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It was, indeed, Maximilian Morrel, who had passed a wretched existence since the previous day With the instinct peculiar to lovers he had anticipated after the return of Mada would occur at M de Villefort's in connection with his attachment for Valentine His presentiments were realized, as we shall see, and his uneasy forebodings had goaded hiate under the chestnut-trees Valentine was ignorant of the cause of this sorrow and anxiety, and as it was not his accustoone to the spot sih syate "You here at this hour?" said she "Yes,and to hear bad tidings"

"This is, indeed, a house of h the cup of sorrow see to conceal his own emotion, "listen, I entreat you; what I am about to say is very serious When are you to be married?"

"I will tell you all," said Valentine; "fro the subject was introduced, and randmother, on whom I depended as my only support, not only declared herself favorable to it, but is so anxious for it, that they only await the arrival of M d'Epinay, and the following day the contract will be signed" A deep sigh escaped the youngand mournfully at her he loved "Alas," replied he, "it is dreadful thus to hear my condemnation from your own lips The sentence is passed, and, in a few hours, will be executed; it must be so, and I will not endeavor to prevent it But, since you say nothing remains but for M d'Epinay to arrive that the contractday you will be his, to-ed to M d'Epinay, for he ca to Paris" Valentine uttered a cry

"I was at the house of Monte Cristo an hour since," said Morrel; "ere speaking, he of the sorrow your fae rolled into the court-yard Never, till then, had I placed any confidence in presenti thee I shuddered; soon I heard steps on the staircase, which terrified me as much as the footsteps of the commander did Don Juan The door at last opened; Albert de Morcerf entered first, and I began to hopeman advanced, and the count exclaimed--'Ah, here is the Baron Franz d'Epinay!' I sue to my support Perhaps I turned pale and trembled, but certainly I s heard one word that had passed"