"Enough, boy," exclaimed Ibrahim: then in a low tone, he murmured to himself, "The Christians have indeed much cause to anathematize the encroachments and tyranny of the Moslems." There was a short pause, during which the grand vizier was absorbed in profound meditation, while the Greek page never once withdrew his eyes from the countenance of that high functionary. "Boy," at length said Ibrahim, "you appear attached to me. I have observed many proofs of your devotion during the few months that you have been in my service. Speak--is there aught that I can do to make you happy? Have you relations or friends who need protection? If they be poor, I will relieve their necessities." "My lips cannot express the gratitude which my heart feels toward your highness," returned the page, "but I have no friends in behalf of whom I might supplicate the bounty of your highness." "Are you yourself happy, Constantine?" asked Ibrahim. "Happy in being permitted to attend upon your highness," was the reply, delivered in a soft and tremulous tone. "But is it in my power to render you happier?" demanded the grand vizier. Constantine hung down his head--reflected for a few moments, and then murmured "Yes." "Then, by Heaven!" exclaimed Ibrahim Pasha, "thou hast only to name thy request, and it will be granted. I know not wherefore, but I am attached to thee much. I feel interested in thy welfare, and I would be rejoiced to minister to thy happiness." "I am already happier than I was--happier, because my lips have drunk in such words flowing from the lips of one who is exalted as highly as I am insignificant and humble." said the page, in a voice tremulous with emotion, but sweetly musical. "Yes, I am happier," he continued--"and yet my soul is filled with the image of a dear, a well-beloved sister, who pines in loneliness and solitude, ever dwelling on a hapless love which she has formed for one who knows not that he is so loved, and who perhaps may never--never know it." "Ah, thou hast a sister, Constantine?" exclaimed the grand vizier. "And is she as lovely as a sister of a youth so handsome as thou art ought to be?" "She has been assured by those who have sought her hand, that she is indeed beautiful," answered Constantine. "But of what avail are her charms, since he whom she loves may never whisper in her ear the delicious words, 'I love thee in return.'" "Does the object of her affections possess so obdurate a heart?" inquired the grand vizier, strangely interested in the discourse of his youthful page.