of a widow named Dame Margaretha, and there I
immediately took up my abode. Having written my letters to your
highness, I was anxious to get them expedited to Constantinople, for I
was well aware that your highness would be rejoiced to hear that your
beloved sister was indeed in the land of the living, that she was in
good health, and that a brilliant marriage was in store for her. I
accordingly spoke to Dame Margaretha relative to the means of obtaining
a trusty messenger who would undertake a journey to Constantinople. The
old woman assured me that her son Antonio, who was a valet in the
service of the Count of Arestino, would be able to procure me such a
messenger as I desired, and in the course of the day that individual was
fetched by his mother to speak to me on the subject. Having repeated my
wishes to him, he asked me several questions which seemed to indicate a
prying disposition, and a curiosity as impertinent as it was
inconvenient. In fact, I did not like his manner at all; but conceiving
that his conduct might arise from sheer ignorance, and from no sinister
motive, I still felt inclined to avail myself of his assistance to
procure a messenger. Finding that he could not sift me, he at length
said that he had no doubt a friend of his, whom he named Venturo, would
undertake my commission, and he promised to return with that individual
in the evening. He then left me, and true to his promise, he came back
shortly after dusk, accompanied by this same Venturo. The bargain was
soon struck between us, and he promised to set off that very night for
Rimini, whence vessels were constantly sailing for Constantinople. I
gave him a handsome sum in advance, and also a sealed packet, addressed
to your highness' private secretary, but containing an inclosure, also
well sealed, directed to your highness, for I did not choose to excite
the curiosity of these Italians by allowing them to discover that I was
corresponding with the grand vizier of the Ottoman Empire, Venturo
accordingly left me, promising to acquit himself faithfully of his
mission."

"Your plans were all wisely taken," said the grand vizier, "and no human
foresight could have anticipated other than successful results. Proceed,
for although you have hastily sketched all these particulars to me
before, yet I am anxious to consider them in more attentive detail."

"Having thus disposed of that important business," resumed the young
Greek, "I went out to saunter