"Alas! is even this consolation refused me?" she exclaimed, despairingly.
"This is unkind, Simon," said Mr. Van de Werve. "Why do you cheer us up and awaken our curiosity only to cast us down by your silence? Give no names; but at least give us some idea of the reasons we have for hope."
Simon Turchi shrugged his shoulders.
"Ah, signor," said Deodati, reproachfully, "you are ungenerous. This morning before 'Change you were about to confide the secret to me, when you were interrupted by the approach of friends. Tell it to me now."
Simon glanced expressively at Mary, as if to convey the idea that her presence prevented him from complying with the old man's request.
"Mary," said Mr. Van de Werve, "I beg you to go to your room. These varying emotions are more than you can bear; if I learn anything of interest, I will, my child, communicate it to you at once."
The young girl rose without reply, but she glanced reproachfully at Simon
Turchi.
"Do not blame me, Mary," he said; "I am deeply grieved to cause you pain; only rest assured that what I do is caused by affection for Geronimo and yourself."
Without noticing this excuse the young girl obeyed her father, and slowly left the room.
"Now," said Mr. Van de Werve, "what is the secret you wish to impart to us?"