Keep yourself always in readiness.

No one, do you hear, no human being, not even the servants, must suspect what is going on.

I know you; you are no babbler." The artist suddenly paused and turned pale, for men's loud, angry voices were heard outside the door of the studio.
Ulrich too was startled.
The master's intention of leaving Madrid had pleased him, for it would withdraw the former from the danger that might result from his own imprudence.

But as the strife in the anteroom grew louder, he already saw the alguazils forcing their way into the studio.
Moor went towards the door, but it was thrown wide open ere he reached it, and a bearded lansquenet crossed the threshold.
Laughing scornfully, he shouted a few derisive words at the French servants who had tried to stop him, then turning to the artist, and throwing back his broad chest, he held out his arms towards Moor, with passionate ardor, exclaiming: "These French flunkies--the varlets, tried to keep me from waiting upon my benefactor, my friend, the great Moor, to show my reverence for him.

How you stare at me, Master! Have you forgotten Christmas-day at Emmendingen, and Hans Eitelfritz from Colln on the Spree ?" Every trace of anxiety instantly vanished from the face of the artist, who certainly had not recognized in this braggart the modest companion of those days.
Eitelfritz was strangely attired, so gaily and oddly dressed, that he could not fail to be conspicuous even among his comrades.