hould she alone be debarred from
even speaking on the subject,--not even to know anything about it? No,
it was too bad of her mother; who now forbad her knowing anything about
such affairs, when but a moment before she had not objected to her
standing upon tiptoes to look over her shoulder. But, as it often
happens that prohibition excites transgression, so Barbelle was
determined not to rest satisfied until she had discovered why the young
knight regarded his scarf with such enraptured eyes.

The breakfast of the young man was, in the meantime, ready, wanting
only a can of wine to complete it; this was also soon provided; for,
though the fifer of Hardt was a man of low condition, he was not so
poor that his cellar could not produce a bottle or two upon
extraordinary occasions. The girl carried the wine and bread, whilst
her mother, dressed in her complete Sunday's attire, preceded her
daughter into the room, bearing the dish of oatmeal porridge in both
hands.

Albert had some difficulty to dispense with the ceremonious respect,
which the fifer's wife thought was due to such a distinguished guest.
She had once served in the castle of Neuffen, and knew what good
manners were, and therefore remained on the threshold of the door, with
the smoking hot dish in her hands, until the young man positively
ordered her to approach. Her daughter stood blushing behind the round
plump matron, and her confused countenance was only occasionally
visible to Albert when her mother curtsied very low. She also followed
her mother through the number of requisite ceremonies, but felt,
perhaps, less embarrassment now than she might have done, had she not
had half an hour's previous conversation with their guest.

Barbelle covered the table with a clean cloth, and put the porridge and
wine before Albert, who was to sit on the end of the bench under the
crucifix, which hung on the wall. She then stuck a curiously carved
wooden spoon into it, which, standing unassisted upright, was a proof
that the meal was of the best cooking. When the young man had seated
himself, the mother and daughter also took their places at the table to
partake of the breakfast, but placed themselves at a respectful
distance, not forgetting to put the salt between them and their
distinguished guest, for such was the custom in the good old times.

During the time that each was occupied with their repast, Albert had
sufficient opportunity to make a few passing observati