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As soon as Deodati and Mr Van de Werve had drawn their chairs nearer to

hiht be

overheard: "Have you not remarked, Mr Van de Werve, that for some time past Geronimo

has been disturbed and anxious; that even in the midst of cheerful

conversation he appeared absent- upon him?"

"I have noticed it," said Mr Van de Werve

"And you, Signor Deodati?"

"I have also remarked it But what do you infer froated Geronimo as to the cause of his

ue terms, that he had lost

a considerable sum at play"

"At play!" exclaimed Mr Van de Werve, overpowered by astonishanation

"It is the custom at Antwerp to play for money, and often for considerable

sums of money," continued Simon Turchi "I never remarked that my friend

Geronimo had a passion for play However that may be, I could never

discover to whom he had lost the amount, nor would he tell itation were caused by the circumstance I have

just mentioned He was tortured by the certainty that his uncle would