CHAPTER 4.I.The Boy Angelo--the Dream of Nina Fulfilled.
The thread of my story transports us back to Rome.

It was in a small chamber, in a ruinous mansion by the base of Mount Aventine, that a young boy sate, one evening, with a woman of a tall and stately form, but somewhat bowed both by infirmity and years.

The boy was of a fair and comely presence; and there was that in his bold, frank, undaunted carriage, which made him appear older than he was.
The old woman, seated in the recess of the deep window, was apparently occupied with a Bible that lay open on her knees; but ever and anon she lifted her eyes, and gazed on her young companion with a sad and anxious expression.
"Dame," said the boy, who was busily employed in hewing out a sword of wood, "I would you had seen the show today.

Why, every day is a show at Rome now! It is show enough to see the Tribune himself on his white steed--( oh, it is so beautiful!)--with his white robes all studded with jewels.

But today, as I have just been telling you, the Lady Nina took notice of me, as I stood on the stairs of the Capitol: you know, dame, I had donned my best blue velvet doublet." "And she called you a fair boy, and asked if you would be her little page; and this has turned thy brain, silly urchin that thou art--" "But the words are the least: if you saw the Lady Nina, you would own that a smile from her might turn the wisest head in Italy.