satin breeches, and gray boots. His modest attire was relieved only by the
sword which hung at his side; for the hilt glittered with precious stones,
and the armorial bearings engraved upon it proved him to be of noble
birth.

"Che la pace sia in quelle casa!" (May peace be in this house!) he said,
as he entered the hall.

He bowed profoundly to Mr. Van de Werve, and saluted him most
respectfully; but the traces of tears which he perceived on Mary's face so
startled him that he interrupted his ceremonious greetings, and fixed his
eyes inquiringly upon her. She had been weeping, and yet she smiled
joyously.

"Mary is naturally very susceptible, Signor Geronimo," said Mr. Van de
Werve. "I was speaking to her of her beloved mother, and she wept. You
appear, and she smiles as though she knew no sorrow."

The young girl did not await the conclusion of this explanation; before
her father had finished speaking, she led her lover to the window, pointed
to the weathercock, and said: "Look, Geronimo, the wind is from the west."

"I noticed it last night," replied the young man, with an involuntary
sigh.

"Rejoice then, for to-day your uncle may be in sight of the city."

"I do not think so; however, it is possible," said the young man, sadly.

"How coldly you speak, Geronimo!" exclaimed the young girl, in surprise;