ll you may expect, and that, be assured, she
will give you, is her gratitude and esteem. With that you must be
content."

"It is bitter to think so, and yet I have long ceased to hope," murmured
Paolo. "Tell me though, Nina, what would you have me do?"

His sister told him of the arrangement she had already made with Jack
Raby.

"Come, my brother, decide what part you will take--there is no time to
be lost; oh! let it be that one worthy of your generous nature."

"Nina, I will do as you wish," Paolo gasped forth, after a long silence.
"I will endeavour to save the life of this man, even though my heart
break when I see him united to her he loves."

"Swear it, then, Paolo--swear it by the Holy Apostles--swear it, as you
hope for Heaven's mercy hereafter," exclaimed Nina. "Not only for your
own sake do I impose this oath, but for the sake of the sweet girl
herself, that she may know that, though her lover is in his rival's
power, he is as safe as in the hands of his dearest friend."

Paolo took the oath his sister prescribed, and leaping off the ruins,
hurried, at headlong speed, down to the bay.

Nina followed at a slower pace.

The flight of the fugitives had been discovered by old Vlacco, even
before they had quitted the bay. He had awoke in the night, he stated,
and had taken it into his head, that he would go to see if they were
safe in their prison. He was so astonished and confused on finding they
were not there, that, at first, he could not decide what course to take.
He then bethought him that his duty required him to inform his chief,
and as soon as Zappa was made aware of the fact, the whole island was in
commotion, and the pursuit was commenced.

It was with very great satisfaction that Nina heard of Ada's flight, and
most earnestly did she pray that she might not be overtaken. For the
fair girl's sake, she wished this, and for her own, even still more so.
She admired her beauty, she was inclined to love her as a sister--and
yet she could not conceal from herself that she greatly feared her as a
rival in her husband's affections. She had lately learned, too surely
to doubt it, that his love was waning, and that he himself was far
different from the character she had supposed him.

By his own acknowledgment, he was a blood-stained pirate; and she had
already too many proofs of the fact, even had he not, now that he was
indifferent to her love, boasted to her of his deeds. Sometimes, alas,
th