CHAPTER II.
SIGNOR DEODATI.
On that day the Scheldt presented at Antwerp a striking spectacle. Manyships which had been detained in the North Sea by the east wind wereapproaching the city, with their various colored flags floating on thebreeze, while, far as the eye could reach, the broad expanse of water wascovered with sails, and still, in the dim horizon, mast after mast seemedto arise from the waves as harbingers of an immense flotilla.
The sailors displayed gigantic strength in casting anchor and manoeuvringtheir vessels so as to obtain an advantageous position. The crews of thedifferent ships vied with each other, and exerted themselves soenergetically that the heavily laden crafts trembled under the strainedcables. From each arose a song wild and harsh as the sharp creaking of thecapstan, but joyous as the triumphant shout of a victorious army. Thesechants, sung in every tongue of the commercial world by robust sailors,seemed, as they were wafted over the river to the city, like the long,loud acclamations of a vast multitude.
The only sounds which could be heard in the midst of these confused crieswere the voices of the captains speaking through the trumpets; and when aPortuguese gallion, coming from the West Indies, appeared before the city,a salvo of cannon rose like the rolling of thunder above all other sounds.
The sun shone brightly upon this animated scene of human activity, andbroke and sparkled in colored light up in the rippling waves of the broadriver.
Hundreds of flags floated in the air; gondolas and longboats furrowed thewaters; from boat and wharf joyous greetings of friends mingled with thesong of the sailors. Even the wagoners from beyond the Rhine, who hadranged their strongly-built wagons near the cemetery of Burg, in order toload them with spices for Cologne, could not resist the influence of thebeautiful May-day and the general hilarity; they collected near the gateof the dock-yard, and entoned in their German tongue a song so harmoniousand sweet, and yet so manly, that every other sound in their vicinity washushed.
At this moment an elegant vehicle passed the gate of the dock-yard, andstopped near the German wagoners as the last strain of their song diedupon the air.
A young man, and after him an old man and a young girl richly attired,alighted from the carriage.
Those immediately around, merchants as well as workmen, steppedrespectfully aside and saluted Mr. Van de Werve, whilst glancingadmiringly at his daughter. Some Italians of lower rank murmured loudenough to reach Mary's ears: "_Ecco la bionda maraviglia_."
Mr. Van de Werve ordered his people to await him at the gate of thedock-yard, and passed on, saluting those whom he met, to the place wherethe Portuguese flag indicated the gondola of Lopez de Galle, which wasprepared to receive him. They threw a carpet across the plank upon whichMary was to step in passing into the gondola. Mary, her father, andGeronimo entered the boat; the six oars dipped simultaneously into thewater, and, pushed by the strong arms of the Portuguese sailors, thegondola sped rapidly through the waves. Swift as a fish and light as aswan, it skimmed the surface of the Scheldt, and made many a turn throughthe numerous vessels until it had succeeded in finding an open way downthe river. Then the sailors exerted all their strength, as if to show thebeautiful young girl what they were capable of in their trade. Thegondola, obeying the impulse given it by the oarsmen, bounded forwardunder each stroke of the oars, and gracefully poised itself on the wavescaused by its rapid passage.
Complete silence reigned in the gondola; the sailors looked with timidadmiration upon the beautiful countenance of the young girl. Mary, withdowncast eyes, was persuading herself that Geronimo's uncle wouldundoubtedly consent to their union. The young man was absorbed in thought,and yielded by turns to joy, hope, and fear. Mr. Van de Werve contemplatedthe city, and seemed to enjoy the magnificent spectacle presented byAntwerp when seen at a distance, and which, with its lofty towers andsplendid edifices, rose from the river like another Venice.
Suddenly Geronimo rose and pointed in the distance, exclaiming, joyously,"See, the _Il Salvatore!_"
Mary, glancing around, eagerly asked: "Where? Is it the vessel bearing ared cross on its flag?"
"No, Mary, it is behind the ships of war; it is that large vessel withthree masts--on its flag is a picture of the Saviour: _Il Salvatore_."
While the gondola rapidly sped on its way, the eyes of all were fixed uponthe galley, in order, if possible, to distinguish the features of thosewho stood on deck.
