The Amulet

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.