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"These gentlemen are frequent visitors at the house of Mr. Van de Werve, and I have seen them so often, that I know them as old friends. Look at the corner near the piano, where those collected together laugh merrily, jest, and chat socially. You may easily recognize them by their light playful manners as artists." "Yes.
After a few moments' reflection, he said, more calmly: "I will go to the bailiff Van Schoonhoven; he has espoused my cause with Mr. Van de Werve; he will, perhaps, be offended that Mary's hand has been disposed of contrary to his urgent solicitations. Perhaps he may have influence to prevent the marriage." An ironical smile curled his lip. "Fool that I am!" he muttered.
"I will endeavor to fulfil my duty as a father, and at the same time to spare you any future sorrow. Are you satisfied now?" Mary silently embraced her father, and her eyes expressed such gratitude that Mr. Van de Werve was deeply moved, and said, tenderly: "Who could refuse you anything? Age, experience, prudence, all yield before one glance of your eye.
"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.
Happily for him, all eyes were turned towards the young girl, otherwise many a one might have read the dark soul of Simon Turchi and discovered the horrible design he had conceived. Mr. Van de Werve introduced his daughter to his guests. All expressed in courteous terms their admiration and their pleasure in her society.
It was scarcely eight o'clock in the morning when Signor Deodati was on his way to the residence of Mr. Van de Werve. The old merchant was walking very slowly, with his eyes cast down. From time to time he shook his head, as if disturbed by painful thoughts. His countenance expressed dissatisfaction rather than sorrow; indeed, it might even be said to indicate angry and bitter feelings.
From this day forward the Signor Geronimo is as a stranger whom we have never known." Deodati regarded the irritated nobleman with tearful eyes, and seemed to deprecate the inflexible decree. Mr. Van de Werve took his hand, and said in a calmer manner: "Be reasonable, signor, and do not let yourself be blinded by affection.
Van de Werve to the extremity of the boat, where both seated themselves upon a bench. Trembling with fear, hope, and joyous anticipations, Mary and Geronimo watched the two parents, endeavoring to divine from the expression of their countenances the result of their conversation. At first both were perfectly calm; by degrees they grew more excited; the derisive smile on the lips of Mr.
Mary Van de Werve was most richly attired; but there was in her dress an absence of ornament which appeared strange at that period of extreme pomp and show. A waist of sky-blue velvet encircled her slender form, and a brocade skirt fell in large folds to her feet.
Shall our children then be happy?" Mr. Van de Werve grasped cordially the hand which was extended to him, and said to his daughter: "Mary, embrace this good gentleman; he will be your second father." Mary cast herself into the arms of the old man; a cry of joy escaped the lips of Geronimo; even the sailors, although they comprehended but little of what they saw, were touched.
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