that the Senator was one whom he
might treat with as an equal, but could not rule as a minion. And he
entertained serious doubts whether it would be wise to reinstate him in
a power which he evinced the capacity to wield and the genius to extend.
Still, however, he did not repent the share he had taken in Rienzi's
acquittal. His presence in a camp so thinly peopled was a matter greatly
to be desired. And through his influence, the Cardinal more than
ever trusted to enlist the Romans in favour of his enterprise for the
recovery of the territory of St. Peter!

Rienzi, who panted once more to behold his Nina, endeared to him by
trial and absence, as by fresh bridals, was not however able to discover
the name she had assumed at Avignon; and his residence with the Cardinal
closely but respectfully watched as he was, forbade Nina all opportunity
of corresponding with him. Some half bantering hints which Albornoz had
dropped upon the interest taken in his welfare by the most celebrated
beauty of Avignon, had filled him with a vague alarm which he trembled
to acknowledge even to himself. But the volto sciolto (Volto sciolto,
pensieri stretti--the countenance open, the thoughts restrained.) which,
in common with all Italian politicians, concealed whatever were his
pensieri stretti--enabled him to baffle completely the jealous and
lynxlike observation of the Cardinal. Nor had Alvarez been better
enabled to satisfy the curiosity of his master. He had indeed sought the
page Villani, but the imperious manner of that wayward and haughty
boy had cut short all attempts at cross-examination. And all he could
ascertain was, that the real Angelo Villani was not the Angelo Villani
who had visited Rienzi.

Trusting at last that he should learn all, and inflamed by such passion
and such hope as he was capable of feeling, Albornoz now took his way to
the Cesarini's palace.

He was ushered with due state into the apartment of the Signora. He
found her pale, and with the traces of illness upon her noble and
statuelike features. She rose as he entered; and when he approached,
she half bent her knee, and raised his hand to her lips. Surprised and
delighted at a reception so new, the Cardinal hastened to prevent the
condescension; retaining both her hands, he attempted gently to draw
them to his heart.

"Fairest!" he whispered, "couldst thou know hear I have mourned thy
illness--and yet it has but left thee more lovely, as the rain only
brig