he did so, she started back with a cry of
surprise, for there stood before her the pirate Zappa.

Ada rose as she saw him, for she felt that, from the first, it would be
necessary to assume a dignity and fearlessness of manner, in order to
gain any influence over him.

"The Prince Argiri Caramitzo, I believe I have the honour of seeing,"
she said, bowing.

"The same, signora, who has the happiness of welcoming you to Greece,
and has had that of rescuing you from a great danger," replied Zappa, in
his most courteous tone, advancing a step only into the chamber. "He
now comes to express a hope that you are satisfied with the arrangements
made for you, and will be contented to remain an inhabitant of this
island till communications can be opened with your friends, in order to
restore you to them."

"I need not tell you, prince, that I am most anxious to communicate with
my friends, and must beg you to tell me by what means I can do so," said
Ada.

"The opportunity will, doubtless, soon occur," replied the pirate.
"But, in the mean time, I have to assure you that I have taken measures
to let your friends know of your safety--though, for reasons which I may
hereafter explain to you, not the place of your abode."

"I understand you, signor; and I beg now to thank you for the courtesy
and delicacy with which you have treated me," said Ada. "And I will ask
you as a farther favour, to tell me what has become of the relative who
left Malta with me. Is he still living?"

As she spoke her voice trembled, and a tear started in her eye.

"Indeed, lady, I would gladly answer your question if I could. I know
nothing of your relative," replied Zappa. "But I am wearying you with
my presence. I came but to ascertain that you were satisfied with such
humble accommodation as I could afford you, and will no longer intrude
myself on your presence. Lady, farewell; and should any suspicions
enter your mind about me, I entreat you to banish them; and to believe
that, however much appearances are against me, I am not guilty."

It would be difficult to describe the tone with which those words were
uttered, or the polished bow Zappa gave as he quitted the room, fully
believing that he had made a great stride in winning over the feelings
of his prisoner, to look on him with regard.

A whole day passed away without the appearance of Paolo, or any person
except little Mila. The young Greek girl was her only attendant,
besides Maria