s not
disfiguring, particularly when his features were in repose; but when he
was agitated by some violent passion or uncontrollable emotion, the edges
of the scar assumed different hues, and appeared of a dull white mixed
with red and purple.

At the moment of which we speak his eyes were fixed upon the gondola with
an expression of irritated jealousy, and his lips were strongly
contracted. The color of the scar had changed with his increasing emotion,
and it was of a deep red. He stood so near the water that his feet touched
it, and thus he prevented any one from passing before him and witnessing
the tumult of his soul.

Even the peculiar expression of his countenance did not betray the current
of his thoughts; but certainly he was preoccupied by no good design, for
his whole demeanor bespoke a wild despair and burning jealousy.

For some time he watched in the same attitude the course of the gondola,
which drifted with the current, until he saw the oarsmen seize their oars,
and he supposed they were about to land.

Then his whole frame shook convulsively under his efforts to control his
emotion. He became exteriorly calm, the scar on his cheek paled, and in an
unconcerned manner, with a light step and bright smile, he walked along
the wharf to the spot where he supposed the gondola would stop.

Geronimo, who had seen him approaching, sprung upon the bank before the
boat was moored, and ran to him with singular haste. He took his hand, and
said in an undertone:

"_Ebbene, caro mio Simone?_ Have you obtained the money, Simon? My uncle
has arrived. Should he discover that the money-vault lacks so considerable
a sum, you and I are both lost. But you have the money, have you not? You
will give it to me to-day?"

"Pity me, Geronimo," said the other, sighing. "Various fatal circumstances
render all my efforts unavailing."

"You have not the money?" murmured the young man, despairingly.

"No; to-morrow, or perhaps day after to-morrow."[12]

"Good heavens! suppose my uncle reproves me in anger. I implore you,
Simon, to procure the amount. Do not cause my destruction!"

"Oh!" muttered the other, in a hoarse, altered voice, "were I to be the
cause of any misfortune to you, I would avenge you upon myself in a bloody
manner."

"No, no," said the young man, in a compassionate tone, "banish these
horrible thoughts. I will wait; I will seek a delay, and endeavor to
divert my uncle's attention for a few days. Alas! I am