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and Cecil succeeded in establishing an intercourse with this Haidee of his fancy, by means of a petty officer in the Dey's retinue, who contrived to bribe one of the slaves in immediate attendance on the harem, from whom he learnt that she was the last and loveliest purchase of his lord. The progress of love-affairs is usually very rapid, and this was no exception to the general rule. A plan of escape was soon organised; her especial guardian agreed to facilitate her remaining after dusk in the garden, which was bounded by a river; a few planks would form an easy communication with the water; a boat might be stationed there; and four good rowers would convey them in half an hour to a little villa, which Cecil, in a week's whim for solitude, had rented: once there, no trace would be left of their flight, and no fear remain of discovery. The night fixed on found them punctual to their appointment—so were the slave and the beautiful Georgian. The zeal of Sidi Mustapha, the first agent, was quite wonderful; he sprang up the boards to aid the lady’s descent, and would scarcely allow Cecil to give himself any trouble in the matter, till it was evident she could not get down without help from both. After some effort, she and her drapery—the quantity of which seemed enormous—were deposited in the boat. They arrived in silence and safety at the villa: Sidi and Forrester supported their prize into the saloon, fear seeming to have deprived her of the power of motion; and the Algerine hastened