Well then, our fair heroine for the moment, had got on most industriously with her work, when suddenly, on raising her eyes from her paper to a stack of decayed vines, she was disagreeably surprised at finding a pair of questionable optics leveled upon her. Retaining her composure of manner, she continued tranquilly her occupation, until she had time to remark that the intruder was accompanied by at least a dozen companions. At this moment the personage whom she had first seen, quietly left his place of partial concealment, walked up to the astonished lady, folded his arms, and stationed himself behind her back. He was a large, heavy, good-looking person--but the circumstances under which he presented himself, rather than any peculiarity in his appearance, caused Miss V---- to suspect the honesty of his profession. "Indeed you are making an uncommonly pretty picture there, if you will permit me to say so," remarked the stranger. "I am glad you like it," replied the young lady. "I think, however, that it would be vastly improved, if you would permit me to sketch your figure in the foreground." "Nothing would flatter me more. But, cara signorina, my present object is a much less romantic one than sitting for my portrait to so fair an artist. Will you allow me to gather up for myself and my half famished friends, the fragments of your recent meal?" "You are quite welcome to them, I assure you." The dialogue had proceeded thus far when it was interrupted by the return, to the no small satisfaction of one of the party at least, of the two English officers and some others of the stragglers. The stranger, in no way disconcerted, turned to Sir Edward Owen, and said, "I believe that I have the honor of addressing his Excellency, the commander of the British frigate in the harbor." "Excuse me," said Sir George Dundas, "I am that person." "Sono il servitore di Vostra Excellenza. The young lady whom I found here has given me permission to make use of the food that has been left by your party. But if your Excellency, and you, sir," addressing the other officer, "will grant me the favor of a moment's private conversation, you will increase the obligation already conferred." The three, thereupon, retired to a short distance from the rest of the company, when the stranger resumed: