The Amulet | Page 4

be refused from pecuniary motives? I regret that you have so
irrevocably fixed your affections on the Signor Geronimo, when you
might have chosen among a hundred others richer and of higher estate.
The head of the powerful house of Buonvisi had more claim upon my
sympathy and yours."
"Simon Turchi!" said the young girl, sorrowfully bowing her head.
"What has this poor Signor Turchi left undone during the past three
years to prove his chivalric love?" replied her father. "Festivals,
banquets, concerts, boating on the Scheldt, nothing has been spared; he
has expended a fortune to please you. At one time you did not dislike
him; but ever since the fatal night when he was attacked by unknown
assassins and wounded in the face, you look upon him with different
eyes. Instead of being grateful to the good Turchi, you comport
yourself in such a manner towards him, that I am induced to believe
that you hate him."
"Hate the Signor Turchi!" exclaimed Mary, as if frightened by the
accusation. "Dear father, do not indulge such a thought."

"He is a handsome, dignified gentleman, my child."
"Yes, father; he has long been an intimate friend of the Signor
Geronimo."[7]
Mr. Van de Werve took his daughter's hand, and said, gently:
"Geronimo may be finer-looking to a woman's eye; but his future
depends upon his uncle's kindness. He is young and inexperienced, and
he possesses nothing himself. The Signor Turchi, on the contrary, is
rich and highly esteemed in the world as partner and administrator of
the well-known house of Buonvisi. Think better of your choice, Mary;
satisfy my desires and your brothers': it is not yet too late."
Tears filled the eyes of the young girl; she replied, however, with a
sweet resignation: "Father, I am your submissive child. Command, and
I will obey without a murmur, and humbly kiss the venerated hand
which imposes the painful sacrifice. But Geronimo! poor Geronimo!"
At these words her fortitude forsook her; she covered her face with her
hands, and wept bitterly; her tears fell like bright pearls upon the
marble floor.
For some moments Mr. Van de Werve contemplated his daughter with
ever-increasing pity; then overcome by the sight of her grief, he took
her hand, and tenderly pressing it, he said to her: "Cheer up, my dear
Mary, do not weep. We will see what answer the Signor Deodati will
return to the conditions I will propose to him. Geronimo is of noble
birth; if his uncle will consent to bestow upon him a suitable fortune,
your desires shall be fulfilled."
"But, dear father," said the still weeping girl, "that depends upon the
magnitude of your demands. If you ask impossibilities of the Signor
Deodati--"
"No, no, have no anxiety," said Mr. Van de Werve, interrupting her. "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. Conceal your emotion; I hear some one
coming."
A servant opened the door, and announced, "The Signor Geronimo."
The young nobleman thus introduced was remarkable for his fine form,
and the graceful elegance of his manners and carriage. His complexion
was of that light and clear brown which adds so much to the manly
beauty of some Southern nations. The dark beard and hair, his spirited
black eyes, gave a singular charm to his countenance, while his calm
and sweet smile indicated goodness of heart.
Although upon his entrance he strove to appear cheerful, Mary's eye
detected a concealed sadness.
The dress of Geronimo was simple in comparison with the rich attire of
the other Italian nobles, his compatriots. He wore a felt hat ornamented
with a long plume, a Spanish cloak, a cloth doublet lined with fur,
violet satin breeches, and gray boots. His modest attire was relieved
only by the sword which hung at his side; for the hilt glittered with
precious stones, and the armorial bearings engraved upon it proved him
to be of noble birth.
"Che la pace sia in quelle casa!" (May peace be in this house!) he said,
as he entered the hall.
He bowed profoundly to Mr. Van de Werve, and saluted him most
respectfully; but the traces of tears which he perceived on Mary's face
so startled him that he interrupted his ceremonious greetings, and fixed
his eyes inquiringly upon her. She had been weeping, and yet she
smiled joyously.
"Mary is naturally very susceptible, Signor Geronimo," said Mr. Van
de Werve. "I was speaking to her of her beloved mother, and she wept.

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