"You will need all your courage, but I must tell you the truth."
"Explain yourself!"
"Yesterday I met Pietro, who was once betrothed to Hermengarde."
"I beg your pardon, sir; Pietro never was her betrothed."
"Well, at any rate, he is now."
"Villain!" said Erwin, growing pale, and grasping his sword-hilt.
"Is this your idea of gratitude, my lord? Through interest for you, I communicate something of importance, and by way of thanks you seize your sword!--Farewell, Count!"
"Stop a moment!--Ah! what is this you tell me? Pardon my violence, but my heart is broken."
"Pietro himself has assured me that Hermengarde regrets her engagement to one who is related to the tyrant, the scourge of her country, the persecutor of the Church."
Rechberg was thunderstruck; he was unable to speak.