while she gave herself up more deeply and earnestly to the
varying imaginations which flitted through her mind.

The messenger found the place already deserted; and the
strange old woman alone in the midst, laughing immoderately.
When questioned by her, she did not deny that she had all at
once taken the form of a monstrous owl, announcing to the
spectators in a screeching voice that she was the Devil--and
that every one upon this rushed screaming home.

The tire-woman trembled at the fearful jest, but durst not
return to ask again the pleasure of Hildegardis, whose
discontented mood she had already remarked. She gave strict
charge to the old woman, with many a threat and promise, to
demean herself discreetly in the castle: after which she
brought her in by the most secret way, that none of those whom
she had terrified might see her enter.

The aged crone now stood before Hildegardis, and winked to
her, in the midst of her low and humble salutation, in a
strangely familiar manner, as though there were some secret
between them. The lady felt an involuntary shudder, and could
not withdraw her gaze from the features of that hideous
countenance, hateful as it was to her. The curiosity which
had led the rest to desire a sight of the strange woman was by
no means gratified, for she performed none but the most common
tricks of jugglery, and related only well-known tales, so that
the tire-woman felt wearied and indifferent and, ashamed of
having brought the stranger, she stole away unnoticed.
Several other maidens followed her example, and, as these