Suddenly Geronimo clapped his hands, exclaiming, "God be praised! I see myuncle."
"Which is he?" inquired Mr. Van de Werve.
The young man replied, joyously: "Do you not see standing on theforecastle five or six passengers who wear parti-colored dresses, withplumed hats? In the midst of them is a man of lofty stature, completelyenveloped in a brown cloak. He has long white hair, and his silvery beardlooks like snow-flakes resting on his dark mantle. That is my old uncle,Signor Deodati."
"What a superb-looking old man!" exclaimed Mary, in admiration.
"In truth," said Mr. Van de Werve, "as well as I can judge at thisdistance, his appearance is very striking."
"My uncle inspires respect wherever he goes," said the young man,enthusiastically. "His sixty-five years appear on his brow as an aureolaof experience and wisdom; he is learned, good, and generous."
And waving his hat, he cried out: "Ah, he recognizes us! He salutes us; hesmiles. At last I see him after four years of separation. My God, I thankthee for having protected him!"
The young man's joy was so great that Mary and her father were also moved.
"So lively an affection for your uncle does you credit, Geronimo," saidMr. Van de Werve. "God loves a grateful heart; may He grant you to-day thedesires of your heart!"
But the young man did not hear these words of encouragement; standing inthe gondola, he waved to his uncle as if endeavoring to express to him bysigns his joy at seeing him.
The gondola approached the galley, which slowly ascended the Scheldt in afavorable wind and with a rising tide.
The light boat soon gained the large ship. Before the ladder was lowered,Geronimo caught the cable of the galley, and ere Mary had recovered fromher terror, he had reached the deck and was in his uncle's arms.
Mr. Van de Werve mounted the ladder cautiously, and approached SignorDeodati, with whom he exchanged the most cordial salutations.
Mary remained in the gondola; she saw Geronimo embrace his unclerepeatedly; she rejoiced to perceive that the eyes of the old man werefilled with tears of emotion. She was still more happy when she saw theaffability with which her father and Geronimo's uncle conversed together,as though they were old friends.
Very soon the Signor Deodati descended into the gondola to accompany Mr.Van de Werve and Geronimo to the city.
The Flemish cavalier introduced his daughter to the Italian noble.
The old man gazed upon the ravishing beauty of the young girl inspeechless admiration. Mary's lovely features were illumined by anenchanting smile which moved the old man's heart; her large blue eyes werefixed upon him with so soft and supplicating an expression that the SignorDeodati, extending his hand, murmured: "_E la graziosa donzella!_" (Thebeautiful girl!)
But Mary, encouraged by his look of affection, and unconsciously urged bya mysterious instinct, extended both hands to the old man, who folded herin his arms and pressed her to his heart.
Geronimo, overjoyed at the reception given to Mary by his uncle, turnedaside to conceal his emotion.
"_Iddio vi dia pace in nostra patria!_ May God grant you peace in ourcountry, Signor Deodati!" said Mary, taking the old man's hand. "Come sitby me; I am so happy to know you. Do not think me bold; Geronimo hasspoken so much of you, that I have long respected and loved you. And then,in our Netherlands we always welcome a stranger as a brother."
Signor Deodati seated himself by her as she desired, and as the gondolareturned to the city, the old man said, in surprise: "But you speakItalian like a native of Lucca. How soft and musical my native tonguesounds from your lips!"
"There is my teacher," said Mary, pointing to Geronimo.
"That is not true, my uncle. Her modesty causes her to mislead you. MissVan de Werve speaks equally well both Spanish and French, nor is sheignorant of Latin."
"Can that be so?" asked the elder Deodati, with an incredulous smile.
"That is nothing extraordinary in our city of Antwerp," said Mr. Van deWerve. "Most ladies of noble birth, and even merchants' daughters, speaktwo or three foreign languages. It is a necessity rather than a pleasurefor us; for since the people of the South will not or can not learn ourtongue, we are obliged to become familiar with theirs."
