self. "I
value your love the more that I possess that of no other."

"Your sweet temper and your sweet voice have won you more friends than
you suppose, lady," answered the Greek girl. "My young brother would
die for you, I know, and my old grandfather, Vlacco, has his heart
softened towards you, I am sure."

"Does Vlacco feel pity for me? Then would he, do you think, allow us to
wander forth to explore this rocky island? I am weary of remaining shut
up in so small a compass for so long a time."

"I will try and persuade him, lady; and if it is not contrary to his
orders I think he will allow us to go together," returned the girl.
"But you know, lady, since the futile attempt of Signor Paolo, your
brother, to carry you off, you have constantly been watched."

"I know it, and therein is my misery. He knows I would not quit him if
I could; and how can a weak girl escape from this rock-bound prison
except--" she paused and looked at the deep blue sea which lay at their
feet--"except it were to seek that rest which can be found, by one like
me, only beneath the calm bosom of yonder ocean."

"Oh, lady, let not such dreadful thoughts enter into your mind!"
exclaimed the young Greek, looking up at her with a face in which pity
blended with alarm. "Come, we will wander forth, as you wish it, far
into the country; the change of scene, the fresh air, and exercise will
cheer your spirits, and I am sure my grandfather will not deny our
request to be allowed a little freedom."

A silk scarf and such boots as the Turkish women wear when they venture
abroad, completed the Italian lady's walking costume, and following the
young Greek, they descended from her lofty tower. The flight of the
steps which led to the ground was steep and narrow, and were the same
which had been used in former days, repaired in places where the stones
had given way, bywood work slightly run up. This, a few strokes of an
axe would serve to destroy, and the summit of the tower would be
immediately rendered inaccessible. The story immediately beneath the
one inhabited by the lady was fitted up as a residence, though with much
less attention to comfort and elegance. There were several couches for
sleeping, and a few seats and tables; but in the corners of the room
furthest from the windows were piled up in one, chests and bales of
goods, silks, cottons, and woollen cloths; in another, a collection of
arms, muskets, and cutlasses, and boarding-pike