan for the removal of the sisters, more visitors were announced—indeed, + several at once; first, Albert Ebner, of the Council, and his wife, then + Frau Clara Loffelholz, who came without her husband, and the two daughters + of the imperial ranger Waldstromer, Els’s most intimate friends. They had + come in from the forest-house the day before to attend Frau Maria + Ortlieb’s burial. Now, with their mother’s permission, they came to invite + the deserted girls to the forest. The others also begged the sisters to + come to them, and so did Councillors Schurstab, Behaim, Gross, + Holzschuher, and Pirckheimer, who came, some with their wives and some + singly, to look after the daughters of their imprisoned colleague. + </p> + <p> + The great sitting-room was filled with guests, and the stalwart figures + and shrewd, resolute faces of the men, the kind, good, and usually + pleasing countenances of the women, whose blue eyes beamed with + philanthropic benevolence, though they carried their heads high enough, + afforded a delightful spectacle, and one well calculated to inspire + respect. There could be no doubt that those whose locks were already grey + represented distinguished business houses and were accustomed to manage + great enterprises. There was not a single one whom the title “Honour of + the Family” could not have well befitted; and what cheerful + self-possession echoed in the deep voices of the men, what maternal + kindness in those of the elder women, most of whom also spoke in sonorous + tones! + </p> + <p> + Els and Eva often cast stolen glances at each other as they greeted the + visitors, thanked them, answered questions, gave explanations, accepted + apologies, received and courteously declined invitations. They did not + comprehend what had produced this sudden change of feeling in so many of + their equals in rank, what had brought them in such numbers at so late an + hour, as if the slightest delay was an offence, to their quiet house, + which that very day had seemed to Frau Vorkler too evil to permit her + children to remain in its service. + </p> + <p> + The old magistrate and his wife, on the contrary, thought that they knew. + They had helped the sisters to receive the first callers; but when Frau + Barbara Behaim, a cousin of the late Frau Maria, had appeared, they gave + up their post to her, and slipped quietly into the next room to escape the + throng. + </p> + <p> + There they retired to the niche formed by the deep walls of the broad + central window of the house, and Herr Berthold Pfinzing whispered to his + wife: “There was too much philanthropy and kindness for me in there. A + great deal of honey at once cloys me. But you, prophetess, foresaw what is + now occurring, and I, too, scarcely expected anything different. So long + as one still has a doublet left compassion is in no haste, but when the + last shirt is stripped from the body charity—thank the saints!—moves + faster. We are most ready to help those who, we feel very sure, are + suffering more than they deserve. There are many motherless children; but + young girls who have lost both parents, exposed to every injustice——” + </p> + <p> + “Are certainly rare birds,” his wife interrupted, “and this will + undoubtedly be of service to the children. But if they are now invited to + the houses of the same worthy folk who, a few hours ago, thought + themselves too good to attend the funeral of their admirable mother, and + anxiously kept their own little daughters away from them, they probably + owe it especially to the right mediators, noble old Vorchtel and another.” + </p> + <p> + “To-day, if ever, certainly furnished evidence how heavily the testimony + and example of a really estimable man weighs on the scale. The First + Losunger interceded for the children as if they were his own daughters, + attacked the slanderers, and of course I didn’t leave him in the lurch.” + </p> + <p> + “Peter Holzschuher declared that you defended them like the Roman Cicero,” + cried Frau Christine merrily. “But don’t be vexed, dear husband; no matter + how heavily the influence of the two Bertholds—Vorchtel’s and yours—weighed + in the balance, nay, had that of a third and a fourth of the best + Councillors been added, what is now taking place before our eyes and ears + would not have happened, if—-” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” asked the magistrate eagerly. + </p> + <p> + “If,” replied the matron in a tone of the firmest conviction, “they had + not all been far from believing, even for a moment, in their inmost souls + the shameful calumny which baseness dared to cast upon those two—just + look more closely.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet if that was really the case—” her husband began to object, but + she eagerly continued: “Many did not utter their better knowledge or faith + because the evil heart believes in wickedness rather than virtue, + especially if their own house contains something—we will say a young + daughter—whose shining purity is thereby brought into a clearer + light. Besides, we ourselves have often been vexed by—let us do + honour to the truth!—by the defiant manner in which your devout + godchild—yonder ‘little saint’—held aloof in her spiritual + arrogance from the companions of her own age——” + </p> + <p> + “And then,” the corpulent husband added, “two young girls cannot be called + ‘the beautiful Es’ unpunished in houses which contain a less comely T, S, + and H. Just think of the Katerpecks. There—thank the saints!—they + are taking leave already.” + </p> + <p> + “Don’t say anything about them!” said Frau Christine, shaking her finger + threateningly. “They are good, well-behaved children. It was pretty + Ermengarde Muffel yonder by the fireplace who, after the dance at the Town + Hall, assailed your godchild most spitefully with her sharp tongue. My + friend Frau Nutzel heard her.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, that dance!” said the magistrate, sighing faintly. “But the child was + certainly distinguished in no common way. The Emperor Rudolph himself + looked after her as if an angel had appeared to him. You yourself heard + his sister’s opinion of her. Her husband, the old Burgrave, and his son, + handsome Eitelfritz—But you know all that. Half would have been + enough to stir ill-will in many a heart.” + </p> + <p> + “And to turn her pretty little head completely,” added his wife. + </p> + <p> + “That, by our Lady, Christine,” protested the magistrate, “that, at least, + did not happen. It ran off from her like water from an oil jar. I noticed + it myself, and the abbess—” + </p> + <p> + “Your sister,” interrupted the matron thoughtfully, “she was the very one + who led her into the path that is not suited for her.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no,” the magistrate eagerly asserted. “God did not create a girl, the + mere sight of whom charms so many, to withdraw her from the gaze of the + world.” + </p> + <p> + “Husband! husband!” exclaimed Frau Christine, tapping his arm gaily. “But + there go the Schurstabs and Ebners. What a noise there is in the street + below!” + </p> + <p> + Her husband looked out of the bow window, pointed down, and asked her to + come and stand beside him. When she had risen he passed his arm around the + slenderest part of her waist, which, however, he could not quite clasp, + and eagerly continued: “Just look! One would think it was a banquet or a + dance. The whole street is filled with sedan-chairs, servants, and + torch-bearers. A few hours ago the constables had hard work to prevent the + deluded people from destroying the house of the profligate Es, and now one + half of the distinguished honourable Councillors come to pay their homage. + Do you know, dear, what pleases the most in all this?” + </p> + <p> + “Well?” asked Frau Christine, turning her face towards him with a look of + eager enquiry, which showed that she expected to hear something good. But + he nodded slightly, and answered: + </p> + <p> + “We members of patrician families cling to old customs; each wants to keep + his individuality, as he would share or exchange his escutcheon with no + one. Then, when one surpasses the rest in external things, whatever name + they may bear, no one hastens to imitate him. We men are independent, + rugged fellows. But if the heart and mind of any one of us are bent upon + something really good and which may be said to be pleasing in the sight of + God, and he successfully executes it, then, Christine, then—I have + noticed it in a hundred instances—then the rest rush after him like + sheep after the bellwether.” + </p> + <p> + “And this time you, and the other Berthold, were the leaders,” cried Fran + Christine, hastily pressing a kiss upon her old husband’s cheek behind the + curtain. + </p> + <p> + Then she turned back into the dusky chamber, pointed to the open door of + the sitting-room, and said, “just look! If that isn’t——There + comes Ursula Vorchtel with her betrothed husband, young Hans Nutzel! What + a fine-looking man the slender youth has become! Ursel—her visit is + probably the greatest pleasure which Els has had during this blessed + hour.” + </p> + <p> + The wise woman was right; for when Ursel held out her hands to her former + friend, whom she had studiously avoided so long, the eyes of both girls + were moist, and Els’s cheeks alternately flushed and paled, like the play + of light and shadow on the ground upon a sunny morning in a leafy wood + when the wind sways the tree tops. + </p> + <p> + What did they not have to say to each other! As soon as they were + unnoticed a moment Ursel kissed her newly regained friend, and whispered, + pointing to her lover, with whom Fran Barbara Behaim was talking: “He + first taught me to know what true love is, and since then I have realised + that it was wrong and foolish for me to be angry with you, my dear Els, + and that Wolff did right to keep his troth, hard as his family made it for + him to do so. Had my Hans met me a little sooner, we should not now have + to mourn our poor Ulrich. I know—for I have tried often enough to + soothe his resentment—how greatly he incensed your lover. Oh, how + sad it all is! But your aunt, the abbess, was right when she told us + before our confirmation, ‘When the cross that is imposed upon us weighs + too heavily, an angel often comes, lifts it, and twines it with lovely + roses!’ That has been my experience, dear Els; and what great injustice I + did you when I kept out of your way so meanly! I always felt drawn to you. + But when that evil gossip began I turned against them all and bade them be + silent in my presence, for it was all false, base lies. I upheld your Eva, + too, as well as you, though she had been very ungracious whenever we met.” + </p> + <p> + How joyously Els opened her heart to these confessions! How warmly she + interceded for her sister! The girls had passed their arms around each + other, as if they had returned to the days of their childhood, and when + Ursel’s lover glanced at his betrothed bride, who, spite of her + well-formed figure and pleasant face, could not be classed amongst the + most beautiful of women, he thought she might compare in attractiveness + with the loveliest maidens, but no one could equal her in kindness of + heart. She saw this in the warm, loving look with which he sought her + pleasant grey eyes, as he approached to remind her that it was time to go; + but beckoning to him, she begged him to wait just a moment longer, which + she employed in whispering to Els: “You should find shelter with us, and + no one else, if my father——Don’t think he refused to let me + invite you on account of poor Ulrich, or because he was angry with you. + It’s only because——After the session to-day they all praised + his noble heart, and I don’t know what else, so loudly and with such + exaggeration that it was too much to believe. If he interceded for the + Eysvogel firm and you poor children, it was only because, as a just man, + he could not do otherwise.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Ursel!” Els here interrupted, wishing to join in her father’s praise; + but the latter would not listen and eagerly continued: + </p> + <p> + “No, no, he really felt so. His modesty made him unwilling to awaken the + belief that he asked the betrothed bride of the man—you understand + and her sister into his house, to set an example of Christian + reconciliation. False praise, he says, weighs more heavily than disgrace. + He has already heard more of it than he likes, and therefore, for no other + reason, he does not open his house to you, but upon his counsel and his + aid, he bids me tell you, you can confidently rely.” + </p> + <p> + Then the friends took leave of each other, and Ursula also embraced Eva, + who approached her with expressions of warm gratitude, kissed her, and + said, as she went away, “When next we meet, Miss Ungracious, I hope we + shall no longer turn our backs on each other.” + </p> + <p> + When Ursel had gone with her lover, and most of the others had followed, + Els felt so elated by thankfulness that she did not understand how her + heart, burdened with such great and heavy anxieties, could be capable of + rising to such rapturous delight. + </p> + <p> + How gladly she would have hastened to Wolff to give him his share of this + feeling! But, even had not new claims constantly pressed upon her, she + could on no account have sought his hiding-place at this hour. + </p> + <p> + When the last guest and the abbess also had retired, Aunt Christine asked + Els to pack whatever she and her sister needed for the removal to + Schweinau, for Eva was to go there with her at once. + </p> + <p> + Countess Cordula, who, much as she regretted the necessity of being + separated from her companions, saw that they were right to abandon the + house from which their father had been torn, wanted to help Els, but just + as the two girls were leaving the room a new visitor arrived—Casper + Teufel, of the Council, a cousin of Casper Eysvogel, who had leaned on his + arm for support when he left the session that afternoon. + </p> + <p> + Els would not have waited for any other guest, but this one, as his first + words revealed, came from the family to which she felt that she belonged, + and the troubled face of the greyhaired, childless widower, who was + usually one of the most jovial of men, as well as the unusually late hour + of his call, indicated so serious a reason for his coming that she + stopped, and with anxious urgency asked what news he had brought. + </p> + <p> + It was not unexpected, yet his brief report fell heavily on the heart of + Els, which had just ventured to beat gaily and lightly. + </p> + <p> + Her uncle and aunt, Eva and the countess, also listened to the story. + </p> + <p> + He had accompanied Casper Eysvogel to his home and remained with him + whilst, overflowing with resentment and vehement, unbridled complaints of + the injustice and despotism to which—owing specially to the + hostility and self-conceit of old Berthold Vorchtel—he had fallen a + victim, he informed Fran Rosalinde and her mother what the Council had + determined concerning his own future and that of his family. + </p> + <p> + When he finally reported that he himself and the ladies must leave the + house and the city, Countess Rotterbach, with a scornful glance at her + deeply humiliated son-in-law, exclaimed, “This is what comes of throwing + one’s self away!” The unfortunate man, already shaken to the inmost depths + of his being, sank on his knees. + </p> + <p> + Conrad Teufel had instantly placed him in bed and sent for the leech; but + even after they had bathed his head with cold water and bled him he did + not regain consciousness. His left side seemed completely paralysed, and + his tongue could barely lisp a few unintelligible words. + </p> + <p> + At the leech’s desire a Sister of Charity had been sent for. Isabella + Siebenburg, the sufferer’s daughter, had already gone with her twin sons, + in obedience to her husband’s wish, to Heideck Castle. + </p> + <p> + She had departed in anger, because she had vainly endeavoured to induce + her mother and grandmother, who opposed her, to speak more kindly of her + husband. When they disparaged the absent man with cruel harshness, she + felt—she had told her cousin so—as if the infants could + understand the insult offered to their father, and, to protect the + children even more than herself, from her husband’s feminine foes, she + left the falling house, in spite of the entreaties and burning tears with + which, in the hour of parting, her mother strove to detain her. + </p> + <p> + Ere her departure she gave her jewels and the silver which her grandfather + had bequeathed to her to Conrad Teufel, to satisfy the most urgent demands + of her husband’s creditors. Her father and she had parted kindly, and he + made no attempt to oppose her. + </p> + <p> + No one except the Sister of Charity was now in attendance upon the old + gentleman; for his wife wept and wailed without finding strength to do + anything, and even reproached her own mother, whom she accused of having + plunged them all into misfortune, and caused the stroke of paralysis from + which her husband was suffering. + </p> + <p> + The grey-haired countess, the cousin went on, had passed from one attack + of convulsions into another, and when he approached her had shrieked the + words “ingratitude” and “base reward” so shrilly at him, in various tones, + that they were still ringing in his ears. + </p> + <p> + Everything in the luckless household was out of gear, and its noble guest, + the Duke von Gulich, would feel the consequences, for the servants had + lost their wits too. Spite of the countless men and maids, he had been + obliged to go himself to the pump to get a glass of water for the sick + man, and the fragments of the vase which the grandmother had flung at him + with her own noble hand were still lying on the floor. His name was Teufel—[devil]—but + even in his home in Hades things could scarcely be worse. + </p> + <p> + When Herr Teufel at last paused, the magistrate and his wife exchanged a + significant glance, while Eva gazed with deep suspense, and Cordula with + earnest pity, at Els, who had listened to the story fairly panting for + breath. + </p> + <p> + When she raised her tearful eyes to Herr Pfinzing and Frau Christine, + saying mournfully, “I must beg you to excuse me, my dear aunt and uncle; + you have heard how much my Wolff’s father needs me,” all saw their + expectations fulfilled. + </p> + <p> + “Hard, hard!” said the magistrate, patting her on the shoulder. “Yet the + lead with which we burden ourselves from kindly intentions becomes wood, + or at last even feathers.” + </p> + <p> + But Frau Christine was not content with uttering cheering words; she + offered to accompany Els and secure the place to which she was entitled. + Frau Rosalinde had formerly often visited the matron to seek counsel, and + had shown her, with embarrassing plainness, how willingly she admitted her + superior ability. She disliked the old countess—but with whom would + not the self-reliant woman, conscious of her good intentions, have dared + to cope? Since the daughter of the house had left her relatives, the place + beside his father’s sick-bed belonged to the son’s future wife. Frau + Rosalinde was weak, but not the worst of women. “Just wait, child,” Aunt + Christine concluded, “she will see soon enough what a blessing enters the + house and the sick-room with you. We will try to erect a wall against the + old woman’s spite.” + </p> + <p> + Conrad Teufel confessed that he had come with the hope of inducing Els, + who had nursed her own mother so skilfully and patiently, to make so + praiseworthy a resolution. In taking leave he promised to keep a sharp + lookout for her rights, and, if necessary, to show the old she-devil his + own cloven foot. + </p> + <p> + After he, too, had gone, the preparations for the sisters’ departure were + commenced. Whilst Cordula was helping Eva to select the articles she + wished to take to Schweinau, and her older sister, with Katterle’s + assistance, was packing the few pieces of clothing she needed as a nurse + in the Eysvogel family, the countess offered to visit Herr Ernst in the + watch-tower early the following morning and tell him what detained his + daughters. Towards evening Eva could come into the city under the + protection of her aunt, who had many claims upon her the next day, and see + the prisoner. + </p> + <p> + This time, to the surprise of her sister, who had always relieved her of + such cares, Eva herself did the packing. When she had finished she led the + weeping Katterle to her uncle, that she might beg for mercy upon her + lover. + </p> + <p> + The magistrate was thoroughly aware of the course of affairs, and talked + to the maid with the gentle manner, pervaded with genuine kindness of + heart, which was one of his characteristics. Biberli had already been + subjected to an examination by torture; but even on the rack he had not + said one word about his betrothed bride, and had resolutely denied + everything which could criminate his master. A second trial awaited him on + the morrow, but the magistrate promised to do all in his power to obtain + the mildest possible sentence for him. At any rate, like all whose blood + was shed by a legal sentence, he would be sent to Schweinau to be cured, + and as Katterle would accompany Eva there, she could find an opportunity + of nursing her betrothed husband herself. + </p> + <p> + With these words he dismissed the girl, but when again alone with his wife + he admitted to her that the poor fellow might easily fare badly—nay, + might even lose his tongue—if on the rack, which was one of the + instruments of torture to which he must again be subjected, he confessed + having forced his way into the house of an “Honourable” at night. True, + the fact that in doing so he had only followed his master, would mitigate + the offence. He must bind the judges to secrecy, should it prove + impossible to avoid the necessity of informing them of Eva’s somnambulism. + If the sentence were very severe, he might perhaps be able to delay its + execution. Sir Heinz Schorlin, who stood high in the Emperor’s favour, + would then be asked to apply to the sovereign to annul it, or at any rate + to impose a lighter punishment. + </p> + <p> + Here he was interrupted by his nieces and Cordula, and soon after Frau + Christine went out with Els to go to the Eysvogels. Herr Pfinzing remained + with the others. + </p> + <p> + A personage of no less distinction than the Duchess Agnes had complained + to him of the reckless countess. Only yesterday she had ridden into the + forest with her father, and when the young Bohemian princess met her, + Cordula’s dogs had assailed her skittish Arabian so furiously that it + would have been difficult for a less practised rider to keep her seat in + the saddle. This time the docile animals had refused to obey their + mistress, and the duchess expressed the suspicion that she had not + intended to call them off; for, though she had carelessly apologised, she + asked, as if the words were a gibe, if there was anything more delightful + than to curb a refractory steed. She had an answer ready for Cordula, + however, and retorted that the disobedience of her dogs proved that, if + she understood how to obtain from horses what she called the greatest + delight, she certainly failed in the case of other living creatures. She + therefore offered her royal condolence on the subject. + </p> + <p> + Then she remarked to the magistrate that the incident had occurred in the + imperial forest where, as she understood, the unrestricted wandering of + strange hunting dogs was prohibited. Therefore, in future, Countess von + Montfort might be required to leave hers at home when she rode to the + woods. + </p> + <p> + The magistrate now brought the complaint to the person against whom it was + made, adopting a merry jesting tone, in which Cordula gaily joined. + </p> + <p> + When the old gentleman asked whether she had previously angered the + irritable princess, she answered laughing, “The saints have hitherto + denied to the wife of the Emperor’s son, as well as to other girls of + thirteen or fourteen, the blessing of children, so she likes to play with + dolls. She chanced to prefer the same one for which she saw me stretch out + my hands.” + </p> + <p> + The old magistrate vainly sought to understand this jest; but Eva knew + whom the countess meant by the doll, and it grieved her to see two women + hostile to each other, seeking to amuse themselves with one who bore so + little resemblance to a toy, and to whom she looked up with all the + earnestness of a soul kindled by the deepest passion. + </p> + <p> + While the magistrate and the countess were gaily arguing and jesting + together she sat silent, and the others did not disturb her. + </p> + <p> + After a long time Frau Christine returned. Traces of tears were plainly + visible, though she had tried, whilst in the sedan-chair, to efface them. + The scenes which Els had experienced at the Eysvogels’ had certainly been + far worse than she had feared—nay, the old countess’s attack upon + her was so insulting, Frau Rosalinde’s helpless grief and Herr Casper’s + condition were so pitiable, that she had thought seriously of bringing the + poor girl back with her, and removing her from these people who, she was + sure, would make Els’s life a torment as soon as she herself had gone. + </p> + <p> + The grandmother’s enquiry whether Jungfrau Ortlieb expected to find her + Swiss gallant there, and similar insolent remarks, seemed fairly steeped + with rancour. + </p> + <p> + What a repulsive spectacle the old woman, utterly bereft of dignity, + presented as with solemn mockery she courtesied to Els again and again, as + if announcing herself her most humble servant; but the poor child kept + silence until Frau Christine herself spoke, and assigned her niece to the + place beside Herr Casper’s sick-bed, which no one else could fill so well. + </p> + <p> + Stillness reigned in this chamber, and Els scarcely had occasion to dread + much disturbance, for the countess had been strictly forbidden to enter + the sufferer’s room. Frau Rosalinde seemed to fear the sight of the + helpless man, and the Sister of Charity was a strong, resolute woman, who + welcomed Els with sincere cordiality, and promised Frau Christine to let + no evil befall her. + </p> + <p> + The sedan-chairs were already waiting outside, and the lady would have + gladly deferred her account of these sorrowful events until later, but + Cordula so affectionately desired to learn how her friend had fared in her + lover’s home, that she hurriedly and swiftly gratified her wish. Speaking + of the matter relieved her heart, and in a somewhat calmer mood she was + carried to Schweinau. