"There was little love lost between her father and her uncle. 'Tis said Heinrich tried to get possession of Tekla and has even had the temerity to threaten an attack upon the Archbishop because of her, but he is hardly likely to do more than bluster, for, however much the Count may lack common honesty, he is not devoid of common sense, and well knows that Arnold could crush him in his castle as a snail is crushed in its shell under an iron heel."
"The Countess Tekla," murmured the Emperor, more to himself than to his companion. "She is the most beautiful vision that ever floated before the eyes of man."
"She is betrothed to Count Bertrich, who rode at the Archbishop's left hand," said Siegfried, coldly.
"What! To that florid image carved with a broadsword? I cannot believe it. 'Twould be sacrilege."
"Rodolph, since you allow me to call you so," replied Siegfried, solemnly, "I have also heard that you yourself are hardly free."
"It is false," cried the young man, hotly. "I am pledged to none. Such thought is utterly baseless. The Princess herself would be the first to disclaim it."
"I mentioned no one."
"Perhaps not. 'Tis false nevertheless."
Two pikes, crossed, barred their entrance under the archway of the gate.
"Where from?"