ss I expected in my old age may yet
be a reality. You, Mary,--pure image of piety, goodness, and love,--you
will be my child! And when old Deodati will be called to leave this world,
he will see you and Geronimo by his dying bed, like two angels, pointing
out to his expiring goal the path to heaven. Oh! no, no; this would be too
much happiness. My mind wanders. And yet, Mary, let us hope!"

The young girl was deeply moved by the picture of that happiness which she
had thought was lost to her forever. Her eyes were suffused with tears;
her limbs trembled, and had not a stern look from her father reminded her
of her duty, her oppressed heart would have found relief in sobs.

Mr. Van de Werve thought it better to change the conversation, and said to
Deodati:

"Let us not forget, signor, that we are men, and that it becomes us to
bear up courageously under a painful suspense, and in a manner to which a
young girl might be unequal. Have you heard nothing since the morning?
Have you not seen Signor Turchi?"

"I spoke to Signor Turchi about an hour before 'Change," said the old
gentleman, more calmly. "The good Turchi! he seemed even more dejected
than we. Within the last five days, he has lost so much flesh that one
would scarcely recognize him. He does not give himself a moment's repose.
From morning until night he is running about from place to place, seeking
Geronimo as though he were a beloved brother."

"Truly," said Mary, "his is a generous heart. Poor Simon! I have sometimes
been unjust to him; but it is in affliction that we learn who are our true
friends. For the rest of my life I will respect and esteem him."

"He will meet me here, presently," replied Deodati. "He may have some
particular communication to make to me, for he seemed to desire a private
conversation. The arrival of some merchants of his acquaintance prevented
him from speaking to me. I almost quarrelled with Signor Turchi."

"Quarrelled!" said Mr. Van de Werve, in astonishment.

"Yes; but it was to his praise, at least. He told me that it was his
intention to offer a large reward to the first person who would bring
certain tidings of Geronimo."

"How grateful I am for his generous friendship!" said Mary.

"Of course," continued the old man, "I would not permit it. Whilst
thanking him for his kindness, I told him that I would offer the reward
myself. I left Signor Turchi in company with the merchants, and went to
the town-hall for the purpose