two hours after noon
Meantime , the artificial distinction which divided the two lovers -LRB- for such we may now term them -RRB- seemed dissolved , or removed , by the circumstances in which they were placed , for if the Countess boasted the higher rank , and was by birth entitled to a fortune incalculably larger than that of the youth , whose revenue lay in his sword , it was to be considered that , for the present , she was as poor as he , and for her safety , honour , and life , exclusively indebted to his presence of mind , valour , and devotion . They spoke not indeed of love , for though the young lady , her heart full of gratitude and confidence , might have pardoned such a declaration , yet Quentin , on whose tongue there was laid a check , both by natural timidity and by the sentiments of chivalry , would have held it an unworthy abuse of her situation had he said anything which could have the appearance of taking undue advantage of the opportunities which it afforded them . They spoke not then of love , but the thoughts of it were on both sides unavoidable , and thus they were placed in that relation to each other , in which sentiments of mutual regard are rather understood than announced , and which , with the freedoms which it permits , and the uncertainties that attend it , often forms the most delightful hours of human existence , and as frequently leads to those which are darkened by disappointment , fickleness , and all the pains of blighted hope and unrequited attachment . It was two hours after noon , when the travellers were alarmed by the report of the guide , who , with paleness and horror in his countenance , said that they were pursued by a party of De la Marck 's Schwarzreiters . These soldiers , or rather banditti , were bands levied in the Lower Circles of Germany , and resembled the lanzknechts in every particular , except that the former acted as light cavalry . To maintain the name of Black Troopers , and to strike additional terror into their enemies , they usually rode on black chargers , and smeared with black ointment their arms and accoutrements , in which operation their hands and faces often had their share . In morals and in ferocity these Schwarzreiters emulated their pedestrian brethren the Lanzknechts .