of my family, and report to me whether my beloved sister be
yet found, and if so, the causes of her disappearance. It seems to me
that you, Demetrius, are well fitted for this mission. Your knowledge of
the Italian language, your discreetness, your sound judgment, all render
you competent to enact the part of a good genius watching over the
interests of those who must not be allowed to learn whence flow the
bounties which suddenly pour upon them!"

"Gracious lord," said the young Greek, his countenance radiant with joy.
"I will never lose any opportunity of manifesting my devotion to the
cause in which your highness condescends to employ me."

"You will proceed alone to Italy," continued Ibrahim; "and on your
arrival in Florence, you will adopt a modest and reserved mode of life,
so that no unpleasant queries may arise as to your object in visiting
the republic."

Demetrius turned a rapidly inquiring glance upon Calanthe, who hastened
to observe that she did not fear being left unprotected in the city of
Constantinople. Ibrahim placed a heavy purse and a case containing many
costly jewels in the hands of Demetrius, saying: "These are as an
earnest of my favor and friendship;"--then, producing a second case,
tied round with a silken cord, he added, "And this is for my aunt, the
Signora Francatelli."

Demetrius promised to attend to all the instructions which he had
received; and Ibrahim Pasha took his leave of the brother and the
charming sister, the latter of whom conveyed to him the full extent of
her gratitude for his kindness and condescension toward them in a few
words uttered in a subdued tone, but with all the eloquence of her fine
dark eyes.

"Did I not love my unknown protectress," murmured Ibrahim to himself, as
he sped rapidly back to his palace, "I feel that Calanthe's eyes would
make an impression upon my heart."

Scarcely had he resumed his magnificent garb, on his return home, when a
slave announced to him that his imperial majesty, the sultan, required
his immediate attendance at the seraglio, whither he was to repair in
the most private manner possible. A sudden misgiving darted through
Ibrahim's imagination. Could Solyman have repented of the step which he
had taken in thus suddenly elevating him to the pinnacle of power? Was
his viziership to last but a few short hours? had the secret influence,
which had hitherto protected him, ceased?

Considering the times and the country in which he lived,