The Count expressed his thanks and proceeded at once to Richenza's apartments, where he expected to find Hermengarde.
To his great surprise he was informed that the Count of Champagne, with all his retinue, had started at an early hour for Laon, and that the young Italian had returned to the neighboring village.
He repaired there at once, and on his entrance to the inn was received by Hedwige, who informed him that her mistress was quite unwell, and had not yet left her chamber.
"But I will tell her," she said, "that you are here."
Erwin paced the room until the servant announced that her lady would receive him.
"Great heavens!" said Hedwige, "how she has suffered! I have always maintained that you would not be false to your plighted word, and that in spite of Richenza's relationship to the king of France, she could not make you forget your betrothed."
"I cannot understand you, Hedwige. How could you entertain such an idea?"
"Pietro assured us that you wanted to marry Richenza, and Antonio confirmed his story. Besides, you stayed for several days in her father's castle and refused to receive us, and then Richenza came to Cluny with you."
"Now I understand it all," said Erwin; "ah! the wretched knave!"
The door opened, and Hermengarde entered. She was dressed simply in white, with a blue sash around her waist.
"Pardon me, dearest," said the Count, tenderly; "pardon me for all I have made you suffer." But Hermengarde was already assured of Erwin's innocence before he had even spoken.
"Count," she replied, "you need make no excuses; only tell me why I did not see you yesterday?"
"Then Antonio did not carry you my message?"
"Most certainly not! You seem surprised, Hermengarde; but you do not know all. That villain Antonio was in a plot to separate us, and his measures were skilfully taken."
"Fortune sometimes favors the wicked," said the noble girl. "But was the arrival of Richenza merely the result of chance?"
"It may have been a part of the plot! I intended to return to Laon, and was taking my leave, when--"
He suddenly paused, for the recollection of the scene in the garden seemed painfully depicted on Hermengarde's features. She sat down and gazed silently at her lover, whose attentions to the young Countess she had fancied meant more than was called for by the mere requirements of chivalrous courtesy. But it was impossible to cherish a suspicion of Erwin's loyalty after his frank and honest explanations.