, as if he was framing an answer, which Ada
remarked to herself. At last he replied,--"Lady, your first question I
may answer. You are on board a man-of-war belonging to the patriot
Greeks, who are struggling for their liberty against the infidel Turks;
and you are in possession of the commander's cabin. How you came here I
am less able to inform you, and thus much only, further, I know, that we
are sailing for one of the islands of the Grecian Archipelago, where you
will be landed, and placed with those who will tend you carefully.
Lady, I regret that I cannot tell you more."

The suspicions of Ada were much increased on hearing these words.

"I believe that you, signor, would not willingly deceive me," she
observed. "The very tone of your voice forbids the supposition. But
tell me, as the Greek patriots are on friendly terms with the English,
should I desire to be placed on board a British ship-of-war, of which I
believe there are several in these seas, would not your commander comply
with my wishes?"

"The commander of this ship is anxious to do all he can to gratify you,
lady; but to do as you wish may not be in his power."

"Signor," said Ada, glancing at his features. "I have heard that voice
before. You speak Italian well; but so do many Greeks. Tell me, are
you the commander of this ship?"

"Lady, I am not," returned the young man emphatically. "I am but acting
as the surgeon of the ship, to soothe the anguish of those who are
wounded. I have no authority on board."

"Then why does not the commander visit me?" said Ada, "I would see him
and urge my request to be placed under the protection of the British
flag. Surely he would not refuse to do so."

"Oh, lady, do not ask to see him," exclaimed the Italian, forgetting his
cold reserve and previous caution. "You know not what misfortune you
may bring on yourself by so doing. He believes that you are now sick,
almost to death, and that your only chance of restoration to health is
rest and quiet on shore."

"You speak in enigmas," said Ada, quickly taking alarm. "Surely the
commander of a man-of-war would not detain an English lady against her
will; and my having recovered would make him still more anxious to
enable me to return to my friends."

The Italian stood for some minutes lost in thought.

"You know not lady how you came to be on board this vessel," he said.
"You now compel me to tell you. Your attendant informs me that the ship
in