Ere another week pass over us, we may have sterner pastime and closer confines." "How, dearest Walter! thou dost not apprehend danger ?" "Thou speakest, lady-bird," said Montreal, laughing, "as if danger were novelty; methinks by this time, thou shouldst know it as the atmosphere we breathe." "Ah, Walter, is this to last for ever?
Thou art now rich and renowned; canst thou not abandon this career of strife ?" "Now, out on thee, Adeline! What are riches and renown but the means to power! And for strife, the shield of warriors was my cradle--pray the saints it be my bier! These wild and wizard extremes of life--from the bower to the tent--from the cavern to the palace--today a wandering exile, tomorrow the equal of kings--make the true element of the chivalry of my Norman sires.

Normandy taught me war, and sweet Provence love.

Kiss me, dear Adeline; and now let thy handmaids attire thee.
Forget not thy lute, sweet one.

We will rouse the echoes with the songs of Provence." The ductile temper of Adeline yielded easily to the gaiety of her lord; and the party soon sallied from the castle towards the spot in which Montreal had designed their resting-place during the heats of day.

But already prepared for all surprise, the castle was left strictly guarded, and besides the domestic servitors of the castle, a detachment of ten soldiers, completely armed, accompanied the lovers.