"The proof! Quickly--or, upon my honor, you shall not repeat the insult a third time!"
"Do you know the Lady of Castellamare?
"Yes."
"You are betrothed to her."
"I am; what then?" asked Rechberg.
"Are you not restored to Barbarossa's favor on condition of marrying another person?"
"I--forget Hermengarde!--such an assertion does not even merit a denial."
"That is strange," said the Unknown, shaking his head.
"What else is there besides?"
"The Emperor banished you on account of your projects of marriage, and yet you are back again."