t with. Should Powhattan not be able to help us as we
hoped, I shall forthwith carry out my plan. My two seamen have now come
back; I will question them afresh. And now that they have seen more of
the country, they may be able to say whether it was here or elsewhere
they met with the poor wretch Batten: would that he had lived--he would
have helped us more than they have done, or are likely to do."

While Mistress Audley's spirits were somewhat revived by Captain
Layton's assurances, she received a message from the governor,
requesting her to act the hostess to the Indian princess just arrived
with her father. This she could not refuse; and Lettice and Cicely were
well pleased with the thoughts of having the Indian maiden under their
care. Accordingly word was sent to the governor that they were willing
to receive her as their guest. In a short time Pocahontas arrived,
still seated on her litter, with Harry Rolfe by her side. Mistress
Audley, with Lettice and Cicely, went forth to meet her, and taking her
hand as the bearers placed the litter on the ground, helped her to rise,
and led her into the house, followed by Harry Rolfe, who seemed
unwilling to give up the charge of the damsel even to them. The
beautiful young savage, for such, in the presence of the English matron
and the two young maidens, she truly seemed, cast looks of admiration at
their fair features, and their dresses, which appeared to her of
wondrous texture. Although they could exchange but a few words with
her, they were able with the assistance of Harry Rolfe to answer her
questions; and in a short time she appeared perfectly at home with them.

At length she asked whether they were Harry's sisters, and hearing that
they were not so was silent, looking up first to one, and then to the
other, and then towards Harry himself; and it could be easily seen that
her brain was busy though her tongue was silent. A hut had been
prepared for the chief, suitable to his wants, though bearing little
resemblance to a royal palace. He came the next day to see his
daughter, and appeared to be so well pleased with the treatment she
received, that he intimated to the governor his intention of leaving her
for a while with her new friends. His proposal was gladly accepted, as
it proved his good feelings towards the English, and the confidence he
placed in them. Captain Layton and Vaughan, with the assistance of
Harry Rolfe, had a long talk with him. Regardi