The stranger still kept his eyes rivetted to the face of Sebastian, but their expression was rather inviting than hostile. “My memory assures me, sir,” he returned, “that I have seen you before: it was in the palace of Santos de Veiel, on the coast of Algarve, where I went on a secret mission from the Venetian Republic, to the young king of Portugal. Many years have gone by since that period, but I still retain the impression made on me by Don Sebastian’s most princely lineaments and gracious presence.--His moderation, justice, and magnanimity in the conduct of state business, I had then an opportunity of observing; his ardent piety was no less my admiration:--and since the fatal year in which he was said to have perished, I have always been one of those who most eagerly listened to the various stories of his re-appearance.--I wish you to know _me_ completely, sir: I am Signor Giuseppe Morosini: the name of the noblest house in Venice, is, I trust, a herald of honour:--at this day, my brother holds the first dignity of the republic.” “Your mien announced your nobility, sir!” replied Sebastian, endeavouring to preserve the repelling coldness with which he awed the vivacity of the Italian: Signor Morosini looked disappointed and embarrassed; this remark did not answer his question, and he feared to repeat it. “My enthusiasm transports me too far;” he said, after a short silence, “if you are not the personage I imagine; my discourse must sound like the ravings of a madman, pardon me sir, I have no curiosity; respect and disinterested zeal, alone dwell in my heart.--I see that I am not understood--or not recollected--or not credited:--I am at a loss what to do.”-- The Venetian stopt, and sitting down, Sebastian perceived that he contrived to let his mantle fall off, and discover below the collar of his ruff, a device of diamonds which fastened it to his vest: this very bauble he remembered having given to the Venetian envoy, at the period mentioned by this stranger. He now examined him attentively; and as Signor Morosini’s countenance had lost its vivacity, and taken an air of mortification, that expression came nearer to the serious air of a man of business: he began to recollect his features and his figure; though the former were extremely darkened, and the latter greatly enlarged since they had met at De Veiel. But still he shrunk from precipitate disclosure, and remained silent. Kara Aziek, in whom the stranger’s first address had awakened a thousand fears, now recovered from that impression, and exchanged an approving glance with Sebastian: she ventured not to speak, and for some time, silence succeeded to the warmth of energetic discourse. The reflections of Sebastian were fluctuating and troubled: his nature led him to implicit confidence in the protestations of a man of whom he remembered nothing that was not honourable; but experience had taught him to doubt and to investigate, ere he trusted past recal.