“Also the Emperor became more and more excited with curiosity, and with great suspense one awaited the hour, when according to mask-law, each masked guest must make himself known.  This moment came, but although all other unmasked; the secret knight still refused to allow his features to be seen, till at last the Queen driven by curiosity, and vexed at the obstinate refusal; commanded him to open his Vizier.  He opened it, and none of the high ladies and knights knew him.  But from the crowded spectators, 2 officials advanced, who recognized the black dancer, and horror and terror spread in the saloon, as they said who the supposed knight was.  It was the executioner of Bergen.  But glowing with rage, the King commanded to seize the criminal and lead him to death, who had ventured to dance, with the queen; so disgraced the Empress, and insulted the crown.  The culpable threw himself at the Emperor, and said—­

“’Indeed I have heavily sinned against all noble guests assembled here, but most heavily against you my sovereign and my queen.  The Queen is insulted by my haughtiness equal to treason, but no punishment even blood, will not be able to wash out the disgrace, which you have suffered by me.  Therefore oh King! allow me to propose a remedy, to efface the shame, and to render it as if not done.  Draw your sword and knight me, then I will throw down my gauntlet, to everyone who dares to speak disrespectfully of my king.’

“The Emperor was surprised at this bold proposal, however it appeared the wisest to him; ’You are a knave he replied after a moment’s consideration, however your advice is good, and displays prudence, as your offense shows adventurous courage.  Well then, and gave him the knight-stroke so I raise you to nobility, who begged for grace for your offense now kneels before me, rise as knight; knavish you have acted, and Knave of Bergen shall you be called henceforth, and gladly the Black knight rose; three cheers were given in honor of the Emperor, and loud cries of joy testified the approbation with which the Queen danced still once with the Knave of Bergen.”

Chapter II
Heidelberg
[Landing a Monarch at Heidelberg]

We stopped at a hotel by the railway-station.  Next morning, as we sat in my room waiting for breakfast to come up, we got a good deal interested in something which was going on over the way, in front of another hotel.  First, the personage who is called the Portier (who is not the Porter, but is a sort of first-mate of a hotel) [1.  See Appendix A] appeared at the door in a spick-and-span new blue cloth uniform, decorated with shining brass buttons, and with bands of gold lace around his cap and wristbands; and he wore white gloves, too.  He shed an official glance upon the situation, and then began to give orders.  Two women-servants came out with pails and brooms and brushes, and gave the sidewalk a thorough scrubbing; meanwhile two others scrubbed the four