Struck with the conviction that it was to the search for him that Tefza owed his malady, Sebastian’s heart smote him more powerfully than justice required; he hurried to rouse the household slaves, and have the physician sent for, then he returned to the old man, and sat watching and soothing him by turns. The Moorish doctor was just skilful enough to perceive his patient’s extreme danger, and to prescribe a few innoxious useless simples; he repeated his visit at night, by which time the Hadgé was delirious, and his fever alarmingly increased. Observing the ignorance of this practitioner, and remembering the remedies resorted to by the Portuguese, Sebastian assumed some command, and ventured to act according to the suggestions of his own understanding; the medicines he administered were in some degree successful: but a fierce disease must have its course; the fever raged for one-and twenty days, till it had spent its fires, and then they went out of themselves. During this tedious period Sebastian was agitated by the greatest inquietude for Kara Aziek; Benzaide’s brother-in-law (having delayed his return a few days,) had been the bearer of a letter describing the tie which now bound him to Riffa, and Babec had afterwards appeared with the information of El Hader’s death, and the removal of Aziek to the neighbouring house of an uncle. Plunged in filial sorrow, she had scarcely said more than that her sad heart needed the consolation of its dearest object, though at the same time she urged him by every sacred law of gratitude and humanity not to desert the Hadgé till death had released him, or health returned. As Sebastian sat by the old man’s pillow, contemplating his wasted figure while it lay composed in sleep, (for the fever had left him,) he could not refrain from heaving deep and repeated sighs; a tedious convalescence must follow such a violent disorder: Tefza, reduced to infantine feebleness, would long require the tenderest care--who would bestow it in the absence of Sebastian?--Alas, even goodness cannot always insure to itself a comforter in the time of need! most men are capable of making _one_ great sacrifice to their benefactor, but how few are disposed to yield without murmuring, their time, their enjoyments, nay their rest and personal liberty, in a continued round of privations! “Poor childless old man!” said Sebastian, looking tenderly on him, “thou hast thy wish, I remain with thee.” At this virtuous resolution, some sweetness mingled with the pain of regret: O delightful emotion of self-approval, how amply dost thou repay the soul for any sacrifice! Sebastian’s heart was calmed yet elevated, and he added devoutly--“This is Heaven’s will.”