"You have not the money?" murmured the young man, despairingly.
"No; to-morrow, or perhaps day after to-morrow."[12]
"Good heavens! suppose my uncle reproves me in anger. I implore you,
Simon, to procure the amount. Do not cause my destruction!"
"Oh!" muttered the other, in a hoarse, altered voice, "were I to be the cause of any misfortune to you, I would avenge you upon myself in a bloody manner."
"No, no," said the young man, in a compassionate tone, "banish these horrible thoughts. I will wait; I will seek a delay, and endeavor to divert my uncle's attention for a few days. Alas! I am filled with anxiety: at the very moment, too, that my uncle has consented to my marriage with Mary!"
Simon's face became fearfully contorted.
"Your uncle has consented?" he said, in a stifled voice.
"And Mr. Van de Werve?"
"He agrees to it also. O Simon! pardon me my happiness. I know, my poor friend, that this news is most painful to you; but did we not loyally promise each other, that were one of us to succeed in our suit, it should not break our long-tried friendship?"
"Fool! God has abandoned me!" muttered the other between his teeth.