long owing, and the loss of which at the time had mainly
contributed to plunge Signor Francatelli into embarrassment. I added
that the son of the debtor having grown rich, had deemed it an act of
duty and honor to liquidate this liability on the part of his deceased
father. My tale was believed; the case of jewels, which I had previously
caused to be estimated by a goldsmith in Florence, was received as the
means of settling the fictitious debt; and I was forthwith a welcome
friend at the worthy lady's table."

"The stratagem was a good one, Demetrius," observed the grand vizier.
"But proceed, and fear not that thou wilt weary me with lengthened
details."

"I stayed to partake of the evening repast," continued the Greek; "and
the Signora Francatelli grew confiding and communicative, as was nothing
more than natural, inasmuch as I necessarily appeared in the light of
the agent of a worthy and honorable man who had not forgotten the
obligation to a family that had suffered by his father's conduct. I
assured the signora that the person by whom I was employed to liquidate
that debt, would be rejoiced to hear of the success of the Francatellis,
and I ventured to make inquiries concerning the orphan children of the
late merchant."

"Proceed, Demetrius," said the grand vizier, "spare not a single
detail."

"Your highness shall be obeyed," returned the Greek, though now speaking
with considerable diffidence. "The worthy lady shook her head
mournfully, observing that Alessandro, the son of the late merchant, was
in Turkey, she believed; and then she rose hastily, and opening a door
leading to a staircase, called her niece to descend, as 'there was only
a friend present.' I was overjoyed to learn thus unexpectedly, that the
Signora Flora had reappeared; and when she entered the room, could
scarcely conceal my delight beneath that aspect of mere cold courtesy
which it became a stranger to wear. The young lady appeared perfectly
happy, and no wonder! For when she had retired, after staying a few
minutes in the room, her good aunt, in the fullness of her confidence in
me, not only related all the particulars of the Signora Flora's
immurement in the Carmelite Convent, but also explained to me her
motives for so long concealing the young lady's return home, as I have
heretofore narrated to your highness. The worthy aunt then informed me
that the Count of Riverola had only returned that day from the
wars--that he had made honorab