escape from the severity of the
Star Chamber. But the loss of property was nothing; I had still more
than enough: it was the dreadful length of my confinement, during which
anxiety had swelled hours into days, and days into months of torture and
suspense. I had been incarcerated more than a year before I could obtain
my release. When in my imagination I conjured up Rosina lamenting my
infidelity, reproaching me in her solitude for my broken vows, and
(there was madness in the very thought) yielding in her resentment and
her grief to the solicitations of her parents, and taking the veil,--I
was frantic; I tore my hair, beat the walls of my prison, raved for
liberty, and offered to surrender up every shilling that I possessed.

* * * * *

"By the beard of the prophet, this tires me," exclaimed the pacha.
"Murakhas, you are dismissed."

The Greek slave bowed and retired.

Chapter VIII

The next morning the pacha observed to Mustapha, "I have been thinking
whether, as we have no story, it would not be as well to let the Greek
finish the story of yesterday evening."

"True, O pacha," replied Mustapha, "better is hard fare than no food--if
we cannot indulge in the pillau, we must content ourselves with boiled
rice."

"It is well said, Mustapha, so let him proceed."

The Greek slave was then ordered in, and re-commenced as follows:--

* * * * *

Freedom was obtained at last; I flew to the sea-coast, chartered a small
vessel, and chiding the winds as we scudded along, because they would
not blow with a force equal to my impetuous desires, arrived at Cadiz.
It was late in the evening when I disembarked and repaired to the
convent; so exhausted was I by contending hopes and fears, that it was
with difficulty I could support my own weight. I tottered to the wicket,
and demanded my Rosina.

"Are you a near relation," inquired the portress, "that you request the
presence of a sister?" Her interrogation decided the point; Rosina had
taken the veil, had abjured the world and me for ever. My brain reeled,
and I fell senseless on the pavement. Alarmed at the circumstance, the
portress ran to the Lady Abbess, informing her that a person had asked
for Sister Rosina, and, receiving her answer, had fallen senseless at
the wicket. Rosina was present at the narration; her heart told her who
it was; also told her that I had not been faithless. Joy at my fidelit