He rose as a signal that the audience was at an end. All who were present knelt piously, received the Pontiff's blessing, and bowing respectfully, left the room. "Oh, my Lord and my God!" said Alexander to himself, as he sought the little oratory in which he usually said mass. He knelt devoutly before the altar, where a golden dove contained the Body of his Redeemer. The vicar of Christ had come to implore the aid of his divine Master. He prayed long and fervently; his features by turns assumed the expression of grief, consolation, and resignation; and when the rays of the setting sun shone through the red windows of the chapel, they shed a halo of glory around the head of the still kneeling Pope. _CHAPTER XLV_. _A KNAVE'S STRATAGEM_. "In any case," thought Erwin, "Antonio must be aware of Griffi's presence at Cluny." He sent his faithful Gero to the Italian quarter to look for Antonio, but he was not there. "He usually walks in the public square among the strangers," said the squire; "but I don't know where he has hidden himself to-day." The day passed without any further result, but the next morning Antonio was announced. The Count received him coldly. "We can go to Laon at last, my lord Count. Henry the Lion persists in his designs, even at the risk of being put under the ban of the Empire; and the Duke of Austria has sent a strong escort to accompany the Duchess to her home. It was a prudent measure; for the poor lady would have fared badly if her husband had thought proper to use violence." "Where did you receive these details?" "From an old acquaintance who met the Pope's envoy, Galdini Sala, at the camp." "Have you no other news?" "None." "Did not Pietro Nigri's servant pay you a visit?" Antonio started, but recovered himself promptly. "Yes, Cocco Griffi came to see me; but I did not intend to speak of a visit which was not a pleasant one for your Lordship." "Speak freely; you have nothing to fear." "I know that, but I dislike to wound those whom I esteem. Pietro Nigri has sent to request me to meet him on a matter of great importance; for you must know that we are intimate friends; this ought to suffice you." "Not at all. Why this invitation, and what is this important business?" "The accomplishment of a great design." "Which has reference to Hermengarde?" "Since you mention her name, I will confess that it has. But compose yourself; nothing is lost yet; as we return to Laon to-morrow, we shall have time enough to see your betrothed and remind her of her promises." Erwin grew pale and red by turns, and then became very serious. Turning his back upon the Italian, he walked towards the window to reflect. "May I ask," inquired Antonio, after a brief pause, "whether you will leave to-morrow?" "Leave! and what for?" answered Rechberg, dreamily. "Ah! well,--yes, to-morrow."