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The Amulet

Page 23

"No; to-morrow, or perhaps day after to-morrow."[12] "Good heavens! suppose my uncle reproves me in anger. I implore you,

Simon, to procure the amount. Do not cause my destruction!"

"Oh!" muttered the other, in a hoarse, altered voice, "were I to be the

cause of any misfortune to you, I would avenge you upon myself in a bloody

manner."

"No, no," said the young man, in a compassionate tone, "banish these

horrible thoughts. I will wait; I will seek a delay, and endeavor to

divert my uncle's attention for a few days. Alas! I am filled with

anxiety: at the very moment, too, that my uncle has consented to my

marriage with Mary!"

Simon's face became fearfully contorted.

"Your uncle has consented?" he said, in a stifled voice.

"And Mr. Van de Werve?"

"He agrees to it also. O Simon! pardon me my happiness. I know, my poor

friend, that this news is most painful to you; but did we not loyally

promise each other, that were one of us to succeed in our suit, it should

not break our long-tried friendship?"

"Fool! God has abandoned me!" muttered the other between his teeth.

"There is my uncle with Mr. Van de Werve," said Geronimo.

"Cheer up, Simon; hide your emotion. When I am my own master, I will aid

you in your affairs. In the meantime put your trust in God."

The man with the scar made a powerful effort to control himself, and

advancing cheerfully to meet Mr. Van de Werve, he said to his companion: "My emotion was natural under the circumstances; now that the blow has

fallen, it is all over. Pained as I am, Geronimo, I congratulate you

cordially. If I could only obtain the money, and spare you anything

disagreeable! I will do all in my power."

Mr. Van de Werve joined them, and after the first salutations said to the

old Deodati: "I am happy to present to you my friend, the Signor Simon

Turchi, who is at the head of the house of the Buonvisi, and who

frequently does me the honor to visit me."

"Ah! I know him well," said Deodati, cordially taking Simon's hand. "The

signor is from Lucca, and the son of an esteemed friend."

"You are welcome this side of the Alps, Signor Deodati," replied Simon

Turchi. "My father often spoke of your mutual friendship. May God grant

you prosperity in Brabant!"

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