with an equal affection, and bending
down to her beautiful face, the sight was sufficient to chase from his
brow the emotions, whether severe or sad, which had lately darkened its
broad expanse.

"Thou has not been abroad this morning, Nina!"

"No, the heat was oppressive. But nevertheless, Cola, I have not lacked
company--half the matronage of Rome has crowded the palace."

"Ah, I warrant it.--But yon boy, is he not a new face?"

"Hush, Cola, speak to him kindly, I entreat: of his story anon. Angelo,
approach. You see your new master, the Tribune of Rome."

Angelo approached with a timidity not his wont, for an air of majesty
was at all times natural to Rienzi, and since his power it had naturally
taken a graver and austerer aspect, which impressed those who approached
him, even the ambassadors of princes, with a certain involuntary awe.
The Tribune smiled at the effect he saw he had produced, and being by
temper fond of children, and affable to all but the great, he hastened
to dispel it. He took the child affectionately in his arms, kissed him,
and bade him welcome.

"May we have a son as fair!" he whispered to Nina, who blushed, and
turned away.

"Thy name, my little friend?"

"Angelo Villani."

"A Tuscan name. There is a man of letters at Florence, doubtless writing
our annals from hearsay at this moment, called Villani. Perhaps akin to
thee?"

"I have no kin," said the boy, bluntly; "and therefore I shall the
better love the Signora and honour you, if you will let me. I am
Roman--all the Roman boys honour Rienzi."

"Do they, my brave lad?" said the Tribune, colouring with pleasure;
"that is a good omen of my continued prosperity." He put down the boy,
and threw himself on the cushions, while Nina placed herself on a kind
of low stool beside him.

"Let us be alone," said he; and Nina motioned to the attendant maidens
to withdraw.

"Take my new page with you," said she; "he is yet, perhaps, too fresh
from home to enjoy the company of his giddy brethren."

When they were alone, Nina proceeded to narrate to Rienzi the adventure
of the morning; but though he seemed outwardly to listen, his gaze
was on vacancy, and he was evidently abstracted and self-absorbed. At
length, as she concluded, he said, "Well, Nina, you have acted as ever,
kindly and nobly. Let us to other themes. I am in danger."

"Danger!" echoed Nina, turning pale.

"Why, the word must not appal you--you have a spirit like mine, that