"But, dear father," said the still weeping girl, "that depends upon the
magnitude of your demands. If you ask impossibilities of the Signor
Deodati--"

"No, no, have no anxiety," said Mr. Van de Werve, interrupting her. "I
will endeavor to fulfil my duty as a father, and at the same time to spare
you any future sorrow. Are you satisfied now?"

Mary silently embraced her father, and her eyes expressed such gratitude
that Mr. Van de Werve was deeply moved, and said, tenderly:

"Who could refuse you anything? Age, experience, prudence, all yield
before one glance of your eye. Conceal your emotion; I hear some one
coming."

A servant opened the door, and announced, "The Signor Geronimo."

The young nobleman thus introduced was remarkable for his fine form, and
the graceful elegance of his manners and carriage. His complexion was of
that light and clear brown which adds so much to the manly beauty of some
Southern nations. The dark beard and hair, his spirited black eyes, gave a
singular charm to his countenance, while his calm and sweet smile
indicated goodness of heart.

Although upon his entrance he strove to appear cheerful, Mary's eye
detected a concealed sadness.

The dress of Geronimo was simple in comparison with the rich attire of the
other Italian nobles, his compatriots. He wore a felt hat ornamented with
a long plume, a Spanish cloak, a cloth doublet lined with fur, violet