During these May days the Hoogstraten mansion was the quietest of all the houses in quiet Nobelstrasse.

By the orders of Doctor Bontius and the sick lady's attorney, a mixture of straw and sand lay on the cause-way before it.

The windows were closely curtained, and a piece of felt hung between the door and the knocker.

The door was ajar, but a servant sat close behind it to answer those who sought admission.
On a morning early in May the musician, Wilhelm Corneliussohn, and Janus Dousa turned the corner of Nobelstrasse.

Both men were engaged in eager conversation, but as they approached the straw and sand, their voices became lower and then ceased entirely.
"The carpet we spread under the feet of the conqueror Death," said the nobleman.