nd all the more manly
qualities of his nature rose up to his aid; but he had been too long
accustomed to yield to the influence which the pirate had gained over
him--he quailed before the stern, unrelenting eye fixed on him, and his
soft, unresisting character, too similar to that of his unfortunate
sister, made him falter in his half-formed purpose. With an expression
of agony, of shame, and humiliation on his countenance, he turned and
fled down the steps.

Ada at once felt the importance of maintaining her own dignity. She
rose, and as calmly as she could command her voice, she asked,--"May I
know, signor, to what cause I am indebted for this visit?"

"Beautiful lady!" said the pirate, still standing at a distance, which
would have showed respect had his words been different, "can you suppose
it possible that I should always resist the influence of your
attractions. Am I to be the only one in this island who is to be
debarred the happiness of basking in your smiles? Is yon weak youth
ever to be preferred to me?"

"In pity's name, cease this insulting mockery, signor," said Ada, her
heart at the same time sinking with a fear she had hitherto happily not
yet experienced. "Does not every manly quality of your heart rebel at
the thought of thus addressing one so totally unprotected, so helpless
as I am. With regard to the unhappy gentleman who has just quitted the
room, I am innocent of any other feeling than profound pity for his
misfortunes; and with regard to yourself, how can you expect me to feel
other than indignation at the outrage to which you have subjected me.
Every day that I am kept here a prisoner can but serve to increase that
feeling; and my only request is, that I may not be insulted by the
presence of one who has been the cause of the misery I endure."

There is a majesty and dignity, a commanding power in the eye and
expression of a pure, high-minded, resolute woman, which will abash even
the boldest and most unscrupulous men. That is their shield and
buckler, their defence against the attacks of the profligate. It is
like the steadfast gaze of a dauntless man, which is said to have the
power of awing even the fiercest of the beasts of the forest; but let
her beware how for an instant she withdraws it, how she allows the
softer feelings of her woman's nature to shake her firmness; her
opponent is ever watchful, and should she allow the faintest gleam of
hope to enter his bosom, the potent ch