"Dost thou suppose that my rapid elevation has rendered me unmindful of
former friendships?" demanded Ibrahim; although, had he not his own
purposes to serve, he would never have thought of seeking the abode, nor
inquiring after the welfare of the humble acquaintance of his obscure
days.

The young Greek knew not, however, the thorough selfishness of the
renegade's character; and he poured forth his gratitude for the vizier's
kindness and condescension with the most sincere and heart-felt fervor:
while the beauteous Calanthe's large dark eyes swam in tears of hope and
joy, as she surveyed with mingled wonder and admiration the countenance
of that high functionary whose rapid rise to power had electrified the
Ottoman capital, and whom she now saw for the first time.

"Demetrius," said Ibrahim, "I know your worth--I have appreciated your
talents; and I feel deeply for the orphan condition of your sister and
yourself. It is in my power to afford you an employment whereby you may
render me good service, and which shall be liberally rewarded. You are
already acquainted with much of my former history; and you have often
heard me speak, in terms of love and affection, of my sister Flora.
During my recent sojourn in the island of Rhodes, a Florentine nobleman,
the Count of Riverola, became my prisoner. From him I learned that he
was attached to my sister, and his language led me to believe that he
was loved in return. But alas! some few months ago Flora suddenly
disappeared; and the Count of Riverola instituted a vain search to
discover her. Too pure-minded was she to fly of her own accord from her
native city; too chaste and too deeply imbued with virtuous principles
was she to admit the suspicion that she had fled with a vile seducer.
No; force or treachery--if not _murder_," added Ibrahim, in a tone
indicative of profound emotion, "must have caused her sudden
disappearance. The Count of Riverola has doubtless ere now arrived in
Italy; and his researches will most assuredly be renewed. He promised to
communicate to me the result, but as he knew not to whom that pledge was
given--as he recognized not in me the brother of the Flora whom he
loves--I am fearful lest he forget or neglect the promise. It is,
therefore, my intention to send a secret agent to Florence--an agent who
will convey rich gifts to my aunt, but without revealing the name of him
who sends them--an agent, in a word, who may minister to the wants and
interests