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When Count de Villefort, with Blanche, caive

Emily the advice of the advocate, he was inforave her his sincere congratulations, on

the occasion; but she observed, that, when the first expression

of satisfaction had faded froravity

succeeded, and she scarcely hesitated to enquire its cause

'It has no new occasion,' replied the Count; 'I am harassed and

perplexed by the confusion, into which my family is thrown by their

foolish superstition Idle reports are floating round me, which I can

neither admit to be true, or prove to be false; and I am, also, very

anxious about the poor fellow, Ludovico, concerning whom I have not been

able to obtain inforhbourhood, too, has, I believe, been searched, and I know not

what further can be done, since I have already offered large rewards

for the discovery of him The keys of the north apartment I have not

suffered to be out of my possession, since he disappeared, and I ht'

Emily, seriously alarmed for the Count, united her entreaties with those

of the Lady Blanche, to dissuade him from his purpose

'What should I fear?' said he 'I have no faith in supernatural combats,

and for human opposition I shall be prepared; nay, I will even promise

not to watch alone' 'But who, dear sir, will have courage enough to watch with you?' said