Dismissing her attendants, she called the young man to her side, and in a few moments had learned his story. She listened to him coldly, without even a smile, and when all was told, merely remarked,-- "I desire that you make a formal demand for the hand of the fair Hermengarde as soon as possible." "I humbly thank your Majesty; but I scarcely dare to take a step which may not be approved." "What do you mean? Not approved! and by whom?" "By the Emperor, who will never consent to my marriage with the daughter of one whom he looks upon as a traitor." "Nonsense, Erwin! the Emperor cares nothing about love-affairs! He only wants to see you happy." "Your Majesty may be mistaken in this," replied Rechberg. "Has the Emperor ever said anything to you on this subject?" "Nothing. But I feel assured that he will refuse his consent." "I understand, my dear Erwin. You are one of those people who like to take trouble on interest. I see that I must help you, as His Majesty has ordered me to be your physician. So, the very first medicine which I shall prescribe is to keep up your spirits. In the meantime, I am going to prepare you a sovereign remedy;" and she left the room. "Richilda," said Beatrice, entering her private chamber, "can you not point out some knight whom I can intrust with a message of importance?" "The whole army is at your Majesty's orders," replied the waiting-maid. "No! no! I mean a good sword, on whom I can entirely depend." "What does your Majesty think of the knight Goswin? He is brave, discreet, and would ride to Egypt for your Majesty." The Empress' clear and musical laugh rang through the room. "You are crazy, Richilda! Goswin, that vulgar soldier! Upon my word, he would be a beautiful messenger." "Pardon, madam; I had no intention of offending you; but, not to be guilty of another mistake, it would be well if I knew your Majesty's intentions." "Ah! you are curious! But after all, you may as well know all. I have long desired to see this Hermengarde, who has so dazzled with her beauty all the knights who have met her. I think of sending a brilliant embassy to invite her to my court." "A most excellent idea," said Richilda. "I have heard a great deal of her noble efforts in her father's behalf, and I am curious of knowing intimately one whose filial devotion I have so much admired." "But will your invitation be accepted? The lady of Castellamare is only a child yet,--I believe not more than fourteen years of age. She cannot leave the castle without her father's permission, and it is scarcely probable that he will allow his daughter to go where he was treated so roughly himself."