"Well! if the heiress to the throne of France were to offer me her hand, I would refuse it!" "Richenza returns to her home, and you will be her escort," continued the stranger. "I?" "Barbarossa will give you the order himself." "Very well; if he does, I shall decline the honor." "You cannot." "Do you advise me to accompany the Countess?" "I do." "But you have yourself reminded me of the inconstancy of the human heart." "He who is on his guard has nothing to fear." "I will not put myself in a false position." "But when I will have informed you that Hermengarde's journey----" "Do you know where she is living?" asked Erwin. "No; but your cousin owns property in that part of the country. It is there a fearful, mortal struggle against Alexander will take place; there, the bishops of England, Germany, and France will assemble, at Barbarossa's request, to restore peace to the Church: it is there, that Louis will meet Frederic; it is also in that direction that the Count of Champagne and his daughter are going." "So that, without doubt, I will be near Hermengarde?" "If you refuse to yield to Barbarossa's wishes, he will send you back to Germany." "It is very probable. Well, be it so; I will accept the mission." "In that case, my dear Count, I must ask you to do me a service," said the stranger. "Speak! you have a claim to my gratitude." "Suppose that a lady of high rank should wish to travel under your protection?" "You only require me to fulfil one of the duties of chivalry. Where shall I meet this lady?" "She and her suite will join you a few miles from here. The roads are so insecure that your escort will be extremely valuable; but, like all unfortunates, she requests to be left as much as possible alone." "I understand; but, before separating, can I not learn the name of him who seems to take so warm an interest in my welfare?" "My name?" said the _stranger_, irresolutely. "Call me Antonio; the name is an humble one, but a thousand noble ancestors of immortal fame are not sufficient to make their descendant a man of honor." They parted, and Erwin entered the palace, where he met Hellig. "Ah!" said he to himself, "here comes the traitor, Dassel's tool." "Count, I am directed to lead you to the Emperor." Rechberg went to the Imperial chamber, and was informed by Barbarossa that he had chosen him to accompany the French Count to his home. "Let all be in readiness," he said, "for to-morrow's journey." _CHAPTER XXXIV_. _THE DIVORCED DUCHESS_.