"But when I will have informed you that Hermengarde's journey----"
"Do you know where she is living?" asked Erwin.
"No; but your cousin owns property in that part of the country. It is there a fearful, mortal struggle against Alexander will take place; there, the bishops of England, Germany, and France will assemble, at Barbarossa's request, to restore peace to the Church: it is there, that Louis will meet Frederic; it is also in that direction that the Count of Champagne and his daughter are going."
"So that, without doubt, I will be near Hermengarde?"
"If you refuse to yield to Barbarossa's wishes, he will send you back to Germany."
"It is very probable. Well, be it so; I will accept the mission."
"In that case, my dear Count, I must ask you to do me a service," said the stranger.
"Speak! you have a claim to my gratitude."
"Suppose that a lady of high rank should wish to travel under your protection?"
"You only require me to fulfil one of the duties of chivalry. Where shall I meet this lady?"