Geronimo, the assassin's dagger?"

The young man shook his head.

"For instance," continued Mary's father, "this is the eve of May, I need
not ask if you intend to offer to Mary the homage of a serenade. It is the
custom of your countrymen to pay this attention to young girls, and you
would not omit this opportunity were it not for the advice of a man of
experience. Geronimo, listen to the words of calm reason: do not rashly
expose yourself to the danger of death; abandon your design this time.
Many of your compatriots have aspired to Mary's hand; they have been less
successful than you, and on this account they may harbor unkind feelings
towards you."

The young man received this advice with a smile which indicated its
refusal.

"It is difficult, sir, to speak of such things in the presence of the one
who is to be the object of our homage. Permit me, however, the liberty to
decide upon the manner in which I will acquit myself of my duty to this
young lady."

"But permit me, signor, to tell you," said the old man, in an offended
tone, "that it does you no honor to reject the advice of a man of
experience, in order to carry out an unimportant fancy. Rashness does not
indicate courage, but rather an absence of good sense."

"Father," exclaimed Mary, in a supplicating tone, "be not angry with
Signor Geronimo; he will incur no danger."