human
I am glad you have come, signor, she said, in a low tone;
gpt
Lady, I have but performed the duty in obedience to the order of another, he replied, in a tone so calm that it sounded almost cold to her ear.
human
I found you suffering, and I have employed what knowledge I possess of the healing art to restore you to health. I rejoice to find that my efforts have not been totally unavailing.
gpt
To you, at all events, my gratitude is due, returned Ada.
human
And I would lay myself under a still further obligation, by asking you to tell me what ship I am on board, how I came here, and to where I am being conveyed?
gpt
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.
human
I believe that you, signor, would not willingly deceive me, she observed.
gpt
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?
human
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.
gpt
Signor, said Ada, glancing at his features.
human
I have heard that voice before. You speak Italian well; but so do many Greeks. Tell me, are you the commander of this ship?
gpt
Lady, I am not, returned the young man emphatically.
human
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.
gpt
Then why does not the commander visit me? said Ada,
human
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.
gpt
Oh, lady, do not ask to see him, exclaimed the Italian, forgetting his cold reserve and previous caution.
human
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.
gpt
You speak in enigmas, said Ada, quickly taking alarm.
human
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.
gpt
You know not lady how you came to be on board this vessel, he said.
human
You now compel me to tell you. Your attendant informs me that the ship in which you sailed from Malta was attacked by a corsair, and captured; but that you and she were the only persons conveyed on board the pirate vessel; and that you, having fainted during the engagement, were unconscious of all that took place. It appears that for a short time only you remained on board the pirate, still in a happy state of unconsciousness of the misfortune which had befallen you, when we caught sight of the ship, chased, and captured her. You and your attendant were found on board, respectfully treated, and in possession of the chief cabin. This was a suspicious circumstance, for who could tell that you were not willingly on board.
gpt
Ah! exclaimed Ada, almost smiling at the atrocious supposition.
human
Surely no one could believe that I was acting in consort with pirates?
gpt
Lady, I do not; but all may not so readily believe the truth,
human
But am I and my innocent attendant then to be punished as pirates,
gpt
Scarcely so, lady; but you may be required to give evidence against them,
human
I can give no evidence against them, said Ada;
gpt
The observation you make, lady, is much in your favour,
human
Then I am to understand, continued Ada, not noticing it,
gpt
So I am compelled to confess, with much regret, is the case,
human
Then I understand it all, she ejaculated, compressing her lips, and fixing her eyes upon the young man, who had advanced a few paces to the after part of the cabin.
gpt
From man I can expect no aid,--Heaven will not desert me.
human
Lady, God never deserts those who trust in him,
gpt
Stay, exclaimed Ada.
human
Those features, too, I have beheld before. Tell me where it was I saw you?
gpt
Lady, fancy often strangely deceives us,