This was not the action of one conscious of belonging to another: Sebastian was exalted to the extremest point of human felicity; happiness, lost happiness, he now clasped in the form of Kara Aziek, and enjoyed in the certainty of being able to confer it. “We part no more--we part no more!” he repeated. Bewildered in a maze of delight, and merely conscious that the looks and voice of Sebastian breathed love like her own, Aziek forgot awhile every obstacle between them; her tears and sighs mingled with his, as she rested on his bosom with the sweet serenity of a pure heart, sure of loving and being beloved; his name, coupled with endearing epithets, breathed repeatedly from her lips, and her soft arms returned the pressure of his: at length, starting and trembling, she averted her eyes, and pronounced the name of Donna Gonsalva. Indignation alone appeared on the brow of Sebastian; in a few words he detailed her perfidy and his own disappointment, and was about to paint to the horror-struck Aziek his new wishes, when voices at the door of the outer cabin called him away. It was the captain of the Brazilman with his mate: Sebastian hastened to demand respect for Kara Aziek. He informed them that in their fair prisoner he had discovered a Moorish lady, to whom he had once been indebted for liberty; “I owe her my life,” he said, “and I will defend her with my life: her sex and situation ought to ensure her generous treatment. I hope and believe they will; but if not, this arm shall either protect or avenge her.” “And a rare strong arm it is,” replied the captain, “we’ll keep to windward of it, be sure. He sha’nt overhaul the lady, only what we find in the money way is lawful prize; has she no coin nor jewels to pay the men for civilly treating her and the rest of the women?” Sebastian had not time to reply before Aziek herself appeared; she came forth from her cabinet surrounded by her maids: her unsteady step and tearful eyes were directed towards him, for whom alone she feared when the voice of what she thought violence reached her ear. Struck with an apprehension of being discovered, Sebastian hastily told her in Moresco, that his rank was unknown, and that these men commanded there. Aziek turned frightfully pale, she trembled, and leaned on him for support; the captain advanced bowing, his eyes fixed on her glittering armlets, spoke a language easily understood, she hastened to take them off and present them to him: at the same time she pointed to some large chests, the keys of which one of her maids laid at his feet.