among the principal.  They talked of the events of the day; the skirmish at noon; the diminished numbers of the Infidels; their defeat and flight:  they contemplated, after a short interval of time, the capture of the Golden City.  They endeavoured to picture forth what would then happen, and spoke in lofty terms of the prosperity of Greece, when Constantinople should become its capital.  The conversation then reverted to Asiatic intelligence, and the ravages the plague made in its chief cities; conjectures were hazarded as to the progress that disease might have made in the besieged city.

Raymond had joined in the former part of the discussion.  In lively terms he demonstrated the extremities to which Constantinople was reduced; the wasted and haggard, though ferocious appearance of the troops; famine and pestilence was at work for them, he observed, and the infidels would soon be obliged to take refuge in their only hope—­submission.  Suddenly in the midst of his harangue he broke off, as if stung by some painful thought; he rose uneasily, and I perceived him at length quit the hall, and through the long corridor seek the open air.  He did not return; and soon Clara crept round to me, making the accustomed invitation.  I consented to her request, and taking her little hand, followed Raymond.  We found him just about to embark in his boat, and he readily agreed to receive us as companions.  After the heats of the day, the cooling land-breeze ruffled the river, and filled our little sail.  The city looked dark to the south, while numerous lights along the near shores, and the beautiful aspect of the banks reposing in placid night, the waters keenly reflecting the heavenly lights, gave to this beauteous river a dower of loveliness that might have characterized a retreat in Paradise.  Our single boatman attended to the sail; Raymond steered; Clara sat at his feet, clasping his knees with her arms, and laying her head on them.  Raymond began the conversation somewhat abruptly.

“This, my friend, is probably the last time we shall have an opportunity of conversing freely; my plans are now in full operation, and my time will become more and more occupied.  Besides, I wish at once to tell you my wishes and expectations, and then never again to revert to so painful a subject.  First, I must thank you, Lionel, for having remained here at my request.  Vanity first prompted me to ask you:  vanity, I call it; yet even in this I see the hand of fate—­your presence will soon be necessary; you will become the last resource of Perdita, her protector and consoler.  You will take her back to Windsor.”—­

“Not without you,” I said.  “You do not mean to separate again?”

“Do not deceive yourself,” replied Raymond, “the separation at hand is one over which I have no control; most near at hand is it; the days are already counted.  May I trust you?  For many days I have longed to disclose the mysterious presentiments that weigh on me, although I fear that you will ridicule them.  Yet do not, my gentle friend; for, all childish and unwise as they are, they have become a part of me, and I dare not expect to shake them off.