Master and man found an empty table apart from the other guests, in a niche midway down the rear wall.

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.

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!”

“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.”

“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.”

“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.”

Here he paused, for the bar-maid brought a two-branched candelabrum, in which burned two tallow candles.

Heinz instantly opened the little roll.