"Certainly, Simon, and I am most grateful to you for your kindness. Will this merchant give me the amount in coin?"
"No, but in bills of exchange on Milan, Florence, and Lucca."
"Good and reliable bills, Simon?"
"You shall be the judge before accepting them. Fear nothing, you shall be fully satisfied."
"Well, I will go. After Change, between five and six o'clock, will that answer?"
"It makes no difference to me, provided I know the hour beforehand."
"Expect me, then, to-morrow, between five and six o'clock. But let us return to the house. Our long absence might cause remark."
Simon Turchi arose, but remained standing in the same spot, and said:
"Geronimo, I have promised the merchant that none but yourself shall know of his presence in Antwerp. Say nothing, therefore, to your uncle, to Mary, nor to any one else. The least indiscretion might disarrange our plans, and be perilous to the stranger. Come alone, without any attendant."
"I will do as you direct," said Geronimo, "but it will be impossible for me to remain until dark. My uncle will be seriously displeased if I go out again at night without a sufficient guard."