Sebastian’s heart throbbed with virtuous exultation: it was to him this populous city was indebted for her deliverance and for her monarch!--His steps were now impeded by frequent parties of the citizens forcibly stopping him to crown his head with garlands, and to bless him for their freedom: it was with difficulty he could reach the house of Sir Anthony Shirley, where he assisted Kara Aziek to quit her litter, and led her into the apartments of the ambassador. Shirley welcomed back his guest with open arms, Sebastian returned his embrace, and thanking him for the justice he had rendered to his principles, presented the fair proof of his truth. When the lovely Moor threw back her veil to answer the courteous salutation of the Englishman, a modest glow animated her softly-speaking eyes, but those eyes floated in tears, for the sight of Sir Anthony Shirley brought back the memory of his countrywoman whom death had so lately torn away. She spoke, she moved, and the grave statesman delighted with the melody of her voice, and the grace and symmetry of her shape, forgot that the hue of the olive was spread over those exquisite limbs. Sweet to the lover is the tributary admiration paid to the object of his adoration! Sebastian read Shirley’s approval in his looks, and eager to display the still lovelier part of his Aziek, won her into discourse. Their theme was the story of Aziek’s friend; of her last illness, her resignation, her saint-like piety, her death!--regret and affection made Kara Aziek eloquent, and both her auditors hung on her accents with intent pleasure. As she described the important scenes that had passed between her and this superior woman, each listened attentively: Kara Aziek was describing the progress of her own conversion. Sebastian was only attentive to discover whether she really had deserted the standard of the false prophet; Shirley anxiously hoped to hear that she had become a convert to the new doctrine of Luther. Both were satisfied;--Aziek was a Christian and a Lutheran: the death-bed of Amelia had sealed her arguments. “What a noble soul! what a rare judgment!” exclaimed Sir Anthony, inwardly: “She has acknowledged Jesus!” said Sebastian to himself, “that is the first step--and I should be satisfied with it. The false creed of this Englishwoman will soon be displaced by our sublime mysteries: my Aziek’s mind is capable of being darkened by the prejudice of affection, but affection also may enlighten it again.” With this soothing thought he yielded to his joy, and expressed it rapturously: the entrance of the Sophi, whom not even his august dignity could restrain from hastening to his preserver, interrupted the conversation.