filled with
anxiety: at the very moment, too, that my uncle has consented to my
marriage with Mary!"

Simon's face became fearfully contorted.

"Your uncle has consented?" he said, in a stifled voice.

"And Mr. Van de Werve?"

"He agrees to it also. O Simon! pardon me my happiness. I know, my poor
friend, that this news is most painful to you; but did we not loyally
promise each other, that were one of us to succeed in our suit, it should
not break our long-tried friendship?"

"Fool! God has abandoned me!" muttered the other between his teeth.

"There is my uncle with Mr. Van de Werve," said Geronimo.

"Cheer up, Simon; hide your emotion. When I am my own master, I will aid
you in your affairs. In the meantime put your trust in God."

The man with the scar made a powerful effort to control himself, and
advancing cheerfully to meet Mr. Van de Werve, he said to his companion:

"My emotion was natural under the circumstances; now that the blow has
fallen, it is all over. Pained as I am, Geronimo, I congratulate you
cordially. If I could only obtain the money, and spare you anything
disagreeable! I will do all in my power."

Mr. Van de Werve joined them, and after the first salutations said to the
old Deodati: "I am happy to present to you my friend, the Signor Simon
Turchi, who is at the head of the house of the Buonvisi, and who
frequently does me the honor to visit me."

"Ah! I know him well," said Deodati, cordially taking Simon's hand. "The
signor is from Lucca, and the son of an esteemed friend."

"You are welcome this side of the Alps, Signor Deodati," replied Simon
Turchi. "My father often spoke of your mutual friendship. May God grant
you prosperity in Brabant!"

"I am under many obligations to you, signor," replied the old Deodati,
"for the affectionate interest you have shown in my nephew. That my
business affairs have been as well transacted in this country as though I
had been here myself, I am indebted to your experience and wise counsels.
I know from Geronimo's letters that he is sensible of the favor and deeply
grateful for it."

Simon Turchi was about to disclaim the praise bestowed upon him, but the
carriage drew near, and Mr. Van de Werve said:

"I hope, signor, that you will honor us with your company this evening. We
will pass together a few hours with our noble guest."

Simon excused himself, saying that some important commercial affairs
demanded his attention; but as Mary and Geron