"The accomplishment of a great design."
"Which has reference to Hermengarde?"
"Since you mention her name, I will confess that it has. But compose yourself; nothing is lost yet; as we return to Laon to-morrow, we shall have time enough to see your betrothed and remind her of her promises."
Erwin grew pale and red by turns, and then became very serious. Turning his back upon the Italian, he walked towards the window to reflect.
"May I ask," inquired Antonio, after a brief pause, "whether you will leave to-morrow?"
"Leave! and what for?" answered Rechberg, dreamily. "Ah! well,--yes, to-morrow."
And he left Antonio, who soon after might have been seen upon the road leading from Cluny to the neighboring village. Accustomed to pick up information from every source, he approached a man who was going in the same direction as himself.
"Do you know," said the stranger, "that they wish to capture the person of His Holiness? The Count of Champagne is on his way with a strong party of knights and varlets to seize and give him up to the Emperor, who will put him to death."
"That is a very likely story, my good man!"
"You think it is an invention of mine, do you?--But I tell you that I saw him and his daughter Richenza in the village last night."