After this tourney there was to be a grand dance in the School of Arms, to which their Majesties were bidden with all the princes, knights, and notables of the Diet, and the patricians of the town.  Next day, being Saint Clara’s day, there would be a great feast at the Tetzels’ house by reason that it was the name-day of Dame Clara, Ursula’s grandmother, and the eldest of their kin.  At this banquet Herdegen’s betrothal was to be announced to all their friends and kindred—­this my uncle whispered to me as he went off after the jousting to attend the King, who had sent for him.  The old man had seen nought of Herdegen’s doings with Ann, by reason that he and old Tetzel had both been seated on the same side of the lists, and the tall helmets and feathers had hidden the young folks from his sight.  So assurance and contentment even yet beamed in his eye.

The tourney had lasted a long time.  I scarce had time enough to change my weed for the dance.  Till this day I had sported like a fish in this torrent of turmoil and pleasure; but to-day I was weary.  My body was in pain with my spirit, and I would fain have staid at home; but I minded me of the Queen who, albeit she was so much older, and was watched by all—­every one expecting that she should be gracious—­in her heavy royal array, went through all this of which I was so weary.

Meanwhile a great storm had burst upon us and passed over; all creatures were refreshed, and I likewise uplifted my head and breathed more freely.  The fencing school—­a great square chamber, as it is to this day, with places all round for the folk to look on—­was lighted up as bright as day.  My lover and I, now in right good heart once more, paced through the Polish dance led by the King and Queen.  Ann’s mother had been compelled to stay at home, to tend the master’s old mother, and my friend had come under Cousin Maud’s protection.  She was led out to dance by Junker Henning; his fellow country-man, Sir Apitz von Rochow, walked with Ursula and courted her with unfailing ardor.  Franz von Welemisl, who was wont to creep like her shadow, and who was again a guest at the Tetzels’ house, had been kept within doors by the cough that plagued him.  Likewise I looked in vain for Herdegen.

The first dance indeed was ended when he came in with my great-uncle; but the old knight looked less confidently than he had done in the morning.

Ann was pale, but, meseemed fairer than ever in a dress of pomegranate-red and white brocade, sent to her from Italy by her step-father’s brother, My lord Bishop, by the hand of Cardinal Branda.  As soon as I had presently begun to speak with her, she was carried off by Junker Henning, and at that same moment my grand-uncle came towards me to ask who was that fair damsel of such noble beauty with whom I was but now speaking.  He had never till now beheld Ann close at hand, and how gladly did I reply that this was the daughter of Pernhart the town Councillor and she to whom Herdegen had plighted his faith.