They dismounted, and Gherardo Nigri was released upon his engagement to return, provided Hermengarde was not immediately given up to her father.
"Since you refuse to enter within the city," said Nigri to Erwin, "wait here for a few minutes, and you will be assured of the lady's liberation. Accept my thanks for the energy with which you defended your honor and my safety against Barbarossa."
Erwin seated himself upon a stone in front of the gate, with his face towards the city, in anxious expectation. At last he heard a loud noise, the massive portals swung back, and Bonello appeared, leading his daughter by the hand, while a crowd of wondering citizens lined the ramparts. The young man rose slowly. The thought of their separation and his arbitrary exile saddened him.
"Everything goes on as I desired and predicted," said Bonello. "Hermengarde is glad to leave the country from which you are banished. Indeed, I believe that, in spite of all obstacles, she would prefer Suabia to France."
"Are those obstacles insurmountable?" asked Erwin. "Although the ward and vassal of the Emperor, I alone am master in my father's castle."
"It is impossible," replied Bonello, gravely. "You have told me what the Emperor has said, and I fully understand the reasons for which he has sent you away from Italy. Barbarossa is not a man to allow his plans to be thwarted, and we should scarcely arrive in Suabia, before an order for our expulsion would be issued."
Erwin's countenance fell, for he could not deny the truth of the objection.
"Still you can do us a great service," said Guido. "The roads are not safe, and perhaps you can procure an escort?"
"I will attend to that," answered Rechberg; "when do you wish to set out?"
"To-day, without fail; and the sooner the better."