Let them fall!--I may find an adventurer from the people, an adventurer like myself, worth them all." No sooner had Stephen returned to Adrian than he flung his arms affectionately round his ward, who was preparing his pride for some sharp rebuke for his petulance.
"Nobly feigned,--admirable, admirable!" cried the Baron; "you have learned the true art of a statesman at the Emperor's court.

I always thought you would--always said it.

You saw the dilemma I was in, thus taken by surprise by that barbarian's mad scheme; afraid to refuse,--more afraid to accept.

You extricated me with consummate address: that passion,--so natural to your age,--was a famous feint; drew off the attack; gave me time to breathe; allowed me to play with the savage.

But we must not offend him, you know: all my retainers would desert me, or sell me to the Orsini, or cut my throat, if he but held up his finger.