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0030" id="link2HCH0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII. + </h2> + <p> + The little Pfinzing castle in Schweinau was neither spacious nor splendid, + but it was Fran Christine’s favourite place of abode. + </p> + <p> + The heat of summer found no entrance through the walls—three feet in + thickness—of the ancient building. Early in the morning and at + evening it was pleasant to stay in the arbour, a room open in the front, + extending the whole length of the edifice, where one could breathe the + fresh air even during rainy weather. It overlooked the herb garden, which + was specially dear to its mistress, for it contained roses, lilies, pinks, + and other flowers; and part of the beds, after being dug by the gardener, + who had charge of the kitchen garden in the rear, were planted and tended + by her own hand. + </p> + <p> + The hour between sunrise and mass was devoted to this work, in which Eva + was to help her, and it would afford her much information; for her aunt + raised many plants which possessed healing power. Some of the seeds or + bulbs had been brought from foreign lands, but she was perfectly familiar + with the virtues of all. Schweinau afforded abundant opportunity to use + them, and the nurses in the city hospital, and the leech Otto, and other + physicians, as well as many noble dames in the neighbourhood who took the + place of a physician among their peasants and dependents, applied to Fran + Christine when they needed certain roots, leaves, berries, and seeds for + their sick. Nor did the monks and nuns, far and near, ever come to her for + such things in vain. + </p> + <p> + True, the life at Castle Schweinau was by no means so quiet as the one + which Eva had hitherto loved. + </p> + <p> + When she accepted the invitation she knew that, if she shared all her + aunt’s occupations, she would not have even a single half hour of her own; + but this was not her first visit here, and she had learned that Frau + Christine allowed her entire liberty, and required nothing which she did + not offer of her own free will. + </p> + <p> + When she saw the matron, after the mass and the early repast which her + husband shared with her before going to the city, visit the aged widows of + the crusaders in the little institution behind the kitchen garden and + inspect and regulate the work of the Beguines, she often wondered where + this woman, whose age was nearer seventy than sixty, found strength for + all this, as well as the duties which followed. First there were orders to + give in the kitchen that the principal meal, after the vesper bells had + rung, should always win from the master of the house the “Couldn’t be + better,” which his wife heard with the same pleasure as ever. Then, after + visiting the wash-house, the bleachcry, the linen presses, the cellar, the + garret, and even the beehives to see that everything was in order, and + emerging from the hands of the maid as a well-dressed noblewoman, she + received visit after visit. Members of the patrician families of Nuremberg + arrived; monks and nuns on various errands for their cloisters and their + poor; gentlemen and ladies from ecclesiastical and secular circles, in + both city and country, among them frequently the most aristocratic + attendants of the Reichstag; for she numbered the Burgrave and his wife + among her friends, and when questioned about the Nuremberg women, the + Burgrave Frederick mentioned her as second to none in ability, shrewdness, + and kindness of heart. + </p> + <p> + Both he and his worthy wife sometimes sought her in the sphere of + occupation which consumed the lion’s share of her time and strength—the + superintendence of the Schweinau hospital. True, she often let days elapse + without entering it; but if anything went wrong and her assistance was + desirable or necessary in serious cases, she remained there until late at + night, or even until the following morning. + </p> + <p> + At such times even the most distinguished visitors were sent home with the + message that Frau Christine could not leave the sick. + </p> + <p> + The Burgrave and his wife were the only persons permitted to follow her + into the hospital, and they had probably gained the privilege of speaking + to her there because they were among its most liberal supporters, and + three of their sons wore the cross of the Knights Hospitaller, and often + spent weeks there, as the rule of the order prescribed, in nursing the + sufferers. + </p> + <p> + Women also had the right to enter the hospital to be cured of the wounds + inflicted by the scourge or the iron of the executioner. + </p> + <p> + Each sufferer was to be nursed there only three days, but Frau Christine + took care that no one to whom such treatment might be harmful should be + put out. The Honourable Council was obliged, willing or unwilling, to + defray the necessary expense. The magistrate had many a battle to fight + for these encroachments, but he always found a goodly majority on the side + of the hospital and his wife. If the number of those who required longer + nursing increased too rapidly they did not spare their own fine residence. + </p> + <p> + The hospital and the hope of being allowed to help within its walls had + brought Eva to Schweinau. The experiences of the past few days had swept + through the peace of her young soul like a tempest, overthrowing firmly + built structures and fanning glimmering sparks to flames. Since her quiet + self-examination in the room of the city clerk, she had known what she + lacked and what duty required her to become. The bond which united her to + her saint and the Saviour still remained, but she knew what was commanded + by him from whom St. Clare’s mission also came, what Francis of Assisi had + enjoined upon his followers whose experiences had been like hers. + </p> + <p> + They were to strive to restore peace to their perturbed souls by faithful + toil for their brothers and sisters; and what toil better suited a feeble + girl like herself than the alleviation of her unhappy neighbour’s + suffering? The harder the duties imposed upon her in the service of love, + the better. She would set to work in the hope of making herself the true, + resolute woman which her mother, with the eyes of the soul, had seen her + fragile child become; but she could imagine nothing more difficult than + the tasks to be fulfilled here. This was the real fierce heat of the forge + fire to which the dead woman had wished to entrust her purification and + transformation. She would not shun, but hasten to it. While her lover was + wielding the sword she, too, had a battle to fight. She had heard from + Biberli that Heinz wished to undergo the most severe trials. This was + noble, and her enthusiastic nature, aspiring to the loftiest goal, was + filled with the same desire. Eager to learn how they would bear the test, + she scanned her young shoulders and gazed at the burden which she intended + to lay upon them. + </p> + <p> + When, the year before, her aunt took her to the hospital for the first + time, she had returned home completely unnerved. She had not even had the + slightest suspicion that there was such suffering on earth, such pain + amongst those near her, such depravity amongst those of her own sex. What + comparison was there between what Els had done for her gentle, patient + mother, or what she would do for old Herr Casper, who lay in a soft bed—it + had been shown to her as something of rare beauty, of ebony and ivory—and + the task of nursing these infamous gallows-birds bleeding from severe + wounds, and these depraved sick women? But if God’s own Son gave up His + life amidst the most cruel suffering for sinful humanity, how dared she, + the weak, erring, slandered girl, who had no goodness save her passionate + desire to do what was right, shrink from helping the most pitiable of her + neighbours? Here in the hospital at Schweinau lay the heavy burden which + she wished to take upon herself. + </p> + <p> + She desired it also in order to maintain the bond which had united her to + the Saviour. She would be constantly reminded here of his own words, + “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, + ye have done it unto me.” To become a bride of Jesus Christ and, closely + united to Him in her inmost soul, await the hour when He would open His + divine arms to her, had seemed the fairest lot in life. Now she had + pledged herself in the world to another, and yet she did not wish to give + up her Saviour. She desired to show Him that though she neither could nor + would resign her earthly lover, her heart still throbbed for the divine + One as tenderly as of yore. And could He who was Love incarnate condemn + her, when He saw how, without even being permitted to hope that her lover + would find his way back to her, she clung with inviolable steadfastness to + her troth, though no one save He and His heavenly Father had witnessed her + silent vow? + </p> + <p> + She belonged to Heinz, and he—she knew it—to her. Even though + later, after all the world had acknowledged her innocence, the walls of + convent and monastery divided them, their souls would remain indissolubly + united. If there should be no meeting for them here below, in the other + world the Saviour would lead them to each other the more surely, the more + obediently they strove to fulfil His divine command. As Heinz desired to + take up the cross in imitation of Christ she, too, would bear it. It was + to be found beside the straw pallets of the wounded criminals. The + fulfilment of every hard duty which she voluntarily performed seemed like + a step that brought her nearer to the Saviour, and at the same time to the + union with her lover, even though in another world. + </p> + <p> + The first request she made to her aunt on the way to mass, early in the + morning of the first day of her stay in Schweinau, was an entreaty for + permission to work in the hospital. It was granted, but not until the eyes + of the experienced woman, ever prompt in decision, had rested with anxious + hesitation upon the beautiful face and exquisite lithe young figure. The + thought that it would be a pity for such lovely, pure, stainless girlish + charms to be used in the service of these outcasts had almost determined + her to utter a resolute “No”; but she did not do it; nay, a flush of shame + crimsoned her face as her eyes rested on the image of the crucified + Redeemer which stood beside the road leading to the little village church; + for whom had He, the Most High, summoned to His service and deemed + specially worthy of the kingdom of heaven? The simple-hearted, the + children, the adulterers, the sinners and publicans, the despised, and the + poor! No, no, it would not degrade the lovely child to help the miserable + creatures yonder, any more than it did the rarest plant which she raised + in her herb garden when she used it to heal the hurts of some abandoned + wretch. + </p> + <p> + And besides, with what deep loathing she herself had gone to the hospital + at first, and how fully conscious of her own infinite superiority she had + returned from amongst these depraved beings to the outdoor air. + </p> + <p> + Yet how this feeling, which had stirred within her heart, gradually + changed! + </p> + <p> + During her closer acquaintance with the poor and the despised, the nature + and work of Christ first became perfectly intelligible to her; for how + many traits of simple, self-sacrificing readiness to help, what touching + contentment and grateful joy in the veriest trifle, what childlike piety + and humble resignation even amidst intolerable suffering, these + unfortunates had shown! Nay, when she had become familiar with the lives + of many of her protegees and learned how they had fallen into the hands of + the executioner and reached Schweinau, she had asked herself whether, + under similar circumstances, the majority of those who belonged to her own + sphere in life would not have found the way there far more speedily, and + whether they would have endured the punishment inflicted half so patiently + or with so much freedom from bitterness and rebellion against the decrees + of the Most High. She had discovered salutary sap in many a human plant + that had at first seemed absolutely poisonous; where she had shrunk from + touching such impurity, violets and lilies had bloomed amidst the mire. + Instead of holding her head haughtily erect, she had often left the + hospital with a sense of shame, and it was long since she had ceased to + use the proud privilege of her rank to despise people of lower degree. If + sometimes tempted to exercise it, the impulse was roused far more + frequently by those of her own station, who were base in mind and heart, + than by the sufferers in the hospital. + </p> + <p> + She had become very modest in regard to herself, why should she wake to + new life the arrogance now hushed in Eva’s breast? + </p> + <p> + Much secret distress of mind and anguish of soul had been endured by the + poor child, who yesterday had opened her whole heart to her, when she went + to rest in her chamber. How lowly she felt, how humble was the little + saint who recently had elevated herself above others only too quickly and + willingly! It would do her good to descend to the lowest ranks and measure + her own better fate by their misery. She who felt bereaved could always be + the giver in the hospital, and she felt with subtle sympathy what + attracted Eva to her sufferers. + </p> + <p> + The magistrate’s wife was a religious matron, devoted to her Church, but + in her youth she had been by no means fanatical. The Abbess Kunigunde, her + younger sister, however, had fought before her eyes the conflict of the + soul, which had finally sent the beautiful, much-admired girl within + convent walls. No one except her quiet, silent sister Christine had been + permitted to witness the mental struggle, and the latter now saw repeated + in her young niece what Kunigunde had experienced so many years before. + Difficult as it had then been for her to understand the future abbess, + now, after watching many a similar contest in others, it was easy to + follow every emotion in Eva’s soul. + </p> + <p> + During a long and happy married life, in which year by year mutual respect + had increased, the magistrate and his wife had finally attained the point + of holding the same opinions on important questions; but when Herr + Berthold returned from the city, and finding Eva already at the hospital, + told his wife, at the meal which she shared with him, that from his point + of view she ought to have strenuously opposed her niece’s desire, and he + only hoped that her compliance might entail no disastrous consequences + upon the excitable, sensitive child, the remarkable thing happened that + Frau Christine, without as usual being influenced by him, insisted upon + her own conviction. + </p> + <p> + So it happened that this time the magistrate was robbed of the little nap + which usually followed the meal, and yet, in spite of the best will to + yield, he could not do his wife the favour of allowing himself to be + convinced. Still, he did not ask her to retract the consent which she had + once given, so Eva was permitted to continue to visit the hospital. + </p> + <p> + The nurse, a woman of estimable character and strong will, would + faithfully protect her whatever might happen. Frau Christine had placed + the girl under her special charge, and the Beguine Hildegard, a woman of + noble birth and the widow of a knight who had yielded his life in Italy + for the Emperor Frederick, received her with special warmth because she + had a daughter whom, just at Eva’s age, death had snatched from her. + </p> + <p> + Yet the magistrate would not be soothed. Not until he saw from the arbour, + whilst the dessert still remained on the table; Cordula riding up on + horseback did he cease recapitulating his numerous objections and go to + meet the countess. + </p> + <p> + To his straightforward mind and calm feelings the most incomprehensible + thing had been Frau Christine’s description of the soul-life of her sister + and her niece. He knew the terrible impressions which even a man could not + escape amongst the rabble in the hospital, and had used the comparison + that what awaited Eva there was like giving a weak child pepper. + </p> + <p> + As Countess Cordula, aided by the old man’s hand, swung herself from the + saddle of her spirited dappled steed, he thought: “If it were she who + wanted to tend our sick rascals instead of the delicate Eva, I wouldn’t + object. She’d manage Satan himself whilst my little godchild was holding + intercourse with her angels in heaven.” + </p> + <p> + In the arbour Cordula explained why she had not come before; but her + account told the elderly couple nothing new. + </p> + <p> + When she went to see Ernst Ortlieb in the watch-tower that morning he had + already been taken to the Town Hall. No special proceedings were required, + since he was his own accuser, and many trustworthy witnesses deposed that + he had been most grossly irritated—nay, as his advocate represented, + had wounded the tailor in self-defence. Yet Ernst Ortlieb could not be + dismissed from imprisonment at once, because the tailor’s representative + demanded a much larger amount of blood-money than the court was willing to + grant. The wound was not dangerous to life, but still prevented his + leaving his bed and appearing in person before his judges. The + candle-dealer was nursing him in his own house and instigating him to make + demands whose extravagance roused the judges’ mirth. As after a tedious + discussion Meister Seubolt still insisted upon them, the magistrates from + the Council and the Chief of Police, who composed the court, advised Herr + Ernst to have the sentence deferred and recognise the tailor’s claim that + his case belonged to the criminal court. Out of consideration for the + citizens and the excited state of the whole guild of tailors, it seemed + advisable to avoid any appearance of partiality, yet in that case the + self-accuser must submit to imprisonment until the sentence was + pronounced. This delay, however, was of trivial importance; for Herr + Pfinzing had promised his brother-in-law that his cause should be + considered and settled on the following day. + </p> + <p> + Herr Berthold had told his wife all this soon after his return, and added, + with much admiration of the valiant fellow’s steadfastness, that Biberli, + Sir Heinz Schorlin’s servant, had again been subjected to an examination + by torture and was racked far more severely than justice could approve. + </p> + <p> + The countess reported that after her friend’s father had been taken back + to the watch-tower a few hours before, she had found him in excellent + spirits. + </p> + <p> + True, the Burgrave von Zollern had not come to visit him in person, like + many “Honourables” and gentlemen, but he had sent his son Eitelfritz to + enquire how he fared, and the prisoner was occupied with the petition + which he wished to send the sovereign the next day through Meister + Gottlieb von Passau, the Emperor Rudolph’s protonotary. He had told + Cordula, with a resolute air, that it contained the charge that Sir Heinz + Schorlin had found his way into his house at night, and would not even + suffer her to finish her entreaty to omit the accusation. “And now,” the + countess added mournfully, “I urge you, to whom the young girl is dear, to + consider the pitiable manner in which, by her own father’s folly, Eva’s + name will be on the tongues of the whole court, and what the gossips + throughout the city will say about the poor child in connection with such + an accusation.” + </p> + <p> + Frau Pfinzing sighed heavily, and rose, but her husband, who perceived her + intention, stopped her with the remark that it would be useless to go that + day, for the sun was already setting and the watchtower was closed at + nightfall. + </p> + <p> + This induced the matron to return to her seat; but she had scarcely + touched the easy-chair ere she again rose and told the servant to saddle + the big bay. She would ride to the city on horseback this time; the + bearers moved too slowly. Then turning to her husband, she said gaily: + </p> + <p> + “I thank you for the excuse you have made for me, but I cannot use it in + this case. My foolish brother must on no account make the charge which + will expose his daughter; it would be a serious misfortune were I to + arrive too late. What is the use of being the wife of the imperial + magistrate, if a Nuremberg drawbridge cannot be raised for me even after + sunset? If the petition has already gone, I must see Meister Gottlieb. + True, it was not to be sent until to-morrow, but there is nothing of which + we are more glad to rid ourselves than the disagreeable transactions from + which we shrink. Give me a pass for the warder, Pfinzing; and you, + Countess, excuse me; it is you who send me away.” + </p> + <p> + Whilst the maid brought her headkerchief and her cloak, and the magistrate + in a low tone told he servant to have his horse ready, too, Frau Christine + asked Cordula to bring Eva from the hospital, if she felt no disgust at + the sight of common people suffering from wounds. + </p> + <p> + “The huts of our wood-cutters, labourers, and fishermen look cleaner, it + is true, than the hovels of the charcoal burners and quarrymen in the + Montfort forests and mountains; yet none of them are perfumed with + sandal-wood and attar of roses, and the blow of the axe which gashes one + of our wood-cutter’s flesh presents a similar spectacle to the wounds + which your criminals bring with them to Schweinau. And let me tell you, I + am the leech in Montfort, and unless death is near, and the chaplain + accompanies me bearing the sacrament, I often go alone with the + manservant, the maid, or the pages who carry my medicines. Since I grew up + I have attended to our sick, and I cannot tell you how many fractures, + wounds, hurts, and fevers I have cured or seen progress to a fatal end. I + stand godmother to nearly all the newborn infants in our villages and + hamlets. The mothers whom I nurse insist upon it. There are almost as many + Cordulas as girls on the Montfort estates, and in many a hut there are two + or three of them. Michel the fisherman has a Cordula, a Cordel, and a + Dulla. Therefore it follows that I am accustomed to severe wounds, though + my heart often aches at the sight of them. I know how to bandage as well + as a barber, and, if necessary, can even use the knife.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought so,” cried the magistrate, much comforted. “Set my delicate + little Eva an example if her courage fails; or, what would be still + better, if you see that the horrible business goes too much against the + grain, persuade her to give up work which requires stronger hands and a + less sensitive nature. But there are the horses already. I want to go to + the city, too, Christel, and it’s lucky that I don’t have to go alone at + night.” + </p> + <p> + “So said the man who jumped in to save somebody from drowning,” replied + Fran Christine laughing: “It’s lucky it happened, because I was just going + to take a bath!” But it pleased her to have her husband’s companionship, + and she did not approach her horse until he had examined the saddle-girth + and the bridle with the utmost care. + </p> + <p> + Before putting her foot in the stirrup, she told the old housekeeper to + take Countess von Montfort to the hospital and commend her to the special + care of Sister Hildegard. She would call for Cordula and Eva on her return + from the city; but they must not wait for her should the strength of + either fail. She had ordered a sedan-chair to be kept ready for her niece + at the hospital. A second one would be at the countess’s disposal. + </p> + <p> + “That’s what I call foresight!” cried the magistrate laughing. “Only, my + dear countess, see that our little saint doesn’t attempt anything too + hard. Her pious heart would run her little head against the wall if + matters came to that and, like the noble Moorish steeds, she would drop + dead in her tracks rather than stop. Such a delicate creature is like a + lute. When the key is raised higher and higher the string snaps, and we + want to avoid that. With you, my young heroine——” + </p> + <p> + “There is no danger of that kind,” Cordula gaily protested. “This + instrument is provided with metal strings; the tone is neither sweet nor + musical, but they are durable.” + </p> + <p> + “Good, firm material, such as I like,” the magistrate declared. Then he + helped his wife mount her horse, placed the bridle in her left hand, + looked at the saddle-girth again, and, spite of his corpulence, swung + himself nimbly enough on his strong steed. Then, with Frau Christine, he + trotted after the torch-bearers towards the city. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0031" id="link2HCH0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII. + </h2> + <p> + The drawbridge before the watch-tower was promptly lowered for the + imperial magistrate and his wife. He would have dissuaded Frau Chris the + from the ride and come alone, had not experience taught him that Ernst + Ortlieb was more ready to listen to her than to him. But they came too + late; just before sunset Herr Ernst had availed himself of the visit of + the imperial forester, Waldstromer, to give him the petition to convey to + the protonotary, by whom it was to reach the Emperor. Nor did he regret + this decision, but insisted that his duty as a father and a Nuremberg + “Honourable” would not permit the wrong done to his child and his + household by a foreign knight to pass unpunished. + </p> + <p> + True, Fran Christine exerted all her powers of persuasion to change his + opinion, and her husband valiantly supported her, but they accomplished + nothing except to gain the prisoner’s consent that if the paper had not + yet reached the Emperor the protonotary might defer its presentation until + he was asked for it. + </p> + <p> + Herr Ernst had made this concession after the magistrate’s representation + that Sir Heinz Schorlin had been subjected to an experience which had + stirred the inmost depths of his soul, and soon after had been + unexpectedly sent in pursuit of the Siebenburgs. Hence he had found no + time to speak to the father. If he persisted in his intention of entering + a monastery, the petition would be purposeless. If it proved that he was + merely trifling with Eva, there would be time enough to call upon the + Emperor to punish him. Besides, he knew from Maier of Silenen that the + knight had firmly resolved to renounce the world. + </p> + <p> + But the magistrate and his wife did not take their nocturnal ride in vain, + for after leaving the watch-tower they met the protonotary at St. + Sebald’s. He had received the petition, but had not yet delivered it to + his royal master, and promised to withhold it for a time. + </p> + <p> + Rejoicing over this success, Herr Pfinzing accompanied Fran Christine, who + wanted to visit Els, to the Eysvogel residence. + </p> + <p> + The din of many voices and loud laughter greeted them from the spacious + entry. Three mendicant friars, with overflowing pouches, pressed past + them, and two others were still standing with the men and the maidservants + assembled in the light of the lanterns. They had filled the barefooted + monks’ bags, for the salvation of their own souls, with the provisions of + the house, and were talking garrulously, already half intoxicated by the + jugs of wine which the butler willingly filled to earn a sweet reward from + the young maids, who eagerly sought the favour of the rotund bachelor + whose hair was just beginning to turn grey. + </p> + <p> + The magistrate’s entrance startled them, and the butler vainly strove to + hide a large jar whose shape betrayed that it came from Sicily and + contained the noble vintage of Syracuse. Two of the maids slid under their + aprons the big hams and pieces of roast meat with which they had already + begun to regale themselves. + </p> + <p> + Herr Berthold, smiling sadly, watched the conduct of the masterless + servants; then raising his cap, bowed with the utmost respect to the + disconcerted revellers, and said courteously, “I hope it will agree with + you all.” + </p> + <p> + The startled group looked sheepishly at one another. The butler was the + only person who quickly regained his composure, came forward to the + magistrate cap in hand, and said obsequiously that he and his + fellow-servants were in evil case. The house had no master. No one knew + from whom he or she was to receive orders. Most of them had been + discharged by the Honourable Councillor, but no one knew when he was to + leave or whom to ask for his wages. + </p> + <p> + The magistrate then informed them that Herr Wolff Eysvogel had the right + to give orders, and during his absence his betrothed bride, Jungfrau Els + Ortlieb. The next morning a member of the Council would examine the claims + of each, pay the wages, and with Frau Rosalinde and Jungfrau Els determine + the other matters. + </p> + <p> + The butler had imbibed a goodly share of the noble wine. His fat cheeks + glowed, and at the magistrate’s last remark he laughed softly: “If we wait + for the folk upstairs to agree we shall stay here till the Pegnitz flows + up the valley. Just listen to their state of harmony, sir!” + </p> + <p> + In fact the shrill, angry accents of a woman’s loud voice, with which + mingled deeper tones that were very familiar to Herr Berthold, echoed down + into the entry. It certainly looked ill for the concord of the women of + the house; yet the magistrate could not permit the unprincipled servant’s + insolence to pass unpunished, so he answered quietly: + </p> + <p> + “You are right, fellow. One can put a stop to this shameful conduct more + quickly than several, and by virtue of my office I will therefore be the + one to command here. You will leave this house and service to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + But when the angry butler, with the hoarse tones of a drunkard, declared + that in Nuremberg none save rascals were turned out of doors directly + after a discharge, the magistrate, with grave dignity, cut him short by + remarking that he would do better not to bring before the magistrates the + question of what beseemed the servant who wasted the valuable property + entrusted to his care, as had been done here. + </p> + <p> + With these words he pointed to the spot where the jug of wine which he had + plainly seen was only half concealed, and the threat silenced the man, + whose conscience reproached him far more than Herr Pfinzing could imagine. