weetheart, that was
Ann. Such an entreaty amazed us greatly, yet, when he told us that she
would go no whither with him save under our care, and that everything
depended on his learning this very hour how he stood with her, we did
his will. And he likewise told us that he had not indeed given his word
that morning to my grand-uncle and Jost Tetzel, but had only pledged his
word that he would give them his answer next day.

So presently Hans and I stole out behind the pair, out into the road.
I, for my part, was well content and thankful and, when we beheld them
accuse and answer each other right doughtily, we laughed, and were
agreed that Aunt Jacoba's counsel had led to a good issue; and I told my
Hans that I should myself take a lesson from all this and let the smart
Junkers and Knights make love to me to their hearts' content, if ever I
should be moved to play him a right foolish trick.

Presently, when we had many times paced the road to and fro the
Pernharts' house, Ann was minded to knock at the door; but behold she
was saved the pains. Mistress Henneleinlein just then came out whereas
she had been helping Dame Giovanna to tend the sick grandmother. The
lantern Eppelein carried in front of us was not so bright as the sun,
yet could I see full plainly the old woman's venomous eye; and what high
dudgeon sounded in her voice! Each one had his meed, even my Hans, to
whom she cried: "Keep thy bride out of Porro's way, Master Haller. It
ill-beseems the promised wife of a worshipful Councillor to be casting
her lot in with a Fool! Howbeit, to laugh is better than to weep, and
he laughs longest who laughs last!" And thereupon she herself laughed
loudly and, with a scornful nod to Ann, turned her back on us.

All was still in Master Pernharts' house; he himself had gone to rest.
At Herdegen's bidding we followed him into the hall, and there he
clasped Ann to his heart, and declared to us that now, and henceforth
for ever, they were one. Whereupon we each and all embraced; but my
friend clung longest to me, and whispered in my ear that she was happier
than ever she could deserve to be. Herdegen asked me whether now he had
made all right, and whether I would be the same old Margery again? And I
right gladly put up my lips for his to kiss; and the returned prodigal,
who had come back to that which was his best portion, was like one drunk
with wine. He was beside himself with joy, so that he clasped first me
and then Hans in