sant thundering from the north, and shouts from the

east.

The metacia, when he reached it, seemed deserted; he therefore hurried up to the room where he had left Theodora and her companions, and found them in a dreadful state of agitation.

"Is it taken ? is it taken ?" cried Theodora and Euphrasia together.

"No," replied Manuel; "it is not taken, and there are even hopes that it may not be; and De Rushton and the Lord Phranza are safe; so, I hear, dearest, is your father. But they think that it will be best for you to conceal yourselves now, the Emperor being so very hard pressed."

"All the servants have left us," said Theodora; "and we scarcely knew what to do-we were afraid something might have befallen you."

"No," replied he; "I came the first moment that it was thought well-better a little too soon than too late. If any favourable change occurs, I can return and let you know."

They all rose to follow him, and without another word, through open doors and deserted passages, they accompanied him into the garden; and then, through the paths we have before mentioned, into that which belonged to Phranza. The flowers were blooming as gaily as if all had been peace; the birds indeed, terrified by the incessant roar of the artillery, were silent; a lurid haze, from the rising smoke drifts, had gathered over the sun; air felt close and sulphurous; but, had there been no uproar and tumult to tell a different tale, one might have imagined it the on-coming of a thunder storm in a sultry day of July.

the

Barlaam was already at the ice-house, whither he had previously betaken himself to make sure that there was no one near the spot whose presence might be dangerous. Manuel went first with his Euphrasia,-at Theodora's request: she herself followed with the Lady Choniatis. The old steward met them on the steps that led down to the ice-house.

"GOD send you safe!" said he, in a voice trembling

with emotion: forty-six years have I eaten your father's bread, lady, and if I can save you by laying down my old life for you, most thankful shall I be so to do.”

66

"I believe you, Barlaam," said Theodora, holding out her hand to him, which the steward kissed as reverentially as if it had been that of a queen.

"Please you to go in ?" said Manuel to Theodora.

She trembled very much; but, without any further reply, she walked down the steps into the room prepared for their reception. Barlaam had done what he could to make it comfortable: some thick matting and cushions were spread on the ground: a couple of bottles of wine, some small loaves, and a pasty, were placed in one corner; with the one or two other requisites of the day for a satisfactory meal. The place was not absolutely dark,-for a slit towards the roof admitted some portion of light; and though chilly, it was not at all damp. The Lady Choniatis came next: then Manuel, after tenderly kissing Euphrasia, followed her down, and looked round him.

"Barlaam has done what he could," said he, as the old man entered; "and, what is more, he has had an interior lock put on. That is capital indeed."

"I had some difficulty to get it done, my lord,-for not a locksmith could I find last night-they were all engaged on the walls. But it is done as you see."

Now," said Manuel, "I must go: if the defence holds out, I will return in an hour: and if it lasts as long as that, I really believe that it will be successful altogether. If not, I shall hardly dare to return here till dusk,-perhaps not till midnight. Still, do not be alarmed if no one comes even then. Barlaam may not feel it safe to watch too close; he may not find it possible to communicate with you; but you are perfectly safe where you are, for a day or two at least; and you have a good store of provisions. The very earliest moment we can return, be you most sure, we shall; and Barlaam has his instructions, and will know what to do. Now then, GOD and the Panaghia bless and take care of you all." Manuel," said Euphrasia, “I have one favour to ask. It is that you will give me that dagger you wear.”

"That dagger, love? Why ?"

"I do not like to be without something of the kind," "in case of the worst."

said Euphrasia,

"But not

"Be at rest on that point," said Theodora.

"We will

defend ourselves, by God's grace, as far as we may lawfully do; but no further. Our lives are His; and He

only can take them."

"Then, there it is, dearest," said Manuel, unbuckling it and giving it to Euphrasia. "Take care how you use it-it is a Damascus blade, and would wound deadly."

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Farewell, lady, and GOD be with you all!" said the old steward.

"Lock yourselves securely in," added Manuel," and I need not tell you to keep quiet. Farewell, Lady Theodora; farewell, Madam; and now, my own dear Euphrasia, good-bye indeed!"

