Keep my secret even from your father; remember that the least indiscretion might cause the ruin of an honorable merchant." "Make haste, Geronimo; Mary, prepare for a drive," exclaimed Mr.Van de Werve, as he entered the hall.

"Signor Deodati has arrived; the _Il Salvatore_ is in sight.

Don Pezoa has just sent me information to that effect, and he has placed his gondola and boatmen at our service.

The weather is beautiful and calm; we will go to meet the _Il Salvatore_." Mary, as though forgetting in this unexpected news all that Geronimo had told her, ran joyfully and put on her hood before her duenna had time to approach her.

Geronimo also looked happy, and prepared to meet his uncle without loss of time.
In a few minutes all was ready; the horses were harnessed to the carriage, the great gate was flung open, and the equipage was driven rapidly through the street..