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile quiet had not been restored upstairs. Frau Christine had + released Els from a store-room in which the old countess, after persuading + her daughter to this spiteful and childish trick, had locked her. A + serious discussion amongst the women followed, which was closed only by + the interposition of the magistrate. Perhaps this might have been + accomplished less quickly had not the leech Otto appeared as a welcome + aid. + </p> + <p> + Frau Rosalinde penitently besought forgiveness, her mother was again + forbidden to come to the lower story, and threatened, if she approached + the sick-room, with immediate removal from the house. + </p> + <p> + This strictness was necessary to render it possible for Els to maintain + her difficult position. + </p> + <p> + The day had been filled with painful incidents and shameful humiliations. + The old countess had summoned two relatives, both elderly canonesses, to + aid her in her assault upon the intruder, and perhaps they were the + persons who advised locking up Sir Casper’s nurse, to whom they denied the + right of still calling herself the bride of the young master of the house. + </p> + <p> + Frau Christine had arrived at the right time. Els was beginning to lose + courage. She had found nothing which could aid her to sustain it. + </p> + <p> + Since Biberli had been deprived of his liberty she had rarely heard from + Wolff, and his invalid father, for whose sake she remained in the house, + seemed to view her with dislike. At first he had tried neither to speak to + nor look at her, but that morning, while raising a refreshing cup to his + parched lips, he had cast at her from the one eye whose lid still moved a + glance whose enmity still haunted her. + </p> + <p> + Even the priest who visited him several times was by no means kindly + disposed towards her. He belonged to the Dominican order, and was the + confessor of the old countess and Frau Rosalinde. They must have slandered + her sorely to him; and as the order of St. Francis, to which the Sisters + of St. Clare belonged, was a thorn in his flesh, he bore her a grudge + because, as the Abbess Kunigunde’s niece, she stood by her and her + convent, and threatened to win the Eysvogel household over to the + Franciscans. + </p> + <p> + Before the magistrate and his wife left their niece, Herr Berthold ordered + the men and maidservants to stand in separate rows, then, in the + physician’s presence, introduced Els to them as the mistress whom they + were to obey, and requested her to choose those whose services she wished + to retain. The rest would be compensated at the Town Hall the next day for + their abrupt dismissal. + </p> + <p> + Els had never found it harder to say good-by to her relatives; but the + leech Otto remained with her some time, and was soon joined by Conrad + Teufel, thereby rendering it a little easier for her to persist in the + performance of her difficult duty. On the way home to Schweinau the + magistrate and his wife talked together as eagerly as if they had just met + after a long separation. They had gone back to the query how nursing the + wounded criminals would affect Eva, and both hoped that Cordula’s presence + and encouragement would strengthen her power of resistance. + </p> + <p> + But what did this mean? + </p> + <p> + As they approached the little castle they saw from the road in the arbour, + which was lighted with links, the figure of the countess. She was sitting + in Frau Christine’s easy chair, but Eva was nowhere in view. Had her + strength failed, and was Cordula awaiting their return after putting her + more delicate friend to bed? And Boemund Altrosen, who stood opposite to + her, leaning against one of the pillars which supported the arched ceiling + of the room, how came he here? The Pfinzings had known him from early + childhood, for his father had been a dear friend and brother in arms of + the magistrate; and—whilst Boemund, as a boy, was enjoying the + instruction of the Benedictines in the monastery of St. AEgidius, he had + been a favourite comrade of Frau Christine’s son, who had fallen in + battle, and always found a cordial reception in his parents’ house. + </p> + <p> + With what tender anxiety the knight gazed into Cordula’s pale face! + Something must have befallen the blooming, vigorous huntress and daring + horsewoman, and both Herr Berthold and his wife feared that it concerned + Eva. + </p> + <p> + The young couple now perceived their approach, and Cordula, rising, waved + her handkerchief to them. Yet how slowly she rose, how feebly the + vivacious girl moved her hand. + </p> + <p> + Herr Berthold helped his wife from the saddle as quickly as possible, and + both hurried anxiously towards the arbour. Frau Christine did not remain + in the winding path, but though usually she strictly insisted that no one + should tread on the turf, hastily crossed it to reach her goal more + quickly. But ere she could put the question she longed to ask, Cordula + sorrowfully exclaimed: “Don’t judge me too severely. ‘He who exalts + himself shall be humbled,’ says the Bible, and also that the first shall + be last, and the last first; but I have been forced to sit upon the ground + whilst Eva occupies the throne. I belong at the end of the last rank, + whilst she leads the foremost.” + </p> + <p> + “Please explain the riddle at once,” pleaded Frau Christine. + </p> + <p> + Sir Boemund Altrosen came forward, held out his hand to his old friend, + and spoke for Cordula “The horror and loathsomeness were too much for her, + whilst Jungfrau Ortlieb endured them.” + </p> + <p> + “Eva remained at the hospital,” the countess added dejectedly, “because a + dying woman would not let her go; whilst I—the knight is right—could + bear it no longer.” + </p> + <p> + Frau Christine glanced triumphantly at her husband, but when she saw + Cordula’s pale cheeks she exclaimed: “Poor child! And there was no one + here to——One moment, Countess!” + </p> + <p> + Throwing down her riding-whip and gloves as she spoke, she was hurrying + towards the sideboard on which stood the medicine-case, to prepare a + strengthening drink; but Cordula stopped her, saying: “The housekeeper has + already supplied the necessary stimulant. I will only ask to have my horse + brought to the door, or my father will be anxious. I was obliged to await + your return, because——Well, my flight from the hospital + certainly was not praiseworthy, and it affords me no special pleasure to + confess it. But you must not think me even more pitiful than I proved + myself, so I stayed to tell you myself——” + </p> + <p> + “That it is one thing,” interrupted Sir Boemund, “to nurse worthy + wood-cutters, gamekeepers, fishermen, and charcoal-burners, who, when + wounded and ill, look up to their gracious mistress as if she were an + angel of deliverance, and quite a different matter to mingle with the + miserable rabble yonder. The bloody stripes which the executioner’s lash + cuts in the criminal’s back do not render him more gentle; the mutilation + which he curses, and the disgrace with which an abandoned woman——” + </p> + <p> + “Stop!” interrupted Cordula, whose lips and cheeks had again grown + colourless. “Do not mention those scenes which have poisoned my soul. It + was too hideous, too terrible! And how the woman with the red band around + her neck, the mark of the rope by which she carried the stone, rushed at + the other whose eye had been put out! how they fought on the floor, + scratching, biting, tearing each other’s hair——” + </p> + <p> + Here the tender-hearted girl, covering her convulsed face with her hands, + sobbed aloud. + </p> + <p> + Frau Christine drew her compassionately to her heart, pressed the + motherless child’s head to her bosom, and let her weep her fill there, + whilst the magistrate said to Sir Boemund: “And Eva Ortlieb also witnessed + this hideous scene, yet the delicate young creature endured it?” + </p> + <p> + Altrosen nodded assent, adding eagerly, as if some memory rose vividly + before him: “She often looked distressed by these horrors, but usually—how + shall I express it?—usually calm and content.” + </p> + <p> + “Content,” repeated the magistrate thoughtfully. Then, suddenly + straightening his short, broad figure, he thrust his little fat hand into + a fold of the knight’s doublet, exclaiming: “Boemund, do you want to know + the most difficult riddle that the Lord gives to us men to solve? It is—take + heed—a woman’s soul.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” replied Altrosen curtly; the word sounded like a sigh. + </p> + <p> + While speaking, his dark eye was bent on Cordula, whose head still rested + on Frau Christine’s breast. + </p> + <p> + Then, adjusting the bandage which since the fire had been wound around his + forehead and his dark hair, he continued in a tone of explanation: “Count + von Montfort sent me, when it grew dark, to accompany his daughter home. + From your little castle I was directed to the hospital, where I found her + amongst the horrible women. She had struggled faithfully against her + loathing and disgust, but when I arrived her power of resistance was + already beginning to fail. Fortunately the sedan-chair was there, for she + felt that her feet would scarcely carry her back. I ordered one to be + prepared for Jungfrau Ortlieb, though I remembered the dying woman who + kept her. As if the matter were some easy task, she begged the countess to + excuse her, and remained beside the wretched straw pallet.” + </p> + <p> + The deeply agitated girl had just released herself from the matron’s + embrace, and begged the knight to have her Roland saddled; but Frau + Christine stopped him, and entreated Cordula, for her sake, to use her + sedan-chair instead of the horse. + </p> + <p> + “If it will gratify you,” replied the countess smiling; “but I should + reach home safely on the piebald.” + </p> + <p> + “Who doubts it?” asked the matron. “Give her your arm, husband. The + bearers are ready, and you will soon overtake them on your horse, + Boemund.” + </p> + <p> + “The walk through the warm June night will do me good,” the latter + protested. + </p> + <p> + Soon after the sedan-chair which conveyed Cordula, lighted by several + torch-bearers on foot and on horseback, began to move towards the city. + </p> + <p> + At St. Linhard, Boemund Altrosen, who walked beside it, asked the + question, “Then I may hope, Countess? I really may?” + </p> + <p> + She nodded affectionately, and answered under her breath: “You may; but we + must first try whether the flower of love which blossomed for you out of + my weakness is the real one. I believe it will be.” + </p> + <p> + He joyously raised her hand to his lips, but a torch-bearer’s shout—“Count + von Montfort and his train!”—urged him back from the sedan chair. A + few seconds after Cordula welcomed her father, who had anxiously ridden + forth to meet his jewel. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0032" id="link2HCH0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV. + </h2> + <p> + “I can hardly do more, and yet I must,” groaned Frau Christine, as she + gazed after the torch-bearers who preceded Cordula. Her husband, however, + tried to detain her, offering to go to their young guest in her place. + </p> + <p> + But the effort was vain. The motherless child, whom the captive father + probably believed to be in safety with her sensible sister, was at a post + of danger, and only a woman’s eye could judge whether it would do to yield + to Eva’s wish, which the housekeeper had just told her mistress, and allow + her—it was already past midnight-to remain longer at the hospital. + </p> + <p> + She would not have hesitated to require her niece’s return home had not + maternal solicitude urged her to deprive her of nothing which could aid + her troubled soul to regain its poise. If possible at all, it would be + through devotion to an arduous work of charity that she would understand + her own nature, and find an answer to the question whether, when the + slanderers were silenced, she would take the veil or cling firmly to the + hopeless love which had mastered her young heart. + </p> + <p> + If she succeeded in remaining steadfast here and, in spite of the glad + consciousness of having conquered by the sign of the cross, was still + loyal to her worldly love, then the latter was genuine and strong, and Eva + did not belong to the convent; then her sister, the abbess, was mistaken + in the girl whose soul she had guided from early childhood. + </p> + <p> + Frau Christine, who usually formed an opinion quickly and resolutely, had + not dared to give Eva a positive answer the previous evening. + </p> + <p> + With sympathising emotion the matron had heard her confess that during her + nocturnal wanderings a new feeling, which she could no longer still, had + awakened in her breast. When she also told her the image of true love + which she had formed, she could not bring herself to undeceive her. + </p> + <p> + The abbess had made a somewhat similar confession to her, the older + sister, when her young heart—how long ago it seemed!—had also + been mastered by love. The object of its ardent passion was no less a + personage than the Burgrave von Zollern. + </p> + <p> + Frau Christine had seen his marriage with the Hapsburg princess awaken her + sister’s desire to renounce the world. Kunigunde was then a maiden of + rare, majestic beauty, and only the Burgrave’s exalted station had + prevented his wedding “Eva,” as she was called before she took the veil. + </p> + <p> + As a husband and father, he had found deep happiness in the love of the + Countess Elizabeth, the future Emperor Rudolph’s sister, yet he had + remained a warm friend of the abbess; and when he treated Eva with such + marked distinction at the dance, she owed it not only to her own charms + but also to the circumstance that, like the girl whom he had loved in his + youth, she bore the name of “Eva Ortlieb,” and the expression of her eyes + vividly recalled the happiest time in his life. + </p> + <p> + The abbess, after a still more severe renunciation, had attained even + greater happiness in the convent. Her sister could not blame her for + wishing the same lot for the devout young niece, whose fate seemed to bear + a closer and closer resemblance to her own; but yesterday she had argued + with her, for Kunigunde had insisted firmly that if the girl did not + voluntarily knock at the convent door she should be forced to enter, not + only for her own sake but also Sir Heinz Schorlin’s. Nothing could rouse + the ire of every true Christian more than the thought that a noble knight, + for whose conversion Heaven had wrought a miracle, could turn a deaf ear + to the summons for the sake of a girl scarcely beyond childhood. To place + convent walls between the pair would therefore be a work pleasing in the + sight of God-nay, necessary for the example. + </p> + <p> + This statement sounded so resolute and imperative that Frau Christine, who + knew her sister’s gentle nature, had been convinced that she was obeying + the mandate of a superior. Soon afterward she learned that Kunigunde had + followed the dictates of the zealous prior of the Dominicans, who was + regarded as the supreme judge in religious affairs. At a chance meeting + she had imprudently asked this man, who had never been friendly to her or + her order, to give his opinion concerning this matter, which gave her no + rest. + </p> + <p> + Frau Christine had eagerly opposed her. The case of Heinz Schorlin was + different from that of the Burgrave Frederick, who could never be + permitted to wed the daughter of a Nuremberg merchant. If the Swiss + renounced his intention of entering the monastery, there was nothing to + prevent his wooing Eva. It should by no means be as the prior of the + Dominicans had said: “They must both renounce the world,” but, “They must + test themselves, and if the world holds them firmly, and the Emperor, who + is a fatherly friend to Heinz, makes no objection, it would be a duty to + unite the pair.” + </p> + <p> + The decisive hour for Eva was now at hand, and Fran Christine, eager to + learn in what condition she should find her niece, had herself carried to + the hospital. + </p> + <p> + Her husband and several men-servants accompanied her, for at this late + hour the neighbourhood, where so many criminals were nursed for a short + time, was by no means safe. Companions, friends, and relatives of the + criminals were often attracted thither by sympathy, curiosity, or business + affairs. Whoever had occasion to shun appearing by daylight in a place + which never lacked bailiffs and city soldiers, slunk to the hospital at + night. + </p> + <p> + As a heavy rain had just begun to fall, the short distance to be traversed + by the magistrate and his wife was empty. Ample provision also seemed to + have been made to guard the place of healing, for several armed troopers + belonging to the city guard were pacing up and down before he board fence + which surrounded it, and the approach of the late visitors was heralded by + the deep baying of large hounds. + </p> + <p> + The magistrate was well known here, and the doorkeeper, roused from his + sleep, hastened to light the way for him and his wife with a lantern. In + spite of the planks which had been placed in he courtyard, the task of + crossing it was by no means easy; for the night was intensely dark, and + the foot passed beyond the boards, it plunged into the mire, on which they + floated rather than lay. + </p> + <p> + At first the barking of the dogs had drowned very other sound, but as they + approached the house thatched with straw, where the wounded men were + nursed, harsh voices, interrupted at times by the angry oaths of some + patient roused from sleep, or the watchman’s command to keep quiet, + reached them in a loud uproar. + </p> + <p> + A narrow passage dimly lighted by a lantern led to the women’s quarters, + where Eva had remained. The magistrate entered the men’s dormitory to make + an inspection, while his wife, needing no guidance, passed on to the + women, meeting no one on her way except a Sister of Charity and two + men-servants who, under the guidance of a sleepy Dominican monk, were + bearing out the corpse of some one who had just passed away. + </p> + <p> + Sister Hildegard, who was sitting at the door of the dormitory, half + asleep, started up as Frau Christine crossed the threshold. + </p> + <p> + The knight’s widow, a vigorous matron, whose hair had long been grey, + pointed with the rosary in her hand to the end of the long, dimly lighted + apartment, and said in a low tone: “The sick woman seems to be asleep now. + The prior sent the old Dominican to whom Eva is talking. He is said to be + the most learned and eloquent member of the order. If I am right, he came + here to appeal to your niece’s conscience. At least his first question was + for her, and you see how eagerly he is speaking. When yonder sick woman + seemed to be drawing near her end she asked for the sacrament, which was + administered by the Dominican. It was a sorrowful farewell on account of + her children, but the barber thinks we may perhaps save her yet. Father + Benedictus, the old Minorite, who was found on the road and brought to us, + seems, on the other hand, to be dying. We will gladly keep him in the + Beguines home until the angel summons him. Unfortunately, yonder poor + woman’s third day will end tomorrow. We are not permitted to shelter her + here any longer, and if we turn her out—” + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter with the woman?” interrupted Frau Christine, but the + other gazed into her face with warm sympathising affection and such tender + entreaty that the magistrate’s wife, before she began her reply, + exclaimed: “So it is the old, pitiful story! But let her stay! Yes, even + though, instead of every pound of farthings, she cost us ten times as much + in gold! But we will spare what is necessary for her. I see by your face + that it will not be wasted.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not,” replied Sister Hildegard gratefully. “Oh, how she came + here! Now, it is true, she has more than she needs. Your dear niece—she + is an angel of charity—sent her Katterle out to get what was wanted. + But where is the girl?” She gazed around the spacious chamber as she + spoke, but could not find Katterle. + </p> + <p> + True, a dim light pervaded the whole apartment, and Sister Hildegard, + referring to it, added “The light keeps many of the patients awake, and we + have a better use for the pennies which the oil and chips cost. When there + are brilliant entertainments to be given, or works of mercy done which the + whole world sees, the Honourables let their gold flow freely enough, but + who beholds the abodes of horror? We look best in the dark, and no one + will miss what we save in light.” + </p> + <p> + Certainly no one present incurred any danger of seeing at this hour the + pitiable spectacles visible by day; for what was occurring at the opposite + end of the room could not be perceived from the door. So when it closed + Eva could not distinguish who had entered. + </p> + <p> + But this was agreeable to Frau Christine; for before going to her niece + she wished to inquire about the woman by whom she had been detained. + </p> + <p> + Like the others, she was lying upon the board platform which surrounded + the four walls of the room, interrupted only by the door through which she + had just passed. It rose in a slanting direction towards the wall, that + the sufferers’ heads might be higher than their feet. Instead of cushions, + it was covered with a thick layer of straw, the beds of the patients who + were nursed here. It seemed to be changed very rarely, for especially near + the door at which the two women were still standing a damp, unpleasant + odour emanated from the straw. It belonged here, however, as feathers are + a part of birds, and the people who were nursed within its walls were + accustomed to nothing better. When, fifteen years before, the oversight of + the hospital was entrusted to Frau Christine, she had found the condition + of affairs still worse, and the idea of procuring beds for the injured + persons to be cured here was as far from her thoughts, or those of the + rest of the world, as cushioning the stable. + </p> + <p> + That was the way things were at Schweinau. Straw of all sorts might be + expected to be found here, not only on the wooden platform but on the + floor, in the yard, and everywhere else, as surely as leaves upon the + ground of a wood in the autumn. To leave the house without taking stalks + in the hair and garments was as impossible as for any person accustomed to + better conditions, who did not wish to faint from discomfort, to do + without a scent bottle. + </p> + <p> + Formerly Frau Christine had endeavoured to obtain better air, but even her + kind-hearted husband had laughed at the foolish idea, because such things + would benefit only herself and some of the nurses. In the taverns usually + frequented by the inmates of the hospital they learned to endure a + different atmosphere, which was stifling to him. + </p> + <p> + After contagious diseases certain precautions were always taken. On Sunday + morning it was even fumigated with juniper-berries on hot tin and boiling + vinegar. + </p> + <p> + Frau Christine had introduced this disinfectant herself by the advice of + Otto the leech, when all who had been brought hither with open wounds, + among them vigorous young men, had died like flies. At that time the + distinguished physician had even succeeded in getting the Honourable + Council to defray the cost of having the walls newly white washed and + fresh clay stamped on the floor. He had also directed that the old straw + should be replaced by clean every Sunday morning, and now matters were + better still, for the rule was that every sick person should have a fresh + layer. True, it was not always fulfilled, and many a person was forced to + be content with his predecessor’s couch. + </p> + <p> + In the women’s room, however, the change of straw was more rigidly + required. The nurse herself attended to it, and Sister Hildegard gave her + energetic assistance. + </p> + <p> + In difficult cases the influence of the leech Otto was called to her aid, + but he had grown old and no longer came to Schweinau. Two barbers now + cared for the bandaging and healing of the wounds, and if they were at a + loss the younger city physician was summoned. + </p> + <p> + Sister Hildegard now pointed to the couch beside which the Dominican was + talking to Eva, and said: “She is the widow of a carrier and the child of + worthy people; her father was the sexton of St. Sebald’s. True, he died + long ago, at the same time as her mother. It was twelve years since, + during the plague. + </p> + <p> + “Reicklein, yonder, had no other relatives here—her parents were + from Bamberg—but she was well off, and her husband, Veit, earned + enough by his travels through the country. But on St. Blaise’s day, early + in the month of February, during a trip to Vogtland, it was at Hof, he was + overtaken by a snowstorm, and the worthy man was found frozen under a + drift, with his staff and pouch. The sad news reached her just after the + birth of a little boy, and there were two other mouths to feed besides. + Her savings went quickly enough, and she fell into dire poverty, for she + had not yet recovered her strength, and could not do housework. During + Passion Week she sold her bed to pay what she had borrowed and to feed the + children. It was cold, she had not a copper, nor any possibility of + earning anything. Then the rest went, too, and there was no way of getting + food enough for the children and herself. + </p> + <p> + “But as her father had been in the employ of the city and was an honest + man, by the advice of the provost of St. Sebald’s, who had been her + confessor from childhood, she applied to the Honourable Council, and + received the answer that old Hans Schab was by no means forgotten, and + therefore, to relieve her need, she was referred to the beadle, who would + give her the permit which enabled her to ask alms from those who went to + St. Sebald’s Church, and had already afforded many a person ample support. + </p> + <p> + “For her children’s sake she crushed the pride which rebelled against it, + and stood at the church door, not once, but again and again. The other + mendicants, however, treated her so roughly, and the cruel enmity with + which they tried to crowd her out of her place seemed so unbearable, that + she could not hold out. Once, when they insulted her too much, and again + thrust her back so spitefully that not even one of the many churchgoers + noticed her, she, fled to her children in the little room, determined to + stop this horrible begging. This happened the Saturday before Whitsuntide, + and as she had gone out hoping this time to bring something back, she had + promised the children food enough to satisfy their hunger. They should + have some Whitsuntide cakes, too, as they did years ago. When she reached + the house and little Walpurga—you’ll see her presently, a pretty + child six years old—ran to meet her, asking for the cakes and the + bread to satisfy her hunger, while Annelein, who is somewhat older, but + less bright and active, did the same, she felt as if she should die, and + carrying the baby, which she had held in her arms while begging at the + church door, back into the room, she told Walpurga to watch it, as she had + long been in the habit of doing, until she came back with the bread. + </p> + <p> + “For the children’s sake she would try begging once more, but she could + not go to St. Sebald’s. + </p> + <p> + “So she went from house to house, asking alms; but she was a well-formed + woman, who did not show her serious illness. She kept herself tidy, too, + and looked better in her poor rags than many who were better off. Had she + carried her nursing infant, perhaps she might have succeeded better, but + even the most compassionate housewives either turned her from their doors + or offered her work at the wash-tub, or in cleaning or gardening. The + weakness from which she had suffered since the birth of her child made + stooping so painful that she could not do what they required. + </p> + <p> + “When she was at last obliged to turn homeward, because the baby had + probably been screaming for her a long time, she had only one small copper + coin, with which she went to the baker Kilian’s, in the Stopfelgasse, to + ask for a penny’s worth of bread. The baker’s wife was not there, and her + spinster sister-in-law, an elderly, ill-natured woman, was serving the + customers in her place. + </p> + <p> + “As she turned to cut the bit of bread, and all sorts of nice sweet cakes + lay on the shining counters before poor Riecklein, the children seemed to + stand before her, headed by Walpurga, asking for the cakes and the bread + she had promised them to eat their fill; and as no one was passing in the + quiet street, Satan stirred within her for the first time, and a sweet + jumble slid into the little basket on her arm. Had she stopped there she + might have escaped unpunished; but there were two hungry little beaks + agape in the nest, and she saw a pretty lamb with a little red flag on its + back. If Walpurga could only have it! And with the clumsiness due to her + inexperience in such matters she seized that, too, and put it with the + other. + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile the sister-in-law had turned, and instead of enquiring at a + time so near the holy feast what had induced her to commit such a crime, + she shrieked, ‘Stop thief!’ and similar cries. + </p> + <p> + “So the widow was taken to the Hole, and as she had hitherto borne an + unsullied reputation and was the child of a good man, justice allowed + itself to be satisfied with having her scourged with rods privately + instead of in public. So she came here. But as her poor body was too + fragile to withstand all the trouble which had come upon her, she had a + violent attack of fever, and a few hours ago death stretched its hand + towards her.” + </p> + <p> + “And the children?” asked Frau Christine, deeply moved. + </p> + <p> + “She was allowed to have the baby,” answered Sister Hildegard, “but she + told us about the others and their desolate condition. In the delirium of + fever she saw them stealing and the constable seizing them. Then your Eva + encouraged me to send for them by promising to provide their food. So they + came here. The worker on cloth from whom she rented her little room had + helped them, and it was from her that Sister Pauline, whom I sent there, + first learned that Walpurga, for whose sake she had so sadly forgotten her + duty, was not even her own child, but an adopted one whom her late + husband, on one of his trips, had found abandoned on the highroad at + Vierzehnheiligen, beside an image of the Virgin, and brought home with + him.” + </p> + <p> + Here Sister Hildegard paused, and Frau Christine also remained silent a + long time. + </p> + <p> + Yet, it was horrible here, and the air was impure; but had Countess + Cordula looked more closely she would probably have seen one of the + beautiful flowers which often bloomed amidst all the weeds, the poisonous + and parasitic vegetation. + </p> + <p> + Eva was right to pity this woman, and if her life could be saved she + herself would relieve her necessities and secure her children’s future. + She silently made this resolve whilst the Sister led the way to the couch + of the scourged thief. The unfortunate woman should learn that God often + compels us to traverse the roughest and stoniest paths in the wilderness + ere he leads us into the Promised Land. + </p> + <p> + Eva was so deeply absorbed in her conversation with the Dominican that she + did not see her aunt until she stood before her. + </p> + <p> + They greeted each other with a silent nod, and a smile of satisfaction + flitted over the girl’s face as she motioned to the sleeper whose slumber + she was watching. + </p> + <p> + The young mother’s pretty face still glowed with the flush of fever. One + arm clasped the baby, which lay amidst the white linen Katterle had just + brought. He was a pretty child, who showed no traces of the poverty in + which he had been reared. Beside the widow were two little girls about six + years old. The one at the left was sound asleep, with her head resting on + her little fat arm. The other, at the sick woman’s right, pressed her fair + head upon her breast. Her slumber was very light, and she often opened her + large, blue eyes and gazed with touching anxiety at the sick woman. This + was the adopted child, Walpurga, and never had the matron beheld amongst + the poor and suffering so lovely a human flower as this little + six-year-old child, struggling with sleep in her affectionate desire to + render aid. The other little girl’s free hand also touched her mother, and + thus these four, united in poverty and sorrow, but also in love, seemed to + form a single whole. What a peaceful, charming picture! + </p> + <p> + Frau Christine gazed with earnest sympathy at each member of this group. + How well-formed was every one! how pure and innocent the features of the + children looked! how kind and loving those of the suffering mother, who + was a thief, and whose tender back had felt the scourge of the + executioner! + </p> + <p> + The thought made her shudder. But when little Walpurga, half asleep, + raised her tiny hand and lovingly stroked the wounded shoulder of her + adopted mother, the matron, as usual when anything pleasant moved her + heart, longed to have her husband at her side. How easily, since he was so + near, she could afford him a sight of this touching picture! It should + prove that she had been right to let Eva remain here. + </p> + <p> + Faithful to her custom of permitting no delay in the execution of a good + resolution, she wanted to send Katterle to call her husband, but the girl + could not be found. + </p> + <p> + Then Frau Christine went herself, beckoning to Eva to follow; but they had + scarcely reached the centre of the room when a peal of shrill laughter + greeted them from a couch on the left. + </p> + <p> + The person from whom it came was the barber’s widow, whose attack had + alarmed Eva so terribly the day before in front of the pillory. It pealed + loudly and shrilly through the stillness of the night, and when the matron + turned angrily to reprove the person who so inconsiderately disturbed the + rest of the others, the woman clapped her hands and instantly a chorus of + sharp, screaming voices rose around her. The barber’s widow, who knew + everybody who lived in Nuremberg, had recognised the magistrate’s wife at + her entrance, and secretly incited her neighbours to follow her example + and, as soon as she gave the signal, demand better fare and make Frau + Christine, the patroness of the hospital, feel what they thought of the + cruelty of her husband, who had delivered them to the executioner. + </p> + <p> + The female thieves and swindlers-in short, all the reprobate women around + Frau Ratzer, whose feet had just been tied on account of her unruly + behaviour in the Countess von Montfort’s presence—obeyed her signal, + and the fierce voices raised in demand and invective woke those who were + sleeping farther away. Weeping, wailing, and screaming they started up, + clamouring to know what danger threatened them, whilst Frau Ratzer and her + fellow-conspirators shrieked for beer or wine instead of water, for meat + with the black bread and wretched broth and, yelling and howling, bade the + patroness tell her husband that they thought him a brute and a bloodhound. + </p> + <p> + There was a hideous, confused, ear-splitting din, which threatened serious + consequences, for some of the women, leaving their straw beds, hastened + towards the door or surrounded Frau Christine and Eva with uplifted fists + and threatening nails. + </p> + <p> + The warning voices of the matrons, to whose aid the Beguines had hastened, + were drowned by the uproar, but the danger which specially threatened Eva, + whom the barber’s widow pointed out to her neighbour who had stolen a + child to train it to beg, was soon ended, for the wild cries had reached + the men’s building, from which Herr Berthold Pfinzing came hurrying in, + accompanied by the superintendent, his assistants, and several monks. + </p> + <p> + If the women reproached the magistrate, who in reality was a lenient + judge, with being a cruel tyrant, they were now to learn that he certainly + did not lack uncompromising energy. The unpleasant position in which he + found his wife and his beloved godchild did not incline him to gentleness. + He would have liked to have tied the hands of all these women, most of + whom had forfeited the consideration due their sex. This was really done + to the most unruly, while the barber’s widow was carried to the + prison-chamber, which the hospital did not lack. + </p> + <p> + After quiet was at last restored and Frau Christine had told her husband + that she had been attacked while on her way to show him a delightful scene + in the midst of all this terrible misery, he angrily exclaimed: “A + magnificent picture! Balm for the eyes and ears of your own brother’s + virginal daughter! The saints be praised that you both escaped so easily. + Can there be in the worst hell anything more horrible than what has just + been witnessed here? Really, where a Countess Cordula cannot endure——” + </p> + <p> + Here Frau Christine soothingly interrupted her irate husband, and so great + was her influence over him, that his tone sounded like friendly + encouragement as he added: “You wanted to show me something special, but I + was detained over there. Though it was late, I wanted to see the worthy + fellow again. What a man he is! I mean Sir Heinz Schorlin’s squire.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor Biberli?” asked Eva eagerly; and there was a faint tone of reproach + in her voice as she continued, “You promised to look after him.” + </p> + <p> + “So I did, child,” the magistrate protested. “But justice must take its + course, and the rack is part of the examination by torture. He might + easily have lost his tongue, and if his master doesn’t return soon and + another accuser should appear, who knows what will happen!” + </p> + <p> + “But that must not, shall not be!” cried Eva, the old defiance echoing + imperiously in her voice. “Heinz Schorlin—you said so yourself—would + not plead in vain for mercy to the Emperor; and before I will see the + faithful fellow——” + </p> + <p> + “Gently, child,” whispered Frau Christine to her niece, laying her hand on + her arm, but the magistrate, shaking his finger at her, answered + soothingly: “Jungfrau Ortlieb would rather thrust her own little feet into + the Spanish boot. Be comforted! The three pairs we have are all too large + to squeeze them.” + </p> + <p> + Eva lowered her eyes in embarrassment, and exclaimed in a modest, + beseeching tone: “But, uncle, do not you, too, feel that it would be cruel + and unjust to make this honest fellow a cripple in return for his faithful + services?” + </p> + <p> + “I do feel it,” answered Herr Berthold, his face assuming an expression of + regret; “and for that very reason I ventured to take a girl over whom I + have no authority out of her service.” + </p> + <p> + “Katterle?” asked Eva anxiously. + </p> + <p> + Her uncle nodded assent, adding: “First hear what interested me so quickly + in the strange fellow. At the first charge, which merely accused him of + having carried a message of love from his master to Jungfrau Ortlieb, I + interceded for him, and yesterday the other magistrates, to whom I had + explained the case, joined me. So he escaped with a sentence of exile from + the city for five years. I hoped it would not be necessary to present the + second accusation, for it was signed by no name, but merely bore three + crosses, and for a long time most of the magistrates, following my + example, have considered such things as treacherous attacks made by + cowards who shun the light of day; but it was impossible to suppress it + entirely, because the law commands me to withhold no complaint made to the + court. So it was read aloud, and Hans Teufel’s motion to let it drop + without any action met with no approval, warmly as I supported it. + </p> + <p> + “We must not blame the gentlemen. They all wish to act for your benefit, + and desire nothing except a clear understanding of this vexatious + business. But in that indictment Biberli was charged with having forced + his way into an Honourable’s house at night to obtain admittance for his + master. In collusion with a maid-servant he was also said to have + maintained the love correspondence between Herr Ernst Ortlieb’s two + daughters, a Swiss knight, and Boemund Altrosen.” + </p> + <p> + “Infamous!” cried Eva. “What, in the name of all the saints, have we to do + with Altrosen?” + </p> + <p> + “You certainly have very little,” replied Frau Christine, “but the Ortlieb + mansion has all the more. To-night he will again be seen before its door, + and if still later he appears with his lute under Countess Cordula’s + windows and is heard singing to her, it wouldn’t surprise me.” + </p> + <p> + “And people,” exclaimed Eva with increasing indignation, “will add another + link to the chain of slander. If a Vorkler and her companions repeat the + calumny, who can wonder? But that the magistrates should believe such + shameful things about the brothers of their own fellow-member——” + </p> + <p> + “It was precisely because they do not believe it and wish to keep you away + from the court,” her uncle interrupted, “that they insisted upon the + examination. They desired to show the people by their verdict and the + severity of the procedures how thoroughly in earnest they were. But whilst + I was compelled to absent myself an hour because the Emperor wished to + inspect the new towers on the city wall, and I had to attend him in the + character of showman, they sentenced the poor fellow, since his loose + tongue had brought the whole rout and rabble against him, to torture so + severe that I shuddered when told of it.” + </p> + <p> + “And Biberli?” asked Eva, trembling with suspense. + </p> + <p> + “All honour is due the man!” cried Herr Berthold, raising his cap. “The + rods scourged his fettered limbs, his thumbs were pressed in the screws, + bound to the ladder, he was dragged over the larded hare—-” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, hush!” cried Fran Christine with uplifted hands, and her husband + nodded understandingly. Then, with a faint sigh, he added: + </p> + <p> + “Why should I torture you with these horrors? Nothing was spared him. Yet + the worthy fellow stuck to his statement that he had accompanied his + master to your house in the full moonlight to take a somnambulist who had + wandered out of the open door back to her friends. Sir Heinz Schorlin had + met Jungfrau Ortlieb only once—at the dance in the Town Hall. Though + he had sometimes appeared before her father’s house, it was not on account + of Herr Ernst’s daughters, but—and this was an allusion to Cordula + von Montfort—for the sake of another lady. + </p> + <p> + “After the lightning had killed his master’s horse under him he had + avoided every woman, because he wished to enter a monastery. He could + prove all these statements by many witnesses. Yesterday he named them, and + Count Gleichen and his retainers appeared with several others. The + Minorite Benedictus was vainly sought at the Franciscans.” + </p> + <p> + “He is here in the house of the Beguines,” replied Frau Christine, “and + weak as he is, he will have strength enough to make a deposition in the + knight’s favour.” + </p> + <p> + The magistrate said that this might be necessary if a new charge were + brought against the servitor, Katterle, and perhaps even Sir Heinz + Schorlin himself. Rarely had he seen a bad cause maintained with so much + obstinacy. The complainants had witnesses who testified under oath what + they had heard in taverns and tap-rooms from Sir Seitz Siebenburg and + those who repeated his tales. Their examination had lasted a long time, + and what they alleged was as absurd as possible, yet for that very reason + difficult to refute. These depositions had aided the cause of the accused, + but in consequence of such numerous charges many questions of course were + put to Biberli, and thus the torture had been cruelly increased and + prolonged. + </p> + <p> + Here Eva interrupted the speaker with another outburst of indignation, but + he only shrugged his shoulders pityingly, saying: “Gently, child! A + shoemaker who recently upbraided the ‘Honourables’ for something similar + was publicly scourged, and if cruelties have been practised here it is the + fault of the law, not of the judges. But worse yet may come, if the pack + is not silenced by a higher will.” + </p> + <p> + “The Emperor?” asked the girl with quivering lips. + </p> + <p> + “Yes, child,” was the reply, “and your old godfather had thought of + bringing this evil cause before our royal master. He gladly exercises + mercy, but only after carefully investigating the pros and cons. In this + case there is but one person in whom he has full confidence, and who is + also in a position to tell him the exact truth.” + </p> + <p> + “Heinz Schorlin!” cried Eva. “He must be informed at once, without delay.” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly,” replied Herr Pfinzing quietly. “And since, as the uncle and + godfather of Jungfrau Eva, who would have gladly undertaken the ride, I + could not order her horse to be saddled, I sent some one else whose heart + also will point out the way.” + </p> + <p> + “Uncle!” Eva eagerly interrupted, raising her clasped hands in gratitude. + “But whom can you——” + </p> + <p> + Here she hesitated, then suddenly exclaimed as if sure of her point: “Oh, + I know the messenger, Countess von Montfort——” + </p> + <p> + “You’ve aimed too high,” replied Herr Berthold smiling, “yet I think the + choice was no worse. Your maid, child, the poor fellow’s sweetheart.” + </p> + <p> + Frau Christine and Eva, in the same breath, uttered an exclamation of + surprise and assent, and both asked how the magistrate had chanced to + select her. + </p> + <p> + A waggon from Schwabach, which happened opportunely to be on its way to + Siebenburg, had brought Biberli to Schweinau on its homeward trip, just + before the magistrate and his wife reached the hospital. + </p> + <p> + Katterle had been present when the tortured man was brought out and laid + upon his couch of straw. + </p> + <p> + She did not recognise him until, with pathetic reproach, he called her by + name and, horrified by the spectacle he presented, she fell upon her + knees. But the couch at her side had already been prepared for him, and + she did not need to rise again in order to stroke him, comfort him, and + promise not to desert him, even if he should be a miserable cripple for + life. + </p> + <p> + When the magistrate approached the couple, to offer Biberli his friendly + aid, the latter faltered that he had only one desire—to see his + beloved master once more. Besides, his case was hopeless unless the knight + obtained a pardon for him from the Emperor Rudolph, for his persecutors + would not cease their pursuit of him, and he could not endure the torture + a second time. + </p> + <p> + Here the magistrate paused in his narrative, for he thought of an incident + which he was reluctant to mention in the presence of the Dominican who had + administered the sacrament to the suffering widow and now joined the group + of listeners. This was, that a member of the latter’s order had approached + Biberli and exhorted him not to fear another examination by torture, for + the Lord gave the innocent strength to maintain the truth even under the + keenest suffering. A peculiar smile hovered around the lips of the poor + tortured fellow, which Herr Berthold fully understood; for the brave + servitor had by no means stuck to the truth during the pangs inflicted + upon him. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, my dear ones,” Herr Pfinzing continued, “a harder heart than mine + would have been touched by what I saw and heard beside that couch of straw + when I was left alone with poor Biberli and his sweetheart. If you could + have seen how Katterle threw herself upon her lover after I had told her + that even the most agonizing torture could not force him to confirm the + charge which had been brought against her! Rarely does one mortal pour + forth such a flood of ardent gratitude upon another; and when Biberli + repeated that his dear master’s help would be necessary to protect her and + him from another examination, she offered to go in search of him at once, + notwithstanding the rain and the darkness. + </p> + <p> + “Then I thought that no messenger could be found who was more familiar + with the course of affairs, and at the same time inspired with more loving + zeal. So, as the waggon in which Biberli had come was still waiting + outside, I spoke to the carter, who had brought a load of wheat to + Nuremberg, and now, on his way home, had ample room under the tilt. I knew + the man, and we soon came to an agreement. From Schwabach, his brother, + who knows every foot of the road, will take her to the imperial troops who + are fighting with the Siebenburgs. I undertook to arrange with you for her + absence. She is now rolling along in the old carter Apel’s waggon towards + Schwabach and Sir Heinz Schorlin.” + </p> + <p> + Hitherto the magistrate had maintained his composure, but now his deep + voice lost its firmness, and it was neither the loving words of + appreciation whispered by his wife nor the gratitude which Eva tenderly + displayed that checked his speech, but the remembrance of the parting + between the man so cruelly tortured and his sweetheart. + </p> + <p> + Biberli had hoped that she would nurse him; the sight of her would have + cheered his eyes and heart, yet he sent her out into darkness and danger. + Gratitude and love, the consciousness that just now she could be of + infinite importance to him and do much for him, bound her to his couch + like so many fetters, yet she had gone, and had even assumed the + appearance of doing so willingly and being confident of success. + </p> + <p> + How their faces had brightened when the magistrate told them that his wife + and Eva would take charge of him, and he himself would see that he had a + better bed! + </p> + <p> + Biberli murmured sadly: “Straw and I have been used to each other in many + a tavern, but now a somewhat softer couch might be of service, for + wherever my racked body was touched I believe there would be something out + of joint.” + </p> + <p> + Herr Berthold had no reason to be ashamed of his emotion, for he had + learned from the barber that the poor fellow had by no means exaggerated, + and, as a witness of part of the torture, he knew that even the most cruel + anguish had not conquered the faithful Biberli’s firm resolve to bring + neither his master nor his sweetheart before the judge. + </p> + <p> + In recalling this noble act of the lowly servitor he grew eloquent, and + described minutely what the poor fellow had suffered, and how, after + Katterle had left him, he lay motionless, with his thin, pale face + irradiated by a grateful smile. + </p> + <p> + The women, too, and the monk AEgidius, an old Minorite, who had been + watching beside the aged Brother of his order, Benedictus, and had just + joined them, shed tears at his story; but Eva, from the very depths of her + soul, exclaimed aloud, “Happy is he who is permitted to endure such + tortures for love’s sake!” + </p> + <p> + The others gazed in surprise at the young girl who, with her clasped hands + pressed upon her heaving bosom, and her large eyes uplifted, looked as if + she beheld heaven opening before her. + </p> + <p> + The old Minorite’s heart swelled at this confession and the sight of the + maiden. Thus, though far less richly endowed with the divine gift of + beauty, he had seen St. Clare absorbed in prayer. The words uttered by the + fresh lips of this favoured girl, whom he beheld for the first time, + expressed a feeling which might guide her into the path of the Holy + Martyrs and, filled with pious enthusiasm, he approached, drew her clasped + hands away from her breast, pressed them in his own and, remembering what + the Abbess Kunigunde had told him yesterday beside the couch of Benedictus + concerning her severe conflict, exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “Whoever said that, knows the words of Holy Writ which promise the crown + of eternal life to those who are faithful unto death. Obey the voice, my + child, which unites you to those who are called. St. Clare herself summons + you to her heavenly home.” + </p> + <p> + The others listened to the old monk in silence. Eva slightly shook her + head. But when the disappointed Minorite released her hands she clasped + his thin one, saying modestly: “How could I be worthy of so sublime a + promise? The poor servant on his straw bed, with his T and St embroidered + on cap and cloak, of whom my uncle told us, has a tenfold greater claim, I + think, to the crown of life, for which, as yet, I have been permitted to + do so little. But I hope to win it, and the saint who calls everything + that breathes and lives brothers and sisters, as children of the same + exalted Father, cannot teach that the fidelity shown in the world deserves + less reward than that of the chosen ones in the convent.” + </p> + <p> + “That is a foolish and sacrilegious opinion,” answered the Dominican + sternly. “We will take care, my dear daughter, to guide your soul from + pathless wandering into the right path which Holy Church has marked out + for you.” + </p> + <p> + He turned his back upon the group as he spoke, but the grey-haired + Minorite, smiling sadly, turned to Eva, saying: “I cannot contradict him. + Fidelity to those whom we love, my child, is far less meritorious than + that which we show to Heaven. To you, daughter, its doors have already + opened. How strong must be the pleasure felt by the children of the world + in this brief earthly happiness, since they are so ready to sacrifice for + it the certainty of eternal bliss! Your error will grieve the abbess and + Father Benedictus.” + </p> + <p> + With these words he, too, took his leave, but Frau Christine whispered to + her niece: “These monks are not the Holy Church to which we both belong as + obedient daughters. To my poor mind and heart it seems as if the Saviour + would deem you right.” + </p> + <p> + “Amen,” added the magistrate, who had heard his wife’s murmured words. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0033" id="link2HCH0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV. + </h2> + <p> + Day followed day, a week elapsed, and no message had reached Schweinau + from Heinz Schorlin or Katterle. + </p> + <p> + The magistrate had learned that the Siebenburg brothers, with the robber + knights who had joined them, were obstinately defending their castles and + making it difficult for Heinz Schorlin to perform his task. The day before + news had come that the Absbach’s strong mountain fortress had fallen; that + the allied knights, in a sortie which merged into a miniature battle, had + been defeated, and the Siebenburgs could not hold out much longer; but in + the stress of his duties the knight seemed to have forgotten to make the + slightest effort in behalf of his faithful servant. At least the + protonotary Gottlieb, a friend of Herr Berthold, through whose hands + passed all letters addressed to the Emperor, positively assured them that, + though plenty of military reports had arrived, in not a single one had the + young commander mentioned his servant even by a word. He, the protonotary, + had taken advantage of a favourable hour to urge his royal master, as a + reward for Biberli’s rare fidelity, to protect him from further + persecution by the citizens of Nuremberg; but the Emperor Rudolph did not + even allow him to finish, because, as a matter of principle, he refrained + from interference in matters whose settlement rightfully pertained to the + Honourable Council. + </p> + <p> + When soon after Herr Pfinzing availed himself of a report which he had to + deliver to the Emperor to intercede himself for the valiant fellow, the + Hapsburg, with the ruler’s strong memory, recalled the protonotary’s plea + and referred Herr Berthold to the answer the former had received, + remarking, less graciously than usual, that the imperial magistrate ought + to know that he would be the last to assail the privileges which he had + himself bestowed upon the city. + </p> + <p> + Finally even Burgrave Frederick, whose sympathy had been enlisted in + Biberli’s behalf by Herr Berthold, fared no better. + </p> + <p> + His interests were often opposed to those of the Council and, kindly as + was his disposition, disputes concerning many questions of law were + constantly occurring between him and the Honourables. When he began to + persuade the Emperor to prevent by a pardon the cruelty which the Council + intended to practise upon a servant of Sir Heinz Schorlin, who was doing + such good service in the field, the sovereign told even him, his friend + and brother-in-law, who had toiled so energetically to secure him the + crown, that he would not interfere, though it were in behalf of a beloved + brother, with the decrees of the Council, and the noble petitioner was + silenced by the reasons which he gave. The Burgrave deemed the Emperor’s + desire to maintain the Honourables’ willingness to grant the large loan he + intended to ask to fill his empty treasury still more weighty than those + with which he had repulsed Herr Pfinzing. