The old woman knew nothing of this, but only that he had gone the night before to reconnoitre; where he was to play the spy she did not know, on whom perhaps she guessed.
"You're sure he never came back ?" she asked her daughter.
"He never came back that I saw," answered the girl.

"And I was on the watch with my lamp here in the shop till it grew light." "He's twelve hours gone now, and never a message! Ay, and Count Rupert should be here soon, and he'll be in a fine taking if Bauer's not back." The girl made no answer; she had finished her task and stood in the doorway, looking out on the street.

It was past eight, and many people were about, still for the most part humble folk; the more comfortably placed would not be moving for an hour or two yet.

In the road the traffic consisted chiefly of country carts and wagons, bringing in produce for the day's victualling of the great city.

The girl watched the stream, but her thoughts were occupied with the stately gentleman who had come to her by night and asked a service of her.