In a few minutes the eunuch
beckoned to Iskander to advance, and whispered to him: "She would not
at first see you, but I have told her you are a Christian, the more the
pity, and she consents." So saying, he withdrew the curtain, and
exhibited a veiled female figure lying on a couch.
"Noble lady," said the physician in Greek, which he had ascertained the
eunuch did not comprehend; "pardon the zeal of a Christian friend.
Though habited in this garb, I have served under your illustrious sire.
I should deem my life well spent in serving the daughter of the great
Hunniades."
"Kind stranger," replied the captive, "I was ill prepared for such a
meeting. I thank you for your sympathy, but my sad fortunes are beyond
human aid."
"God works by humble instruments, noble lady," said Iskander, "and with
his blessing we may yet prosper."
"I fear that I must look to death as my only refuge," replied Iduna,
"and still more, I fear that it is not so present a refuge as my
oppressors themselves imagine. But you are a physician; tell me then
how speedily Nature will make me free.
Pages:
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72