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, the pardon granted to Ernst Ortlieb and Wolff Eysvogel + could only tend to increase the good will of the Council. The former was + given at once, the latter only conditionally after the First Losunger of + the city, with several other Honourables, had recommended it. The Emperor + thought it advisable to defer this act of clemency. A violation of the + peace of the country committed under his own eyes ought not to be pardoned + during his stay in the place where the bloody deed was committed. It would + have cast a doubt upon the serious intent of the important measure which + threatened with the severest punishment any attempt upon the lives and + property of others. + </p> + <p> + So long as the Emperor held his court at Nuremberg, Wolff, against whom no + accuser had yet appeared, must remain concealed. When the sovereign had + left the city he might again mingle with his fellow-citizens. An imperial + letter alluding to the gratitude which Rudolph owed to the soldiers of + Marchfield, to whose band the evildoer belonged, and the whole good city + of Nuremberg for the hospitable reception tendered to him and his + household, should shield from punishment the young patrician who had only + drawn his sword in self-defence, and fulfil the petition of the Council + for Wolff Eysvogel’s restoration to the rights which he had forfeited. + </p> + <p> + The news of this promise gave Els the first happy hour after long days of + discomfort and the most arduous mental conflict. True, the measures + adopted by her friends seemed to have guarded her from the attacks of the + old Countess Rotterbach; but Fran Rosalinde, since she had been allowed + more freedom to move about than her mother, who had been confined to the + upper story, felt like a boat drifting rudderless down the stream. She + needed guidance and, as Els now ruled the house, asked direction from her + for even the most simple matters. Clinging to her like a child deserted by + its nurse, she told her the most hostile and spiteful remarks which the + countess never failed to make whenever it suited her daughter to bear her + company. During the last few days the old lady had again won Rosalinde + over to her side, and in consequence an enmity towards Els had sprung up, + which was often very spiteful in its manifestations, and was the more + difficult to bear, the more rigidly her position as daughter of the house + forbade energetic resistance. + </p> + <p> + But most painful of all to the volunteer nurse was the sick man’s manner; + for though Herr Casper rarely regained perfect consciousness, he showed + his unfriendly disposition often enough by glances, gestures, and words + stammered with painful effort. + </p> + <p> + Yet the brave girl’s patience seemed inexhaustible, and she resolutely + performed even the most arduous tasks imposed by nursing the sufferer. + Nay, the thought that Wolff owed his life to him aided her always to be + kind to her father-in-law, no matter how much he wounded her, and to tend + him no less carefully than she had formerly cared for her invalid mother. + </p> + <p> + So she had held out valiantly until, at the end of a long, torturing week, + something occurred which destroyed her courage. On returning from an + errand in the city, she was received at the door of the sick-room by her + future mother-in-law with the statement that she would take charge of her + husband herself, and no longer allow the intruder to keep her from the + place which belonged to her alone. The old countess’s power of persuasion + had strengthened her courage, and the unwonted energy of the weak, more + than yielding woman, exerted so startling and at the same time + disheartening an effect upon the wearied, tortured young creature that she + attempted no resistance. The entreaties of the leech and kind Herr Teufel, + however, induced her to persist a short time longer. + </p> + <p> + But when, soon after, the same incident occurred a second time, it seemed + impossible to remain in their house even another day. + </p> + <p> + Without opposing her lover’s mother, she retired to her chamber and, + weeping silently, spite of the earnest entreaties of the Sister of + Charity, packed the few articles she had brought with her and prepared to + leave the post maintained with so much difficulty. To be again with Eva + under the protection of her uncle and aunt now seemed the highest goal of + her longing. She did not wish to go home; for after his liberation from + the tower her father had had a long conversation with Wolff and old + Berthold Vorchtel, and then, at the desire of the Council, had ridden to + Augsburg and Ulm to arrange the affairs of the Eysvogel firm. He had felt + that he could be spared by his family, knowing that his younger daughter + was safe at Schweinau, and having heard that Wolff’s pardon would not be + long delayed. + </p> + <p> + Eva, too, had experienced toilsome days and many an anxious night. True, + Biberli and the carrier’s widow, with her children, had been moved to the + Beguines’ house, where she could pursue her charitable work safe from the + rude attacks of the criminal inmates of the hospital; but what heavy cares + had burdened her concerning the two patients for whom she was battling + with death! how eagerly she watched for tidings from the neighbourhood of + the Siebenburgs! what hours of trouble were caused by the prior of the + Dominicans and his envoys, who strove to convince her that her intention + of renouncing her conventual life was treason to God, and that the + boldness with which she had released herself from the former guides of her + spiritual life and sought her own way would lead her to heresy and + perdition! How painful, too, was the feeling that she was being examined + to discover whether the Abbess Kunigunde had any share in her change of + purpose! + </p> + <p> + The torture to which stronger men rarely succumbed seemed to threaten the + life of the more delicate ex-schoolmaster. At first the leech Otto, who, + to please Els and Fran Christine, and touched by the brave spirit of this + humble man, had daily visited Biberli, believed that he could not save + him. On the straw pallet, and with the incompetent nursing at the + hospital, he would have died very speedily, and what would have befallen + his poor mangled toes and fingers in the hands of the barbers who managed + affairs there? + </p> + <p> + At the Beguines the kindly, skilful old physician had bandaged his hands + and feet as carefully as if he had been the most aristocratic gentleman, + and no prince could have been more tenderly and patiently watched by + trained nurses; for, wonderful to relate, Eva, who had so willingly left + her sick mother to her sister’s care, and had often been vexed with + herself because she could not even remotely equal Els beside the couch of + the beloved invalid, rendered the mangled squire every service with a + touch so light and firm that the old physician often watched her with glad + astonishment. + </p> + <p> + Caution, the quality she most lacked, seemed to have suddenly waked from a + long slumber with doubly clear, far-seeing eyes. If it was necessary to + turn the sick man, she paid special heed to every aching spot in his + tortured body, and invented contrivances which she arranged with patient + care to save him pain. + </p> + <p> + Her own bed had been placed in the widow’s chamber next to Biberli’s, and + from the night that her Aunt Christine had permitted her to remain in the + Beguine house, she, who formerly had loved sleep and slumbered soundly, + had been beside the sick woman at the least sign. On the third day she + rendered her, with her own hands, every service for which she had formerly + needed a Beguine’s aid. She had possessed the gift of uttering words of + cheer and comfort even to her invalid mother better than any one else, and + often gave new courage to the suffering man when almost driven to despair + by the anguish of pain assailing him in ten places at once. How kindly she + taught him what comfort the sufferer finds who not only moves his lips and + turns his rosary in prayer, as he had hitherto done, but commends himself + and his pain to Him who endured still worse agonies on the cross! What a + smile of content rested on the lips of the man who, in the ravings of + fever, had so often repeated the words “steadfast and true,” when she told + him that he had done honour most marvellously to his favourite virtue, + represented by the T and St, and might expect his master’s praise and + gratitude! + </p> + <p> + All these things fell from her lips more warmly the more vividly she + conjured up the image of the man for whose sake the gallant fellow had + endured this martyrdom, the happier it made her to help Heinz, though + without his knowledge, to pay the great debt of gratitude which he owed + the faithful servitor. She was not aware of it, but the strongest of all + educational powers—sorrow and love—were transforming the + unsocial, capricious “little saint” into a noble, self-sacrificing woman. + She was training herself to be what she desired to become to her lover, + and the secret power whose influence upon her whole being she distinctly + felt at each success, she herself called—remembering the last words + of her dying mother—“the forge fire of life.” + </p> + <p> + At first it had been extremely painful for Biberli to allow himself to be + nursed with such devoted, loving care by the very person from whom he had + earnestly endeavoured to estrange his master; but soon the warmest + gratitude cast every other feeling into the shade, and when he woke from + the light slumber into which he frequently fell and saw Eva beside his + bed, his heart swelled and he often felt as if Heaven had sent her to him + to restore the best gifts for which he was struggling—life and + health. When he began to recover, the faithful fellow clung to her with + the utmost devotion; but this by no means lessened his love for his master + and his absent sweetheart. On the contrary, the farther his convalescence + progressed the more constantly and anxiously he thought of Heinz and + Katterle, the more pleasure it afforded him to talk about them and to + discuss with Eva what could have befallen both. + </p> + <p> + It was impossible—Biberli believed this as firmly as his nurse—that + Heinz could coldly forget his follower or Katterle neglect what she had + undertaken. So both agreed in the conjecture that the messengers sent by + the absent ones had been prevented from reaching their destination. + </p> + <p> + The supposition was correct. Two troopers despatched by Heinz had been + captured by the Siebenburgs, and the maid’s messenger had cheated her by + pocketing the small fee which she paid him and performing another + commission instead of going to Schweinau. Of the knight’s letters which + had fallen into the wrong hands, one had besought the Emperor Rudolph to + pardon the loyal servant, the other had thanked Biberli, and informed him + that his master remembered and was working for him. + </p> + <p> + Katterle had reached Heinz, had been required to tell him everything she + knew about Eva and Biberli down to the minutest detail and had then been + commissioned to repeat to the latter what had been also contained in the + letter. On the way home, however, she only reached Schwabach, for the long + walk in the most terrible anxiety, drenched by a pouring rain, whilst + enquiring her way to Heinz, and especially the terrible excitements of the + last few days, had been too much even for her vigorous constitution. Her + pulse was throbbing violently and her brow was burning when she knocked at + the door of Apel, the carrier, who had taken her into his waggon at + Schweinau, and the good old man and his wife received and nursed her. The + fever was soon broken, but weakness prevented her journeying to Schweinau + on foot, and, as Apel intended to go to Nuremberg the first of the + following week, she had been forced to content herself with sending the + messenger who had betrayed her confidence. + </p> + <p> + How hard it was for Katterle to wait! And her impatience reached its + height when, before she could leave, some of the imperial troopers stabled + their horses at the carrier’s and reported that Castle Siebenburg and the + robber stronghold of the Absbachs were destroyed. Sir Heinz Schorlin had + fought like St. George. Now he was detained only by the fortresses of the + knights Hirschhorn and Oberstein, whose situation on inaccessible crags + threatened long to defy the imperial power. + </p> + <p> + The thought that the strong Swiss girl might be ill never entered the mind + of Biberli or Eva, but in quiet hours he asked himself which it would + probably grieve him most to miss forever—his beautiful young nurse + or his countrywoman and sweetheart. His heart belonged solely to Katterle, + but towards Eva he obeyed the old trait inherent in his nature, and clung + with the same loyalty hitherto evinced for his master to her whom he now + regarded as his future mistress. + </p> + <p> + This she must and should be, because already life seemed to him no longer + desirable without her voice. Never had he heard one whose pure tones + penetrated the heart more deeply. And had Heinz been permitted to hear her + talk with the Dominicans, he would have given up his wish to renounce the + world and, instead of entering a monastery, striven with every power of + his being to win this wonderful maiden, for whom his heart glowed with + such ardent love. When she persisted in her refusal to take the veil + because she had learned that it is possible in the world to live at peace + with one’s self, feel in harmony with God, and follow in love and fidelity + the footsteps of the Saviour, she had heard many a kindly word of + admonition, many a sharp reproof, and many a fierce threat from the + Dominicans, but she did not allow herself to be led astray, and understood + how to defend herself so cleverly and forcibly that his heart dilated, and + he asked himself how a girl of eighteen could maintain her ground so + firmly, so shrewdly, and with such thorough knowledge of the Scriptures, + against devout, highly educated men—nay, the most learned and + austere. + </p> + <p> + The Abbess Kunigunde had also appeared sometimes at his bedside, and Eva’s + conversations with her revealed to him that she had obtained her armour + against the Dominicans from the Sisters of St. Clare. True, at first the + former had laboured with the utmost earnestness to win her back to the + convent, but two days before she had met two Dominicans, and the evident + efforts of one who seemed to hold a distinguished position among his + brother monks to gain Eva for his own order and withdraw her from the + Sisters of St. Clare, whom he believed to be walking in paths less + pleasing to God, had so angered the abbess that she lost the power, and + perhaps also the will, to maintain her usual composure. Therefore, + yesterday she had opposed her niece’s wish to remain in the world less + strongly than before; nay, on parting with her she had clasped her in her + arms and, as it were, restored her freedom by admitting that various paths + led to the kingdom of heaven. + </p> + <p> + This was balm to the convalescent’s wounds; for he cherished no wish more + ardent than to accompany his master to the marriage altar, where Eva would + give her hand to Heinz Schorlin as her faithful husband, and the abbess’s + last visit seemed to favour this desire. Besides, he who had gazed at life + with open eyes had never yet beheld a brave young warrior, soon after + reaping well-earned renown, yearn for the monk’s cowl. Doubt, suffering, + and a miraculous escape from terrible peril had inspired the + joyous-hearted Heinz with the desire to renounce the world. Now, perhaps, + Heaven itself was showing him that he had not received the boon of life to + bury himself in a monastery, but to be blessed with the fairest and + noblest of gifts, the love of a woman who, in his opinion, had not her + equal beneath the wide vault of the azure sky. + </p> + <p> + Countess Cordula was not suited for his master. During the long hours that + he lay quietly on his pallet a hundred reasons strengthened this opinion. + The man for whom he had steadfastly endured such severe agony, and was + suffering still, was worthy of a more beautiful, devout, and calm + companion-nay, the very loveliest and best—and that, in his eyes, + was the girl for whom Heinz had felt so overmastering a passion just + before his luckless winnings at the gaming table. This potent fire of love + might doubtless be smothered with sand and ashes, but never extinguished. + </p> + <p> + Such were Biberli’s thoughts as he recalled the events of the previous + day. He had found Eva less equable in her tender management than usual. + Some anxiety concerning something apart from her patients seemed to + oppress her. True, she had not wished to reveal it, but his eyes were + keen. + </p> + <p> + Soon after sunrise that morning she had carefully rebandaged his crushed + thumb, which was not yet healed. Then she had gone away, as she assured + him, for only a few hours. Now the sun was already high in the heavens, + yet she did not return, though it was long past the time for the bandages + to be renewed, and the drops to be given which sustained the life of the + dying Minorite in the adjoining room. It made him uneasy, and when anxiety + had once taken root in his heart it sent its shoots forward and backward, + and he remembered many things in which Eva had been different the day + before. Why had she whispered so long with Herr Pfinzing and then looked + so sorrowfully at him, Biberli? Why had Frau Christine come not less than + three times yesterday afternoon, and again in the evening? She had some + secret to discuss with the surgeon Otto. Had any change taken place in his + condition? and did the leech intend to amputate his thumb, or even his + hand? But, no! only yesterday he had been assured that he could save all + five fingers, and his sorely mangled left foot too. The widow was better, + and all hope of saving the Minorite’s life had been relinquished two days + ago. Eva’s anxiety must have some other cause, and he asked himself, in + alarm, whether she could have received any bad news from his master or + Katterle? + </p> + <p> + A terrible sense of uneasiness overpowered him, and the necessity of + confiding it to some one took such possession of the loquacious man that + he called little Walpurga from the next room. But instead of running to + his bedside, she darted forward with the joyful cry, “She is coming!” + towards the door and Eva. + </p> + <p> + Soon after the latter, leading the child by the hand, entered the room. + Biberli felt as if the sun were rising again. How gay her greeting + sounded! The expression of her blue eyes seemed to announce something + pleasant. Whoever possessed this maiden would be sure to have no lack of + light in his home, no matter how dark the night might be. + </p> + <p> + He must have been mistaken concerning the anxiety which had seemed to + oppress her on his account. Instead of bad news, she was surely bringing + good tidings. Nay, she had the best of all; for Katterle, Eva told him, + would soon arrive. But his future wife had been ill too. Her cheeks had + not yet regained their roundness or their bright colour. + </p> + <p> + Sharp-sighted Biberli noticed this, and exclaimed: “Then she is here + already! For, my mistress, how else could you know how her cheeks look?” + </p> + <p> + Soon afterwards the maid was really standing beside her lover’s couch. + </p> + <p> + Eva allowed them to enjoy the happiness of meeting undisturbed, and went + to her other two patients. When she returned to the couple, Katterle had + already related what she had experienced in Schwabach. It was little more + than Eva had already heard from her uncle and others. + </p> + <p> + That Seitz Siebenburg, whom he bitterly hated, had fallen in a sword + combat by his master’s own hand, afforded Biberli the keenest delight. No + portion of the narrative vexed him except the nonarrival of the + messengers, and the probability that some time must yet elapse ere Heinz + could sheathe his sword. + </p> + <p> + Eva’s cheeks flushed with joy and pride as she heard how nobly her lover + had justified the confidence of his imperial patron. But it seemed to be + impossible to follow Biberli’s flood of eloquence to the end. She was in + haste, and he had been right concerning the cares which oppressed her. + </p> + <p> + She had stood beside his couch the day before with a heavy heart, and it + required the exercise of all her strength to conceal the anxiety with + which her mind was filled, for if she did not intercede for him that very + day; if his pardon could not be announced early the following morning + during the session of the court in the Town Hall, then the half-recovered + man must be surrendered to the judges again, and Otto believed that the + torture would be fatal to his enfeebled frame. + </p> + <p> + The tailor and his adherents, as Eva knew from Herr Pfinzing, were making + every effort to obtain his condemnation and prove to the city that they + had not censured the proceedings of the Ortlieb household as mere reckless + slanderers. Eva and her sister would be again mentioned in the + investigation, and were even threatened with an examination. + </p> + <p> + At first this had startled her, but she believed her uncle’s assurance + that this examination would fully prove her innocence before the eyes of + the whole world. For her own sake Eva surely would not have suffered + herself to be so tortured by anxiety night and day, or undertaken and + resolved to dare so much. The thought that the faithful follower whom her + patient nursing had saved from death and to whom she had become warmly + attached must now lose his life, and Heinz Schorlin be robbed of the + possibility of doing anything for him, had cast every other fear in the + shade, and had kept her constantly in motion the evening before and this + morning. + </p> + <p> + But all that she and her Aunt Christine had attempted in behalf of the + imperilled man had been futile. To apply to the Emperor again every one, + including the magistrate, had declared useless, since even the Burgrave + had been refused. + </p> + <p> + The members of the Council and the judges in the court had already, at + Aunt Christine’s solicitation, deferred the proceedings four days, but the + law now forbade longer delay. Though individuals would gladly have spared + the accused the torture, its application could scarcely be avoided, for + how many accusers and witnesses appeared against him, and if there were + weighty depositions and by no means truthful replies on the part of the + prisoner, the torture could not be escaped. It legally belonged to the + progress of the investigation, and how many who had by no means recovered + from the last exposure to the rack were constantly obliged to enter the + torture chamber? Besides, the judges would be charged with partiality by + the tailor and his followers, and to show such visible tokens of favour + threatened to prejudice the dignity of the court. + </p> + <p> + She had found good will everywhere, but all had withheld any positive + promise. It was so easy to retreat behind the high-sounding words “justice + and law,” and then: who for the sake of a squire—who, moreover, was + in the service of a foreign knight—would awaken the righteous + indignation of the artisans, who made the tailor’s cause their own. + </p> + <p> + Whatever the aunt and niece tried had failed either wholly or partially. + Besides, Eva had been obliged to keep in the background in order not to + expose herself to the suspicion of pleading her own cause. Many probably + thought that Frau Christine herself was talking ostensibly in behalf of + the servant and really for her brother’s slandered daughter. + </p> + <p> + When Eva met Katterle in front of the hospital, she had passed without + noticing her, so completely had sorrow, anxiety, and the effort to think + of some expedient engrossed her attention. + </p> + <p> + It had been very difficult to meet Biberli with an untroubled manner, yet + she had even succeeded in showing a bright face to the carrier’s widow, as + well as to Father Benedictus, whose hours seemed to be numbered, and who + only yesterday had wounded her deeply. + </p> + <p> + When she returned from the Minorite’s room to Biberli’s the lovers were no + longer alone. The fresh, pleasant face of a vigorous woman, who had + already visited the sufferer several times, greeted her beside his couch. + </p> + <p> + When, in the exchange of salutations, her eyes met Eva’s the latter + suddenly found the plan of action she had vainly sought. Gertrude of Berne + could help her take the chance which, in the last extremity, she meant to + risk, for she was the wife of the Swiss warder in the Burgrave’s castle. + It certainly would not be difficult for her to procure her an interview + with the Burgravine Elizabeth. If the noble lady could not aid herself, + she could—her cheeks paled at the thought, yet she resolutely clung + to it—present her to her brother, the Emperor. + </p> + <p> + When Eva, in a low tone, told Frau Gertrude what she hoped to accomplish + at the castle, she learned that the Emperor had ridden with the + Archduchess Agnes and a numerous train to the imperial forest, to show his + Bohemian daughter-in-law the beekeeper’s hives, and would scarcely return + before sunset; but the Burgravine had remained at home on account of a + slight illness. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless Eva wished to go to the castle, and, whatever reception the + noble lady bestowed upon her, she would return to Schweinau as soon as + possible. Father Benedictus was so ill that she could not remain away from + him long. + </p> + <p> + If the Burgravine could do nothing for Biberli, she would undertake the + risk which made her tremble, because it compelled her, the young girl, to + appear alone at the court with all its watchful eyes and sharp tongues. + She would go to the fortress to beseech the Emperor herself for pardon. + </p> + <p> + She could act with entire freedom to-day, for her uncle had ridden to the + city and, Frau Gertrude said, was one of the party who accompanied the + Emperor to the beekeeper’s, whilst her aunt had just gone to Nuremberg to + see Els, who had besought her, in a despairing letter, to let her come to + Schweinau, for her power of endurance was exhausted. + </p> + <p> + How gladly Eva would have accompanied her aunt to her sister to exhort her + to take courage! What a strange transformation of affairs! Ever since she + could think Els had sustained her by her superior strength and + perseverance. Now she was to be the stronger, and teach her to exercise + patience. + </p> + <p> + She thought she had gained the right to do so. Whilst Eva was still + explaining her plan to Frau Gertrude, she herself perceived that she had + taken no account of time. + </p> + <p> + It was nearly noon, and if she ordered a sedan-chair to convey her to the + city and back again to Schweinau, it would be too late to approach the + Emperor as a petitioner. She could fulfil her design only by riding; but + the warder’s wife reminded her that it would be contrary to custom—nay, + scarcely possible—to appear before the Emperor, or even his sister, + in a riding habit. + </p> + <p> + But the young girl speedily found a way to fulfil her ardent wish to aid. + On her swift palfrey, which her uncle had sent to Schweinau long before + that she might refresh herself, after her arduous duties, by a ride, she + would go to the city, stop at her own home, and have her new expensive + mourning clothes taken to the castle. The only doubt was whether she could + change her garments in the quarters of the Swiss, and whether Frau + Gertrude would help her do so. + </p> + <p> + The latter gladly assented. There was no lack of room in her apartments, + nor did Frau Gertrude, who had served the Burgravine as waiting maid many + years before her marriage, lack either skill or good will. + </p> + <p> + So she went directly home on her mule; but Eva, after promising her + patients to return soon, hastened to her uncle’s residence. + </p> + <p> + There she mounted the palfrey and reached the city gate a long time before + the Swiss. The clothes she needed were soon found in the Ortlieb mansion, + and she was then carried in a sedan-chair to the castle with her wardrobe, + whilst the groom led her palfrey after her. Countess Cordula was not at + home; she, too, had ridden to the forest with the Emperor. + </p> + <p> + The Burgravine Elizabeth willingly consented to receive the charming child + whose fate had awakened her warm interest. She had just been hearing the + best and most beautiful things about Eva, for the leech Otto had been + called to visit her in her attack of illness, and the old man was + overflowing with praises of both sisters. He indignantly mentioned the + vile calumnies with which Heinz Schorlin’s name was associated, and which + base slander had fixed upon the innocent girls whose pure morality he + would guarantee. + </p> + <p> + The great lady, who probably remembered having directed Heinz’s attention + to Eva at the dance, understood very clearly that they could not fail to + attract each other. Of all the knights in her imperial brother’s train, + none seemed to the Burgravine more worthy of her favour than her gay young + countryman, whose mother had been one of the friends of her youth. She + would gladly have rendered him a service and, in this case, not only for + his own sake but still more on account of the rare fidelity of his + servant, who was also a native of her beloved Swiss mountains. Yet, + notwithstanding all this, it seemed impossible to bring this matter again + before the Emperor. She knew her husband, and after the rebuff he had + received on account of the tortured man he would be angry if she should + plead his cause with her royal brother. + </p> + <p> + But her kind heart, and the regard which both Eva and Heinz Schorlin had + inspired, strengthened her desire to aid, as far as lay in her power, the + brave maiden who urged her suit with such honest warmth, and the + petitioner’s avowal of her intention, as a last resort, of appealing to + the Emperor in person showed her how to convert her kind wishes into + deeds. + </p> + <p> + Let Eva’s youth and beauty try to persuade the Emperor to an act of + clemency which he had refused to wisdom and power. + </p> + <p> + After supper her brother received various guests, and she could present + the daughter of a Nuremberg patrician whom he already knew, and whose rare + charms had attracted his notice. + </p> + <p> + Though she had been compelled to forego the ride to the forest, she was + well enough to appear at supper in the Emperor’s residence, which was + close to her own castle. When the meal was over she would take Eva herself + to her royal brother. + </p> + <p> + She told her this, and the gratitude which she received was so warm and + earnest that it touched her heart, and as she bade the beautiful, brave + child farewell she clasped her in her arms and kissed her. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0034" id="link2HCH0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI. + </h2> + <p> + Encouraged and hopeful, Eva again mounted her palfrey, and urged the swift + animal outside the city to so rapid a pace that the old groom on his + well-fed bay was left far behind. But the change of dress, the waiting, + and the numerous questions asked by the Burgravine had consumed so much + time that the poplars were already casting long shadows when she + dismounted before the hospital. + </p> + <p> + Sister Hildegard received her with an embarrassment by no means usual, but + which Eva thought natural when the former told her that the dying Father + Benedictus had asked for her impatiently. The widow was doing well, and + Biberli would hardly need her; for the wife of a Swabian knight in whose + service he had formerly been was sitting by his couch with her young + daughter, and their visit seemed to please him. + </p> + <p> + Eva remarked in surprise that she thought the sick man had never served + any one except the Schurlins, but she was in too much haste for further + questions, and entered the room where Biberli lay. + </p> + <p> + Her face was flushed by the rapid ride; her thick, fair hair, which + usually fell loosely on her shoulders, had been hastily braided before she + mounted her horse, but the long, heavy braids had become unfastened on the + way, and now hung in tresses round her face and pliant figure. + </p> + <p> + She waved her hand gaily from the threshold to the patient for whom she + had done and dared so much; but ere approaching his couch she modestly + saluted the stately matron who was with Biberli, and nodded a pleasant + welcome to her daughter, whose pretty, frank face attracted her. After the + Swabians had cordially returned her greeting, she briefly excused herself, + as an urgent duty would not permit her to yield to her desire to remain + with them. + </p> + <p> + Lastly, she addressed a few hasty questions to the squire about his + health, kissed little Walpurga, who had nestled to her side, bade her tell + her another that she would come to her later, and entered the next room. + </p> + <p> + “Well?” Biberli asked his visitors eagerly, after the door had closed + behind her. