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"M de Villefort is here"

"Well?"

"He cohter"

"Why so?"

"Because Mada the news of M de Saint-Meran's death, which took place on the first stage after he left Marseilles Madaood spirits, would neither believe nor think of the uessed the whole truth, notwithstanding all the precautions of her father; the blow struck her like a thunderbolt, and she fell senseless"

"And hoas M de Saint-Meran related to Maderandfather on the e with Franz"

"Ah, indeed?"

"So Franz randfather to Madelars?"

"Albert, Albert," said Mada? Ah, count, he esteehly, tell him that he has spoken amiss" And she took two or three steps forward Monte Cristo watched her with an air so thoughtful, and so full of affectionate adrasped his hand; at the saether

"We are friends; are we not?" she asked

"Oh, madame, I do not presume to call myself your friend, but at all times I am your most respectful servant" The countess left with an indescribable pang in her heart, and before she had taken ten steps the count saw her raise her handkerchief to her eyes "Do not ree?" asked Albert, astonished

"On the contrary," replied the count, "did you not hear her declare that ere friends?" They re-entered the drawing-room, which Valentine and Madame de Villefort had just quitted It is perhaps needless to add that Morrel departed almost at the same time