value by rendering them more difficult of access; and as HAMET had
renounced a connection with her as a mistress, he wanted only to know
whether he intended her for a wife.

This secret he was contriving to discover, when HAMET, having reflected,
that if he concealed this particular, ALMORAN might think himself at
liberty to make what attempts he should think fit upon ALMEIDA, without
being accountable to him, or giving him just cause of offence, put an
end to his doubts, by telling him, he had such a design; but that it
would be some time before he should carry it into execution. This
declaration increased ALMORAN'S impatience: still, however, he concealed
his interest in the conversation, which he now suffered to drop.

He parted from his brother, without any farther mention of ALMEIDA but
while he was yet near him, turned hastily back, and, as if merely to
gratify his curiosity, told him with a smile, that he must indulge him
with a fight of his Circassian; and desired he might accompany him in
his next visit, or at some more convenient time: with this request,
HAMET, as he knew, not how to refuse it, complied; but it filled his
mind with anxiety and trouble.

He went immediately to ALMEIDA, and told her all that had happened; and
as she saw that he was net without apprehensions of mischief from his
brother's visit, she gently reproached him for doubting the fidelity of
her affection, as she supposed no power could be exerted by ALMORAN to
injure him, who in power was his equal. HAMET, in a transport of
tenderness, assured her that he doubted neither her constancy nor her
love: but as to interrupt the comfort of her mind, would only double his
own distress, he did not tell her whence his apprehensions proceeded;
nor indeed had they any determinate object, but arose in general from