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, how beautiful she is!” cried the younger lady quickly, but her + mother’s voice trembled with deep emotion as she answered: “How I objected + to my son’s marriage with the daughter of a city family! Nay, I intended + to cast all the weight of my maternal influence between Heinz and the + Nuremberg maiden. Yet you did not say too much, my friend, and what your + praise began Eva’s own appearance has finished. She will be welcome to me + as a daughter. I have scarcely ever seen anything more lovely. That she is + devout and charitable and, moreover, has a clear intellect and resolute + energy, can be plainly perceived in spite of the few minutes which she + could spare us. If Heaven would really suffer our Heinz to win the heart + of this rare creature——” + </p> + <p> + “Every fibre of it is his already,” interrupted Biberli. “The rub—pardon + me, noble lady!—is somewhere else. Whether he—whether Heinz + can be induced to renounce the thought of the monastery, is the question.” + </p> + <p> + He sighed faintly as he gazed into the still beautiful, strong, and yet + kindly face of the Lady Wendula Schorlin, Sir Heinz’s mother, for she was + the older visitor. + </p> + <p> + “We ought not to doubt that,” replied the matron firmly. “As the last of + his ancient race, it is his duty to provide for its continuance, not + solely for his own salvation. He was always a dutiful son.” + </p> + <p> + “Yet,” replied Biberli thoughtfully, “‘Away with those who gave us life!’ + was the exhortation of Father Benedictus in the next room. ‘Away with the + service of sovereign and woman!’ he cried to our knight. ‘Away with + everything that stands in the way of your own salvation!’ And,” Biberli + added, “St. Francis was not the first to devise that. Our Lord and Saviour + commanded His disciples to leave father and mother and to follow Him.” + </p> + <p> + “Who will prevent his walking in the paths of Jesus Christ?” replied the + Lady Wendula? “Yet, though he follows His footsteps, he must and can do so + as a scion of a noble race, as a knight and the brave soldier and true + servant of his Emperor, which he is, as a good son and, God willing, as a + husband and father. He is sure of my blessing if he wields his sword as a + champion of his holy faith. When my two daughters took the veil I + submissively yielded. They can pray for heavenly bliss for their brother + and ourselves. My only son, the last Schorlin, I neither can nor will + permit to renounce the world, in which he has tasks to perform which God + Himself assigned him by his birth.” + </p> + <p> + “And how could Heinz part from this angel,” cried Maria—to whom, + next to her mother, her brother was the dearest person on earth—“if + he is really sure of her love!” + </p> + <p> + She herself had not yet opened her heart to love. To wander through forest + and field with the aged head of her family, assist her mother in + housekeeping, and nurse the sick poor in the village, had hitherto been + the joy and duty of her life. Gaily, often with a song upon her lips, she + had carelessly seen one day follow another until Schorlin Castle was + besieged and destroyed, and her dear uncle, the Knight Ramsweg, was slain + in the defence of the fortress confided to his care. Then she and her + mother were taken to the convent at Constance. Both remained there in + perfect freedom, as welcome guests of the nuns, until the mounted courier + brought a letter from the Knight Maier of Silenen, her cousin, who wrote + from Nuremberg that Heinz, like his sisters, intended to renounce the + world. + </p> + <p> + Lady Schorlin set out at once, and with an anxious heart rode to Nuremberg + with her daughter as fast as possible. + </p> + <p> + They had arrived a few hours before and gone to their cousin from Silenen. + From him the Lady Wendula learned what her maternal love desired to know. + Biberli’s fate brought her, after a brief rest, to the hospital, and how + it comforted the faithful fellow’s heart to see the noble lady who had + confided his master to his care, and in whose house the T and St had been + embroidered on his long coat and cap! + </p> + <p> + Lady Wendula had remembered these letters, and when she spoke of them he + replied that since he had partially verified what the T and St had + announced to people concerning his character, and to which the letters had + themselves incited him, he no longer needed them. + </p> + <p> + Then he lapsed into silence, and at last, as the result of his + meditations, told his mistress that there was something unusual about his + insignificant self, because he earnestly desired to practise the virtues + whose possession he claimed before the eyes of the people. He had usually + found the worst wine in the taverns with showy signs, and when the Lady + Wendula’s daughter had embroidered those letters on the cloth for him, + what he furnished the guests was also of very doubtful quality. On his + sick bed he had been obliged to place no curb upon his proneness to + reflection, and in doing so had discovered that there was no virtue which + can be owned like a house or a steed, but that each must be constantly + gained anew, often amidst toil and suffering. One thing, however, was now + firmly established in his belief: that his favourite virtues were really + the fairest of all, because—one will answer for all—man never + felt happier than when he had succeeded in keeping his fidelity inviolate + and maintaining his steadfastness. He had learned, too, from Fraulein Eva + that the Redeemer Himself promised the crown of eternal life to those who + remain faithful unto death. In this confidence he awaited the jailers, who + perhaps would come very soon to lead him into the most joyless of all + apartments—the Nuremberg torture chamber. + </p> + <p> + Then he told the ladies what he knew of the love which united Heinz and + Eva. The four Fs which he had advised his master to heed in his wooing—Family, + Figure, Favor, and Fortune—he no longer deemed the right + touch-tones. Whilst he was forced to lie idly here he had found that they + should rather be exchanged for four Ss—Spirituality, Steadfastness, + Stimulation, and Solace—for the eyes and the heart. + </p> + <p> + All these were united in Eva and, moreover, there could be no objection to + the family to which she belonged. + </p> + <p> + Thereupon he had commenced so enthusiastic a eulogy of his beloved nurse + and preserver that more than once Lady Wendula, smiling, stopped him, + accusing him of permitting his grateful heart to lead him to such + exaggeration that the maiden he wished to serve would scarcely thank him. + </p> + <p> + Yet Eva’s personal appearance had disappointed neither the experienced + mother nor the easily won daughter. Nay, when Maria Schorlin gazed at her + through the half-open door of the Minorite’s room, because she did not + want to lose sight of the girl who had already attracted her on account of + her hard battle in the cause of love, and who specially charmed her + because it was her Heinz whom she loved, she thought no human being could + resist the spell which emanated from Eva. + </p> + <p> + With her finger on her lip she beckoned to her mother, and she, too, could + not avert her eyes from the wonderful creature whom she hoped soon to call + daughter, as she saw Eva standing, with eyes uplifted to heaven, beside + the old man’s couch, and heard her, in compliance with his wish, as she + had often done before, half recite, half sing in a low voice the Song of + the Sun, the finest work of St. Francis. + </p> + <p> + The words were in the Italian language, in which this song had flowed from + the poet heart of the Saint of Assisi, so rich in love to God and all + animate nature; for she had learned to speak Italian in the Convent of St. + Clare, to which several Italians had been transferred from their own home + and that of their order and its founder. + </p> + <p> + Lady Wendula and her daughter could also follow the song; for the mother + had learned the beautiful language of the Saint of Assisi from the + minnesingers in her youth, and in the early years of her marriage had + accompanied the Emperor Frederick, with her husband, across the Alps. So + she had taught Maria. + </p> + <p> + As Lady Schorlin approached the door Eva, with her large eyes uplifted, + was just beginning the second verse: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Praised by His creatures all + Praised be the Lord my God + By Messer Sun, my brother, above all, + Who by his rays lights us and lights the day. + Radiant is he, with his great splendour stored, + Thy glory, Lord, confessing. + + “By sister Moon and stars my Lord is praised, + Where clear and fair they in the heavens are raised. + + “By brother Wind, my Lord, thy praise is said, + By air and clouds, and the blue sky o’erhead, + By which thy creatures all are kept and fed. + + “By one most humble, useful, precious, chaste, + By sister Water, O my Lord, thou art praised. + + “And praised is my Lord + By brother Fire-he who lights up the night; + Jocund, robust is he, and strong and bright. + + “Praised art Thou, my Lord, by mother Earth, + Thou who sustainest her and governest, + And to her flowers, fruit, herbs, dost colour give and birth. + + “And praised is my Lord + By those who, for Thy love, can pardon give + And bear the weakness and the wrongs of men. + + “Blessed are those who suffer thus in peace, + By Thee, the Highest, to be crowned in heaven. + + “Praised by our sister Death, my Lord, art Thou, + From whom no living man escapes. + Who die in mortal sin have mortal woe, + But blessed are they who die doing Thy will; + The second death can strike at them no blow. + + “Praises and thanks and blessing to my Master be! + Serve ye Him all, with great humility.” + </pre> + <p> + How God was loved by this saint, who beheld in everything the Most High + had created kindred whom he loved and held intercourse with as with + brother and sister! Whatever the divine Father’s love had formed—the + sun, the moon and stars, the wood, water and fire, the earth and her fair + children, the various flowers and plants—he made proclaim, each for + itself and all in common, like a mighty chorus, the praise of God. Even + death joins in the hymn, and all these sons and daughters of the same + exalted Father call to the minds of men the omnipotent, beneficent rule of + the Lord. They help mortals to appreciate God’s majesty, fill their hearts + with gratitude, and summon them to praise His sublimity and greatness. In + death, whom the poet also calls his sister, he sees no cruel murderer, + because she, too, comes from the Most High. “And what sister,” asks the + saint, “could more surely rescue the brother from sorrow and suffering?” + Whoever, as a child of God, feels like the loving Saint of Assisi, will + gratefully suffer death to lead him to union with the Father. + </p> + <p> + Benedictus had followed the magnificent poem with rapture. At the lines, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “But blessed are they who die doing Thy will; + The second death can strike at them no blow,” + </pre> + <p> + he nodded gently, as if sure that the close of his earthly pilgrimage + meant nothing to him except the beginning of a new and happy life; but + when Eva ended with the command to serve the Lord with great humility, he + lowered his eyes to the floor hesitatingly, as if not sure of himself. + </p> + <p> + But he soon raised them again and fixed them on the young girl. They + seemed to ask the question whether this noble hymn did not draw his nurse + also to him who had sung it; whether, in spite of it, she still persisted, + with sorrowful blindness, in her refusal to join the Sisters of St. Clare, + whom the saintly singer also numbered amongst his followers. Yet he felt + too feeble to appeal to her conscience now, as he had often done, and bear + the replies with which this highly gifted, peculiar creature, in every + conversation his increasing weakness permitted him to share with her, had + pressed him hard and sometimes even silenced him. + </p> + <p> + True, they fought with unequal weapons. Pain and illness paralysed his + keen intellect, and difficulty of breathing often checked the eloquent + tongue, both of which had served him so readily in his intercourse with + Heinz Schorlin. She contended with the most precious goal of youth before + her eyes, fresh and healthy in mind and body, conscious, in the midst of + the struggle, against doubt and suffering, for what she held dearest of + her own vigorous energy, panoplied by the talisman of the last mandate + from the lips of her dying mother. + </p> + <p> + Benedictus, during a long life devoted to the highest aims, had battled + enough. He already saw Sister Death upon the threshold, and he wished to + depart in peace and reap the reward for so much conflict, pain, and + sacrifice. The Lord Himself had broken his weapons. The Minorite Egidius, + his friend and companion in years, must carry on with Eva, Father + Ignatius, the most eloquent member of the order in Nuremberg, with Heinz + Schorlin, the work which he, Benedictus, had begun. Though he himself must + retire from the battlefield, he was sure that his post would not remain + empty. + </p> + <p> + The chant had placed him in the right mood to take leave of the Brothers, + whose arrival Sister Hildegard had just announced. + </p> + <p> + Since yesterday he had seen the Saviour constantly before his mental + vision. Sometimes he imagined that he beheld Him beckoning to him; + sometimes that He extended His arms to him; sometimes he even fancied that + he heard His voice, or that of St. Francis, and both invited him to + approach. + </p> + <p> + To-day-the leech had admitted it, and he himself felt it by his fevered + brow, the failing pulsations of the heart, and the chill in the cold feet, + perhaps already dead—he might expect to leave the dust of the world + and behold those for whom he longed face to face in a purer light. + </p> + <p> + He wished to await the end surrounded only by the Brothers, who were + fighting the same battle, reminded by nothing of the world, as if in the + outer court of heaven. + </p> + <p> + Eva, the beautiful yet perverse woman, was one of the last persons whom he + would have desired to have near him when he took the step into the other + world. + </p> + <p> + Speech was difficult. A brief admonition to renounce her earthly love in + order to share the divine one whose rich joys he hoped to taste that very + day was the farewell greeting he vouchsafed Eva. When she tried to kiss + his hand he withdrew it as quickly as his weakness permitted. + </p> + <p> + Then she retired, and Father AEgidius led the Brothers of the order in + Nuremberg into the room. Meanwhile it had grown dark, and the Beguine + Paulina brought in a two-branched candelabrum with burning candles. Eva + took it from her hand and placed it so that the light should not dazzle + her patient; but he saw her and, by pointing with a frowning brow to the + door, commanded her to leave the room. + </p> + <p> + She gladly obeyed. When she had passed the Brothers, however, she paused + on the threshold before going into the entry and again gazed at the old + man’s noble, pallid features illumined by the candlelight. + </p> + <p> + She had never seen him look so. He was gazing, radiant with joy, at the + monks, who were to give him the benediction at his departure. Then he + raised his dark eyes as if transfigured; he was thanking Heaven for so + much mercy, but the other Minorites fell on their knees beside the bed and + prayed with him. + </p> + <p> + How lovingly the old man looked into each face! He had never favoured her + with such a glance. Yet no other nursing had been so difficult and often + so painful. At first he had shown a positive enmity to her, and even asked + Sister Hildegard for another nurse; but no suitable substitute for Eva + could be found. Then he had earnestly desired to be removed to the + Franciscan monastery in Nuremberg; this, however, could not be done + because it would have hastened his death. So he was forced to remain, and + Eva felt that her presence was not the least thing which rendered the + hospital distasteful. + </p> + <p> + Yet, as his aged eyes refused their service and he liked to have someone + read aloud from the gospels which he carried with him, or from notes + written by his own hand, which also comprised some of the poems of St. + Francis, and no one else in the house was capable of performing this + office, he at last explicitly desired to keep her for his nurse. + </p> + <p> + To anoint and bandage, according to the physician’s prescription, his sore + feet and the deep scars made on his back by severe scourging, which had + reopened, became more difficult the more plainly he showed his aversion to + her touch, because she—he had told her so himself—was a woman. + She certainly had not found it easy to keep awake and wear a pleasant + expression when, after a toilsome day, he woke her at midnight and forced + her to read aloud until the grey dawn of morning. But hardest of all for + Eva to bear were the bitter words with which he wounded her, and which + sounded specially sharp and hostile when he reproached her for standing + between Heinz Schorlin and the eternal salvation for which the knight so + eagerly longed. He seemed to bear her a grudge like that which the artist + feels towards the culprit who has destroyed one of his masterpieces. + </p> + <p> + Often, too, a chance word betrayed that he blamed Heaven for having denied + him victory in the battle for the soul of Heinz. Schorlin which he had + begun to wage in its name. True, such murmuring was always followed by + deep repentance. But in every mood he still strove to persuade Eva to + renounce the world. + </p> + <p> + When she confessed what withheld her from doing so, he at first tried to + convince her by opposing reasons, but usually strength to continue the + interchange of thought soon failed him. Then he confined himself to + condemning with harsh words her perverse spirit and worldly nature, and + threatening her with the vengeance of Heaven. + </p> + <p> + Once, after repeating the Song of the Sun, as she had done just now, he + asked whether she, too, felt that nothing save the peace of the cloister + would afford the possibility of feeling the greatness and love of the Most + High as warmly and fully as this majestic song commands us to do. + </p> + <p> + Then, summoning her courage, she assured him of the contrary. Though but a + simple girl, she, who had often been the guest of the abbess, felt the + grandeur and glory of God as much more deeply in the world and during the + fulfilment of the hardest duties which life imposed than with the Sisters + of St. Clare, as the forests and fields were wider than the little convent + garden. + </p> + <p> + The old man, in a rage, upbraided her with being a blinded fool, and asked + her whether she did not know that the world was finite and limited, whilst + what the convent contained was eternal and boundless. + </p> + <p> + Another time he had wounded her so deeply by his severity that she had + found it impossible to restrain her tears. But he had scarcely perceived + this ere he repented his harshness. Nothing but love ought to move his + heart on the eve of a union with Him whom he had just called Love itself, + and with earnest and tender entreaties he besought Eva to forgive him for + the censure which was also a work of love. Throughout the day he had + treated her with affectionate, almost humble, kindness. + </p> + <p> + All these things returned to Eva’s thoughts as she left her grey-haired + patient. + </p> + <p> + He was standing on the threshold of the other world, and it was easy for + her to think of him kindly, deeply as he had often wounded her. Nay, her + heart swelled with grateful joy because she had been so patient and + suffered nothing to divert her from the arduous duty which she had + undertaken in nursing the old man, who regarded her with such disfavour. + </p> + <p> + A light had been brought into Biberli’s room too. When Eva entered with + glowing cheeks she found the Swabians still sitting beside his couch. The + door leading into the chamber of the dying man had been closed long + before, yet the notes of pious litanies came from the adjoining room. Lady + Schorlin noticed her deep emotion with sympathy, and asked her to sit down + by her side. Maria offered her own low stool, but Eva declined its use, + because she would soon be obliged to ride back to the city. She pressed + her hand upon her burning brow, sighing, “Now, now—after such an + hour, at court!” + </p> + <p> + Lady Wendula urged her with such kindly maternal solicitude to take a + little rest that the young girl yielded. + </p> + <p> + The matron’s remark that she, too, was invited to the reception at the + imperial residence that evening brought an earnest entreaty from Eva to + accept the invitation for her sake, and the Swabian promised to gratify + her if nothing occurred to prevent. At any rate, they would ride to the + city together. + </p> + <p> + Biberli’s astonished enquiry concerning the cause of Eva’s visit to the + fortress was answered evasively, and she was glad when the singing in the + next room led the Swabian to ask whether it was true that the master of + her suffering friend on the couch, who intended to devote himself to a + monastic life, meant to enter the order of the Minorite whom she had just + left and become a mendicant friar. When Eva assented, the lady remarked + that members of this brotherhood had rarely come to her castle; but + Biberli said that they were quiet, devout men who, content with the alms + they begged, preached, and performed other religious duties. They were + recruited more from the people than from the aristocratic classes. Many, + however, joined them in order to live an idle life, supported by the gifts + of others. + </p> + <p> + Eva eagerly opposed this view, maintaining that true piety could be most + surely found in the order of St. Francis. Then, with warm enthusiasm, she + praised its founder, asserting that, on the contrary, the Saint of Assisi + had enjoined labour upon his followers. For instance, one of his favourite + disciples was willing to shake the nuts from the rotten branches of a nut + tree which no one dared to climb if he might have half the harvest. This + was granted, but he made a sack of his wide brown cowl, filled it with the + nuts, and distributed them amongst his poor. + </p> + <p> + This pleased the mother and daughter; yet when the former remarked that + work of this kind seemed to her too easy for a young, noble, and powerful + knight, Eva agreed, but added that the saint also required an activity in + which the hands, it is true, remained idle, but which heavily taxed even + the strongest soul. St. Francis himself had set the example of performing + this toil cheerfully and gladly. + </p> + <p> + Whilst giving this information she had again risen. Sister Hildegard had + announced that her palfrey and the horses of the guests had been led up. + </p> + <p> + Finally Eva promised to mount at the same time as the Swabians, bade + farewell to Biberli, who looked after her with surprise, yet silently + conjectured that this errand to the Emperor was in his behalf, and then + went into the entry, where Sister Hildegard told her that Father + Benedictus had just died. + </p> + <p> + The monks were still chanting beside his deathbed. Brother AEgidius, the + friend and comrade of the dead man, however, had left them and approached + Eva. + </p> + <p> + Deeply agitated, he struggled to repress his sobs as he told her that the + old man’s longing was fulfilled and his Saviour had summoned him. To die + thus, richly outweighed the many sacrifices he had so willingly made here + below during a long life. If Eva had witnessed his death she would have + perceived the aptness of the saying that a monk’s life is bitter, but his + death is sweet. Such an end was granted only to those who cast the world + aside. Let her consider this once more, ere she renounced the eternal + bliss for which formerly she had so devoutly yearned. + </p> + <p> + Eva’s only answer was the expression of her grief for his friend’s + decease. But whilst passing out into the darkness she thought: the holy + Brother certainly had a beautiful and happy death, yet how gently, + trusting in the mercy of her Redeemer, my mother also passed away, though + during her life and on her deathbed she remained in the world. And then—whilst + Father Benedictus was closing his eyes—what concern did he probably + have for aught save his own salvation, but my mother forgot herself and + thought only of others, of those whom she loved, whilst the Saviour + summoned her to Himself. Her eyes were already dim and her tongue faltered + when she uttered the words which had guided her daughter until now. The + forge fire of life burns fiercely, yet to it my gratitude is due if the + resolutions I formed in the forest after I had gathered the flowers for + her and saw Heinz kneeling in prayer have not been vain, but have changed + the capricious, selfish child into a woman who can render some service to + others. + </p> + <p> + If Heinz comes now and seeks me, I think I can say trustingly, “Here I + am!” We have both striven for the divine Love and recognised its glorious + beauty. If later, hand in hand, we can interweave it with the earthly one, + why should it not be acceptable to the Saviour? If Heinz offers me his + affection I will greet it as “Sister Love,” and it will certainly summon + me with no lower voice to praise the Father from whom it comes and who has + bestowed it upon me, as do the sun, the moon and stars, the fire and + water. + </p> + <p> + Whilst speaking she went out, and after learning that Frau Christine and + her husband had not yet returned, she rode with the Swabians towards the + city. + </p> + <p> + In order not to pass through the whole length of Nuremberg, Eva guided her + friends around the fortifications. Their destination was almost the same, + and they chose to enter at the Thiergartnerthor, which was in the + northwestern part of the city, under the hill crowned by the castle, + whilst the road to Schweinau usually led through the Spitalthor. + </p> + <p> + On the way Lady Wendula induced Eva to tell her many things about herself, + urging her to describe her father and her dead mother. Her daughter Maria, + on the other hand, was most interested in her sister Els, who, as she had + heard from Biberli, was the second beautiful E. + </p> + <p> + Eva liked to talk about her relatives, but her depression continued and + she spoke only in reply to questions, for the Minorite’s death had + affected her, and her heart throbbed anxiously when she thought of the + moment that she must appear amongst the courtiers and see the Emperor. + </p> + <p> + Would her errand be vain? Must poor Biberli pay for his resolute fidelity + with his life? What pain it would cause her, and how heavily it would + burden his master’s soul that he had failed to intercede for him! + </p> + <p> + Not until Lady Schorlin questioned her did Eva confess what troubled her, + and how she dreaded the venture which she had undertaken on her own + responsibility. + </p> + <p> + They were obliged to wait outside the Thiergartnerthor, for it had just + been opened to admit a train of freight waggons. + </p> + <p> + Whilst Eva remained on the high-road, with the castle before her eyes, she + sighed from the depths of her troubled heart: “Why should the Emperor + Rudolph grant me, an insignificant girl, what he refused his sister’s + husband, the powerful Burgrave, to whom he is so greatly indebted? Oh, + suppose he should treat me harshly and bid me go back to my spinning + wheel!” + </p> + <p> + Then she felt the arm of the dignified lady at her side pass round her and + heard her say: “Cheer up, my dear girl. The blessing of a woman who feels + as kindly towards you as to her own daughter will accompany you, and no + Emperor will ungraciously rebuff you, you lovely, loyal, charitable + child.” + </p> + <p> + At these words from her kind friend Eva’s heart opened as if the dear + mother whom death had snatched from her had inspired her with fresh + courage, and from the very depths of her soul rose the cry, “Oh, how I + thank you!” + </p> + <p> + She urged her nimble palfrey nearer the lady’s horse to kiss her left + hand, which held the bridle, but Lady Wendula would not permit it and, + drawing her towards her, exclaimed, “Your lips, dear one,” and as her red + mouth pressed the kind lady’s, Eva felt as if the caress had sealed an old + and faithful friendship. But this was not all. Maria also wished to show + the affection she had won, and begged for a kiss too. + </p> + <p> + Without suspecting it, Eva, on the way to an enterprise she dreaded, + received the proof that her lover’s dearest relatives welcomed her with + their whole hearts as a new member of the family. + </p> + <p> + On the other side of the gate she was obliged to part from the Swabians. + </p> + <p> + Lady Wendula bade her farewell with an affectionate “until we meet again,” + and promised positively to go to the reception at the castle. + </p> + <p> + Eva uttered a sigh of relief. It seemed like an omen of success that this + lady, who had so quickly inspired her with such perfect confidence, was to + witness her difficult undertaking. She felt like a leader who takes the + field with a scanty band of soldiers and is unexpectedly joined by the + troops of a firm friend. