Here stood a table covered with a snow-white cloth, and
embellished with silver and crystal ornaments of every
description. Having seated herself and having indicated to
Jonathan to take the chair opposite to her, the two were
presently served with a repast such as our hero had not thought
could have existed out of the pages of certain extraordinary
Oriental tales which one time had fallen to his lot to read.

This supper (which in itself might successfully have tempted the
taste of a Sybarite) was further enhanced by several wines and
cordials which, filling the room with the aroma of the sunlit
grapes from which they had been expressed, stimulated the
appetite, which without them needed no such spur. The lady, who
ate but sparingly herself, possessed herself with patience until
Jonathan's hunger had been appeased. When, however, she beheld
that he weakened in his attacks upon the dessert of sweets with
which the banquet was concluded, she addressed him upon the
business which was evidently entirely occupying her mind.

"Sir," said she, "you are doubtless aware that every one, whether
man or woman, is possessed of an enemy. In my own case I must
inform you that I have no less than three who, to compass their
ends, would gladly sacrifice my life itself to their purposes. At
no time am I safe from their machinations, nor have I any one,"
cried she, exhibiting a great emotion, "to whom I may turn in my
need. It was this that led me to hope to find in you a friend in
my perils, for, having observed through my agents that you are
not only honest in disposition and strong in person, but that you
are possessed of a considerable degree of energy and
determination, I am most desirous of imposing upon your