"Let me console you, Pietro; the Count of Champagne is expected every moment."
"What matters that to me?"
"His daughter Richenza is with him; I foresee that the Emperor has designs on young Rechberg."
"Something may be made out of this circumstance," said Pietro.
"Do you think so? your eyes are at last opened to the light? You begin to understand now why I was anxious? My plans have failed! It was necessary for Erwin to leave to-morrow to avoid meeting Hermengarde; but now he must remain!"
"What have you decided to do?"
"Ask me no questions, but do as I bid, for I have no confidence in you, friend Pietro; did you speak of me to Hermengarde?"
"No; she only knows that a friend of mine, named Antonio, came here with me."
"Very well! present me at once, for there is no time to be lost."
They entered a room where two of the retainers were seated at a chess-board. Their armor hung upon the wall, and their lances stood in a corner.