Geronimo had never before seen Mary dressed in this style. On the
contrary, she generally wore dark or unobtrusive colors. Decked as she now
was in pure white, she had the appearance of a bride. It was, of course,
by her father's request; but what did it mean? Did he intend by this to
make it known that Mary was betrothed, and would soon be wedded? Such
thoughts as these agitated Geronimo as the young girl accompanied her
father into the room.
The old Deodati rose and advanced to meet her. Simon Turchi took advantage
of this movement to retire a short distance; for, as his eye fell on the
beautiful girl, rage filled his heart as he reflected that this noble and
pure woman would have been his wife had not Geronimo blasted the happiness
of his life.
The lightning-like glance of hate and envy which he cast upon Geronimo was
a sinister menace of death. 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.
The noble young girl received the felicitations and compliments addressed
to her with a gentle and dignified self-possession. There were in her
manner and tone of voice a rare modesty and reserve, and at the same time
an exquisite politeness. Still more astonishing was her rich and varied
knowledge. Whether conversing with a Spaniard, Frenchman, Italian, or
German, she spoke to each in his own tongue; but the beautiful Italian
language assumed additional sweetness on her lips.
When presented to the old Deodati, she took both his hands and spoke to
him so tenderly and affectionately that, overcome by emotion, he could
only say a few grateful words in acknowledgment.
Passing by Simon Turchi, she said cheerfully: "God be praised, Signor Turchi, that your health is so soon restored! I am
happy to see you here this evening. I am sincerely grateful to you,
signor, for the friendship you manifest to the nephew of Signor Deodati.
You have a good and generous heart, and I thank God for having given so
devoted a friend to Geronimo and his uncle!"
The gentle words of the young girl were intolerable torture to Turchi; the
wound on his face, betraying his emotion, became of a deep-red color. And
yet it was absolutely necessary for him to appear calm, and to reply
cordially to the kind salutation of the young girl; for there were at
least twenty persons near him and within hearing of what passed.