CHAPTER VII.

The cocks had already crowed before I fell asleep, and when I awoke Ann
was sitting in front of the mirror, plaiting her hair. I knew full well
what had led her to quit her bed so early, and, as she met her lover at
breakfast, her form and face meseemed had gained in beauty, so that I
could not take my eyes off from her. My aunt and his Excellency marked
the wonderful change which had taken effect in her that night, and the
gentleman thenceforth waited closely on Ann and sued for her favor like a
young man, in spite of his grey hair, while worthy Master Besserer
followed his ensample.

At the first favorable chance I drew Herdegen apart. Ann had already
told him that I had been witness to their first meeting again; this
indeed pleased him ill, and when I asked him as to how he purposed to
demean himself henceforth towards his betrothed, he answered that matters
had not gone so far with them; and that until he had taken his Doctor's
hood we must keep the secret I had by chance discovered closely hidden
from all the good people of Nuremberg; that much water would flow into
the sea or ere he could bid me wag my tongue, if our grand-uncle should
continue to bear the weight of his years so bravely. For the present he
was one of the happiest of men on earth, and if I loved him I must help
him to enjoy his heart's desire, and often see the lovely violet which
had bloomed so sweetly for him here in the deep heart of the forest.

His bright young spirit smiled upon my soul once more as it had done long
ago. Only his unloving mention of our grand-uncle, who had been as a
second father to him, struck to my heart, and this I said to him; adding