When he arrived at the village, Pietro hailed him from a window, and on his entrance received him with every demonstration of friendship.
"Let me recover a little, my dear Pietro; it is all so extraordinary, that my ideas are somewhat confused."
"Are you mad, Antonio?--Look me in the face! Come!"
"I am undone! I cannot repair what you have compromised. And why did you tell Hermengarde that Erwin was at Cluny? Your mistake has spoiled everything."
"Enough, Antonio, enough! I know that I have made a mistake; why then do you take pleasure in increasing my regrets for it."
"Let me console you, Pietro; the Count of Champagne is expected every moment."
"His daughter Richenza is with him; I foresee that the Emperor has designs on young Rechberg."
"Something may be made out of this circumstance," said Pietro.
"Do you think so? your eyes are at last opened to the light? You begin to understand now why I was anxious? My plans have failed! It was necessary for Erwin to leave to-morrow to avoid meeting Hermengarde; but now he must remain!"
"Ask me no questions, but do as I bid, for I have no confidence in you, friend Pietro; did you speak of me to Hermengarde?"
"No; she only knows that a friend of mine, named Antonio, came here with me."
"Very well! present me at once, for there is no time to be lost."
They entered a room where two of the retainers were seated at a chess-board. Their armor hung upon the wall, and their lances stood in a corner.
"Ubaldo, ask the waiting-woman if your mistress will receive my friend?" said Pietro to one of the soldiers.
In a few moments the soldier returned with an affirmative reply.
They then proceeded to a sumptuously furnished apartment, where Hermengarde was awaiting them. She rose as they entered, and greeted Antonio with a friendly smile. As she resumed her seat, Hedwige placed two chairs for the visitors.
"This is my friend Antonio, noble lady," said Pietro; "he accompanied Count Rechberg to Cluny, and I had the good fortune to meet him in the street."
"I am happy, my lord Pietro, to receive your friend. But what business has brought Count Rechberg here?"
"He came with the Duchess of Saxony, who, divorced and banished by her husband, has sought the Pope's protection.--It was a duty he owed to chivalry," the Italian added, "and the more meritorious that Rechberg travelled without, or rather against the consent of the Emperor."