"Yes, and that is what I mean to do," replied Hermengarde, who seemed to have all at once regained her courage. "Wait for one moment, gentlemen; I will be back again soon;" and she left the room.
"You have done a stupid thing," said Pietro. "If she succeeds in entering the garden----"
"Pshaw! she cannot get over a ten-foot wall."
"And if Rechberg were to perceive her?"
"He! his eyes are not clear enough to see so far."
Hermengarde returned in a few minutes, and at once set out, followed by the two Italians and her nurse Hedwige.
In a short time they were on the road which overlooked the garden. Antonio led the way to an elevation, from which they could see all the adjoining country, and the young girl followed, without heeding the words which the spy still continued to address to her. Suddenly she paused, and then, before her companions could interfere, ran towards a little gate in the cloister-wall.
As soon as Antonio perceived her intention, and that the door was open, he sprang towards her.
"For the love of God!" he cried, "where are you going? Your entrance into the convent may have disastrous results!"
She turned her head a little, glanced at Antonio, and disappeared. Hedwige and Pietro followed, but the other remained behind.