human
Lady, he said,
gpt
No, returned Nina;
human
I know no lady of that name--but stay. Is the lady young, and fair, and beautiful, for, if so, I have just parted with her?
gpt
She is, she is! exclaimed Fleetwood, in a voice of agitation, the colour rushing to his face, and showing through the darkly-stained skin.
human
Where is she, lady? Oh, tell me!
gpt
You have betrayed yourself, signor, she answered.
human
But you may confide in me--I will not injure you. I thought from the first, that you were not a common seaman, in spite of your costume. Such speak not with the accent you do. You take a great interest in this fair girl. Confess it.
gpt
I do, signora; and, moreover, I would risk everything to rescue her.
human
I thought as much, returned Nina.
gpt
I may find means to serve you--and will do so. But remember, signor, that I may also some day call upon you to assist one who, although you may look upon him as an enemy, may demand your aid. Promise me that, should I ever require it, you will exert all your energies--you will strive to the utmost--you will even risk your life and safety, if I demand it of you, to serve him I will not now name. Say you will do this, and you enable me to do all you require. Otherwise, I cannot; for in aiding your wishes, I am disobeying his orders, and I cannot justify my conduct to myself.
human
You must remember, signora, that a naval officer, and, I confess to you, that I am one, owes his first duty to his country; next that, gladly will I obey your wishes, returned Fleetwood.
gpt
If any one, in whom you take interest, is in difficulty, and I have the means to save him, I promise, faithfully, to do so. More, I cannot say. Will that satisfy you?
human
It does. Say, whence did you come--and whither were you bound, when you were driven on this coast. It may be necessary to show that I have not forgotten the most important part of the examination.
gpt
We come from Malta and were bound for Smyrna, but were driven out of our course by a gale of wind, in which we lost our master and mate. Our vessel was wrecked, and becoming the purchasers of the mistico, we endeavoured to find our way home in her. None of us, however, understanding navigation, we were afraid to continue our voyage till we found some one to supply their place. This, lady, is the story we have to tell, to account for our appearance on the island; but, in one point, believe me, I do not deceive you, when I assure you, that we come not here to injure, in any way, the chief of this island.
human
Enough, signor; I trust to you, replied Nina.
gpt
I will now have you and your companions conducted to the apartments prepared for you. There is but small habitable space in the castle, extensive as it once was, and it would lead to suspicions were you to be better lodged.