Be not offended by my reserve; there is between merchants a law of secrecy which honor forbids us to violate." Mary appeared to respect this law; but she was evidently absorbed in bitter reflections.
Either the communication of his difficulties to his beloved had given him new strength, or the sight of her sorrow made him affect a confidence he did not feel, for he said to her in a cheerful manner: "Come, Mary, you must not yield to discouragement.

Perhaps I exaggerate the danger.

My debtor is a member of a house which equals any other in consideration and wealth.

In a few days, to-day even, or to-morrow, he may acquit himself of the debt, and should my uncle arrive before the restitution, I will endeavor to delay his examination of the books." He took the young girl's hand, and exclaimed, with joyous enthusiasm: "O Mary, my beloved, may Heaven be propitious to our vows! May the benediction of the priest descend upon our union! We will pass in Italy the first months of our happy life; Italy--that earthly paradise where God has lavished all the treasures of nature, and man all the treasures of art." They heard Mr.Van de Werve's voice in the hall giving urgent orders to the servants.
"Mary," said Geronimo, "your father is coming.

I implore you not to divulge, in any manner, what I have told you.