; tomorrow I shall
visit my old companion,--tomorrow I shall see thee. Will it not be so?"

In Irene's silence was her answer.

"And as thou hast told me thy brother's name, make it sweet to my ear,
and add to it thine own."

"They call me Irene."

"Irene, Irene!--let me repeat it. It is a soft name, and dwells upon the
lips as if loath to leave them--a fitting name for one like thee."

Thus making his welcome court to Irene, in that flowered and glowing
language which, if more peculiar to that age and to the gallantry of
the south, is also the language in which the poetry of youthful passion
would, in all times and lands, utter its rich extravagance, could heart
speak to heart, Adrian conveyed homeward his beautiful charge, taking,
however, the most circuitous and lengthened route; an artifice which
Irene either perceived not, or silently forgave. They were now within
sight of the street in which Rienzi dwelt, when a party of men bearing
torches, came unexpectedly upon them. It was the train of the Bishop of
Orvietto, returning from the palace of Martino di Porto, and in their
way (accompanied by Rienzi) to that of Adrian. They had learned at the
former, without an interview with the Orsini, from the retainers in
the court below, the fortune of the conflict, and the name of Irene's
champion; and, despite Adrian's general reputation for gallantry, Rienzi
knew enough of his character, and the nobleness of his temper, to feel
assured that Irene was safe in his protection. Alas! in that very safety
to the person is often the most danger to the heart. Woman never so
dangerously loves, as when he who loves her, for her sake, subdues
himself.

Clasped to her brother's breast, Irene bade him thank her deliverer;
and Rienzi, with that fascinating frankness which sits so well on those
usually reserved, and which all who would rule the hearts of their
fellow-men must at times command, advanced to the young Colonna, and
poured forth his gratitude and praise.

"We have been severed too long,--we must know each other again," replied
Adrian. "I shall seek thee, ere long, be assured."

Turning to take his leave of Irene, he conveyed her hand to his lips,
and pressing it, as it dropped from his clasp, was he deceived in
thinking that those delicate fingers lightly, involuntarily, returned
the pressure?

Chapter 1.VII. Upon Love and Lovers.

If, in adopting the legendary love tale of Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare
had ch