n Master Rummel had commanded the servingman, who had come up
with the barrow, to tarry here and bid us likewise to the Convent; the
fellow, however, who had already made free on his way with the contents
of the jars, had tried the liquor again. And first he had tumbled
down on the frosted grass and then had laid him down to rest under the
fisherman's hut.

Rarely indeed hath a maiden gone to the cloister with a lighter heart
than I, after I had heard these tidings, and albeit there was yet cause
for fear and doubting, I could be as truly mirthful as the rest, and or
ever I jumped into my saddle again I had many a kiss from bearded lips
as a safe conduct to the Sisters. My good godfather in the overflowing
joy of his heart rushed upon me to kiss me on both cheeks and on my
brow, and I had gladly suffered it and smiled afterwards to perceive
that he would allow the barrow-man to tarry no longer.

In the Convent there was fresh rejoicing. The mist had hidden us from
their sight, and we found them all at breakfast: the gentlemen and Ann,
the lady Abbess and a novice who was the youngest daughter of Uncle
Endres Tucher of Nuremberg, and my dear cousin, well-known likewise to
Ann. Albeit the Convent was closed to all other men, it was ever open
to its lord protector. Hereupon was a right happy meeting and glad
greeting, and at the sight of Ann for the second time this day, though
it was yet young, the bright tears rolled over Uncle Christian's round
twice-double chin.

Now wheresoever a well-to-do Nuremberg citizen is taking his ease with
victuals and drink, if others join him they likewise must sit down
and eat with him, yea, if it were in hell itself. But the Convent of
Pillenreuth was a right comfortable shelter, and my lady the Abbess a
woman of high degree and fine, hospitable manners; and the table was
made longer in a winking, and laid with white napery and plates and
all befitting. None failed of appetite and thirst after the ride in the
sharp morning air, and how glad was my soul to have my Ann again safe
and unharmed.

We were seated at table by the time our horses were tied up in the
stables, and from the first minute there was a mirthful and lively
exchange of talk. For my part I forthwith fell out with the Knight von
Heideck, inasmuch as he was fain to sit betwixt Ann and me, and would
have it that a gallant knight must ever be a more welcome neighbor to a
damsel than her dearest woman-friend. And the loud c