hoped it might be only suspected, and in that case the removal or
confirmation of the suspicions, on which the fate of HAMET depended,
would devolve upon her.

In this situation, she, who a few moments before doubted, whether she
should not voluntarily give him up, when nothing more was necessary for
his safety than to be silent; now determined, with whatever reluctance,
to secure him, though it could not he done without dissimulation, and
though it was probable that in this dissimulation she would be detected.
Instead, therefore, of answering the question, she repeated it: 'On whom
said my lord, on HAMET?' HAMET, whose suspicions were increased by the
evasion, replied with great emotion, 'Aye, on HAMET; did he not this
moment leave you?' 'Leave me this moment?' said ALMEIDA, with yet
greater confusion, and deeper blushes. HAMET, in the impatience of his
jealousy, concluded, that the passions which he saw expressed in her
countenance, and which arose from the struggle between her regard to
truth and her tenderness for HAMET, proceeded from the consciousness of
what he had most reason to dread, and she to conceal, a breach of
virtue, to which she had been betrayed by his own appearance united with
the vices of his brother: he, therefore, drew back from her with a look
of inexpressible anguish, and stood some time silent. She observed, that
in his countenance there was more expression of trouble, than rage; she,
therefore, hoped to divert him from persuing his enquiries, by at once
removing his jealousy; which she supposed would be at an end, as soon as
she should disclose the resolution she had taken in his favour.
Addressing him, therefore, as ALMORAN, with a voice which though it was
gentle and soothing, was yet mournful and tremulous; 'Do not turn from
me,' said she, with those unfriendly and frowning looks; give me now
that love which so lately you offered, and with all the future I will
atone the past.'