In a large number appeared valuable paintings from the pencil of the most celebrated masters of Netherlands.

The eye rested on the creations of the immortal brothers Van Eyck, the touching Quintin Massys, the intellectual Roger Van der Weydens, the spiritual Jerome Bosch, the laborious Lucas de Leyde, and others whose names were favorably mentioned in the world of art.
In a corner of the room, beside the fireplace, stood a piano richly enamelled in woods of different colors, and upon it lay two lutes and a violin--a proof that the charming art of music was cultivated by the family of Mr.Van de Werve.
From the ceiling were suspended six gilded chandeliers; on the mantelpiece were two candelabras; along the walls, where the pillars formed projections, numerous sconces were fastened; and when Mr.Van de Werve received his friends in the evening, the reflection of the numberless wax candles from the many gold and silver ornaments gave a princely air to the hall.
Three days after the attempted assassination of Geronimo by the ruffian Bufferio, Mr.Van de Werve was to entertain his friends in the evening, it being the time appointed for their reunion.

Although he had been deeply moved by the murderous assault, and his daughter Mary had scarcely recovered from the shock, he had not withdrawn the invitations, hoping that the social gathering might help to dissipate painful thoughts.
At the appointed hour the dwelling of Mr.Van de Werve was in a blaze of light.

The large double door was thrown open, and in the vast hall were crowds of domestics, the attendants of the guests who had already arrived.
The large parlor was filled with persons of different conditions and ages.
There were, however, only men present, for this evening was by a previous arrangement to be devoted to artists, men of letters, and notable men of commerce.
The first salutations had been exchanged among the guests of Mr.Van de Werve; they had separated according to their pleasure in different groups, and were engaged in cordial and familiar conversation.
Five or six of the more aged were seated near a table examining some new works which excited their admiration; others, whose more simple attire proclaimed them to be artists, were showing each other their designs; another party, evidently formed of young noblemen, surrounded Geronimo, and were asking particulars of the recent attempt upon his life.
At the end of the room, not far from the fireplace, were collected the foreigners who were engaged in commerce at Antwerp.

Although they had assembled for amusement, they were conversing, through habit, upon the expected arrival of vessels, and the price of gold and different kinds of merchandise.