It was, of course, by her father's request; but what did it mean?
Did he intend by this to make it known that Mary was betrothed, and would soon be wedded?
Such thoughts as these agitated Geronimo as the young girl accompanied her father into the room.
The old Deodati rose and advanced to meet her.

Simon Turchi took advantage of this movement to retire a short distance; for, as his eye fell on the beautiful girl, rage filled his heart as he reflected that this noble and pure woman would have been his wife had not Geronimo blasted the happiness of his life.
The lightning-like glance of hate and envy which he cast upon Geronimo was a sinister menace of death.

Happily for him, all eyes were turned towards the young girl, otherwise many a one might have read the dark soul of Simon Turchi and discovered the horrible design he had conceived.
Mr.Van de Werve introduced his daughter to his guests.

All expressed in courteous terms their admiration and their pleasure in her society.
The noble young girl received the felicitations and compliments addressed to her with a gentle and dignified self-possession.

There were in her manner and tone of voice a rare modesty and reserve, and at the same time an exquisite politeness.