"I agree with you, that my marriage has become insupportable to me; but to commence the affair, and to carry it to a satisfactory result,--hum!--I think that rather comes within the scope of your talents and intelligence, my dear Chancellor!" "With pleasure!--You can count upon me in every way," replied Rinaldo, and, for once, he spoke the truth. "But, in the first place, it will be necessary to secure the Emperor's consent, and, through him, that of the Pope. Perhaps, to-day you may have the opportunity of discussing the matter before four competent persons,--will that suit your Grace?" They left the room. Henry called for his cloak, and sword and helmet. Lanzo was seated on the ground, playing with his bells. "Cousin!" said he, looking up, as they approached, "have you forgotten all about the snares of the devil?" As if to increase the Duke's remorse, Clemence and her children entered the room. The Duchess had heard her husband and hastened, according to the old German custom, to bring him his sword and helmet. The Chancellor bowed low before the princess, and his calm and smiling face gave no presage to the noble lady of the misfortune which menaced her happiness; but Henry, less skilled in dissimulation, averted his gaze, as he said,-- "You should not take this trouble, Clemence!" "It is ever my pleasure to serve my noble husband," she replied, presenting him his helmet. The Chancellor's visit alarmed her, for she knew the violent and impetuous temper of her lord, and she feared lest some misunderstanding might arise between him and the Emperor. "Where are you going, Henry?" she asked. "Are you summoned to His Majesty?" "Summoned,--no; that is to say, yes. I am summoned to a Council of War about to take place;" and, in company with the Chancellor, he left the tent. "Great God! what is the matter?" said Clemence. "I have never seen him thus!" "Nor I neither," replied Lanzo, who was still seated upon the ground. "He looks marvellously like a man whom the devil is leading to the gallows!" "What a fearful speech, Lanzo!" "What a wicked man, Clemence!" "Do you dare to speak thus of your master, Sirrah?" "Oh! I have given him up, noble lady, and have entered your service; for, methinks you will soon have grievous need of a faithful servant!" "Why so?" "Why so?--hum!--the why would only worry you. Never question a fool too closely, noble dame, for fools tell the truth!" "But I would know the truth, Lanzo!" "Good! Then pray for your husband." "I have already done so, to-day." "Then do it again." "But why?" "Because he is in bad company, and needs your prayers!" _CHAPTER X_. _THE TEMPTER_.