A black shawl concealed her head and the upper part of her figure, and she held a bundle in her hand.
It must be Katterle.
Where was she going at this hour?
As she was carrying the package, she could scarcely intend to help in putting out the fire.

Was she stealing away from fear of punishment?
Poor thing! Even the maid was hurled into misfortune through her guilt.
It pierced her very heart.

But while she called to Katterle to stop her, something else, which engrossed her still more, diverted her attention--the loud voice of Countess Cordula reached her from the street door.

With whom was she talking?
Did the girl, who ventured upon so many things which ill-beseemed a modest maiden, intend to join the men?
Eva forgot that she, too, would have hurried to the nuns had not her father prevented it.

The countess was already standing in the courtyard.
After Eva had given her a hasty glance she again looked for the maid, but Katterle had already vanished in the darkness.