"The pretext was a good one,"
"Then my master offered to accompany the young person."
"And she refused?"
"Two or three times, but Pietro insisted. They will be here to-morrow at the latest, and my master promises to conduct the affair to your entire satisfaction. You may count upon his gratitude."
Antonio smiled as he heard the last words, for he knew that Pietro possessed immense wealth in Lombardy.
"The affair has miscarried," he said to himself, pacing the room. "But Hermengarde cannot lodge in the cloister; she must stay in the village, and as Cluny opens its gates but once a week to women, it will be a mere chance if she and Rechberg meet."
He turned towards Griffi. "Where are you living?" he asked. "Near the gate; one of the windows overlooks the street."
"Be on the lookout, and let me know as soon as they arrive."