and stuck them in the
clothes of their victim, as well as in her fair hair. The rich curls of
the prisoner fell down at which she shrieked out with rage.

"Now, Clara, don't be so rude," cried one of the maidens. Then suddenly
they became aware of the presence of the young man, who looked on at
the spectacle with mingled feelings of curiosity and displeasure. The
handsome stranger hastened towards them with quick steps as if he would
release the prisoner. Immediately the impudent jades scattered and
raced back towards the court of the convent. The prisoner followed also
slowly and bashfully, whilst rolling up her golden hair with her
delicate white hands. Thereupon one of her wild companions banged the
door in her face and called out: "Much pleasure, wayside-loiterer, go
round to the tower-entrance, no bewitched maiden is allowed through
here." And loudly laughing the maidens were heard racing off. The
angered girl stamped her small foot and turning round, beheld the tall
handsome stranger, standing so close to her, that she drew back
affrighted.

"Now are you my prisoner, beauteous maiden," said the stranger
laughing.

The pretty young creature cast a look out of her large blue eyes still
wet with tears at the handsome man, then raised her head a trifle
higher and said: "My companions can make me a prisoner, but not you. Go
your way and give me place."

"Certainly, beauteous maiden, if you will however point my way out to
me. You are certain to know where Master Laurenzano lives." An angry
blush crept at these words into the cheeks of the young maiden, as with
a haughty movement of her shoulders she answered:

"You misapply what you overheard. You are no true knight. Make way
there."

Horrified at the effect of his remarks Felix hastened to answer. "Do
you feel insulted at my asking about that gentleman?" The young girl
rudely turned her back on him and knocked at the door. Then it suddenly
occurred to him, whose black eyes had been meant, and he felt a lively
sympathy for the pretty child. "They do not hear you," he said, "and
nothing was further my intention than to laugh at you. I am the
architect Laurenzano, and only came to visit my brother who is your
convent-preacher. As your companions have shut me out with you, I only
beg of you to show me the gate, through which I can come to him,
without breaking the rules of the Nunnery."

These words sounded so politely cold, that the poor young thing now
felt,