"You perceive, then, that Pietro's claim to the young lady somewhat palliates his violence."

"Yes! yes! naturally."

"Still, what he has done is unworthy of a knight, and I count upon your generosity not to make the father responsible for--"

"No; but your son's action will in some degree modify the conditions of your release. Excuse me for a moment. My friend Berthold will, during my absence, discharge the duties of host."

"With pleasure, Count," said Berthold; "I look upon it as an honor to entertain your prisoner."

Erwin mounted and rode over to the Imperial tent; for he wished to be alone for a short time. On his arrival, Gero announced that a Guelphic knight urgently desired to see him.

"You are not wounded, I trust, my lord?" said the squire, as he was taking off his armor.

"No!"

"It is a pity that your duel was prevented. But perhaps the Unknown has not come off scot-free, and indeed he may have been killed or captured, for we have taken prisoner a great many knights."

"That will do now, Gero; you may put away the armor and then leave me.

I wish to be alone."

The squire obeyed without another word; for he had never seen his master so sorrowful and dispirited.

"May I bring the stranger in when he returns?" he asked, as he was retiring.

"Yes," replied the knight, seating himself sadly in a chair, and already plunged in a gloomy revery, which betrayed itself in his features.

Bonello of Castellamare entered a moment afterwards, and met with a reception whose coolness he at once attributed to its proper cause.

"My daughter," he said, "has been severely punished for visiting the court without my permission."

"Do you think so?" asked Erwin.

"Do you doubt it, my lord Count?"

"From what I have just learned, her marriage with Pietro Nigri has been definitely settled for some time," remarked the young German.

"The project is abandoned; Hermengarde will never be the wife of Pietro Nigri."

"Still, the Consul, who appears to be an honorable man, and who for a few hours has been my prisoner, tells a very different story."

"Because he is ignorant of certain facts. It is true that, a few years ago, a marriage between our children was contemplated. But I have never spoken to Hermengarde on the matter, and I know that Pietro's manners have in some way of late displeased her. Besides, after your visit to Castellamare, she herself informed me that she would never be his wife, and as my intention is in no way to coerce her inclinations, she is perfectly free."

This revelation changed at once Rechberg's expression, and in his delight he almost threw himself into Bonello's arms; but suddenly his countenance fell as he thought of Hermengarde still a prisoner in Milan.

"My daughter will leave the city to-day," Bonello hastily added.

"Gherardo Nigri is your prisoner, and Pietro will not refuse to exchange Hermengarde for his father."

Before Rechberg could answer, the Chancellor entered, and after a hurried glance at Bonello, saluted the Count, with many warm thanks for his opportune a.s.sistance during the battle.

"I merely did my duty," replied Erwin, "and am delighted that you have come out of it safely."

"I escaped myself," said Da.s.sel, gravely; "but fully two-thirds of my men have fallen. May G.o.d rest their souls! With his thanks, His Majesty has also commissioned me to deliver you a message. The influential consul Gherardo Nigri has, I have heard, fallen into your hands. The Emperor requests that you will deliver him up to himself."

"I regret that I cannot comply with His Majesty's wishes. Nigri is already at liberty."

"What!" cried Da.s.sel; "you have already sent him back to Milan?"

"He has not yet gone, but he will be dispatched shortly."

"Do not be too hasty; at least, wait until I have informed the Emperor!" and the courtier hurriedly left the room.

"My lord Count," said Guido, who had anxiously listened to the conversation, "you will do wisely in acceding to His Majesty's desires."

"Not at all," answered Rechberg; "the prisoner belongs to me, and to me only!"

At this moment the Chancellor reappeared.

"The Emperor desires your immediate presence," he said.

"Very well, my lord; I will obey at once. As for you, my lord Bonello, go to the consul Nigri and inform him upon what conditions he can obtain his release. Gero, show this gentleman the way to Berthold's quarters; I will be there soon myself."

"Be prudent, young man," said Da.s.sel, after Guido had left them. "Take my advice, and comply with your G.o.dfather's wishes. You know that everything should give way before State reasons."

"It is well; let us go on," replied Erwin.

"I would deeply regret should your interest for this Italian lady prompt you to refuse to accede to the Imperial desires. I beg you to be prudent, and do nothing which might compromise your good fortune."

Rechberg was silent, and they entered the Emperor's apartment. With a gracious smile, Frederic motioned them to approach.

"We are not altogether satisfied with you, Erwin; you keep up an intimacy with one who has incurred our Imperial displeasure, and even receive the traitor's visit in our own quarters. And, more than this, we are inexpressibly surprised at these projects of marriage with Bonello's daughter, whose invitation, on the part of the Empress, to visit the Court has displeased us. We desire and insist that such things do not occur again."

Rechberg heard this sharp rebuke in silence.

"To-day's battle," continued Frederic, "in which you took a very distinguished part, has given into your hands the consul Nigri. He belongs to you, according to the laws of chivalry; and as we are unwilling to be guilty of any act of injustice, we merely express a simple desire that he may be delivered over to our charge."

"Pardon me, Sire! It is impossible for me to comply with your wishes,"

said Erwin, respectfully but firmly. "Hermengarde was carried off by Nigri's son; her release depends upon that of the consul. In this circ.u.mstance, I feel sure that your Majesty will make no opposition to the course which I have taken, and which is entirely consistent with the laws of chivalry."

"Ah! the duties of chivalry!" cried Barbarossa, angrily. "Under this pretext our va.s.sals have hesitated to protect their sovereign in the late battle; and Count Rechberg, always on the same plea, refuses what the Emperor requests. When will this stop? If it goes on, all our va.s.sals will soon be false to their oaths of fealty."

"Loyalty and courage are a part of the duties of chivalry," replied Erwin, "and they are as sacred as the others."

"You appear to set great store by them, young man. It is very lucky for Bonello! But do not go too far,--and fear our displeasure."

Erwin-bore with calmness the monarch's angry looks.

"It is strange," resumed the Emperor, still more violently; "it is strange how this girl seems always to glide between us. I tell you, it is high time that you return to reason, and discard these absurd illusions. The daughter of the traitor Bonello is no fit wife for a Count of Rechberg."

The young man was in a most unpleasant position; but after a moment's hesitation, he answered,--