They heard the key turn in the lock; and then proceeded on their way; Barlaam to the thickest laurel plantation, to keep watch,-Manuel to the Fanar gate. -Before we accompany the latter, as we shall do presently, we must transport our reader for a few moments on board the galley of Leontius.

Much about the same time that De Rushton had despatched Manuel to Theodora, Leontius had summoned Zosimus a second time to his presence; and the unhappy Greek, though in mortal terror at crossing the strait, had no choice but to obey. Arrived on board, he experienced some satisfaction in being told to go below; where, in a few moments, he was joined by Leontius.

"Now, Zosimus," said the latter, "I have every reason to believe that the city will not hold out two hours: if we cannot force our way in here, the Sultan will do it on the north. The great thing is, not to miss our prey. Now, it may be very possible that I shall not at once be able to leave my command, and go to Phranza's house : I shall therefore put twelve men under your directions, men whom I can trust, and you will take them to the place you have mentioned, and secure the girl. In the mean time, you will stay where you are."

"But, my lord "--began Zosimus, in great fear.

"Peace, fool!" cried Leontius; "don't you think that your wretched life is of as much importance to me now as to yourself? Ay, and more. You are safe enough. Ho! Walid!"—and a soldier entered. "Walid! this is the Greek who will direct you what you are to do. You have your instructions, you know."

"Ay, my lord."

"Then see you obey them. The Greek will remain here until the city is taken."

"And when we have the lady, my lord, what are we to do with her ?"

"Best confine her for the present where she is,”, answered Leontius. “But take care, if you possibly can, to put that meddling servant who is watching, out of the way. Don't let him escape you.”

“No, my lord.”

"I must on deck," said Leontius. "You will be found here, Zosimus. Walid, you had best get your men together."

Leontius in another moment, was cheering on his troops to a fresh attack of the gate. Walid followed him to execute his orders, but apparently not very well satisfied with the part he had to play.

"By the Holy Flight!" cried he, as he left the cabin, "but this is a knavish business!"

CHAPTER XL.

"They had the hearts of freemen to the last;
And the free blood that bounded in their veins
Was shed for freedom with a liberal joy.”

Philip von Artevelde.

WHEN Manuel had left the gardens of Phranza, he hurried with all speed towards the Fanar. On his way thither, he met the Curopalata, apparently going towards the palace.

“Have you heard, my lord ?" asked the latter.

"Heard? No. What?" cried Manuel, almost expecting that all was over.

"They are falling back from S. Romanus," replied he; "the Emperor and Justiniani have fairly driven them off." "Now GOD be praised!" cried Manuel. "I must go

and see for myself."

"I would gladly come too," replied the Curopalata ; "but I have an errand to the Palace. Good morning, my lord."

With a hasty "Good morning," Manuel hurried along to S. Romanus. Mounting the walls, he found that the report was perfectly true. In all directions the Turkish troops were drawing off; leaving a clear space round the walls, only occupied by the dreadful debris of so tremendous a fight. Chrysolaras soon recognised the Emperor, Justiniani, Cantacuzene, Choniates, and several of the Domestics standing together; and made his way up to them.

"Sire," said he, "permit me to congratulate your Majesty."

They are beaten off, good faith," replied Constantine; "but they will return again. However, GOD be praised for the respite. We only want rest." Then, raising his voice, "Gentlemen," said he, "do not let us deceive ourselves. Mahomet will make one effort more; but it will only be one. Only drive back that! Only exert yourselves as you have hitherto done, and not only will the danger be at an end for to-day, but the assault, I may say it confidently, will not be repeated. None but Mahomet could have borne the waste of life that we have seen these last few hours, once; but neither he nor any one else can bear it twice! Doubt not but that the Virgin Protectress of this city has wrought this miracle for us for nothing less than a miracle it is that such a handful of men as we are should have driven back that enormous force. As her intercessions have obtained this help for us, so, be well assured, they will not be withheld now. Let us make good the walls but for one hour more, and we shall have present safety, and future reward, and glory to all ages of posterity!"

A loud shout ran along the walls as he concluded; and, looking at the fixed resolution displayed in the countenances of nobles and men, considering the wonders