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0035" id="link2HCH0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII. + </h2> + <p> + When Arnold, the warder from Berne, helped Eva from the saddle, a blaze of + light greeted her from the imperial residence. The banquet was just + beginning. + </p> + <p> + Frau Gertrude had more than one piece of good news to tell while assisting + the young girl. Among the sovereign’s guests was her uncle the magistrate, + who had accompanied the Emperor to the beekeeper’s, and with his wife, + whom she would also find there, had been invited to the banquet. Besides—this, + as the best, she told her last—her father, Herr Ernst Ortlieb, had + returned from Ulm and Augsburg, and a short time before had come to the + fortress to conduct Jungfrau Els, by the Burgrave’s gracious permission, + to her betrothed husband’s hiding place. Fran Gertrude had lighted her + way, and a long separation might be borne for such a meeting. + </p> + <p> + The ex-maid was obliged to bestir herself that Eva might have a few + minutes for her sister and Wolff, yet she would fain have spent a much + longer time over the long, thick, fair hair, which with increasing + pleasure she combed until it flowed in beautiful waving tresses over the + rich Florentine stuff of her plain white mourning robe. + </p> + <p> + The Swiss had also provided white roses from the Burgrave’s garden to + fasten at the square neck of Eva’s dress. The latter permitted her to do + this, but her wish to put a wreath of roses on the young girl’s head, + according to the fashion of the day, was denied, because Eva thought it + more seemly to appear unadorned, and not as if decked for a festival when + she approached the Emperor as a petitioner. The woman whose life had been + spent at court perceived the wisdom of this idea, and at last rejoiced + that she had not obtained her wish; for when her work was finished Eva + looked so bewitching and yet so pure and modest, that nothing could be + removed or—even were it the wreath of roses—added without + injuring the perfect success of her masterpiece. + </p> + <p> + Lack of time soon compelled the young girl to interrupt the exclamations + of admiration uttered by the skilful tiring woman herself, her little + daughter, the maidservant, and the friend whom Fran Gertrude had invited + to come in as if by accident. + </p> + <p> + While following the warder’s wife through various corridors and rooms, Eva + thought of the hour in her own home before the dance at the Town Hall, and + it seemed as if not days but a whole life intervened, and she was a + different person, a complete contrast in most respects to the Eva of that + time. + </p> + <p> + Before the dance she had secretly rejoiced in the applause elicited by her + appearance; now she was indifferent to it—nay, the more eagerly the + spectators expressed their delight the more she grieved that the only + person whom she desired to please was not among them. + </p> + <p> + How easy it had been to be led to the dance, and how hard was the errand + awaiting her! Her heart shrank before the doubt awakened by the flood of + light pouring from the windows of the imperial residence; the doubt + whether her lover would not avoid her if—ah, had it only been + possible!—if he should meet her among the guests yonder; whether the + eloquent Father Ignatius, who had followed him, might not already have won + from the knight a vow compelling him to turn from her and summon all his + strength of will to forget her. + </p> + <p> + But, no! He could no more renounce his love than she hers. She would not, + dare not, let such terrible thoughts torture her now. + </p> + <p> + Heinz was far away, and the fate of her love would be decided later. The + cause of her presence here was something very different, and the + conviction that it was good, right, and certain of his approval, dispelled + the pain that had overpowered her, and raised her courage. + </p> + <p> + Unspeakably hard trials lay behind her, and harder ones must, perhaps, yet + be vanquished. But she no longer needed to fear them, for she felt that + the strength which had awakened within her after she became conscious of + her love was still sustaining and directing her, and would enable her to + govern matters which she could not help believing that she herself would + be too weak to guide to their goal. She felt freed from her former + wavering and hesitation, and as formerly in the modest house of the + Beguines, now in the stately citadel she realised that, in sorrow and + severe trial, she had learned to assert her position in life by her own + strength. Her father, whom she was to meet presently, would find little + outward change in her, but when he had perceived the transformation + wrought in the character of his helpless “little saint” it would please + him to hear from her how wonderfully her mother’s last prophetic words + were being fulfilled. + </p> + <p> + She was emerging from the forge fire of life, steeled for every conflict, + yet those would be wrong who believed that, trusting to her own newly won + strength, she had forgotten to look heavenward. On the contrary, never had + she felt nearer to her God, her Saviour, and the gracious Virgin. Without + them she could accomplish nothing, yet for the first time she had + undertaken tasks and sought to win goals which were worthy of beseeching + them for aid. Love had taught her to be faithful in worldly life, and she + said to herself, “Better, far better I can certainly become; but firmer + faith cannot be kept.” + </p> + <p> + Wolff’s hiding place was a large, airy room, affording a view of the Frank + country, with its meadows, fields, and forests. Eva saw there by the light + of the blazing pine chips her father, sister, and brother-in-law. + </p> + <p> + Yet the meeting between all these beloved ones after a long separation + partook more of sorrow than of joy. Els had really resolved to leave the + Eysvogel mansion, yet she met her Aunt Christine with the joyful cry: “I + shall stay! Wolff’s father and I have become good friends.” + </p> + <p> + In fact, a few hours before Herr Casper had looked at her kindly and + gratefully, and when she showed him how happy this rendered her, warmly + entreated her in a broken voice not to leave him. She had proved herself + to be his good angel, and the sight of her was the only bright spot in his + clouded life. Then she had gladly promised to stay, and intended to keep + her word. She had only accompanied her father, who had unexpectedly + returned for a short time, because she could trust the nun who shared her + nursing of the paralysed patient, and he rarely recognised his watcher at + night. + </p> + <p> + How long Els had been separated from her lover! When Eva greeted the + reunited pair they had already poured forth to each other the events which + had driven them to the verge of despair, and which now once more permitted + them with budding hope to anticipate new happiness. + </p> + <p> + Eva had little time, yet the sisters found an opportunity to confide many + things to each other, though at first their father often interrupted them + by opposing his younger daughter’s intention of going to the Emperor as a + supplicant. + </p> + <p> + The girl whose wishes but a short time ago he had refused or gratified, + according to the mood of the moment, like those of a child, had since + gained, even in his eyes, so well founded a claim to respect, she opposed + him in her courteous, modest way with such definiteness of purpose, + Biberli’s fate interested him so much, and the prospect of seeing his + daughters brought before the court was so painful, that he admitted the + force of Eva’s reasons and let her set forth on her difficult mission + accompanied by his good wishes. + </p> + <p> + Els had dropped her maternal manner; nay, she received her sister as her + superior, and began to describe her work in the hospital to Wolff in such + vivid colours that Eva laid her hand on her lips and hurried out of the + room with the exclamation, “If you insist upon our changing places, we + will stand in future side by side and shoulder to shoulder! Farewell till + after the battle!” + </p> + <p> + She could not have given much more time to her relatives under any + circumstances, for the Burgravine’s maid of honour who was to attend her + to the reception was already waiting somewhat impatiently in Frau + Gertrude’s room, and took her to the castle without delay. + </p> + <p> + The place where they were to stay was the large apartment adjoining the + dining hall. + </p> + <p> + The confidence which Eva had regained on her way to her relatives vanished + only too quickly in the neighbourhood of the sovereign and the sight of + the formal reception bestowed on all who entered. Her heart throbbed more + and more anxiously as she realised for the first time how serious a step + she had taken; nay, it was long ere she succeeded in calming herself + sufficiently to notice the clatter of the metal vessels and the Emperor’s + deep voice, which often drowned the lower tones of the guests. Reverence + for royalty was apparent everywhere. + </p> + <p> + How much quieter this banquet was than those of the princes and nobles! + The guests knew that the Emperor Rudolph disliked the boisterous manners + of the German nobility. Besides, the sovereign’s mourning exerted a + restraint upon mirth and recklessness. All avoided loud laughter, though + the monarch was fond of gaiety and heroically concealed the deep grief of + his own soul. + </p> + <p> + When the lord high steward announced to the maid of honour who had brought + Eva here that dessert was served, the latter believed that the dreaded + moment when she would be presented to the Emperor was close at hand, but + quarter of an hour after quarter of an hour passed and she still heard the + clanking of metal and the voices of the guests, which now began to grow + louder, and amidst which she sometimes distinguished the strident tones of + the court fool, Eyebolt, and the high ones of the Countess Cordula. + </p> + <p> + Time moved at a snail’s pace, and she already fancied her heart could no + longer endure its violent throbbing, when at last—at last—the + heavy oak chairs were pushed noisily back over the stone floor of the + dining hall. + </p> + <p> + From the balcony of the audience chamber a flourish of trumpets echoed + loudly along the arches of the lofty, vaulted ceiling of the apartment, + and the Emperor, leading the company, crossed the threshold attended by + several dignitaries, the court jesters, and some pages. + </p> + <p> + His august sister, the Burgravine Elizabeth, leaned on his arm. The papal + ambassador, Doria, in the brilliant robe of a cardinal, followed, + escorting the Duchess Agnes, but he parted from her in the hall. Among + many other secular and ecclesiastical princes and dignitaries appeared + also Count von Montfort and his daughter, the old First Losunger of + Nuremberg, Berthold Vorchtel, and Herr Pfinzing with his wife. + </p> + <p> + Several guests from the city entered at the same time through another + door, among whom, robed in handsome festal garments, were Eva’s new + Swabian acquaintances. How gladly she would have hastened to them! But a + grey-haired stately man of portly figure, whose fur-trimmed cloak hung to + his ankles—Sir Arnold Maier of Silenen, led them to a part of the + hall very distant from where she was standing. + </p> + <p> + To make amends, Count von Montfort and Cordula came very near her; but she + could not greet them. Each person—she felt it—must remain in + his or her place. And the restraint became stronger as the Duchess Agnes, + giving one guest a nod, another a few words, advanced nearer and nearer, + pausing at last beside Count von Montfort. + </p> + <p> + The old huntsman advanced respectfully towards the Bohemian princess, and + Eva heard the fourteen-year-old wife ask, “Well, Count, how fares your + wish to find the right husband for your wilful daughter?” + </p> + <p> + “Of course it must be fulfilled, Duchess, since your Highness deigned to + approve it,” he answered, with his hand upon his heart. + </p> + <p> + “And may his name be known?” she queried with evident eagerness, her dark + eyes sparkling brightly and a faint flush tingeing the slight shade of tan + on her child face. + </p> + <p> + “The duty of a knight and paternal weakness unfortunately still seal my + lips,” he answered. “Your Highness knows best that a lady’s wish—even + if she is your own child—is a command.” + </p> + <p> + “You are praised as an obedient father,” replied the Bohemian with a + slight shrug of the shoulders. “Yet you probably need not conceal whether + the happy man, who is not only encouraged, but this time also chosen by + the charming huntress of many kinds of game, is numbered among our + guests.” + </p> + <p> + “Unfortunately he is denied the pleasure, your Highness,” replied the + count; but Cordula, who had noticed Eva, and had heard the Duchess Agnes’s + last words, approached her royal foe, and with a low, reverential bow, + said: “My poor heart must imagine him far away from here amid peril and + privation. Instead of breaking ladies’ hearts, he is destroying the + castles of robber knights and disturbers of the peace of the country.” + </p> + <p> + The duchess, in silent rage, clenched her white teeth upon her quivering + lips, and was about to make an answer which would scarcely have flattered + Cordula, when the Emperor, who had left his distinguished attendants, + approached Eva, with the Burgravine still leaning on his arm. + </p> + <p> + She did not notice it; she was vainly trying to interpret the meaning of + Cordula’s words. True, she did not know that when no messenger brought + Heinz Schorlin’s intercession for Biberli, in whose fate the countess felt + a sincere interest, she had commanded her own betrothed husband to ride + his horse to death in order to tell the master of the sorely imperilled + man what danger threatened his faithful servant, and remind him, in her + name, that gratitude was one of the virtues which beseemed a true knight, + even though the matter in question concerned only a servant Boemund + Altrosen had obeyed, and must have overtaken Heinz long ago and probably + aided him to rout the Siebenburgs and their followers. But Cordula read + the young Bohemian’s child heart, and it afforded her special pleasure to + deal her a heavy blow in the warfare they were waging, which perhaps might + aid another purpose. + </p> + <p> + The surprise and bewilderment which the countess’s answer had aroused in + Eva heightened the spell of her beauty. + </p> + <p> + Had she heard aright? Could Heinz really have sued for the countess’s hand + and been accepted? Surely, surely not! Neither was capable of such + perfidy, such breach of faith. Spite of the testimony of her own ears, she + would not believe it. But when she at last saw the Emperor’s tall figure + before her, and he gazed down at her with a kind, fatherly glance, she + answered it with her large blue eyes uplifted beseechingly, and withal as + trustilly, as if she sought to remind him that, if he only chose to do so, + his power made it possible to convert everything which troubled and + oppressed her to good. + </p> + <p> + The tearful yet bright gaze of those resistless eyes pierced the Emperor’s + very soul, and he imagined how this lovely vision of purity and innocence, + this rare creature, of whom he had heard such marvellous things from Herr + Pfinzing during their ride through the forest, would have fired the heart + of his eighteen-year-old son, so sensitive to every impression, whom death + had snatched from him so suddenly. And whilst remembering Hartmann, he + also thought of his dead son’s most loyal and dearest friend, Heinz + Schorlin, who was again showing such prowess in his service, and had + earned a right to recognition and reward. + </p> + <p> + He did not know his young favourite’s present state of mind concerning his + desire for a monastic life, but he had probably become aware that his + swiftly kindled, ardent love for yonder lovely child had led him into an + act of culpable imprudence. Besides, that very day many things had reached + his ears concerning these two who suited each other as perfectly as Heinz + Schorlin seemed—even to the Hapsburg, who was loyally devoted to the + Holy Church—unfit for a religious life. + </p> + <p> + The Emperor could do much to further the union of this pair, yet he too + was obliged to exercise caution. If he joined them in wedlock as though + they were his own children he might be sure of causing loud complaints + from the priesthood, and especially the Dominicans, who were very + influential at the court of Rome—nay, he must be prepared for + opposition directed against himself as well as the young pair. The prior + of the order had already complained to the nuncio of the lukewarmness of + the Superior of the Sisters of St. Clare, who idly witnessed the + estrangement from the Church of the soul of a maiden belonging to a + distinguished family; and Doria had told the sovereign of this provoking + matter, and expressed the prior’s hope that Sir Heinz Schorlin, who + enjoyed the monarch’s favour, would be won for the monastic life. + Opposition to this marriage, which he approved, and therefore desired to + favour, was also to be expected from another quarter. Therefore he must + act with the utmost caution, and in a manner which his antagonists could + not oppose. + </p> + <p> + At this reflection a peculiar smile, familiar to the courtiers as an omen + of a gracious impulse, hovered around his lips, which during the past + month had usually revealed by their expression the grief that burdened his + soul and, raising his long forefinger in playful menace, he began: + </p> + <p> + “Aha, Jungfrau Eva Ortlieb! What have you been doing since I had the boon + of meeting so rare a beauty at the dance? Do you know that you have caused + a turmoil amongst both ecclesiastical and secular authorities, and that + many a precious hour has been shortened for me on your account? You have + disturbed both the austere Dominican Fathers and the devout Sisters of St. + Clare. The former think the gentle nuns treat you too indulgently, and the + latter charge the zealous followers of St. Domingo with too much + strictness concerning you. + </p> + <p> + “And, besides, if you were not so well aware of it yourself, you would + scarcely believe it: for the sake of an insignificant serving man, who is + under your special protection, I, who carry the burden of so many serious + and weighty affairs, am beset by those of high and low degree. How much, + too, I have also suffered on account of his master, Sir Heinz Schorlin—again + in connection with you, you lovely disturber of the peace! To say nothing + of the rest, your own father brings a charge against him. The accusation + is made in a letter which Meister Gottlieb, our protonotary, was to + withhold by Herr Ortlieb’s desire, but through a welcome accident it fell + into my hands. This letter contains statements, my lovely child, which I—Nay, + don’t be troubled; the roses on your cheeks are glowing enough already, + and for their sake I will not mention its contents; only they force me to + ask the question—come nearer—whether, though it caused you + great annoyance that a certain young Swiss knight forced his way into your + father’s house under cover of the darkness, you do not hope with me, the + more experienced friend, that this foolhardy fellow, misguided by ardent + love, with the aid of the saints to whom he is beginning to turn, may be + converted to greater caution and praiseworthy virtue? Whether, in your + great charity—which I have heard so highly praised—you would + be capable”—Here he paused and, lowering his voice to a whisper, + added: + </p> + <p> + “Do me the favour to lend your ear—what a well-formed little thing + it is!—a short time longer, to confide to the elderly man who feels + a father’s affection for you whether you would be wholly reluctant to + attempt the reformation of the daring evil-doer yourself were he to offer, + not only his heart, but the little ring with—I will guarantee it—his + honourable, knightly hand?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, your Majesty!” cried Eva, gazing at the gracious sovereign with an + expression of such imploring entreaty in her large, tearful blue eyes + that, as if regretting his hasty question, he added soothingly: + </p> + <p> + “Well, well, we will reach the goal, I think, at a slower pace. Such a + confession will probably flow more easily from the lips when sought by the + person for whom it means happiness or despair, than when a stranger—even + one as old and friendly as I—seeks to draw it from a modest maiden.” + </p> + <p> + Here he paused; he had just recognised Lady Wendula Schorlin. Waving his + hand to her in joyous greeting, he ordered a page to conduct her to him + and, again turning to Eva, said: “Look yonder, my beautiful child: there + is someone in whom you would confide more willingly than in me. I think + Sir Heinz’s mother, who is worthy of all reverence and love—” + </p> + <p> + Here surprise and joy forced from Eva’s lips the question, “His mother?” + and there was such amazement in the tone that, as the Lady Wendula, bowing + low, approached the Emperor, after exchanging the first greetings which + pass between old friends who have been long separated, he asked how it + happened that though Eva seemed to have already met the matron, she heard + with such surprise that she was the mother of his brave favourite. + </p> + <p> + Lady Wendula then confessed the name she had given herself, that she might + study the young girl without being known; and again that peculiar smile + flitted across the Emperor Rudolph’s beardless face, and lingered there, + as he asked the widow of his dead companion in arms whether, after such an + examination, she believed she had found the right wife for her son; and + she replied that a long life would not give her time enough to thank + Heaven sufficiently for such a daughter. + </p> + <p> + The maiden who was the subject of this whispering, whose purport only a + loving glance from the Lady Wendula revealed, pressed her hand upon her + heart, whose impetuous throbbing stifled her breath. Oh, how gladly she + would have hastened to the mother of the man she loved and his young + sister, who stood at a modest distance, to clasp them in her arms, and + confide to them what seemed too great, too much, too beautiful for herself + alone, yet which might crumble at a single word from her lover’s lips like + an undermined tower swept away by the wind! But she was forced to have + patience, and submit to whatever might yet be allotted to her. + </p> + <p> + Nor was she to lack agitating experiences, for the Emperor’s murmured + question whether she desired to hear herself called “daughter” by this + admirable lady had scarcely called forth an answer, which, though mute, + revealed the state of her heart eloquently enough, than he added in a + louder tone, though doubtfully: “Then, so far, all would be well; but, + fair maiden, my young friend, unfortunately, was by no means satisfied, if + I heard aright, with knocking at the door of a single heart. Things have + reached my ears—But this, too, must be——” + </p> + <p> + Here he suddenly paused, for already during this conversation with the + ladies there had been a noise at the door of the hall, and now the person + whom the Emperor had just accused entered, closely followed by the + chamberlain, Count Ebenhofen, whose face was deeply flushed from his vain + attempts to keep Sir Heinz Schorlin back. + </p> + <p> + Heinz’s cheeks were also glowing from his struggle with the courtier, who + considered it a grave offence that a knight should dare to appear before + the Emperor at a peaceful social assembly clad in full armour. + </p> + <p> + His appearance created a joyful stir among the other members of the court—nay, + in spite of the sovereign’s presence, cordial expressions of welcome fell + from the lips of ladies and nobles. The Bohemian princess alone cast an + angry glance at the blue ribbon which adorned the helmet of the returning + knight; for “blue” was Countess von Montfort’s colour, and “rose red” her + own. + </p> + <p> + The ecclesiastics whom Heinz passed whispered eagerly together. The + Duchess Agnes’s confessor, an elderly Dominican of tall stature, was + listening to the provost of St. Sebald’s, a grey-haired man a head shorter + than he, of dignified yet kindly aspect, who, looking keenly at Heinz, + remarked: “I fear that your prior hopes too confidently to win yonder + young knight. No one walks with that bearing who is on the eve of + renouncing the world. A splendid fellow!” + </p> + <p> + “To whom armour is better suited than the cowl,” observed the Bishop of + Bamberg, a middleaged prelate of aristocratic appearance, approaching the + others. “Your prior, my dear brothers, would have little pleasure, I + think, in the fish he is so eagerly trying to drag from the Minorite’s net + into his own. He would leap ashore again all too quickly. He is not fit + for the monastery. He would do better for a priest, and I would bid him + welcome as a military brother in office.” + </p> + <p> + “Bold enough he certainly is,” added the Dominican. “I would not advise + every one to enter the Emperor’s presence and this distinguished gathering + in such attire.” + </p> + <p> + In fact, Heinz showed plainly that he had come directly from the + battlefield and the saddle, for a suit of stout chain armour, which + covered the greater part of his tolerably long tunic, encased his limbs, + and even the helmet which he bore on his arm, spite of the blue ribbon + that adorned it, was by no means one of the delicate, costly ones worn in + the tournament. Besides, many a bruise showed that hard blows and thrusts + had been dealt him. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0036" id="link2HCH0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII. + </h2> + <p> + At Heinz Schorlin’s quarters the day before his young hostess, Frau + Barbel, had had the costly armour entrusted to her care, and the trappings + belonging to it, cleaned and put in order, but her labour was vain; for + Heinz Schorlin had ridden directly to the fortress from Schweinau, without + stopping at his lodgings in the city. + </p> + <p> + Only a short time before he had learned that his two messengers had been + captured and failed to reach their destination. He owed this information + to Sir Boemund Altrosen—and many another piece of news which Cordula + had given him. + </p> + <p> + The main portion of Heinz Schorlin’s task was completed when the + countess’s ambassador reached him, so he set out on his homeward way at + once, and this time his silent friend had been eloquent and told him + everything which had occurred during his absence. + </p> + <p> + He now knew that Boemund and Cordula had plighted their troth, what the + faithful Biberli had done and suffered for him, and lastly—even to + the minutest detail—the wonderful transformation in Eva. + </p> + <p> + When he had ridden forth he had hoped to learn to renounce her whom he + loved with all the might of his fervid soul, and to bring himself to close + his career as a soldier with this successful campaign; but whilst he + destroyed castles and attacked the foe, former wishes were stilled, and a + new desire and new convictions took their place. He could not give up the + profession of arms, which all who bore the name of Schorlin had practised + from time immemorial, and to resign the love which united him to Eva was + impossible. She must become his, though she resembled an April day, and + Biberli’s tales of the danger which threatened the husband from a + sleep-walking wife returned more than once to his memory. + </p> + <p> + Yet what beautiful April days he had experienced, and though Eva might + have many faults, the devout child, with her angel beauty, certainly did + not lack the will to do what was right and pleasing to God. When she was + once his she should become so good that even his mother at home would + approve his choice. + </p> + <p> + He had wholly renounced the idea of going into the monastery. The Minorite + Ignatius, whom Father Benedictus had sent after him that he might finish + the work which the latter had begun, was a man who lacked neither + intellect nor eloquence; but he did not possess the fiery enthusiasm and + aristocratic confidence of the dead man. Yet when the zealous monks, whom + the prior of the Dominicans had despatched to complete Heinz’s conversion, + opposed him, the former entered into such sharp and angry arguments with + them that the young knight, who witnessed more than one of their quarrels, + startled and repelled, soon held aloof from all three and told them that + he had resolved to remain in the world, and his onerous office gave him no + time to listen to their well-meant admonitions. + </p> + <p> + He was not created for the monastery. If Heaven had vouchsafed him a + miracle, it was done to preserve his life that—as Eva desired—he + might fight to the last drop of his blood for the Church, his holy faith, + and the beloved Emperor. But if he remained in the world, Eva would do the + same; they belonged to each other inseparably. Why, he could not have + explained, but the voice which constantly reiterated it could not lie. + </p> + <p> + After he had slain Seitz Siebenburg in the sword combat, and destroyed his + brother’s castle, his resolve to woo Eva became absolutely fixed. + </p> + <p> + His heart dictated this, but honour, too, commanded him to restore to the + maiden and her sister the fair fame which his passionate impetuosity had + injured. + </p> + <p> + During the rapid ride which he and Boemund Altrosen took to Nuremberg he + had stopped at Schweinau hospital, and found in Biberli, Eva’s former + enemy, her most enthusiastic panegyrist. Heinz also heard from him how + quickly she had won the hearts of his mother and Maria, and that he would + find all three at the fortress. + </p> + <p> + Lastly, Sister Hildegard had informed him of the great peril threatening + his beloved faithful servant and companion, “old Biber,” which had led Eva + there to appeal to the Emperor. + </p> + <p> + Beside the body of Father Benedictus he learned how beautiful had been the + death of the old man who had so honestly striven to lead him into the path + which he believed was the right one for him to tread. In a brief prayer + beside his devout friend Heinz expressed his gratitude, and called upon + him to witness that, even