one of the handsomest youths in the country. He was disfigured a
little by a scarlet stain on his neck, somewhat in shape resembling a
bunch of grapes, and which our national dress would not permit him to
conceal. My father, intending that he should serve the sultan, brought
him up to a perfect knowledge of every martial exercise. Even at
fourteen years old, few could compete with him in the use of the bow,
and throwing the djireed, and as a horseman he was perfect. As for me, I
was, I am certain, intended for the sultan's seraglio, for as a child I
was beautiful as a houri. My father was a man who would not scruple to
part with his children for gold, provided he obtained his price. I was
considered, and I believe that I was, the most beautiful girl in the
country, and every care was taken that I should not injure my appearance
or hurt my complexion by domestic labour or exposure. I was not
permitted to assist my mother, who, induced by my father's orders,
waited upon me. I was indulged in every whim, and I grew up as selfish
and capricious as I was beautiful. Smile not, pacha--time has been.

One day, when I was about fourteen years old, I was sitting at the
porch, when a large body of Turkish cavalry suddenly made their
appearance from a wood close to the house, and surrounded it. They
evidently came for me, for they demanded me by name, threatening to burn
the house down to the ground, if I was not immediately delivered up. Our
house, which was situated near the confines of the country, had been
constructed for defence; and my father, expecting assistance from his
neighbours, refused to acquiesce in their terms. The assault was made,
my father and mother, with all their household, were murdered, my
brother severely wounded, the house plundered, and burnt to the outside
walls. I was, of course, a prisoner as well as my brother. He was tied,
wounded as he was, upon one horse, and I upon another, and in a few
hours the party had regained the frontiers. A young man, handsome as an
angel, was the leader of the band, and I soon perceived that all his
thoughts and attentions, were directed to me. He watched me with the
greatest solicitude when we halted, procured me every comfort, and was
always hovering about my presence. From the discourse of the soldiers I
discovered that he was the only son of the grand vizier at Stamboul. He
had heard of my beauty, had seen me, and offered a large sum to my
father, who had refused, as h