hath an end on Saint John's eve, by
reason that ye will then have nought left to lose!"

Here Abenberger's raving came to a sudden end. His outcry had brought
up Cousin Maud, and when she opened the door behind him and saw a man
standing in my way, she clutched him from behind, throwing her arms
about him, and dragged him out of the chamber. Meanwhile she shrieked
aloud "Fire!" and "Murder!" and again "Fire!" and all the men and
wenches ran up in hot haste and had the gold-maker down the stairs fast
enough.

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