"Circumstances! May I ask you again for some explanations?"
"It is on account of an unfortunate lady, who up to the present moment has travelled under my protection."
"I scarcely expected, Count, that this mysterious person would play such a trick as this, and carry you away from us. Believe me, I am seriously interested in her troubles, on account of the influence she appears to exercise over you. You say that she is to be pitied; what is the cause of her sorrow?"
"The most terrible which can possibly afflict a wife. I cannot say more."
"Has she been married?"
"Yes; and she has always been amiable, faithful, but now is most unfortunate."
Richenza breathed more easily. She had no cause for uneasiness; Erwin was still free.
"The interest you take in this misfortune is very praiseworthy," she said.
"Grant me leave, noble lady; this unhappy woman's only hope is in Pope Alexander's sympathy and protection; I ought to accompany her to his court, and I must go without delay."
"Pope Alexander should be in the Imperial camp at Laon; are we not going in that direction?" asked Richenza.