The sea-green lady moved, and the pages of the mysterious volume trembled, as if eager to deliver their oracles.
“And could you repress curiosity, pride, and all the other sentiments of your sex, and seek her favor, without asking explanation, as before the occurrence of late events?”
“I would do much to gain a kind look from Alida de Barbérie; but the degraded spirit, of which you speak, would render me unworthy of her esteem. If I found her as I lost her, my life should be devoted to her happiness; and if not, to mourning that one so fair should have fallen!”
“Have you ever felt jealousy?”
“First let me know if I have cause?” cried the young man, advancing a step towards the motionless form, with an evident intent to look closer into its character.
The hand of the mariner of the shawl arrested him, with the strength of a giant.
“None trespass on the respect due our mistress,” coolly observed the vigorous seaman, while he motioned to the other to retreat.
A fierce glance shot from his eye; and then the recollection of his present helplessness came, in season, to restrain the resentment of the offended officer.
“Have you ever felt jealousy?” continued his undisturbed interrogator.
“Would any love, that have not?”