"A miracle, my dear Antonio; when you know it you will be surprised, and, it may be, somewhat provoked."
"I will wager that your master has been doing something absurd; is not that the case?"
"Yes, you have guessed it. My master and the lady of Castellamare are on their way to Cluny; I was sent ahead to announce to you this masterpiece of diplomacy."
Antonio looked at Griffi with amazement, and then broke out, angrily.
"This is a beautiful piece of business, indeed! That ass never had any brains! He will spoil everything! The young girl will come here; she will meet the Count, and all my plans will be thwarted. What imprudence! I suppose he has told her that Rechberg is here with the Duchess, and that on his return he is to marry Richenza; is that it?
"Yes, all but the marriage."
"That's it; he concealed the only thing which he ought to have told."
"Oh, he talked of nothing but Erwin and Richenza, Richenza and Erwin."
"Well, what then?"
"Then! oh, Hermengarde asserted that she was under a vow to make a pilgrimage to Cluny, and that she would no longer delay it."