Heribert of Rapallo came regularly every week to Castellamare, where his visits appeared to gratify the old man, although it frequently happened that Hermengarde refused to see him. Bonello imagined that his daughter had forgotten her betrothed, because she never mentioned his name, and seldom went to Genoa or even to the terrace. But Heribert felt assured that her calmness was the result of her religious sentiments, and that Erwin's image was always present to her mind. He was right; she no longer expected to meet her lover upon earth, but, with resignation to God's will, trusted to be united to him in heaven. Still he continued his visits, in the vague hope that some day she would consent to be his bride. "It is very strange! Rapallo has not been here for a week," said Guido, one day after dinner. "I trust that no accident has happened." "I was thinking of him also, father. To-day is Friday, and he had promised to come on Tuesday. He may be ill." The interest which Hermengarde appeared to take in his friend pleased Bonello, who, after a short pause, continued,-- "Heribert is an accomplished gentleman--he is unassuming, noble, and brave." "He is an agreeable companion, and his piety is unquestionable," replied the young girl. "I am glad your opinion of him is so favorable, dear Hermengarde." "He has been here so often that I have been able to judge his character thoroughly." "Very good; but you ought to show yourself a little oftener when he comes, for I am disposed to think that it is a good deal more on your account than mine that he makes this long journey so regularly." Guido smiled as he spoke. His daughter looked at him with such an expression of ingenuous simplicity that it was evident she had not penetrated his meaning. But the opportunity seemed favorable, and he hastened to take advantage of it to speak of his cherished project. "In fact," he said, "Rapallo suits me exactly. What think you, Hermengarde?" "I think, father, that you have excellent taste." The old man was delighted; it seemed as if he was about to gain his purpose more easily than he had dared to expect. "You agree with me, then, my child? I am glad of it; for Heribert will make an excellent husband, and I shall be most happy to call him my son-in-law." The young girl shuddered, but Guido continued,-- "I am very old now, my dear child; death may come at any moment, and leave you without a protector. The Emperor Barbarossa has again crossed the Alps, and opened the campaign. What will become of you in a country where robbers and marauders can kill and plunder with impunity? No! I would not die in peace unless the walls of Castellamare were defended by some valiant knight." "Dear father," she said, with emotion, "do not allude to this painful subject. You are strong; your health is excellent; why, then, speak of what may still be far from us, and which can only serve to make us unhappy?"