in the world, he would not forget the shortness + of this earthly pilgrimage, but would also provide for the other life + which endured forever. True, Heinz had but a few short moments to devote + to this farewell, the cause of the faithful follower who, unasked, had + unselfishly endured unutterable tortures for him, took precedence of + everything else and would permit no delay. + </p> + <p> + When the knight, with his figure drawn up to its full height, strode + hastily into the royal hall, he beheld with joyful emotion those who were + most dear to him, for whose presence he had longed most fervently during + the ride—his mother, Eva, his sister, and the imperial friend he + loved so warmly. + </p> + <p> + Overwhelmed by agitation, he flung himself on his knees before his master, + kissing his hand and his robe, but the Emperor ordered him to rise and + cordially greeted him. + </p> + <p> + Before speaking to his relatives, Heinz informed the monarch that he had + successfully executed his commission and, receiving a few words of thanks + and appreciation, modestly but with urgent warmth entreated the Emperor, + if he was satisfied with his work, instead of any other reward, to save + from further persecution the faithful servant who for his sake had borne + the most terrible torture. + </p> + <p> + The face of the sovereign, who had welcomed Heinz as if he were a + long-absent son, assumed a graver expression, and his tone seemed to + vibrate with a slight touch of indignation, as he exclaimed: “First, let + us settle your own affairs. Serious charges have been made against you, my + son, as well as against your servant, on whose account I have been so + tormented. A father, who is one of the leading men in this city, accuses + you of having destroyed his daughter’s good name by forcing yourself into + his house after assuring his child of your love.” + </p> + <p> + Heinz turned to Eva, to protest that he was here to atone for the wrong he + had done her, but the Emperor would not permit him to speak. It was + important to silence at once any objection which could be made against the + marriage by ecclesiastical and secular foes; therefore, eagerly as he + desired to enjoy the happiness of the young pair, he forced himself to + maintain the expression of grave dissatisfaction which he had assumed, and + ordered a page to summon the imperial magistrate, the First Losunger of + the city, and his protonotary, who were all amongst the guests, and, + lastly, the Duchess Agnes. + </p> + <p> + He could read the latter’s child eyes like the clear characters of a book, + and neither the radiant glow on her face at Heinz Schorlin’s entrance nor + her hostile glance at the Countess von Montfort had escaped his notice. + Both her affection and her jealous resentment should serve him. + </p> + <p> + The young Bohemian now thought herself certain that Heinz Schorlin, and no + other, was Cordula’s chosen knight; the countess, at his entrance, had + exclaimed to her father loudly enough, “Here he is again!” + </p> + <p> + When the princess stood before the Emperor, with the gentlemen whom he had + summoned, he asked her to decide the important question. + </p> + <p> + “Yonder knight—he motioned towards Heinz—had been guilty of an + act which could scarcely be justified. Though he had wooed the daughter of + a noble Nuremberg family, and even forced his way into her father’s house, + he had apparently forgotten the poor girl. + </p> + <p> + “And,” cried the young wife indignantly, “the unprincipled man has not + only made a declaration of love to another, but formally asked her hand.” + </p> + <p> + “That would seem like him,” said the Emperor. “But we must not close our + ears to the charge of the Nuremberg Honourable. His daughter, a lovely, + modest maiden of excellent repute, has been seriously injured by Heinz + Schorlin, and so I beg you, child, to tell us, with the keen appreciation + of the rights and duties of a lady which is peculiar to you, what + sentence, in your opinion, should be imposed upon Sir Heinz Schorlin to + atone for the wrong he has done to the young Nuremberg maiden.” + </p> + <p> + He beckoned to the protonotary, as he spoke, to command him to show Ernst + Ortlieb’s accusation to the duchess, but she seemed to have practised the + art of reading admirably; for, more quickly than it would otherwise have + appeared possible to grasp the meaning of even the first sentences, she + exclaimed, drawing herself up to her full height and gazing at Cordula + with haughty superiority: “There is but one decision here, if the morality + of this noble city is to be preserved and the maiden daughters of her + patrician families secured henceforward from the misfortune of being a + plaything for the wanton levity of reckless heart breakers. But this + decision, on which I firmly and resolutely insist, as lady and princess, + in the name of my whole sex and of all knightly men who, with me, prize + the reverence and inviolable fidelity due a lady, is: Sir Heinz Schorlin + must ask the honourable gentleman who, with full justice, brought this + complaint to your imperial Majesty, for his daughter’s hand and, if the + sorely injured maiden vouchsafes to accept it, lead her to the marriage + altar before God and the world.” + </p> + <p> + “Spoken according to the feelings of my own heart,” replied the Emperor + and, turning to the citizens of Nuremberg, he added: “So I ask you, + gentlemen, who are familiar with the laws and customs of this good city + and direct the administration of her justice, will such a marriage remove + the complaint made against Sir Heinz Schorlin and his servant?” + </p> + <p> + “It will,” replied old Herr Berthold Vorchtel, gravely and firmly. + </p> + <p> + Herr Pfinzing also assented, it is true, but added earnestly that an + unfortunate meeting had caused another to suffer even more severely than + Eva from the knight’s imprudence. This was her older sister, the betrothed + bride of young Eysvogel. For her sake, as well as to make the bond between + Sir Heinz Schorlin and the younger Jungfrau Ortlieb valid, the father’s + consent was necessary. If his imperial Majesty desired to bring to a + beautiful end, that very day, the gracious work so auspiciously commenced + there was no obstacle in the way, for Ernst Ortlieb was at the von Zollern + Castle with the daughter who had been so basely slandered. + </p> + <p> + The Emperor asked in surprise how they came there, and then ordered Eva’s + father and sister to be brought to him. He was eager to make the + acquaintance of the second beautiful E. + </p> + <p> + “And Wolff Eysvogel?” asked the magistrate. + </p> + <p> + “We agreed to release him after we had turned our back on Nuremberg,” + replied the sovereign. “Much as we have heard in praise of this young man, + gladly as we have shown him how gratefully we prize the blood a brave man + shed for us upon the Marchfield, no change can be made in what, by virtue + of our imperial word——” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not, little brother,” interrupted the court fool, Eyebolt, “but + for that very reason you must open the Eysvogel’s cage as quickly as + possible and let him fly hither, for on the ride to the beekeeper’s you + crossed in your own seven-foot tall body the limits of this good city, + whose length does not greatly surpass it—your imperial person, I + mean. So you as certainly turned your back upon it as you stand in front + of things which lie behind you. And as an emperor’s word cannot have as + much added or subtracted as a fly carries off on its tail, if it has one, + you, little brother, are obliged and bound to have the strange monster, + which is at once a wolf and a bird, immediately released and summoned + hither.” + </p> + <p> + “Not amiss,” laughed the Emperor, “if the boundaries of Nuremberg saw our + back for even so brief a space as it needs to make a wise man a fool. + </p> + <p> + “We will follow your counsel, Eyebolt.—Herr Pfinzing, tell young + Eysvogel that the Emperor’s pardon has ended his punishment. The breach of + the country’s peace may be forgiven the man who so heroically aided the + battle for peace.” + </p> + <p> + Then turning to Meister Gottlieb, the protonotary, he whispered so low + that he alone could hear the command, that he should commit to paper a + form of words which would give the bond between Heinz Schorlin and Eva + Ortlieb sufficient legal power to resist both secular authority and that + of the Dominicans and Sisters of St. Clare. + </p> + <p> + During this conference court etiquette had prevented the company from + exchanging any remarks. Whatever one person might desire to say to another + he was forced to entrust to the mute language of the eyes, and a sportive + impulse induced Emperor Rudolph to maintain the spell which held apart + those who were most strongly attracted to each other. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, whilst he was talking with the protonotary, the bolder guests + ventured to move about more freely, and of them all Cordula imposed the + least restraint upon herself. + </p> + <p> + Ere Heinz had found time to address a word to Eva or to greet his mother + she glided swiftly to his side and, with an angry expression on her face, + whispered: “If Heaven bestowed the greatest happiness upon the most + deserving, you must be the most favoured of mortals, for a more exquisite + masterpiece than your future wife—I know her—was never + created. But now open your ears and follow my advice: Do not reveal the + state of your heart until you have left the castle so far behind that you + are out of sight of the Bohemian princess, or your ship of happiness may + be wrecked within sight of port.” + </p> + <p> + Then, with a well-assumed air of indignation, she abruptly turned her back + upon him. + </p> + <p> + After moving away, she intentionally remained standing near the duchess, + with drooping head. The latter hastily approached her, saying with + admirably simulated earnestness: “You, Countess, will probably be the last + to refuse your approval of my interference against our knightly butterfly + and in behalf of the poor inexperienced girl, his victim.” + </p> + <p> + “If that is your Highness’s opinion,” replied Cordula, shrugging her + shoulders as if it were necessary to submit to the inevitable, “for my + part I fear your kind solicitude may send me behind convent walls.” + </p> + <p> + “Countess von Montfort a nun!” cried the child wife, laughing. “If it were + Sir Heinz Schorlin to whom you just alluded, you, too, are among the + deluded ones whom we must pity, yet with prudent foresight you provided + compensation long ago. Instead of burying yourself in a convent, you, whom + so many desire, would do better to beckon to one of your admirers and + bestow on him the happiness of which the other was not worthy.” + </p> + <p> + Cordula fixed her eyes thoughtfully on the floor a short time, then, as if + the advice had met with her approval, exclaimed: “Your Royal Highness’s + mature wisdom has found the right expedient this time also. I am not fit + for the veil. Perhaps you may hear news of me to-morrow. By that time my + choice will be determined. What would you say to the dark-haired + Altrosen?” + </p> + <p> + “A brave champion!” replied the Bohemian, and this time the laugh which + accompanied her words came from the heart. “Try him, in the name of all + the saints! But look at Sir Heinz Schorlin! A gloomy face for a happy man! + He does not seem quite pleased with our verdict.” + </p> + <p> + She beckoned, as she spoke, to her chamberlain and the high steward, took + leave of her imperial father-in-law and, with her pretty little head flung + proudly back, rustled out of the hall. + </p> + <p> + Soon after Herr Pfinzing ushered Ernst Ortlieb, his daughter, and Wolff + into the presence of the sovereign, who gazed as if restored to youth at + the handsome couple whose weal or woe was in his hands. This consciousness + afforded him one of the moments when he gratefully felt the full beauty + and dignity of his responsible position. + </p> + <p> + With friendly words he restored Wolff’s liberty, and expressed the + expectation that, with such a companion, he would raise the noble house of + his ancestors to fresh prosperity. + </p> + <p> + When he at last turned to Heinz again he asked in a low tone: “Do you know + what this day means to me?” + </p> + <p> + “Nineteen years ago it gave you poor Hartmann,” replied the knight, his + downcast eyes resting sadly on the floor. + </p> + <p> + The kind-hearted sovereign nodded significantly, and said, “Then it must + benefit those who, so long as he lives, may expect his father’s favour.” + </p> + <p> + He gazed thoughtfully into vacancy and, faithful to his habit of fixing + his eye on a goal, often distant, and then carefully carrying out the + details which were to ensure success, ere he turned to the next one, he + summoned the imperial magistrate and the First Losunger to his side. + </p> + <p> + After disclosing to them his desire to allow the judges to decide and, + should the verdict go against Biberli, release him from punishment by a + pardon, both undertook to justify the absence of the accused from the + trial. The wise caution with which the Emperor Rudolph avoided interfering + with the rights of the Honourable Council afforded old Herr Berthold + Vorchtel great satisfaction. Both he and the magistrate, sure of the + result, could promise that this affair, which had aroused so much + excitement, especially among the artisans, would be ended by the marriage + of the two Ortlieb sisters and the payment of the blood money to the + wounded tailor. Any new complaint concerning them would then be lawfully + rejected by both court and magistrate. + </p> + <p> + Never had Heinz thanked his imperial benefactor more warmly for any gift, + but though the Emperor received his gallant favourite’s expressions of + gratitude and appreciation kindly, he did not yet permit him to enjoy his + new happiness. + </p> + <p> + There were still some things which must be decided, and for the third time + his peculiar smile showed the initiated that he was planning some pleasant + surprise for those whom it concerned. + </p> + <p> + The mention of the blood money which Herr Ernst Ortlieb owed the + slandering tailor, who had not yet recovered from his wound, induced the + Emperor to look at the father of the beautiful sisters. + </p> + <p> + He knew that Herr Ernst had also lost a valiant son in the battle of + Marchfield, and Eva’s father had been described as an excellent man, but + one with whom it was difficult to deal. Now, spite of the new happiness of + his children, the sovereign saw him glance gloomily, as if some wrong had + been done him, from his daughters to Heinz, and then to Lady Schorlin and + Maria, to whom he had not yet been presented. He doubtless felt that the + Emperor had treated him and his family with rare graciousness, and was + entitled to their warmest gratitude yet, as a father and a member of the + proud and independent Honourable Council of the free imperial city of + Nuremberg, he considered his rights infringed—nay, it had cost him a + severe struggle not to protest against such arbitrary measures. He had his + paternal rights even here—Els and Eva were not parentless orphans. + </p> + <p> + The noble monarch and shrewd judge of human nature perceived what was + passing in the Nuremberg merchant’s mind, but the pleasant smile still + rested on his lips as, with a glance at the ill-humoured Honourable, he + exclaimed to his future son-in-law: “I have just remembered something, + Heinz, which might somewhat cool your warm expressions of gratitude. + Yonder lovely child consented to become yours, it is true, but that does + not mean very much, for it was done without the consent of her father, by + which the compact first obtains signature and seal. Herr Ernst Ortlieb, + however, seems to be in no happy mood. Only look at him! He is certainly + mutely accusing me of vexatious interference with his paternal rights, and + yet he may be sure that I feel a special regard for him. His son’s blood, + which flowed for his Emperor’s cause, gives him a peculiar claim upon our + consideration, and we therefore devoted particular attention to his + complaint. In this he now demands, my son, that you restore to him, Herr + Ernst Ortlieb, the two hundred silver marks which are awarded to the + tailor as blood money and he must pay to the injured artisan. The prudent + business man can scarcely be blamed for making this claim, for the wound + he inflicted upon the ill-advised tradesman who so basely, insulted those + dearest to him would certainly not have been dealt had not your insolent + intrusion into the Ortlieb mansion unchained evil tongues. So, Heinz, you + caused his hasty act, and therefor, are justly bound to answer for the + consequence; If he brings the accusation, the judges will condemn you to + pay the sum. I therefore ask whether you have it ready.” + </p> + <p> + Here Herr Ernst attempted to explain that, in the present state of + affairs, there could be no further mention of a payment which was only, + intended to punish the disturber of his domestic peace more severely; but + the Emperor stopper him and bade Heinz speak. + </p> + <p> + The latter gazed in embarrassment at the helmet he held in his hand, and + had not yet found; fitting answer when the Emperor cried: “What am I to + think? Was the Duke of Pomerani; wrong when he told me of a heap of gold——” + </p> + <p> + “No, Your Majesty,” Heinz here interrupter without raising his eyes. “What + was left of the money would have more than sufficed to cover the sum + required——” + </p> + <p> + “I thought so!” exclaimed the sovereign with out letting him finish; “for + a young knight who like a great lord, bestows a fine estate upon the pious + Franciscans, certainly need only command his treasurer to open the strong + box——” + </p> + <p> + “You are mocking me, Your Majesty,” Heinz quietly interposed. “You are + doubtless well aware whence the golden curse came to me. I thrust it aside + like noxious poison, and if I am reluctant to use it to buy, as it were, + what is dearest and most sacred to me, indeed it does not spring from + parsimony, for I had resolved to offer the two remaining purses to the + devout Sisters of St. Clare and the zealous Minorite Brothers, one of the + best of whom laboured earnestly for the salvation of my soul.” + </p> + <p> + “That is right, my son,” fell from the Emperor’s lips in a tone of warm + approval. “If the gold benefits the holy poverty of these pious Brothers + and Sisters, the devil’s gift may easily be transformed into a divine + blessing. You both—” he gazed affectionately at Heinz and Eva as he + spoke—“have, as it were, deserted the cloister, and owe it + compensation. But your depriving yourself of your golden treasure, my + friend—for two hundred silver marks are no trifle to a young knight—puts + so different a face upon this matter that—that——” Here + he lowered his voice and continued with affectionate mirthfulness—“that + a friend must determine to do what he can for him. True, my gallant Heinz, + I see that your future father-in-law, the other Nuremberg Honourables, and + even your mother, are ready to pay the sum; but he who is most indebted to + you holds fast this privilege, and that man am I, my brave champion! What + you did for your Emperor and his best work, the peace of the country, + deserves a rich reward and, thanks to the saints, I have something which + will discharge my debt. The Swabian fief of Reichenbach became vacant. It + has a strong citadel, from which we command you to maintain the peace of + the country and overthrow robber knights. This fief shall be yours. You + can enjoy it with your dear wife. It must belong to your children and + children’s children forever; for that a Schorlin should be born who would + be unworthy of such a fief and faithless to his lord and Emperor seems to + me impossible. Three villages and broad forests, with fields and meadows, + pertain to the estate. As lord of Reichenbach, it will be easy for you to + pay the blood money, if your father-in-law is not too importunate a + creditor.” + </p> + <p> + The latter certainly would not be that, and it cost Ernst Ortlieb no + effort to bend the knee gratefully before the kindly monarch. + </p> + <p> + The Emperor Rudolph accepted the homage, but he clasped the young lord of + Reichenbach to his heart like a beloved son, and as he placed Eva’s hand + in his, and she raised her beautiful face to him, he stooped and kissed + her with fatherly kindness. + </p> + <p> + When Wolff entreated him to bless his alliance in the place of his + suffering father, he did so gladly; and Els also willingly offered him her + lips; when he requested the same favour her sister had granted him, that + he might boast of the kisses bestowed on him by the two beautiful Es, + Nuremberg’s fairest maidens. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0037" id="link2HCH0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX. + </h2> + <p> + Heinz heeded Cordula’s warning. In the royal hall every one would have + been justified in believing him a very cool lover, but during the walk + with Eva to the lodgings of his cousin Maier of Silenen, where the + Schurlins, Ortliebs, Wolff, and Herr Pfinzing and his wife were to meet to + celebrate the betrothal, the moon, whose increasing crescent was again in + the sky, beheld many things which gave her pleasure. + </p> + <p> + The priest soon united Heinz and Eva, but the celestial pilgrim willingly + resigned the power formerly exerted over the maiden to the husband, who + clasped her to his heart with tender love. + </p> + <p> + Luna was satisfied with Wolff and Els also. She afterwards watched the + fate of both couples in Swabia and Nuremberg, and when the showy + escutcheon was removed from the Eysvogel mansion, and a more modest one + put in its place, she was gratified. + </p> + <p> + She soon saw that a change had also been made in the one above the door of + the Ortlieb house, for the Ortlieb coat of arms, in accordance with the + family name, had borne the figure of a cat, the animal which loves the + place,—[Ort, place.]—the house to which it belongs, but on the + wedding day of the two beautiful Es the Emperor Rudolph had commanded + that, in perpetual remembrance of its two loveliest daughters, the + Ortliebs should henceforward bear on their escutcheon two linden leaves + under tendrils, the symbol of loyal steadfastness. + </p> + <p> + When, a few months after Wolff’s union with his heart’s beloved, the + coffin of old Countess Rotterbach, adorned with a handsome coronet upon + the costly pall, was borne out of the house at the quiet evening hour, she + thought there was no cause to mourn. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, she grieved when, for a long time, she did not see old + Casper Eysvogel, whose tall figure she had formerly watched with pleasure + when, at a late hour, he returned from some banquet, his bearing erect, + and his step as firm as if wine could not get the better of him. But + suddenly one warm September noon, when her pale, waxing crescent was + plainly visible in the blue sky by daylight, she beheld him again. He was + less erect than before, but he seemed content with his fate; for, as a + cooler breeze waved the light cobwebs in the little garden, into which he + had been led, his daughter-in-law Els with loving care wrapped his feet in + the rug which she had embroidered for him with the Eysvogel coat of arms, + and he gratefully kissed her brow. + </p> + <p> + It was fully ten years later that Luna saw him also borne to the grave. + Frau Rosalinde, his son, and his beautiful wife followed his coffin with + sincere sorrow. The three gifted children whom Els had given to her Wolff + remained standing in front of the house with Frau Rickel, their nurse. The + carrier’s widow, who had long since regained her health in the Beguine + House at Schweinau, had been taken into Frau Eysvogel’s service. Her + little adopted daughter Walpurga, scarcely seventeen years old, had just + been married to the Ortlieb teamster Ortel. The moon heard the nurse tell + what a pleasant, quiet man Herr Casper had been, and how, away from his + own business affairs and those of the Council, his sole effort had seemed + to be to interfere with no one. + </p> + <p> + The moon had forgotten to look at Frau Rosalinde. Besides, after her + mother’s death she was rarely seen even by the members of her own + household, but when Els desired to seek her she was sure of finding her + with the children. The parents willingly afforded her the pleasure she + derived from the companionship of the little ones, but they were often + obliged to oppose her wish to dress her grandchildren magnificently. + </p> + <p> + Frau Rosalinde rarely saw the twin sons of her daughter Isabella, who took + the veil after her husband’s death to pray for his sorely imperilled soul. + </p> + <p> + The Knight Heideck, the uncle and faithful teacher of the boys, was + unwilling to let them go to the city. He ruled them strictly until they + had proved that Countess Cordula’s wish had been fulfilled and, resembling + their unfortunate father only in figure and beauty, strength and courage, + they had grown into valiant, honourable knights. + </p> + <p> + Wolff justified the expectations of Berthold Vorchtel and the Honourable + Council concerning his excellent ability. When, eight years after he + undertook the sole guidance of the business, the Reichstag again met in + Nuremberg, it was the house of Eysvogel which could make the largest loan + to the Emperor Rudolph, who often lacked necessary funds. + </p> + <p> + At the Reichstag of the year 1289, whose memory is shadowed by many a + sorrowful incident, most of the persons mentioned in our story met once + more. + </p> + <p> + Countess Cordula, now the happy wife of Sir Boemund Altrosen, had also + come and again lodged in the Ortlieb house. But this time the only person + whose homage pleased her was the grey-haired, but still vigorous and + somewhat irascible Herr Ernst Ortlieb. + </p> + <p> + The Abbess Kunigunde alone was absent. When, after many an arduous + conflict, especially with the Dominicans, who did not cease to accuse her + of lukewarmness, she felt death approaching, she had summoned her darling + Eva from Swabia, and the young wife’s husband, who never left her save + when he was wielding his sword for the Emperor, willingly accompanied her + to Nuremberg. + </p> + <p> + With Eva’s hand clasped in hers, and supported by Els, the abbess died + peacefully, rich in beautiful hopes. How often she had described such an + end to her pupil as the fairest reward for the sacrifices in which convent + life was so rich! But the memory of her mother’s decease had brought to + Eva, while in Schweinau, the firm conviction that dwellers in the world + were also permitted to find a similar end. The Saviour Himself had + promised the crown of eternal life to those who were faithful unto death, + and she and her husband maintained inviolable fidelity to the Saviour, to + each other, and to every duty which religion, law, and love commanded them + to fulfil. Therefore, why should they not be permitted to die as happily + and confidently as her aunt, the abbess? + </p> + <p> + Her life was rich in happiness, and though Heinz Schorlin as a husband and + father, as the brave and loyal liegeman of his Emperor, and the prudent + manager of his estate, regained his former light-heartedness, and taught + his wife to share it, both never forgot the painful conflict by which they + had won each other. + </p> + <p> + When Eva passed the village forge and saw the smith draw the glowing iron + from the fire and, with heavy hammer strokes, fashion it upon the anvil as + he desired, she often remembered the grievous days after her mother’s + death, which had made the “little saint”—she did not admit it + herself, but the whole Swabian nobility agreed in the opinion—the + most faithful of wives and mothers, the Providence of the poor, the + zealous promoter of goodness, the most simply attired of noblewomen far + and near, yet the most aristocratic and distinguished in her appearance of + them all. + </p> + <p> + Hand in hand with her husband she devoted the most faithful care to their + children, and if Biberli, the castellan of the castle, and Katterle his + wife, who had remained childless, were too ready to read the wishes of + their darlings in their eyes, she exclaimed warningly to the loyal old + friend, “The fire of the forge!” He and Katterle knew what she meant, for + the ex-schoolmaster had explained it in the best possible way to his + docile wife. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ETEXT EDITOR’S BOOKMARKS: + + Abandoned women (required by law to help put out the fires) + Deem every hour that he was permitted to breathe as a gift + False praise, he says, weighs more heavily than disgrace + His sole effort had seemed to be to interfere with no one + No virtue which can be owned like a house or a steed + Retreat behind the high-sounding words “justice and law” + Shipwrecked on the cliffs of ‘better’ and ‘best’ + Strongest of all educational powers—sorrow and love + The heart must not be filled by another’s image + Usually found the worst wine in the taverns with showy signs + Welcome a small evil when it barred the way to a greater one +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + +End of Project Gutenberg’s In The Fire Of The Forge, Complete, by Georg Ebers + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN THE FIRE OF THE FORGE, COMPLETE *** + +***** This file should be named 5551-h.htm or 5551-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/5/5/5/5551/ + +Produced by David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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