be surprised when I inform you, that long before its termination, I
became deeply and fervently attached to him. However, I resolved to keep
my passion a secret within my own bosom, until I should know whether my
affection would be reciprocated by its object, and in the mean time, I
became regularly domesticated in the family of Don Almanzor, which
consisted of his father, who was a rich old Spanish slave-dealer, his
mother, and himself. The old people treated me in all respects, as
though I had been their only daughter, and for two years I lived with
them in the enjoyment of a pure and tranquil happiness, which, at the
expiration of that time, was enhanced beyond measure, by an honorable
offer on the part of Almanzor, of his hand and heart. As might naturally
be supposed, I readily accepted an offer which agreed so well with my
own inclinations, and shortly afterwards we were married, and after two
more years of increased felicity had passed, I became the mother of a
lovely daughter.

'My husband was at this time absent on a trading voyage, and the vessel
that he was in having encountered a severe hurricane, was stranded, and
every soul on board of her found a watery grave.

'This dreadful news was brought to me by Captain Rowland, who visited
the island at that time, in the capacity of master of an English brig,
and need I say that the horrid tidings almost drove me frantic.

'Then the insiduous tempter came, and offered me his hand, which I
accepted, and thus I became what you see me now, Rowland's wife.'

'And who is this Captain Rowland?' asked Ellen, eagerly.

'He is a noted pirate,' replied Elvira.