"All my efforts have proved unsuccessful.

I have vowed before God to spare no expense or trouble in order to discover what has become of my unfortunate friend; but so far impenetrable darkness covers the terrible secret.

What shall we do?
Let us hope that the bailiff and his officers may be more fortunate than myself, who have only my anxiety and affection to guide me." The words of Simon Turchi effaced the last lingering hope from Mary's heart, and she seated herself, exhausted from previous emotion.
Turchi drew a chair beside her, regarded her with an expression of profound compassion, and said: "My poor Mary, your affliction is intense! I know by my own sorrow how your loving heart is suffering from this terrible suspense!" The young girl lifted her eyes to his face, and she saw the tears running down his cheeks.

Then she began to weep bitterly, and sobbing, she said: "Thanks, thanks, Simon! I will beg Almighty God to recompense your affection and generosity." Simon's countenance at this moment presented a singular appearance, from the remarkable contrast between the pallor of his cheeks and the deep scarlet which marked the margin of the scar on his face.

The hypocrite could shed tears at pleasure and assume an expression of extreme sorrow, but the scar was not submissive to his will, and in spite of him its deepening red betrayed the wicked joy of his heart at the gentle and affectionate words of the young girl.
These words encouraged him to hope that he might fully attain the prize for which he strove.