Howbeit, I felt truly grieved for him; yet, as I gazed down on him from the window, I saw that he had taken his stand without in the street, and was shaking his fist up at me till a constable saw it and sent him homewards.

Then I must first comfort Cousin Maud for this untoward scene, and suffer her to rub my wrists with wine and spirit of balm, forasmuch as they tingled like fire and were scratched by the hapless wight’s nails.  She was beside herself with rage, and the evil prediction of the master of the black arts and of star-gazing filled her with unbounded terrors.  Thus it was my part, though; the younger, to give her courage, notwithstanding the awful curse haunted me likewise, and rang in my ears even when at last I made my way through the dark streets, followed by the serving-man, to do Ann’s bidding.  My heart was heavier than it had been for many a day; for my fears were mingled with pity for that hapless soul, so skilled in much learning.  I had learned to feel other woes and joys besides my own, and I could full well picture in my mind the despair which at this hour, must wring the soul of that poor fellow.  I was glad to think that the serving-man might believe that I put my kerchief to my eyes only to wipe away the whirling snow.  At the same time, methought that for certain some new and terrible sorrow hung over us nay, never so clearly as then, after Abenberger’s violent attack, had I perceived how much alone and without protection I stood in the world.  And wherefor had Ann not come to me?  For what reason or matter had she sent for me at so late an hour?

Then, when I looked up at the Pernharts’ house; saw that the windows of the first floor which had been made ready as guest chambers some days ago, for my lord Cardinal, were lighted up, so he must have come home and now be lodging there again.

But Ann knew full well how truly I honored the reverend and illustrious uncle, and for sure if he had brought her good tidings she would forthwith have sent me word, or have come to me herself.

What then was now the matter?  In what form had the misfortune come upon us which Abenberger had read in the stars?

I lifted the knocker with a faint heart, and could scarce breathe when I had to knock three times or ever the door was opened.

How swiftly my Ann was wont to fly to me when she heard my tap!  Was she then afraid to meet me with the message of woe which my lord Cardinal had perchance received from Cairo through his chaplains there?  We had the ransom ready to be sure; yet Ursula would be almost forced, after her treacherous deed, to pursue Herdegen to his death; what could she look for if he ever came home again?  Come what might then, and were it the worst, I must set out, and that forthwith, even if I found no fellowship but Cousin Maud and Eppelein.  And to this purpose I had come, when at last the door was opened.