uest. Sit
down, dear Count, and explain yourself. I will see if there is no means
of making you change your intentions."

He was forced to obey, and he took his seat with an embarrassment which
did not escape the young girl's notice.

"I am less able to accede to your demand, dear Count, because it is
contrary to all our arrangements. The Emperor has chosen for my escort
the best lances of German chivalry, so that you cannot, without
disrespect to His Majesty, leave me before the end of my journey."

"It is true, noble lady, that it is an honor for me to escort you; but
there are some circumstances in which one duty must yield to another,
whose claims are still more imperative."

"Circumstances! May I ask you again for some explanations?"

"It is on account of an unfortunate lady, who up to the present moment
has travelled under my protection."

"I scarcely expected, Count, that this mysterious person would play
such a trick as this, and carry you away from us. Believe me, I am
seriously interested in her troubles, on account of the influence she
appears to exercise over you. You say that she is to be pitied; what is
the cause of her sorrow?"

"The most terrible which can possibly afflict a wife. I cannot say
more."

"Has she been married?"

"Yes; and she has always been amiable, faithful, but now is most
unfortunate."

Richenza breathed more easily. She had no cause for uneasiness; Erwin
was still free.

"The interest you take in this misfortune is very praiseworthy," she
said.

"Grant me leave, noble lady; this unhappy woman's only hope is in Pope
Alexander's sympathy and protection; I ought to accompany her to his
court, and I must go without delay."

"Pope Alexander should be in the Imperial camp at Laon; are we not
going in that direction?" asked Richenza.

"I believe so; but we travel so slowly."

"You have not then heard that my father has been hastily summoned to
Laon? Your visit prevented me from putting on my riding-dress. Listen!
everything is ready, and the escort is already mounted."

They went to the window, and saw the knights and squires issuing from
their tents, and drawing up in line, upon the square in front of the
palace.

_CHAPTER XXXV_.

_LAON_.

From this day forward, the French Ambassador hurried his journey as
much as he had hitherto delayed it. The necessary rest was scarcely
allowed to the horses, an