"I will see the Duke of Austria at once. He will be delighted to do all in his power for one who has become so celebrated for her filial affection as your fair daughter."
"Many thanks, noble Count! Well! Hermengarde, have you not one word of acknowledgment for our benefactor?"
"My lord Count," said she, with a trembling voice, "even could I find words in which to clothe my gratitude, my voice would express imperfectly all the feelings of my heart. We will never forget you, and each day our prayers will mount to the throne of that God in whose hands is the destiny of all mortals."
"Well said, daughter, you are right. Could I be fortunate enough, Count, to gratify one of your wishes?--Come," continued Bonello, seeing that Erwin was too agitated to speak, "you should at least have courage enough to ask me, but I think I can reward you? Well, if you won't, I must; take her, my son! My children, I betroth you in the sight of Heaven, and before this assemblage."
The people applauded, as Erwin took her hand; he had forgotten the past, and his eyes shone with a courage and a determination which would have defied the universe.
"My dear Bonello, I leave you, full of hope in a brighter future! Farewell, Hermengarde, and fear nothing; our separation will be only a brief one."
He mounted and rode away, followed by the cheers and good wishes of the crowd.
CHAPTER XXVIII.
THE POPULACE IN THE TWELFTH CENTURY.
The Milanese were profoundly discouraged by the Chancellor's disloyal conduct and the forcible abduction of their consuls; while the rigid enforcement of the blockade by the Imperial troops rendered the introduction of supplies a matter of impossibility.