nker Henning von Beust, in token of penitence." The
words were spoken clearly and steadfastly; all were silent, and I will
confess that as Ursula gave her answer to the Junker with beaming eyes
and quivering lips, never had I seen her more fair. It could plainly be
seen by her heaving bosom how gladly she gave free vent to her old
cherished grudge; and that she had in truth wounded the maid she hated to
the very soul, Ann showed by her deathly paleness. Yet found she not a
word in reply; and while Ursula was speaking, meseemed in the fullness of
my wrath and grief as though a cloud were rising before my eyes. But so
soon as she ceased and my eyes met the triumphant look in hers, my mind
suddenly grew clear again, and never heeding the multitude that stood
about us, I went a step forward, and cried: "We all thank you, Junker;
you have taken the worthier part; the only part, Ursula," and I looked
her sternly in the face, "the only part which I would have a friend of
mine take, or any true heart."

The Junker bowed, and with a reproachful glance at Ursula he said: "Would
to God I might never have a harder choice to make!" Whereupon he turned
his back on her and went up to Ann; but Ursula again laughed loudly and
called after him in defiance: "Oh! may heaven ever keep your wits clear
when you have to choose, and especially when you have to discern on the
high-road betwixt what is your own and what belongs to other folks."

The blood mounted to the Junker's face, and, as with a hasty gesture he
smoothed back the fierce hair on his lip, methought he might seem the
same as when he rose in his saddle to rush down on our merchants' wains;
for indeed it was the Beusts, with the Alvenslebens, their near
kinsfolks, who had fallen upon the train of waggons belonging to the
Muffels and the Tetzels, near Juterbock, not a year ago.

But, hotly as his blood boiled, the Junker refrained himself, inasmuch as
knightly courtesy forbade him to repay Ursula in the like coin; and as it
fell Cousin Maud was enabled to aid him in this praiseworthy selfrule.
She came forward with long strides, and her eyes flashed wrathful
threats, till meseemed they were more fiery than the jewels in the tall
plumes she wore on her head. She thrust aside the young men and maid who
made up the Court of Love as a swift ship cuts through the small fry in
the water. Without let or pause she pushed on, and as soon as she caught
sight of Ann she seized her by the arm