Never had the children seen her more extravagantly gay than after her resolve to leave them.  Yet when, at a late hour, Kuni went to bed, the old housekeeper heard her weeping so piteously in her chamber that she rose to ask what had happened.  But the girl did not even open her door, and declared that she had probably had the nightmare.

During the next few days she sometimes appeared more cheerful and docile, sometimes more dull and troubled than her household companions had ever seen her.  Frau Schurstab shook her head over her protegee’s varying moods.  But when the month of May began, and Lienhard told his aunt that Loni, who had only remained in Nuremberg during Lent to spend the time when all public performances were prohibited, had applied to the Council for permission to give exhibitions with his company Easter week in the Haller Meadows, the matron was troubled about her protegee’s peace of mind.  Her nephew had had the same thought, and advised her to move to her country estate, that Kuni might see and hear nothing of the jugglers; but she had noticed the clown with other members of the company, as they passed through the streets on foot and mounted on horses and donkeys, inviting the people, with blare of trumpets and beating of drums, to witness the wonderful feats which Loni’s famous band of artists would perform.

Then Kuni packed her bundle.  But when she heard the next morning that, before going to the country, Frau Schurstab would attend the christening of her youngest grandson, and spend the whole day with the daughter who was the little boy’s mother, she untied it.

One sunny May morning she was left alone, as she had expected.  She could not be invited to the ceremony with the other guests, and she would not join the servants.  The housekeeper and most of the men and maids had accompanied their mistress to help in the kitchen and to wait upon the visitors.  Deep silence reigned throughout the great empty house, but Kuni’s heart had never throbbed so loudly.  If Lienhard came now, her fate would be decided, and she knew that he must come.  Just before noon, he really did rap with the knocker on the outer door.  He wanted the christening gift, which Frau Schurstab had forgotten to take for the infant.  The money was in the chest in the matron’s room.  Kuni led the way.  The house seemed to reel around her as she went up the stairs behind him.  The next moment, she felt, must decide her destiny.

Now he laid his hand upon the doorknob, now he opened the door.  The widow’s chamber was before her.  Thick silk curtains shut out the bright May sunshine from the quiet room.  How warm and pleasant it was!

She already saw herself in imagination kneeling by his side before the chest to help him search.  While doing so, his fingers might touch hers, perhaps her hair might brush against his.  But, instead of entering, he turned to her with careless unconcern, saying: 

“It is fortunate that I have found you alone.  Will you do me a favour, girl?”