o
overtake the young Italian; but Paolo was also active, and he was eager
to embrace his sister--the only being in the world whom he felt could
love him--the only one he had loved.

The door of the tower stood open, and with haste he ascended the steep
steps, which led to her chamber. He threw open the door, and stood at
the entrance; her arms were round her brother's neck, and she was
weeping. For an instant she did not perceive that any one else was
present--she looked up, and beheld the pirate. With a cry, she tore
herself from her brother's embrace, and, rushing towards Zappa, threw
herself into his arms.

"You see, Paolo," he said, in a taunting tone, "your sister will prefer
remaining with me, with all my faults on my head, rather than follow
your sage advice to return to Italy with you. Is it not so, my Nina--
you love me still?"

She hid her face in his bosom, as she murmured,--"It were death, indeed,
to quit you."

"You hear her, Paolo. Now listen to me," said Zappa. "For her sake I
forgive you for disobeying my orders, and quitting me just now, while I
had directions to give you; return on board the ship--you have duties to
attend to there, which you must not neglect--there, embrace your sister
once more if you wish, and go."

The young Italian stood for a minute with his eyes fixed, glaring on the
pirate, as if he were about to speak, and give vent to his indignant
anger in words; but he said nothing; and, with a groan, which burst from
his bosom, without giving another look at his sister, he rushed out of
the door, and down the steps, nor stopped till he reached the beach.

"You look thinner than usual, my Nina; and the brightness of your eye
has lost somewhat of its lustre since I left you," said Zappa, as they
sat at the window of the tower, looking out on the moonlit sea; while
within the chamber the light of a silver lamp, suspended from the roof,
cast a brilliant radiance on every side, and on a table, spread with
crystal goblets, and dishes glittering with silver and jewels, on which
a luxurious repast had been served.

"My health will soon be restored now you have returned," answered Nina,
returning the fond pressure of his hand. "But I have been almost a
prisoner in this tower; and old Vlacco, whom you left as governor in
your absence, would have made me one completely, had I not insisted on
enjoying a little freedom at times with his grandchild, Mila. Your
absence, too, was so much