d kindred--this my uncle whispered to me
as he went off after the jousting to attend the King, who had sent for
him. The old man had seen nought of Herdegen's doings with Ann, by reason
that he and old Tetzel had both been seated on the same side of the
lists, and the tall helmets and feathers had hidden the young folks from
his sight. So assurance and contentment even yet beamed in his eye.

The tourney had lasted a long time. I scarce had time enough to change my
weed for the dance. Till this day I had sported like a fish in this
torrent of turmoil and pleasure; but to-day I was weary. My body was in
pain with my spirit, and I would fain have staid at home; but I minded me
of the Queen who, albeit she was so much older, and was watched by
all--every one expecting that she should be gracious--in her heavy royal
array, went through all this of which I was so weary.

Meanwhile a great storm had burst upon us and passed over; all creatures
were refreshed, and I likewise uplifted my head and breathed more freely.
The fencing school--a great square chamber, as it is to this day, with
places all round for the folk to look on--was lighted up as bright as
day. My lover and I, now in right good heart once more, paced through the
Polish dance led by the King and Queen. Ann's mother had been compelled
to stay at home, to tend the master's old mother, and my friend had come
under Cousin Maud's protection. She was led out to dance by Junker
Henning; his fellow country-man, Sir Apitz von Rochow, walked with Ursula
and courted her with unfailing ardor. Franz von Welemisl, who was wont to
creep like her shadow, and who was again a guest at the Tetzels' house,
had been kept within doors by the cough that plagued him. Likewise I
looked in vain for Herdegen.

The first dance indeed was ended when he came in with my great-uncle; but
the old knight looked less confidently than he had done in the morning.

Ann was pale, but, meseemed fairer than ever in a dress of
pomegranate-red and white brocade, sent to her from Italy by her
step-father's brother, My lord Bishop, by the hand of Cardinal Branda. As
soon as I had presently begun to speak with her, she was carried off by
Junker Henning, and at that same moment my grand-uncle came towards me to
ask who was that fair damsel of such noble beauty with whom I was but now
speaking. He had never till now beheld Ann close at hand, and how gladly
did I reply that this was the daughter of Pernhart