Nay, why that timid glance?
my people, also, shall attend us." "My thanks, noble Lord, are of little worth; my brother, who is not unknown to thee, will thank thee more fittingly.

May I depart ?" and Irene, as she spoke, was already at the door.
"Art thou so eager to leave me ?" answered Adrian, sadly.

"Alas! when thou hast departed from my eyes, it will seem as if the moon had left the night!--but it is happiness to obey thy wishes, even though they tear thee from me." A slight smile parted Irene's lips, and Adrian's heart beat audibly to himself, as he drew from that smile, and those downcast eyes, no unfavourable omen.
Reluctantly and slowly he turned towards the door, and summoned his attendants.

"But," said he, as they stood on the lofty staircase, "thou sayest, sweet lady, that thy brother's name is not unknown to me.

Heaven grant that he be, indeed, a friend of the Colonna!" "His boast," answered Irene, evasively; "the boast of Cola di Rienzi is, to be a friend to the friends of Rome." "Holy Virgin of Ara Coeli!--is thy brother that extraordinary man ?" exclaimed Adrian, as he foresaw, at the mention of that name, a barrier to his sudden passion.