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The Amulet

Page 52

Above the wainscot, within the niches formed by the pillars, hung the

portraits of some of the most illustrious ancestors of William Van de

Werve, as well as his own, in which he was represented as captain of a

German company in the service of Charles V.

The portraits did not occupy all the panels formed in the richly carved

oak. In a large number appeared valuable paintings from the pencil of the

most celebrated masters of Netherlands. The eye rested on the creations of

the immortal brothers Van Eyck, the touching Quintin Massys, the

intellectual Roger Van der Weydens, the spiritual Jerome Bosch, the

laborious Lucas de Leyde, and others whose names were favorably mentioned

in the world of art.

In a corner of the room, beside the fireplace, stood a piano richly

enamelled in woods of different colors, and upon it lay two lutes and a

violin--a proof that the charming art of music was cultivated by the

family of Mr. Van de Werve.

From the ceiling were suspended six gilded chandeliers; on the mantelpiece

were two candelabras; along the walls, where the pillars formed

projections, numerous sconces were fastened; and when Mr. Van de Werve

received his friends in the evening, the reflection of the numberless wax

candles from the many gold and silver ornaments gave a princely air to the

hall.

Three days after the attempted assassination of Geronimo by the ruffian

Bufferio, Mr. Van de Werve was to entertain his friends in the evening, it

being the time appointed for their reunion. Although he had been deeply

moved by the murderous assault, and his daughter Mary had scarcely

recovered from the shock, he had not withdrawn the invitations, hoping

that the social gathering might help to dissipate painful thoughts.

At the appointed hour the dwelling of Mr. Van de Werve was in a blaze of

light. The large double door was thrown open, and in the vast hall were

crowds of domestics, the attendants of the guests who had already arrived.

The large parlor was filled with persons of different conditions and ages.

There were, however, only men present, for this evening was by a previous

arrangement to be devoted to artists, men of letters, and notable men of

commerce.

The first salutations had been exchanged among the guests of Mr. Van de

Werve; they had separated according to their pleasure in different groups,

and were engaged in cordial and familiar conversation.

Five or six of the more aged were seated near a table examining some new

works which excited their admiration; others, whose more simple attire

proclaimed them to be artists, were showing each other their designs;

another party, evidently formed of young noblemen, surrounded Geronimo,

and were asking particulars of the recent attempt upon his life.

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