His snowy hair fell in long locks over his collar of sable fur, and his short beard, cut in a point, was likewise of a silver whiteness.

When he stood up he was much taller than common, and he walked with princelike dignity.

For many years he had ceased to go to other folks' houses, nevertheless many others sought him out.

In every family of rank, excepting in his own, the Im Hoff family, wherever there was a manchild or a maid growing up they were brought to him; but of them all there were but two who dare come nigh him without fear.

These were my brother Herdegen and Ursula Tetzel; and throughout my young days she was the one soul whom mine altogether shut out.
Notwithstanding I must for justice sake confess that she grew up to be a well-favored damsel.