"Not at all," answered Rechberg; "the prisoner belongs to me, and to me only!"
At this moment the Chancellor reappeared.
"The Emperor desires your immediate presence," he said.
"Very well, my lord; I will obey at once. As for you, my lord Bonello, go to the consul Nigri and inform him upon what conditions he can obtain his release. Gero, show this gentleman the way to Berthold's quarters; I will be there soon myself."
"Be prudent, young man," said Dassel, after Guido had left them. "Take my advice, and comply with your godfather's wishes. You know that everything should give way before State reasons."
"It is well; let us go on," replied Erwin.
"I would deeply regret should your interest for this Italian lady prompt you to refuse to accede to the Imperial desires. I beg you to be prudent, and do nothing which might compromise your good fortune."
Rechberg was silent, and they entered the Emperor's apartment. With a gracious smile, Frederic motioned them to approach.
"We are not altogether satisfied with you, Erwin; you keep up an intimacy with one who has incurred our Imperial displeasure, and even receive the traitor's visit in our own quarters. And, more than this, we are inexpressibly surprised at these projects of marriage with Bonello's daughter, whose invitation, on the part of the Empress, to visit the Court has displeased us. We desire and insist that such things do not occur again."
Rechberg heard this sharp rebuke in silence.