Time will alleviate the bitterness of Mary's sorrow, and who so well as yourself, signor, could restore her to happiness--you who possess her father's confidence and esteem ?" "Speak not of such things," said Simon.

"I would gladly yield all the happiness the future might have in store for me to see my friend once more unharmed.

But alas! alas!" "That does not prevent me, signor, from cherishing the hope that, if Geronimo is really dead, you may one day receive the reward of your sincere friendship and your magnanimous generosity.

To-morrow at two o'clock! May God be with you, signor!" "And may He protect you, messire!" Simon Turchi watched him until he was lost to sight, and then glanced around in order to note the degree of darkness.

He drew his cloak closely around him, and walked rapidly down a side street, which soon brought him before the gate of his own garden.