--gentle Heaven! only one!"

Angelo sank on his knee, and kissed the mantle of his Lord.

"Say a follower. I am too mean to be Rienzi's friend."

"Too mean!--go to!--there is nothing mean before God, unless it be a
base soul under high titles. With me, boy, there is but one nobility,
and Nature signs its charter. Listen: thou hearest daily of Walter de
Montreal, brother to these Provencals--great captain of great robbers?"

"Ay, and I have seen him, my Lord."

"Well, then, he is in Rome. Some daring thought--some well-supported and
deep-schemed villany, could alone make that bandit venture openly into
an Italian city, whose territories he ravaged by fire and sword a
few months back. But his brothers have lent me money--assisted my
return;--for their own ends, it is true: but the seeming obligation
gives them real power. These Northern swordsmen would cut my throat if
the Great Captain bade them. He counts on my supposed weakness. I know
him of old. I suspect--nay I read, his projects; but I cannot prove
them. Without proof, I cannot desert Palestrina in order to accuse
and seize him. Thou art shrewd, thoughtful, acute;--couldst thou go to
Rome?--watch day and night his movements--see if he receive messengers
from Albornoz or the Barons--if he confer with Pandulfo di Guido;--watch
his lodgment, I say, night and day. He affects no concealment; your task
will be less difficult than it seems. Apprise the Signora of all you
learn. Give me your news daily. Will you undertake this mission?"

"I will, my Lord."

"To horse, then, quick!--and mind--save the wife of my bosom, I have no
confidant in Rome."

Chapter 10.II. Montreal at Rome.--His Reception of Angelo Villani.

The danger that threatened Rienzi by the arrival of Montreal was
indeed formidable. The Knight of St. John, having marched his army into
Lombardy, had placed it at the disposal of the Venetian State in its war
with the Archbishop of Milan. For this service he received an immense
sum; while he provided winter quarters for his troop, for whom he
proposed ample work in the ensuing spring. Leaving Palestrina secretly
and in disguise, with but a slender train, which met him at Tivoli,
Montreal repaired to Rome. His ostensible object was, partly to
congratulate the Senator on his return, partly to receive the monies
lent to Rienzi by his brother.

His secret object we have partly seen; but not contented with the
support of the Barons, he trusted, by the