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. Van de Werve betrayed the bitterness of his feelings, as
the Signor Deodati in a decided manner counted on his fingers. They were
discussing the great affair--the dowry and inheritance. Their only thought
was money!
Geronimo turned pale as he saw his uncle shake his head with evident
dissatisfaction; and Mary trembled as she noticed the displeased
expression of her father.
The private conversation lasted a long time, and still took no favorable
turn; on the contrary, the two old men ceased speaking, as though
displeased with each other.
Signor Deodati addressed a question to Mr. Van de Werve, to which the
latter replied negatively.
Both then arose, and approaching Geronimo and Mary, sat down in silence.
Their countenances betrayed vexation and mutual displeasure.
The young man, with tearful eyes, looked inquiringly at his uncle. Mary
bowed her head, but her heaving bosom gave evidence of the struggle of her
heart.
For some time there was a painful silence in the gondola. Mr. Van de
Werve contemplated his daughter, who seemed overwhelmed by sorrow. Signor
Deodati was deeply moved by Geronimo's earnest gaze.
The Italian noble was the first to break silence. "Come, sir," he said,
"let us make these young people happy."
"With all my heart, signor; but what will you do? My daughter is descended
from an illustrious house; she must live in the world in a manner to do
honor to her birth; as her father, I have duties to fulfil which I cannot
disregard."
"Poor Geronimo!" said the Signor Deodati, in a tone of compassion, and
with a deep sigh. "You would accuse me of cruelty, would you not? and this
lovely young girl would hate the old man for his insensibility. It was not
for that I crossed the seas in my old age."
He reflected a few minutes, then extending his hand to Mr. Van de Werve,
he said: "My lord, I wish to show my good-will. I accept entirely your
conditions, and in recompense for my sacrifices I ask only your
friendship. 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.