“I acknowledge, however, that I am hurt and irritated by the disrespect and audacity of the populace.  One might be tempted to suppose that they considered me capable of killing my best friend!  My blood boils at the idea of such a suspicion!”

Simon gladly availed himself of the opportunity thus offered of attributing to a just indignation the cruel anxiety which tortured him.  He had anticipated the announcement just made him by the bailiff, and in consequence had taken suitable measures to screen himself in case of discovery; but now a terrible doubt as to the result of the search, and as to the confidence which might be reposed in his statements, arose in his mind.  The least unforeseen accident, the slightest oversight in his arrangement, might be his ruin.

“It is scandalous!” he exclaimed, shaking his fist.  “To express publicly the opinion that a nobleman could so far degrade himself as to become a secret assassin!  I will know who my insolent calumniators are, and I will then see if justice has power at Antwerp to protect an innocent stranger against the defamation of the people!”

“Calm yourself, signor,” said Messire Van Schoonhoven; “I comprehend your well-founded indignation; but you are mistaken if you think the perquisition ordered by the burgomaster and constables be, in your regard, aught but a condescension to the clamors of the multitude.  As for myself, I beg you not to be displeased with me for accomplishing my duty.”

“You need offer no excuse, messire,” said Simon, speaking more calmly.  “It is but proper and natural to search my garden.  I am irritated solely by the insolence of the people.  Do your duty, and continue to honor me with a friendship of which I am proud, and of which I will always strive to be worthy.”

“When will it be convenient to you, Signor Turchi, to have the officers visit your house?” asked the bailiff.

“The time is perfectly indifferent to me.”

“But appoint an hour; I would regret causing you any inconvenience or trouble.”

Simon Turchi reflected a moment, and said: 

“To-morrow morning urgent affairs demand my attention; come then about noon.”

“Suppose we say two o’clock?”

“Very well; between two and three.”

“I will call for you to accompany me, signor.  Do not be disturbed by this domiciliary visit; it implies no suspicion, but, as I said before, it is a simple condescension to the populace.  Shall I have the honor of meeting you this evening at the house of Mr. Van de Werve?”

“I do not know, messire.  Mary’s excessive grief affects me so much that it haunts me day and night.  Would that I could offer the least consolation to the afflicted young girl!  But of what use is it to mingle my tears with hers, when there is no ray of hope to illumine the darkness of her despair?”

Messire Van Schoonhoven pressed Simon’s hand.