CHAPTER X.

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.

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.

The city clerk accompanied them to the great entrance door of the Town Hall.

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.

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.