noon
The girl 's poverty was no disadvantage ; she and her brother had long found it difficult to know what to do with the vast wealth which , even in these hard times , was constantly increasing , and the Blomberg family was as aristocratic as their own . The widow 's effort to persuade the girl to ride had not been in vain , for Wolf met Frau Kastenmayr on the stairs , and Barbara followed in a plain dark riding habit , which had been her mother 's . So , in spite of Maestro Appenzelder , Miss Self-Will had really determined to leave the city . Her hasty information that the Emperor did not wish to hear the choir at noon somewhat relieved his mind ; but when , in answer to his no less hasty question about the singing at the late meal , the answer came , `` What is that to me ? '' he perceived that the sensitiveness which yesterday had almost led her to a similar step had now urged her to an act that might cause Appenzelder great embarrassment , and rob her forever of the honour of singing before their Majesties . While the very portly Frau Kastenmayr went panting down the narrow stairs , Wolf again stopped Barbara with the question why she so carelessly trifled with what might be the best piece of good fortune in her life , and shook his head doubtfully as , tossing hers higher , with self-important pride she answered low enough not to be heard by the widow , `` Because a ride through the green woods in the month of May is pleasanter than to sing into vacancy at midnight unheeded . '' Here the high , somewhat shrill voice of Frau Kastenmayr , who felt jealous in her brother 's behalf at hearing Barbara whispering with the young knight , interrupted them .