Joseph Wilmot, or, The Memoirs of a Man-Servant — page 244: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

eS ee ee es ie IE oe Ee A TC SOL —_—_—, — JOSEPH WILMOT; OR, THE MEMOIRS OF A MAN-SERVANT, 231 oo eS a a aN Ta a a a you and me, that you should by your mien or) “Ido, i do!” was the exclamation which pealed manner offer provocation to any one in my ship: ner is it any reason because circumstances have rendered Mr. Wilmot a captive here, that he should experience annoyance of any unnecessary kind.” Lanover retreated in utter discomfiture, and was lost to my view amidst the darkness which pre- vailed farther along the deck beyond the sphere of the glaring lamplight. I was much too dispirited, too sad, and too desponding to thank Durazzo even with a glance for this kind intervention on my part; and the young corsair-captain, having thus gotten rid of Lanover, began to issue his orders to those about him. The sailing-master received certain instructions, and hastened off to carry them out: the second lieutenant and the mate received their orders likewise: and the effects of all these commands, issued with a tone and air of lofty authority blandly exercised, were quickly visible in the direction given to the ship and the unfolding of more canvass from the taper- ing spars. The night was dark—the wind was blowing strongly, but not violently : it had shifted somewhat within the last hour or two; and though still far from being completely favour- ‘ able, was less adverse than it previously had been. The sails were all of snowy whiteness ; and the vessel, bending gracefully to the breeze, was borne along with an astonishing rapidity. The lights of Civita Vecchia were rapidly waning into a misty twinkling, until they disappeared altoge- ther ; and whichever way the eye now glanced around, obscurity circumscribed its gaze. Durazzo—having spoken a few more words to the second lieutenant, who received his superior’s orders with a salutation in which respectfulvess was mingled with aimiration and affection— turned to me, saying, “ Now, Mr. Wilmot, we can have some little discourse together. Be so kind as to follow me.” We descended the stairs; and Constantine Durazzo led the way to that inner cabin which I have already described as being more exquisitely furnished and fitted up than the first one, and which had the windows with the stern-chasers. These ports were now closed—for the sea was running somewhat high: the silver lamp sus- pended to the ceiling and swinging to the motion of the vessel, flooded the cabin with a brilliant lustre; and Durazzo rang a bell, which summons was immediately answered by the picturesquely- attired page. An order couched in a few words, but these kindly spoken, was given; and the page withdrew. Ina few moments he reappeared, bringing wine and other refreshments ; and in the meanwhile Durazzo had thrown himself with a sort of elegant ease upon one of the richly- appointed ottomans—affably requesting me to be seated likewise. My manner was cold and dis- tant, but tinctured with a profound sadness, for the reasons which I have already described. “] can understand full well, Mr. Wilmot,” said the young corsair-chief, when the page had with- drawn, “everything that is passing in your mind, You have ere now experienced a surprise which has overwhelmed you; and I have seen enough of your generous disposition to be aware that you compassionate me while you tremble for Leo- nora.” ao from my lips in accents that were excited and even passionate. “Ob, I would give much for both your sakes to find that it was all a dream—that you were still the Kanaris whom I looked upon as a friend . , “ And is it impossible,” asked Durazzo, over whose countenance a transient expression of anguish had flitted—that very same expression which on two or three previous occasions I had seen for a mo- ment ruffling those features of sueh exquisite classical beauty,—“ is it impossible for us still to centinue friends P” I-gazed upon him for a few instants with deep sadness in my looks; and then I said, “ Would to heaven that you could show me how it were pos- sible !” “ That I am the captain of the Athene,” he re- sponded slowly at first, but quickly assuming a warmer tone, “is most true; and that she is en- gaged in lawless and desperate pursuits, is like- wise true. But so far from being ashamed oi my position in one sense, I glory in it; and I have loved this ship of mine with a pride and an in- fatuation which seemed to forbid the thought that I could ever admit into my heart another anda different love! Yet it has been so and Leo- nora has eclipsed the Athene! Mr. Wilmot, L hope and trust that this will be my last voyage, and that at the expiration thereof | may be enabled to retire from a life which until recently was full of an excitement that I adored, but which I hesitate not now to confess has ceased to be com- patible with the new sentiments that inspire my soul.” “This is at. least some consolation to me,” I exclaimed: “for notwithstanding I am your pri- soner, I cannot help experiencing somewhat of my former friendship towards you And, Oh! Cap- tain Durazzo, tell me at once that you will not aid that hideous humpback Lanover in carrying out his nefarious plans with respect to those who are so dear to me! Need I tell you that Annabel, the granddaughter of that Sir Matthew Hezeltine, whom 1 | “TI know that you are enamoured of her,” in- terrupted Durazzo; “and at once receive my assurance that though bound to carry ov! the com- pact with Mr. Lanover, not a hair upon the heads of those who are thus dear to you shall be injured no more than any injury shall be done unto yourself !” “This assurance,” I exclaimed, “testifies that you do indeed possess some’ generous feelings: but can you controul the lawless passions of your erew? My Annabel is beautiful as an angel {; “Tf the word, Mr. Wilmot, go forth from my lips,” interrupted Durazzo proudly, “ there shall not be so much as a look thrown upon your Anna- bel that may bring up a blush to her cheeks! But put that topic aside for a few minutes—and let me give you some little explanations ; for the time has passed when it was needful to maintain a mystery with you. For upwards of two years have I been the chief of this corsair-band and the commander of this gallant vessel nA “And I need not ask,’ I said, “whether you be in reality related to the great Admiral Kana- ris P”’ “T am no relative of the great Greek com: | | 0) S (C@)