Evchen of day before yesterday. So recently as that
his scheme no doubt attracted the daughter of his blood even as it
did him; she saw it with kindred eyes. Her youthful pride rejoiced
in the part she was to play of lovely lady of romance, to know that
she should become from that day a heroine of legend, her name for
long years recurring in the songs of song-loving Nuremberg. As for
the practical side of the question, she felt safe. She believed
she knew which of the master-singers was sure of election by the
majority of the masters, and him she had it in her heart to crown
with a right good-will--so recently as day before yesterday. But
to-day, at her father's "the master of your choice" she wistfully
inquires, "Dear father, _must_ it be a master?"--"Understand me
well, _a master of your choice_," the uneasy parent replies.

Magdalene is making signs from the doorway to Eva. The girl becomes
absent-minded, drops the subject in question, and suggests to her
father that he go in to supper. Vexed with himself and her, he
rises from her side. "We are not expecting any guest, are we?"
he asks, a shade querulously. "Why, surely, the Knight?"--"How is
that?"--"Did you not see him to-day?"--"No desire have I to see
him!" the troubled father mutters. Then, in a flash, two and two
leap together and make four to his startled mind. "What's this?...
Nay, thick-witted am I grown!"--"Dear little father, go in and
change your coat!" urges the pretty daughter. "Humph!" he murmurs,
now as absent-minded as she, "What is this buzzing in my head?"
and goes indoors.

Magdalene reports to Eva David's news: the Knight has been refused
admission to the guild. "God help me! What shall I do!" cries Eva,
in a sea of troubles; "Ah, Lene, the anxiety!... Where to turn
to find out something?"--"From Sachs, perhaps?"--"Ah, yes, he is
fond of me. Certainly, I will go to him."--"Beware of arousing
suspicion. Your father will notice if we stay out any longer at
present. Wait until after supper. I shall have something further to
communicate to you then, a message which a certain person charged me
with privately."--"Who?.. The Knight?"--"No, Beckmesser."--"Something
proper that must be!" the fair girl scoffs as they enter the house.

Sachs, in working-clothes, is seen moving within his shop. He orders
David to place his table and stool beside the door, and go to bed.
Reluctantly David goes off. He is troubled over Magdalene's
unaccountable behaviour