"Compose yourself, Count, and be a man! Perhaps Pietro has exaggerated."
"Oh! if I could only know the truth."
"I have some business to attend to, to-morrow, at La Flèche. Hermengarde is there, and I will announce to her your arrival at Laon. From her manner of receiving the news, her looks and actions, I can judge whether Pietro's assertions are true or false."
"Thanks, dear Antonio; I shall be greatly indebted to you for the service."
"Make yourself perfectly easy on this point, and trust to me."
"Where shall I hear from you?"
"Here; do not leave the castle until I see you again."
"The time will seem very long. Farewell."
Antonio hurriedly crossed the park in the direction of Laon. Pietro was waiting for him at the gate.
"Well, Antonio, what have you done?" he asked.