The Signor Deodati, as though a new and sudden thought possessed his mind,seized his nephew's hand, and fixing his eyes affectionately upon him,said in a calm tone: "I am pleased with you, Geronimo. Young as you are,you have conducted prudently the affairs of a large commercial house; youhave acted as an experienced man; in order to please me, you have deniedyourself pleasures which are so seductive to youth. Taking the place ofyour father, I have kept a vigilant eye upon you, and it gladdens my oldheart to know that I have in my successor a virtuous cavalier and aprudent merchant. I know your desires, my son. Be not disturbed, buthopeful. I undertook a long voyage only to recompense you, if possible,for your gratitude."
He arose, and said to Mary: "I am loath to leave you, my dear young lady;but I have a few words to say privately to your father. You will excuse memore readily, as I yield my place to Geronimo."
Saying this, he walked with Mr. Van de Werve to the extremity of the boat,where both seated themselves upon a bench.
Trembling with fear, hope, and joyous anticipations, Mary and Geronimowatched the two parents, endeavoring to divine from the expression oftheir countenances the result of their conversation. At first both wereperfectly calm; by degrees they grew more excited; the derisive smile onthe lips of Mr. Van de Werve betrayed the bitterness of his feelings, asthe Signor Deodati in a decided manner counted on his fingers. They werediscussing the great affair--the dowry and inheritance. Their only thoughtwas money!
Geronimo turned pale as he saw his uncle shake his head with evidentdissatisfaction; and Mary trembled as she noticed the displeasedexpression of her father.
The private conversation lasted a long time, and still took no favorableturn; on the contrary, the two old men ceased speaking, as thoughdispleased with each other.
Signor Deodati addressed a question to Mr. Van de Werve, to which thelatter replied negatively.
Both then arose, and approaching Geronimo and Mary, sat down in silence.Their countenances betrayed vexation and mutual displeasure.
The young man, with tearful eyes, looked inquiringly at his uncle. Marybowed her head, but her heaving bosom gave evidence of the struggle of herheart.
For some time there was a painful silence in the gondola. Mr. Van deWerve contemplated his daughter, who seemed overwhelmed by sorrow. SignorDeodati was deeply moved by Geronimo's earnest gaze.
The Italian noble was the first to break silence. "Come, sir," he said,"let us make these young people happy."
"With all my heart, signor; but what will you do? My daughter is descendedfrom an illustrious house; she must live in the world in a manner to dohonor to her birth; as her father, I have duties to fulfil which I cannotdisregard."
"Poor Geronimo!" said the Signor Deodati, in a tone of compassion, andwith a deep sigh. "You would accuse me of cruelty, would you not? and thislovely young girl would hate the old man for his insensibility. It was notfor that I crossed the seas in my old age."
He reflected a few minutes, then extending his hand to Mr. Van de Werve,he said: "My lord, I wish to show my good-will. I accept entirely yourconditions, and in recompense for my sacrifices I ask only yourfriendship. Shall our children then be happy?"
Mr. Van de Werve grasped cordially the hand which was extended to him, andsaid to his daughter: "Mary, embrace this good gentleman; he will be yoursecond father."
Mary cast herself into the arms of the old man; a cry of joy escaped thelips of Geronimo; even the sailors, although they comprehended but littleof what they saw, were touched.
Whilst they were yet exchanging felicitations, the gondola swept aroundthe point of land which had concealed the city from view, and Antwerp,with its thousand vessels, its lofty spires and noble edifices, lay spreadout in all its majestic beauty before the eyes of Signor Deodati.
A cry of admiration burst from his lips.
"_O che bella citta!_ What a beautiful city!" he exclaimed.
"What is that magnificent tower, which like sculptured lace lifts itsbeautiful spire proudly to heaven, and like a giant looks down upon allothers? What are those singular buildings whose rounded cupolas andpointed roofs so far exceed in height the surrounding houses? Oh! let thegondola float with the current; your city enchants me, and I wish to enjoythe view for a few moments."
