"He is a handsome, dignified gentleman, my child."

"Yes, father; he has long been an intimate friend of the Signor
Geronimo."[7]

Mr. Van de Werve took his daughter's hand, and said, gently: "Geronimo may
be finer-looking to a woman's eye; but his future depends upon his uncle's
kindness. He is young and inexperienced, and he possesses nothing himself.
The Signor Turchi, on the contrary, is rich and highly esteemed in the
world as partner and administrator of the well-known house of Buonvisi.
Think better of your choice, Mary; satisfy my desires and your brothers':
it is not yet too late."

Tears filled the eyes of the young girl; she replied, however, with a
sweet resignation: "Father, I am your submissive child. Command, and I
will obey without a murmur, and humbly kiss the venerated hand which
imposes the painful sacrifice. But Geronimo! poor Geronimo!"

At these words her fortitude forsook her; she covered her face with her
hands, and wept bitterly; her tears fell like bright pearls upon the
marble floor.

For some moments Mr. Van de Werve contemplated his daughter with
ever-increasing pity; then overcome by the sight of her grief, he took her
hand, and tenderly pressing it, he said to her: "Cheer up, my dear Mary,
do not weep. We will see what answer the Signor Deodati will return to the
conditions I will propose to him. Geronimo is of noble birth; if his uncle
will consent to bestow upon him a suitable fortune, your desires shall be
fulfilled."