d to the man it was now his
object to betray. For the rest, every device seemed to him decorous
and justifiable, so that it saved his master, served his country, and
advanced himself.

Montreal was alone in his chamber when it was announced to him that
a young Italian craved an audience. Professionally open to access, he
forthwith gave admission to the applicant.

The Knight of St. John instantly recognised the page he had encountered
at Avignon; and when Angelo Villani said, with easy boldness, "I have
come to remind Sir Walter de Montreal of a promise--"

The Knight interrupted him with cordial frankness--"Thou needest not--I
remember it. Dost thou now require my friendship?"

"I do noble Signor!" answered Angelo; "I know not where else to seek a
patron."

"Canst thou read and write? I fear me not."

"I have been taught those arts," replied Villani.

"It is well. Is thy birth gentle?"

"It is."

"Better still;--thy name?"

"Angelo Villani."

"I take thy blue eyes and low broad brow," said Montreal, with a slight
sigh, "in pledge of thy truth. Henceforth, Angelo Villani, thou art
in the list of my secretaries. Another time thou shalt tell me more
of thyself. Thy service dates from this day. For the rest, no man ever
wanted wealth who served Walter de Montreal; nor advancement, if
he served him faithfully. My closet, through yonder door, is thy
waiting-room. Ask for, and send hither, Lusignan of Lyons; he is my
chief scribe, and will see to thy comforts, and instruct thee in thy
business."

Angelo withdrew--Montreal's eye followed him.

"A strange likeness!" said he, musingly and sadly; "my heart leaps to
that boy!"

Chapter 10.III. Montreal's Banquet.

Some few days after the date of the last chapter, Rienzi received
news from Rome, which seemed to produce in him a joyous and elated
excitement. His troops still lay before Palestrina, and still the
banners of the Barons waved over its unconquered walls. In truth, the
Italians employed half their time in brawls amongst themselves; the
Velletritrani had feuds with the people of Tivoli, and the Romans were
still afraid of conquering the Barons;--"The hornet," said they, "stings
worse after he is dead; and neither an Orsini, a Savelli, nor a Colonna,
was ever known to forgive."

Again and again had the captains of his army assured the indignant
Senator that the fortress was impregnable, and that time and money were
idly wasted upon the siege. Rien