My thanks to him, noble kinsman, are greater than you weet of; and he promised to visit me, that he might receive them at leisure." "I assure you, Signor," answered Montreal, "that I have not forgotten the invitation; but so weighty hitherto have been my affairs at Rome, that I have been obliged to parley with my impatience to better our acquaintance." "Oh, ye knew each other before ?" said Stephen.

"And how ?" "My Lord, there is a damsel in the case!" replied Montreal.

"Excuse my silence." "Ah, Adrian, Adrian! when will you learn my continence!" said Stephen, solemnly stroking his grey beard.

"What an example I set you! But a truce to this light conversation,--let us resume our theme.

You must know, Adrian, that it is to the brave band of my guest I am indebted for those valiant gentlemen below, who keep Rome so quiet, though my poor habitation so noisy.