e solid and growing power of my house; the display of
such an armed band as I hope to levy, will be a magnificent occasion
to strike awe into the riotous and refractory. Adrian, you will collect
your servitors, I trust, on that day; we would not be without you."

"And as we ride along, fair Signor," said Montreal, inclining to Adrian,
"we will find at least one subject on which we can agree: all brave men
and true knights have one common topic,--and its name is Woman. You must
make me acquainted with the names of the fairest dames of Rome; and we
will discuss old adventures in the Parliament of Love, and hope for
new. By the way, I suppose, Lord Adrian, you, with the rest of your
countrymen, are Petrarch-stricken?"

"Do you not share our enthusiasm? slur not so your gallantry, I pray
you."

"Come, we must not again disagree; but, by my halidame, I think one
troubadour roundel worth all that Petrarch ever wrote. He has but
borrowed from our knightly poesy, to disguise it, like a carpet
coxcomb."

"Well," said Adrian, gaily, "for every line of the troubadours that
you quote, I will cite you another. I will forgive you for injustice to
Petrarch, if you are just to the troubadours."

"Just!" cried Montreal, with real enthusiasm: "I am of the land, nay
the very blood of the troubadour! But we grow too light for your noble
kinsman; and it is time for me to bid you, for the present, farewell. My
Lord Colonna, peace be with you; farewell, Sir Adrian,--brother mine in
knighthood,--remember your challenge."

And with an easy and careless grace the Knight of St. John took his
leave. The old Baron, making a dumb sign of excuse to Adrian, followed
Montreal into the adjoining room.

"Sir Knight!" said he, "Sir Knight!" as he closed the door upon Adrian,
and then drew Montreal to the recess of the casement,--"a word in your
ear. Think not I slight your offer, but these young men must be managed;
the plot is great--noble,--grateful to my heart; but it requires time
and caution. I have many of my house, scrupulous as yon hot-skull, to
win over; the way is pleasant, but must be sounded well and carefully;
you understand?"

From under his bent brows, Montreal darted one keen glance at Stephen,
and then answered:

"My friendship for you dictated my offer. The League may stand without
the Colonna,--beware a time when the Colonna cannot stand without the
League. My Lord, look well around you; there are more freemen--ay, bold
and