Even the peculiar expression of his countenance did not betray the current of his thoughts; but certainly he was preoccupied by no good design, for his whole demeanor bespoke a wild despair and burning jealousy.

For some time he watched in the same attitude the course of the gondola, which drifted with the current, until he saw the oarsmen seize their oars, and he supposed they were about to land.

Then his whole frame shook convulsively under his efforts to control his emotion.  He became exteriorly calm, the scar on his cheek paled, and in an unconcerned manner, with a light step and bright smile, he walked along the wharf to the spot where he supposed the gondola would stop.

Geronimo, who had seen him approaching, sprung upon the bank before the boat was moored, and ran to him with singular haste.  He took his hand, and said in an undertone: 

“Ebbene, caro mio Simone? Have you obtained the money, Simon?  My uncle has arrived.  Should he discover that the money-vault lacks so considerable a sum, you and I are both lost.  But you have the money, have you not?  You will give it to me to-day?”

“Pity me, Geronimo,” said the other, sighing.  “Various fatal circumstances render all my efforts unavailing.”

“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.

“There is my uncle with Mr. Van de Werve,” said Geronimo.

“Cheer up, Simon; hide your emotion.  When I am my own master, I will aid you in your affairs.  In the meantime put your trust in God.”

The man with the scar made a powerful effort to control himself, and advancing cheerfully to meet Mr. Van de Werve, he said to his companion: 

“My emotion was natural under the circumstances; now that the blow has fallen, it is all over.  Pained as I am, Geronimo, I congratulate you cordially.  If I could only obtain the money, and spare you anything disagreeable!  I will do all in my power.”