"Not at all, father; it was Pietro's wound which prevented me travelling more rapidly."
"Were you not annoyed?"
"On the contrary," she replied; "the German knights paid us every attention in their power."
"What strange people those Germans are!" said Guido. "I have often admired their courteous treatment of women. But your appearance in their camp would, of itself, bring you a host of valiant champions."
"Heaven preserve us from such chivalrous support," said Pietro, whose violent hatred for the Germans would not suffer him to listen to a word in their praise.
"To be just towards the virtues of our enemies, is no proof of either weakness or treason."
"No; but to admit the virtue of an enemy, is not becoming in a sincere patriot," replied Nigri.
Bonello knew Pietro's blind hatred for everything that was German, and had calculated upon a similar answer, the injustice of which it was most easy to show by simple facts. During their discussion, Hermengarde had approached the window, and now gave way to the emotions which she had so long controlled. The tears coursed down her cheeks, for she could see distinctly the gallows and the executioners. Raising her eyes appealingly towards Heaven, which shone clear and pure above the smiling landscape, she thought of the promised intercession of the holy abbot, and she prayed to God and the Holy Virgin, for the safety of her beloved and unfortunate father.
Her tears ceased, and in a calmer tone, she turned towards him:--
"Without doubt, the Emperor will pardon you. The Almighty knows your innocence, and will not suffer you to die the death of the guilty."