The occurrence appeared mysterious and aroused his curiosity, the more so, that these night-walkers wore the short cloaks and high hats of the Italian nobility, which almost concealed the face. Rechberg listened attentively, but could not make out their conversation. He only could catch the names of "Pope, Emperor, France, and Eberhard," because they were uttered with much energy. To his great surprise, he suddenly heard his own name pronounced. "Count Erwin of Rechberg!--It is not possible!" The other added a few words in a smothered voice, to which a curse was the reply. Then they separated, one of them moving towards the castle. Erwin determined to accost the Unknown. The stranger with surprise halted and laid his hand on his sword. Erwin looked at him attentively, but could distinguish nothing, except a pair of flashing eyes and a thick black beard. "It is not my profession to interfere with honest people," he said, "but as you made use of my name, just now, I have the right to ask who you are and with what you reproach me." "Who I am is of no importance to you, Count," answered the stranger; "and if you follow the teachings of your own conscience, I can reproach you with nothing." "What do you mean? For whom do you take me?" "For a frivolous youth, who forgets his promises too easily." "Villain! withdraw this insult at once, or ----" And he put his hand to his sword-hilt. "I have no intention of offending you," replied the Unknown, coolly; "do not draw your sword: not that I fear it, but because I have no wish to fight with a gentleman whose enemy I am not." "Ah! and yet you do not hesitate to calumniate me!" "Unpleasant truths are not calumnies. It is positive that you have broken your word, in a circumstance where it should have been held sacred." "The proof! Quickly--or, upon my honor, you shall not repeat the insult a third time!" "Do you know the Lady of Castellamare? "Yes." "You are betrothed to her." "I am; what then?" asked Rechberg. "Are you not restored to Barbarossa's favor on condition of marrying another person?" "I--forget Hermengarde!--such an assertion does not even merit a denial." "That is strange," said the Unknown, shaking his head. "What else is there besides?" "The Emperor banished you on account of your projects of marriage, and yet you are back again." "You conclude therefore that I have purchased the Imperial favor by the violation of my word?" "Such is my conviction." "Why suppose evil rather than good? Would it not have been more natural to think that Rechberg had profited by Eberhard's arrival to obtain pardon through his intercession? That would have been reasonable and just, and you would have guessed the correct motive of my return." "Are you not invited to the Court?" "I am not."