"I am a student of Wilna University, traveling according to custom of
the college, through Germany and to make the Italian Art Tour. I am
Claudius Ruprecht."

"Not noble?" she inquired, sadly, on hearing two Christian names and
none of family, for her people treasure the pride of ancestry.

"I am an orphan. I never knew my family. Perhaps, as I am of age, I
shall soon be informed. But--"

"Enough! time is getting on, and we cannot long stay in privacy
here--the passage-way for the performers. This is Freyers' Hall, where I
sing--where I was a player. But my father can speak to you in the public
room and see to your safety--for I fear this night's affair will end
ill. But do not you fear! neither my father nor I have the powerlessness
which that noble ruffian seemed to think is ours. You, at least, shall
be saved--even though you killed that brute."

"I do not think that, unless his head is not so hard as his heart."

She opened a narrow door in the dirty wall. It was brighter in the
capacious place thus shown.

"Go in and sit down anywhere. My father will be with you in a few
minutes. We were so delayed that they feared we would not arrive for
'our turn.' They were glad of the excuse--I fancy they were told it
might occur--and they are trying to break our agreement. But never mind!
that is but a bread-and-butter business for us. For you, it will be life
and death, if that officer be slain."