But she resolved to take no step without mature reflection.

She was deliberating whether she could communicate her secret to Father Omehr, without so surprising him as to excite remark, when he rose and left the room.
The Lady Margaret was detained to hear some verses improvised to herself, which she rewarded with a slight token; she then withdrew, without raising her eyes to Gilbert.

After she had disappeared, the baron dismissed the guests and retained the minstrel.

Seizing this opportunity, Humbert told Gilbert he might retire until he was called, and the youth passed out, leaving behind only a few favorite retainers with Sir Sandrit and the minnesinger.

As the door closed behind him, Gilbert found himself in a long and dimly lighted corridor.