with the benignity of my disposition; for
Caneri, though an outcast, and a sovereign only of wild mountains and
deserted villages, has yet power enough to enforce his commands, and
inflict a summary vengeance upon those who dare thwart his wishes.
Remember, then, thou art my slave, and deny me not as a lover what I can
easily exact as a master."

"I am your slave," cried Theodora, tremblingly, "and it is not my
intention either to despise your generosity or dispute your power. I am
sensible of both--command me the most menial services, I will do
all--nay, take my life; but, oh! spare me, in mercy spare me the
degradation which you are meditating."

"Degradation!" exclaimed Caneri, rising with rage, "degradation! By the
mighty Allah! such temerity is unparalleled! Thy youth and ignorance
alone can excuse the criminality of such an expression."

Theodora could only answer by tears. But during the pause which ensued,
the mind of Caneri underwent a sudden revolution; from the highest
paroxysm of choler, his features gradually relaxed into complete
serenity. This alteration did not proceed from a sense of generosity
towards his victim, for he was fully determined to carry his designs
into execution; but, like a refined voluptuary, he calculated the
advantages he might derive from a timely forbearance. He was, therefore,
resolved to exhaust every gentle means before he had recourse to the
last extremity.

He now took the hand of Theodora, which she had not the power to
withhold, and pressing it tenderly between his own, he renewed his suit
with much more suavity of tone and delicacy of manner. Theodora
suffered perhaps more from this unexpected display of kindness, than
from the brutal asperity and violence which the Moor had before evinced.
For in cases of extreme danger, violence will sometimes inspire a degree
of courage, while condescension and urbanity from those who have the
power to command is more distressing, inasmuch as it enervates that
strong principle of resistance and leaves in its place the weaker and
less decisive resource of expostulation.

But by degrees the patience of the amorous Moor was wearing away with
the ill-success of his suit, and starting up suddenly, and looking
intensely on the afflicted fair, he made a last attempt to conquer her
opposition.

Theodora threw herself at his feet, and embracing them eagerly strove to
interest his pity by the intensity of her anguish. Her tears fell
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