As soon as Deodati and Mr. Van de Werve had drawn their chairs nearer to

him, Simon said in an undertone, as if he feared his words might be

overheard: "Have you not remarked, Mr. Van de Werve, that for some time past Geronimo

has been disturbed and anxious; that even in the midst of cheerful

conversation he appeared absent-minded; in a word, that some great trouble

seemed weighing upon him?"

"I have noticed it," said Mr. Van de Werve.

"And you, Signor Deodati?"

"I have also remarked it. But what do you infer from this?"

"About a month ago I interrogated Geronimo as to the cause of his

melancholy, and he informed me in confused, vague terms, that he had lost

a considerable sum at play."

"At play!" exclaimed Mr. Van de Werve, overpowered by astonishment.

"Was Geronimo a gambler?" exclaimed Deodati, with ill-suppressed

indignation.

"It is the custom at Antwerp to play for money, and often for considerable

sums of money," continued Simon Turchi. "I never remarked that my friend

Geronimo had a passion for play. However that may be, I could never

discover to whom he had lost the amount, nor would he tell me how much it

was. His melancholy and agitation were caused by the circumstance I have

just mentioned. He was tortured by the certainty that his uncle would

discover, upon examination, the loss of a large amount, which was not

accounted for on the books. I proposed to advance him the deficit, but he

absolutely refused, because he preferred to meet his uncle's just anger

rather than deceive him."

This revelation was stunning to the old Deodati. Nothing could have more

keenly wounded the honorable, high-toned nobleman than the thought that

Geronimo had been so dishonest and ungrateful as to use the funds of the

establishment in gambling.

Trembling with emotion, he asked: "You say the sum is considerable. What is the amount?"

"I have no idea, signor. Perhaps you might discover it by an examination

of the books."

There was a short silence. Mr. Van de Werve's eyes were fixed upon the

ground. Signor Deodati passed his hand across his brow, and was absorbed

in painful thoughts.

Simon watched for a few moments, with an inquisitive eye, the effect of

this revelation upon his two companions, trying to penetrate their very

souls. Then he said to Deodati: "You look on the bad side of the affair, signor. If there were not a

brighter, reverse side, I would have considered the confidence of my

friend sacred, and guarded his secret until death. Up to this time we all

feared, nay, considered it certain, that Geronimo had fallen under the

assassin's steel. Now I begin to think that, in order to escape his

uncle's anger, he has left the city and country."




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