Yet in what way should he act? if Signor Giuseppe were permitted to depart under the impression which it was evident he retained, pique at being distrusted, might render him forward to describe the person he had seen, and the surprise that encounter had caused him. Such conduct must prove destructive of that secrecy, which, for awhile, should belong to Sebastian’s intercourse with Spanish subjects: he would be traced to Messina, to the abode of the Duke de Medina Sidonia’s wife, and the sacrifice of their whole family might follow the annihilation of his own. Was it not better therefore, to take a bold step, and rely at once on the honour and truth of this Venetian? his near relationship to the Doge, and the aversion he expressed to the memory of Philip, might be fairly considered as grounds for confidence; and if his favorable remembrance of the Portuguese monarch, inspired him to attempt acquiring for the confederate powers, the assistance of Venice, his friendship must be considered as an important advantage. These thoughts were agitating her husband, while Kara Aziek tried to support languid conversation with Signor Morosini: the latter preserved a timid and mortified air, yet now and then he stole an earnest glance towards both his mysterious companions. Sebastian suddenly approached, and lowering his voice, said, “I would learn from you, noble Venetian, the name of him for whom you take me?” Signor Giuseppe raised his head, and said frankly, “For Don Sebastian himself.” Sebastian gave no other answer than a gracious smile: the Venetian seized the confession made by this well-remembered smile, and bent his knee to the ground; the King gave him his hand, raised him up, and seated himself by his side. Signor Morosini, with the vivacity of his country, then began to pour forth expressions of sincere joy, of wonder, of curiosity: he was eager to learn where the King of Portugal could have been concealed so long; and ere Sebastian found voice to reply, had imagined a thousand fantastic and improbable adventures, which he uttered with more than his usual rapidity. Sebastian briefly replied, then added, “You find Signor, that I know what is due to the bare word of an honorable man: you have merely assured me that you wish to serve me, and relying on that assurance, I no longer hesitate to employ your friendship in negotiation with the Republic. For my long irresolution at our first meeting, your own sense of discretion will plead: in circumstances like mine, caution is a virtue.” Signor Morosini replied with an excess of urbanity: his looks witnessed his words; and the readiness with which he promised to use the utmost diligence and prudence, in his negotiation with the Doge and the Senate, forced Sebastian to confess, that his warmest friends were ever those on whom he had no right to calculate.