received the intelligence may be easily imagined. He lost not a moment
in convening his troop; and, while in all the bustle of departure, the
Knight of St. John abruptly entered his presence. His mien had lost its
usual frank composure.

"How is this?" said he, hastily; "a revolt?--Rienzi sovereign of
Rome?--can the news be believed?"

"It is too true!" said Colonna, with a bitter smile. "Where shall we
hang him on our return?"

"Talk not so wildly, Sir Baron," replied Montreal, discourteously;
"Rienzi is stronger than you think for. I know what men are, and you
only know what noblemen are! Where is your kinsman, Adrian?"

"He is here, noble Montreal," said Stephen, shrugging his shoulders,
with a half-disdainful smile at the rebuke, which he thought it more
prudent not to resent; "he is here!--see him enter!"

"You have heard the news?" exclaimed Montreal.

"I have."

"And despise the revolution?"

"I fear it!"

"Then you have some sense in you. But this is none of my affair: I
will not interrupt your consultations. Adieu for the present!" and, ere
Stephen could prevent him, the Knight had quitted the chamber.