history given by the natives of Amine's escape
appeared so miraculous. From the commandant to the lowest servant,
every one was waiting to receive her. The beauty of Amine, her perfect
form, astonished them. The commandant addressed a long compliment to
her in Portuguese, and was astonished that she did not make a suitable
reply--but as Amine did not understand a word that he said, it would
have been more surprising if she had.

As Amine made signs that she could not understand the language, it was
presumed that she was either English or Dutch, and an interpreter was
sent for. She then explained that she was the wife of a Dutch captain,
whose vessel had been wrecked, and that she did not know whether the
crew had been saved or not. The Portuguese were very glad to hear that
a Dutch vessel had been wrecked, and very glad that so lovely a creature
as Amine had been saved. She was informed by the commandant that she
was welcome, and that during her stay there everything should be done to
make her comfortable; that in three months they expected a vessel from
the Chinese seas, proceeding to Goa, and that, if inclined, she should
have a passage to Goa in that vessel, and from that city she would
easily find other vessels to take her wherever she might please to go;
she was then conducted to an apartment, and left with a little negress
to attend upon her.

The Portuguese commandant was a small, meagre, little man dried up to a
chip, from long sojourning under a tropical sun. He had very large
whiskers, and a very long sword: these were the two most remarkable
features in his person and dress.

His attentions could not be misinterpreted; and Amine would have laughed
at him, had she not been fearful that she might be detained. In a few
weeks, by due attention, she gained the Portuguese language so far as to
ask for what she required; and before she quitted the island of Tidore
she could converse fluently. But her anxiety to leave, and to ascertain
what had become of Philip, became greater every day; and at the
expiration of the three months her eyes were continually bent to
seaward, to catch the first glimpse of the vessel which was expected.
At last it appeared; and as Amine watched the approach of the canvas
from the west, the commandant fell on his knees, and declaring his
passion, requested her not to think I of departure, but to unite her
fate with his.

Amine was cautious in her reply, for she knew that she wa