"How noble! how truly great! but, alas! how unfortunate!" said Richenza, with emotion.
"Now that the Duchess has gone," said Erwin, "and the object of my journey is accomplished, I can return to Laon, where I have business of great importance."
"It can be put off a little longer, and we will go there together," urged Richenza.
"I regret that it is impossible; but everything is prepared, and I must leave Cluny to-day. Allow me, noble lady, to bid you farewell."
"Erwin! my Erwin!" cried a voice from the conservatory.
The Count approached. In the dim light he saw a group of three persons, one of whom lay fainting on the ground. He had recognized the voice, but he could scarcely believe that Hermengarde was there. But it was she, and Rechberg knelt in astonishment beside his lady-love, from whose face all signs of life had disappeared. Suddenly the Count was seized, and thrust violently away.
"Back! wretch," cried Pietro, whose anger broke out at the sight of his rival. "Back! you have no longer the right to tend her, German savage."
Rechberg gazed first at the Lombard and then at the fainting girl.
"If you dare to approach her again, I will plunge my sword into your breast." And Pietro, sword in hand, placed himself between the Count and the lady.
"Who are you, who dare to separate me from my affianced wife?" cried Rechberg.
"Draw and defend yourself," said the Italian furiously.
"Here, in her presence? No, sir!" replied the Count. "Put up your sword; elsewhere I will chastise you as you deserve."
"You shall not escape me thus! Villain, defend yourself!" said Pietro.
And his sword's point grazed Erwin's breast.
"Hold!" cried the Count. "Would you dare to assassinate me?"
"I will take your life.--If you will not defend it," said Nigri, striking Rechberg, as he spoke, with the flat of his sword. Scarcely had the Count felt the blow, when his sword, quick as lightning, flashed from the scabbard, and the fight began. Hermengarde still lay upon the ground, her head upon Hedwige's knee. During the progress of the duel, she opened her eyes and called her lover's name, but Erwin saw and heard nothing except his antagonist who had slightly wounded him. Suddenly, he saw his opportunity, and with a rapid thrust stretched Pietro lifeless on the ground. Just then the chamberlain. rushed forward to prevent the combat, but it was too late, and as he saw the bloody corpse,--