had been made, she seemed to call to mind some misfortune, and wept bitterly, as is woman's usual mode in either pain or grief. Alvarez, who from fear that his presence might alarm her, had on her first returning to sensibility withdrawn out of sight, now advanced, and spoke some words of comfort, assuring her she was in perfect security, and that although his accommodations were humble, they were entirely at her disposal, as well as himself, to do her service.

He had rather hoped, that his meaning might be comprehended, than expected his words to be understood, as he feared she might be ignorant of the Spanish tongue: he was therefore surprised when she answered him with tolerable accuracy, in his native language, and in a voice of sweetness thanked him for his hospitality, and requested to be informed on what coast she had drifted: but e'er he could reply, her attention was called towards the child, who sent forth a small cry, feeble and tremulous, but announcing resuscitation. She took it in her arms, fed it with the bread, steeped in wine, which Alvarez brought her; then pressing it to her bosom, cooed and chirped over her little one, as mother's are wont when their babies suffer.

While thus engaged with these tender cares, Alvarez busied himself in the outer room, setting forth a little table with the few provisions which his house afforded. He for the first time lamented the coarseness of his fare, his distance from the town whence better could have been procured, and the want of domestics

to dispatch a hundred several ways in quest of delicates to tempt a sickly appetite. Yet were the bread and wine better than are usually met with in a fisherman's cot; and the large bunches of raisins, that with ripe figs and a fresh water mellon lay imbedded on green leaves in the middle of the table, might well have been considered greater luxuries than the hot vapours of a rich unwholesome dish. So at least thought his guest, who, assisted by him, had arisen from the bed, and now came forth to partake of the refreshment she so much needed. Alvarez placed the child on his lap, which he tenderly caressed and fed; then with delicate courtesy pressed the lady to eat, selecting the choicest fruit for her plate, and cheering her sadness with assurances of the infant's well-doing. The mother smiled with hope and gratitude, as she viewed the returning colour on its cheeks, or watched its little arms fearlessly embracing the spaniel's neck, who with paws resting on his master's knees, partook of the happiness to which he had contributed, and licked the baby hands that proffered him food. Alvarez would not allow his guest to exhaust herself in thanks, or in reciting the circumstances which had conducted her to his habitation. No, lady," said he, "no explanation is necessary: I see it would be a painful one to you, and should you judge it expedient to inform me in what manner I might best serve you, it must be at some future time, when your strength is recruited; at present think only of your health, and of this little one's-my house, though

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lonely, is safe, and I would advise you to repose, whilst I am absent at the next town, whither my employment carries me." So saying, he arose, and having shewn her the way of fastening the cottage door in case she should be alarmed; and agreed upon a signal to inform her of his return; he departed, leaving the faithful dog as a guard, who, though desirous of accompanying his master, after several wistful lookouts and short recursions from his station, quietly returned to his post, resigned and trusty, fixing his eyes anxiously on the path down which his master had departed.

In the evening when Alvarez returned, he was ac*companied by a man and cart laden with several articles of furniture, that might render his habitation more worthy for the fair stranger. Among the rest, with a chest filled with linen and women's apparel; a matrass for himself, a couple of female goats, some poultry, and a stock of fresh fruit and provisions. The lady seemed perfectly recovered, and had endeavoured to express her gratitude, by assuming a cheerful aspect, and by sundry little domestic arrangements, which mark a woman's presence in the additional neatness and comfort that preside over the household.

She would no longer be restrained in warmly expressing her obligation, but with the energy of youth and passionate feeling of woman poured forth her thanks. "I well perceive," said she, "that your manners and actions are above your station, or is it that

all of your nation have a soft, and winning exterior, calculated to soothe women into confidence and trustingness? Alas! I know not yet must I hope; there are some hearts who delight in acts of goodness, and mean not to betray to future misery. The singular providence by which I and my child escaped from almost certain death, induces me to believe that the Great Spirit wills me to live; perhaps happiness is in store, at least for my son. Oh! I knew not, until I saw him (as I thought) expire, the utter bitterness of death and despair. But to you an account of the circumstances that sent me hither is due; and though my actions may not in your polished country be justifiable; yet do I think your kindness will appreciate the motives of my conduct, and pronounce my sufferings an unkind return for such a prodigal love." Alvarez thanked the lady for her promised confidence, assuring her that nothing could be more interesting to him. And now, while the child gambolled before the door with the spaniel, Alvarez and the lady enjoyed the fresh breeze and the glowing reflections of evening, whose bright tints lent a deeper colour to the sunny check of the beautiful stranger, who, with arms crossed on her lap and her head a little inclined, related her story as follows:

"My name is Zulema: my mother was the favourite wife of a Moorish merchant, and as his fortune increased, his fondness for her and myself was daily shewn by some rare and costly present; but what I shall ever esteem as the most valuable of his gifts,

was an European slave of your nation, whom he presented to my mother as a nurse for me and a companion for herself; she being well skilled in music and many kinds of needle-work. I soon became more attached to Olinda than to any other person around me. My mother, with the usual indolence and indifference of our women, left me almost entirely to her care, by which fortunate chance I became mistress of the few acquirements I possess. It was her constant and greatest pleasure to instruct me in the Spanish, Italian, and French languages, and to inspire me with a love for their literature and manners. She often lamented that my fate would probably condemn me to be the wife of some wealthy Moor, to whom all my accomplishments would be indifferent, and would then frequently blame herself for having bestowed them upon me, since they would probably be the source of repinings and discontent. But who that has known the bliss of knowledge wishes not to impart its treasures to those whom they love? For my own part, my gratitude to her was unbounded; I joyed in each new ray of information, and would not have exchanged my sweet discourses with Olinda, or my private musings, for all the indolence and finery of the Sultan's Harem. My heart was light and hopeful; my imagination, romantic and blissful; I constantly pictured some happy chance which would conduct me to Europe, and restore my beloved instructress to liberty and her friends. I communicated these day dreams to Olinda, and sought to dissipate her melancholy forebodings.