rupt me--where was I--oh, yes!
sailing towards the coast of Italy. We ran on till we sighted a lofty
mountain of Sicily, and just then fell in with a speronara, owned by a
man with whom I have had transactions, and whom I knew I could trust. I
engaged him to take me to Malta; and, with your brother as my companion,
I visited that place, and learned what vessels were about to sail.

"One bore a rich freight; we followed, and took her. Now, Nina, I am
going to make you jealous. An English lady was on board; she was young,
beautiful, and the heiress, I understand, of much wealth. She is now my
prisoner, and I intend to bring her here to place her in your charge,
Nina. But remember, no jealousy--for though you are lovely, you will
have to acknowledge that she is so also--yet I say not equal to you,
sweet one."

As Zappa was speaking, Nina rose, and as she stood in the recess of the
window, with the beams of the pale moon lighting up her countenance,
which would otherwise have been cast in shadow, her figure appeared to
grow more pure and ethereal, even to the eyes of the fierce and lawless
pirate. Her fair and slender hands were clasped on her bosom, while she
turned on him a look in which pain and reproach were mingled, as she
answered--

"I would gladly do your will in all things; I would willingly afford aid
to one in distress, to one who undeservedly suffers, who is torn from
her kindred and friends; but speak not to me of jealousy, Zappa, I have
trusted you too much, I love you too devotedly, as you well know, to be
influenced by such a feeling. Let the lady arrive when she may she is
welcome."

Poor girl! even as she spoke, the first pangs of the deadly poison had
shot through her heart, though she knew not what was the cause of the
feeling which oppressed her. She thought it was the indifference of his
tone, the light carelessness of his words which gave her pain, yet he
was always accustomed to speak in that way, for to things serious or
sacred he paid little regard.

"I will not, then, suppose you jealous, Nina, since you like it not to
be suspected that you are even capable of the feeling," answered the
pirate, throwing himself back on the divan, and laughing; "I shall not,
however, yet put you to the test, but when the lady arrives you will
treat her as one to whom all courtesy is due."

"I have promised to do so," replied the Italian girl, still standing in
the position she had assumed at a dista