trained to
submit, each of them comforting himself with the hope, however doubtful,
that he would succeed at last. Hassan, who was to remain viceroy of
Cyprus, resolved to make such presents to the cadi as would induce him
to give up the slave. Ali formed other plans, and as he flattered
himself that he should carry them into successful operation, they both
professed themselves satisfied, and paid the Jew two thousand doblas
each on the spot. The Jew then said that he had sold the slave, but not
the clothes she wore, which were worth another two thousand doblas; and
this indeed was true, for her hair which she wore partly loose on her
shoulders, and partly braided on her forehead, was most gracefully
interwoven with strings of pearls; her bracelets and anklets too were
set with very large pearls, and her green satin robe was heavily
flounced and embroidered with gold. In short, all agreed that the Jew
had set a low price on the dress, and the cadi, to show himself no less
liberal than the two pashas, said that he would pay for it, that the
slave might appear before the Grand Signor as she then stood. The two
competitors agreed in approving of this, each of them believing that
slave, dress, and all would soon be his own.

It is impossible to describe Ricardo's feelings, when he saw the
treasure of his soul thus put up for sale, and found that he had
regained it only to lose it more cruelly. He knew not whether he was
asleep or awake, and could not believe his own eyes; for it seemed
incredible that they should have so unexpectedly before them her whom he
had supposed to have disappeared for ever. "Do you know her?" he
whispered in Mahmoud's ear.

"No! I do not," was the reply.

"Then I must tell you that it is Leonisa."

"What do you say, Ricardo?" exclaimed Mahmoud.

"I say it is Leonisa."

"Say no more; fortune is proving your friend, and all is turning out for
the best, for she is to remain in my master's custody."

"What think you? Shall I place myself where I may be seen by her?"

"By no means, lest you give her a sudden shock; nor must you let it be
known that you have seen her, for that might disconcert the plan I have
in view."

"I will do as you advise," said Ricardo, turning away his eyes, and
carefully avoiding those of Leonisa, which were meanwhile bent upon the
ground. Presently the cadi went up to her, and taking her by the hand,
delivered her to Mahmoud, ordering him to take her into the city an