"What a superb-looking old man!" exclaimed Mary, in admiration.
"In truth," said Mr. Van de Werve, "as well as I can judge at this
distance, 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 aureola
of experience and wisdom; he is learned, good, and generous."
And waving his hat, he cried out: "Ah, he recognizes us! He salutes us; he
smiles. At last I see him after four years of separation. My God, I thank
thee 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," said
Mr. Van de Werve. "God loves a grateful heart; may He grant you to-day the
desires of your heart!"
But the young man did not hear these words of encouragement; standing in
the gondola, he waved to his uncle as if endeavoring to express to him by
signs his joy at seeing him.
The gondola approached the galley, which slowly ascended the Scheldt in a
favorable 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 from
her terror, he had reached the deck and was in his uncle's arms.
Mr. Van de Werve mounted the ladder cautiously, and approached Signor
Deodati, with whom he exchanged the most cordial salutations.
Mary remained in the gondola; she saw Geronimo embrace his uncle
repeatedly; she rejoiced to perceive that the eyes of the old man were
filled with tears of emotion. She was still more happy when she saw the
affability 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 in
speechless admiration. Mary's lovely features were illumined by an
enchanting smile which moved the old man's heart; her large blue eyes were
fixed upon him with so soft and supplicating an expression that the Signor
Deodati, extending his hand, murmured: "E la graziosa donzella!" (The
beautiful girl!) But Mary, encouraged by his look of affection, and unconsciously urged by
a mysterious instinct, extended both hands to the old man, who folded her
in his arms and pressed her to his heart.