Mr. Van de Werve gratified the curiosity of the Italian gentleman bypointing out to him the most remarkable buildings of the city, saying:"Before you now is the new city constructed at his own expense byGillibert de Schoonbeke--a man to whom Antwerp owes its later increase andthe creation of countless streets and houses.[9] Those large and massivetowers, in which you may notice loopholes, and which stand immediatelyupon the Scheldt, were the ancient fortifications of the city. That small,graceful spire is the Convent of Faucon; it is called here, Our Lady ofValkenbroek. Yonder, near the river, is the church of Borgt, the oldesttemple of our city; for in 642 a wooden chapel stood on the spot, and in1249 it was consecrated as a parish church, just as it now is.[10] Thatlofty edifice at the foot of the gigantic tower of Notre Dame is theentrepot of Spain. Every nation has its own manufactories and magazines,where every one may claim the protection of his flag. The massive,unfinished tower belongs to the church of Saint James; the original planwas to elevate it above the spire of Notre Dame, but the work has beenlong discontinued for want of funds. Do you see, a little further on, thatsquare building surmounted by a dome? It is the palace of Fugger, theCroesus of our times: he was elevated to the nobility by Maximilian onaccount of his wealth. Furnishing money to kings and nations, he sees golddaily pouring into his coffers, and if God does not interfere, the royalpower will bow before that of the opulent banker. On the right you havethe church of Saint Andrew, and near it the convent of Saint Michael,where our Emperor Charles stays when he visits his good city ofAntwerp."[11]
While the gondola was skimming over the surface of the water, and Mr. Vande Werve was explaining to Signor Deodati the various edifices which wereworthy of remark, there stood upon the shore, at a corner of thedock-yard, a man who coolly followed the boat with his eyes, and whoendeavored to comprehend what was passing in the gondola, and to discoverwhat might be the emotions of the young man and the young girl who wereseated within it.
Notwithstanding the fine weather, the man was enveloped in an ample cloak,and wore a hat with broad brim, over which fell a purple plume. Hisdoublet was of gold cloth, and his breeches were of brown satin. At hisside glittered the jewelled hilt of a sword.
He was of lofty stature, and his whole bearing indicated noble birth; hisstyle of dress and black hair and eyes attested his Italian origin. Themost remarkable thing about his person was a long narrow scar across hisface, as though he had been wounded by a sharp blade. The mark was notdisfiguring, particularly when his features were in repose; but when hewas agitated by some violent passion or uncontrollable emotion, the edgesof the scar assumed different hues, and appeared of a dull white mixedwith red and purple.
At the moment of which we speak his eyes were fixed upon the gondola withan expression of irritated jealousy, and his lips were stronglycontracted. The color of the scar had changed with his increasing emotion,and it was of a deep red. He stood so near the water that his feet touchedit, and thus he prevented any one from passing before him and witnessingthe tumult of his soul.
Even the peculiar expression of his countenance did not betray the currentof his thoughts; but certai
nly he was preoccupied by no good design, forhis 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 hisemotion. He became exteriorly calm, the scar on his cheek paled, and in anunconcerned manner, with a light step and bright smile, he walked alongthe wharf to the spot where he supposed the gondola would stop.
Geronimo, who had seen him approaching, sprung upon the bank before theboat was moored, and ran to him with singular haste. He took his hand, andsaid in an undertone:
"_Ebbene, caro mio Simone?_ Have you obtained the money, Simon? My unclehas arrived. Should he discover that the money-vault lacks so considerablea sum, you and I are both lost. But you have the money, have you not? Youwill give it to me to-day?"
"Pity me, Geronimo," said the other, sighing. "Various fatal circumstancesrender 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 thecause of any misfortune to you, I would avenge you upon myself in a bloodymanner."
"No, no," said the young man, in a compassionate tone, "banish thesehorrible thoughts. I will wait; I will seek a delay, and endeavor todivert my uncle's attention for a few days. Alas! I am filled withanxiety: at the very moment, too, that my uncle has consented to mymarriage 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 poorfriend, that this news is most painful to you; but did we not loyallypromise each other, that were one of us to succeed in our suit, it shouldnot 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 aidyou in your affairs. In the meantime put your trust in God."
The man with the scar made a powerful effort to control himself, andadvancing cheerfully to meet Mr. Van de Werve, he said to his companion:
"My emotion was natural under the circumstances; now that the blow hasfallen, it is all over. Pained as I am, Geronimo, I congratulate youcordially. If I could only obtain the money, and spare you anythingdisagreeable! I will do all in my power."
