Mr. Van de Werve walked by his daughter's side; the old Deodati was near
his beloved nephew Geronimo. Then followed Mary's two married brothers and
a large number of her father's near relatives and friends, as well as many
Italians, Portuguese, and Spaniards, who wished to escort Geronimo to the
ship.
When Mary heard the benedictions and joyous shouts of the people, and saw
all eyes fixed upon her with looks of love, the blood mantled to her
cheeks, and she modestly cast down her eyes. But immediately raising them,
she saluted the crowd as a mark of her gratitude for their kindness. The
multitude, at a sign from Mr. Van de Werve, opened a passage for the
party, and they proceeded to the Scheldt amid acclamations testifying the
love and respect they inspired. Their drive resembled a triumphal
procession. The old Deodati was deeply moved. He seemed rejuvenated. A
sweet smile was upon his lips, and he looked proudly upon Geronimo. Thus
full of the thought of their future happiness, they reached the dock-yard.
In the middle of the Scheldt was the Il Salvatore, decked with flags and
rocking upon the waves as if conscious of the precious treasure about to
be confided to it.
A part of the sailors were occupied in unmooring the vessel; even the
harsh grating sound of the capstan could be heard on the wharf. The rest
of the crew manned the masts, and they waved their caps in the air,
shouting: "Benvenuto! benvenuto! Viva, viva la nostra signora!"
At the same time the sound of five or six cannon from the Il Salvatore
boomed over the waters, prolonged by the echoes from either side as it
floated down the river. The multitude replied by three cheers, and the
last reverberation of the cannon was lost in the vivas of those on the
shore and ships.
In the meantime parents and friends were bidding adieu. Many tears were
shed, and it was with tearful eyes that Mary Van de Werve received upon
her brow her brothers' kiss.
The Il Salvatore weighed anchor; the sails caught the wind, and the
vessel floated majestically down the river with the tide.
Mr. Van de Werve, Deodati, and their two happy children, entered the bark
which awaited them. Petronilla seated herself beside her mistress. They
exchanged a last adieu, and the eight oars fell simultaneously in the
water. The bark, under the strokes of the robust oarsmen, cut the waves in
a rapid course.
At this moment Geronimo's eyes were filled with tears. Lifting his eyes to
heaven, he said: "Blessed be Thou, my God, for all the sufferings Thou hast sent me;
blessed be Thou for Thy infinite goodness. I thank Thee for the wife it
has pleased Thee to give me; she will be my companion in my much loved
country. A thousand thanks for all Thy benefits!"