"Yes, my child, my dear Evchen. I am still at work. Why are you still awake? Ah, I know--it is about your fine new shoes that you have come, those for to-morrow!" "Nay, they look so rich and fine, I have not even tried them on." "Yet to-morrow you must wear them as a bride, you know." "Whose shoes are these that you work upon, Master Sachs," she asked, wishing to change the subject. "These are the shoes of the great Master Beckmesser," Sachs answered, smiling a little at the thought of the bumptious old fellow. "In heaven's name put plenty of pitch in them, that he may stick, and not be able to come after me," she cried. "What--you do not favour Beckmesser, then?" "That silly old man," she said scornfully. "Well, there is a very scanty batch of bachelors to sue for thee, or sing for thee," Hans answered, looking lovingly at her, with a little smile. "Well, there are some widowers," Eva said returning his friendly look. Hans laughed outright. "Ah, dear Evchen, it is not for an old chap like me to snare a young bird like thee. At the trial to-day, things did not go well," he ventured, trying to turn the conversation. Instantly Eva was all attention, and she got from him the story of Walther's failure and unfair treatment, just as Magdalene called from the house over the way. "St--st," she whispered. "Thy father has called for thee." "I'll come presently," Eva answered. Then to Hans: "But tell me, dear Hans, was there not one who was his friend? Is there no hope?" "No master has hope among other masters," Hans replied, sorrowfully. "I fear there is nothing for him but to give thee up." Hans knew well that Eva loved the knight. "What man has a friend, whose own greatness makes other men feel small?" he asked still more sadly. "It is the way with men." "It is shameful," she cried angrily, and hurried across the street. Hans closed the upper half of his door, so that he was almost shut in, and only a little light showed through. "Eva," Magdalene called at the house door, "that Beckmesser has been here to say he is coming to serenade you, and to win your love. Did ever one hear of such a ridiculous rascal." "I will not hear him," Eva declared angrily. "I will not. I am going to see Walther to-night, and I will not see Beckmesser. Look out and see if any one is coming." Walther was at that moment coming round the corner of the path, and Eva rushed toward him. "You have heard--that I may not sing to win thee?" he said under his breath, for fear Pogner should hear him. At that moment the horn of the Night Warder was heard, which assured them that the town was all quiet and people gone to bed. "It does not matter, I have made up my mind. I will never give the victor's crown to any one but thee, and so we shall flee together--this night, at once, before it is too late." Walther, beside himself with joy, looked after her while she hurried into the house to get ready for flight. The Night Warder came round the house corner.