Mr. Van de Werve joined them, and after the first salutations said to theold Deodati: "I am happy to present to you my friend, the Signor SimonTurchi, who is at the head of the house of the Buonvisi, and whofrequently does me the honor to visit me."
"Ah! I know him well," said Deodati, cordially taking Simon's hand. "Thesignor is from Lucca, and the son of an esteemed friend."
"You are welcome this side of the Alps, Signor Deodati," replied SimonTurchi. "My father often spoke of your mutual friendship. May God grantyou prosperity in Brabant!"
"I am under many obligations to you, signor," replied the old Deodati,"for the affectionate interest you have shown in my nephew. That mybusiness affairs have been as well transacted in this country as though Ihad been here myself, I am indebted to your experience and wise counsels.I know from Geronimo's letters that he is sensible of the favor and deeplygrateful for it."
Simon Turchi was about to disclaim the praise bestowed upon him, but thecarriage drew near, and Mr. Van de Werve said:
"I hope, signor, that you will honor us with your company this evening. Wewill pass together a few hours with our noble guest."
Simon excused himself, saying that some important commercial affairsdemanded his attention; but as Mary and Geronimo urged him to accept theinvitation, he promised to see them, at least for a short time.
They bade adieu as the carriage drove out of the gate of the dock-yard.
Simon Turchi followed it with his eyes, immovable as a statue, until thesound of the rolling wheels was lost in the distance. Then he convulsivelycrossed his arms and dropped his head, as though the certainty of aterrible misfortune had overwhelmed him.
He remained a long time plunged in thought; but he was startled from hisreverie by a vehicle which dashed along near him, and by the call of thedriver warning him of his danger. He stepped aside and looked around him,as though seeking a way of escape from the wharf and the crowd of workmen.He walked slowly towards the church of Saint Walburga, and around the wallenclosing the cemetery. He entered, wandered awhile among the tombs, untilreaching an obscure spot, where he was concealed by an angle of thechurch, he paused.
He pressed his brow with his hands, as if to shut out painful thoughts;the scar on his face frequently changed color, and at intervals his wholeframe shook with emotion. At last, as if his reflections had assumed adetermined form, he muttered:
"The arm-chair? it is not completed! And then he would be too late. Adagger, a sword, an assassin lying in wait? If Julio were only morecourageous; but he is a cowardly boaster. Why did I take into my servicesuch a poltroon? He would not dare run the risk of striking a fatal blow;but I can force him to it, force him even to be bold. I need but pronouncehis real name; but the murder of a friend is a frightful crime; and then,perhaps, to be discovered, betrayed--to die on a scaffold like a commonfelon--I, the head of the house of the Buonvisi!"[13]
This thought made him shudder. After a few moments' reflection, he said,more calmly: "I will go to the bailiff Van Schoonhoven; he has espoused mycause with Mr. Van de Werve; he will, perhaps, be offended that Mary'shand has been disposed of contrary to his urgent solicitations. Perhaps hemay have influence to prevent the marriage."
An ironical smile curled his lip.
"Fool that I am!" he muttered. "And the ten thousand crowns? and thedisgrace of bankruptcy? Oh, the infernal thought! might I not take from acorpse the acknowledgment of the debt? I will go to Mr. Van de Werve's; Imust speak with Geronimo; I must know where tins evening he--"
The words died upon his lips, and a sudden terror shook him from head tofoot.
He had heard behind him the voice of a man who spoke in a low tone, andwho seemed to be a spy.
Could he have heard what Simon Turchi had so imprudently spoken in thissolitary corner of the cemetery?
Turning in his anguish, he saw two persons, three or four steps behindhim, looking at him with a mocking air.
Under other circumstances the Italian cavalier would certainly have calledthe unknown men to account for their insolent curiosity; but fear deprivedhim of all courage and energy.
He dropped his head, concealed his face as far as possible, crossed thecemetery with long and rapid strides, and disappeared behind the wall ofthe enclosure.